UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2020
or
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2019
Commission File No. 1-13653 
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from ____ to ____

Commission File No. 1-13653

afglogoa04.jpg

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
Incorporated under the Laws of OhioIRS Employer I.D. No. 31-1544320
Incorporated under the Laws of Ohio                                                                IRS Employer I.D. No. 31-1544320
301 East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio45202
(513) (513) 579-2121
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YesþNo¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months. Yesþ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerþ                        Accelerated filer  ¨                         Non-accelerated filer  ¨
Smaller reporting company¨Emerging growth company¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 Title of Each Class Trading Symbol(s) Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
 Common Stock AFG New York Stock Exchange
 6-1/4% Subordinated Debentures due September 30, 2054AFGENew York Stock Exchange
6% Subordinated Debentures due November 15, 2055 AFGH New York Stock Exchange
 5.875% Subordinated Debentures due March 30, 2059 AFGB New York Stock Exchange
5.125% Subordinated Debentures due December 15, 2059AFGCNew York Stock Exchange
As of May 1, 2019,2020, there were 89,687,45589,841,655 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding, excluding 14.9 million shares owned by subsidiaries.




AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
  
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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q


PART I
ITEM I1. — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Millions)
March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
March 31,
2020
 December 31,
2019
Assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$2,000
 $1,515
$1,673
 $2,314
Investments:      
Fixed maturities, available for sale at fair value (amortized cost — $42,418 and $41,837)43,431
 41,997
Fixed maturities, available for sale at fair value (amortized cost — $46,101 and $44,524; allowance for expected credit losses of $61 at March 31, 2020)46,134
 46,505
Fixed maturities, trading at fair value107
 105
96
 113
Equity securities, at fair value1,930
 1,814
1,559
 1,937
Investments accounted for using the equity method1,440
 1,374
1,763
 1,688
Mortgage loans1,078
 1,068
1,346
 1,329
Policy loans172
 174
161
 164
Equity index call options620
 184
209
 924
Real estate and other investments262
 267
280
 278
Total cash and investments51,040
 48,498
53,221
 55,252
Recoverables from reinsurers3,258
 3,349
3,387
 3,415
Prepaid reinsurance premiums636
 610
708
 678
Agents’ balances and premiums receivable1,283
 1,234
1,302
 1,335
Deferred policy acquisition costs1,447
 1,682
1,573
 1,037
Assets of managed investment entities4,786
 4,700
4,026
 4,736
Other receivables1,011
 1,090
981
 975
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts)610
 557
497
 628
Other assets1,854
 1,529
1,741
 1,867
Goodwill207
 207
207
 207
Total assets$66,132
 $63,456
$67,643
 $70,130
      
Liabilities and Equity:      
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses$9,623
 $9,741
$10,106
 $10,232
Unearned premiums2,605
 2,595
2,808
 2,830
Annuity benefits accumulated38,006
 36,616
40,463
 40,406
Life, accident and health reserves632
 635
607
 612
Payable to reinsurers730
 752
779
 814
Liabilities of managed investment entities4,593
 4,512
3,865
 4,571
Long-term debt1,423
 1,302
1,473
 1,473
Variable annuity liabilities (separate accounts)610
 557
497
 628
Other liabilities2,245
 1,774
1,998
 2,295
Total liabilities60,467
 58,484
62,596
 63,861
      
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
 

 
      
Shareholders’ equity:      
Common Stock, no par value
— 200,000,000 shares authorized
— 89,637,713 and 89,291,724 shares outstanding
90
 89
Common Stock, no par value
— 200,000,000 shares authorized
— 89,827,336 and 90,303,686 shares outstanding
90
 90
Capital surplus1,256
 1,245
1,309
 1,307
Retained earnings3,875
 3,588
3,616
 4,009
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax444
 48
32
 863
Total shareholders’ equity5,665
 4,970
5,047
 6,269
Noncontrolling interests
 2

 
Total equity5,665
 4,972
5,047
 6,269
Total liabilities and equity$66,132
 $63,456
$67,643
 $70,130


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Table of Contents
AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q


AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED)
(In Millions, Except Per Share Data)
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
Revenues:      
Property and casualty insurance net earned premiums$1,173
 $1,107
$1,209
 $1,173
Life, accident and health net earned premiums6
 6
Net investment income542
 495
544
 542
Realized gains (losses) on securities (*)184
 (93)(551) 184
Income (loss) of managed investment entities:      
Investment income69
 58
59
 69
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of assets/liabilities
 (3)(43) 
Other income50
 49
57
 56
Total revenues2,024
 1,619
1,275
 2,024
      
Costs and Expenses:      
Property and casualty insurance:      
Losses and loss adjustment expenses692
 641
707
 692
Commissions and other underwriting expenses399
 381
420
 399
Annuity benefits311
 182
276
 311
Life, accident and health benefits9
 11
Annuity and supplemental insurance acquisition expenses28
 82
113
 28
Interest charges on borrowed money16
 15
17
 16
Expenses of managed investment entities55
 48
48
 55
Other expenses101
 85
82
 110
Total costs and expenses1,611
 1,445
1,663
 1,611
Earnings before income taxes413
 174
Provision for income taxes87
 33
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests326
 141
Less: Net earnings (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests(3) (4)
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders$329
 $145
Earnings (loss) before income taxes(388) 413
Provision (credit) for income taxes(84) 87
Net earnings (loss), including noncontrolling interests(304) 326
Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(3) (3)
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Shareholders$(301) $329
      
Earnings Attributable to Shareholders per Common Share:   
Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Shareholders per Common Share:   
Basic$3.68
 $1.64
$(3.34) $3.68
Diluted$3.63
 $1.60
$(3.34) $3.63
Average number of Common Shares:      
Basic89.4
 88.6
90.3
 89.4
Diluted90.7
 90.4
90.3
 90.7
________________________________________      
(*) Consists of the following:      
Realized gains (losses) before impairments$186
 $(92)$(505) $186
      
Losses on securities with impairment(2) (1)(69) (2)
Non-credit portion recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
 
23
 
Impairment charges recognized in earnings(2) (1)(46) (2)
Total realized gains (losses) on securities$184
 $(93)$(551) $184


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q


AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Millions)
 
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests$326
 $141
Net earnings (loss), including noncontrolling interests$(304) $326
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:      
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities:      
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities arising during the period384
 (279)(865) 384
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings(3) 2
19
 (3)
Total net unrealized gains (losses) on securities381
 (277)(846) 381
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges11
 (11)
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges27
 11
Foreign currency translation adjustments4
 1
(10) 4
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax396
 (287)(829) 396
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax722
 (146)(1,133) 722
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(3) (4)(1) (3)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareholders$725
 $(142)$(1,132) $725




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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q


AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Millions)
 
   Shareholders’ Equity     Redeemable   Shareholders’ Equity     Redeemable
Common
Shares
  
Common Stock
and Capital
Surplus
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other Comp.
Income (Loss)
 Total 
Noncon-
trolling
Interests
 
Total
Equity
 Noncon-
trolling
Interests
Common  
Common Stock
and Capital
 Retained 
Accumulated
Other Comp.
   
Noncon-
trolling
 Total Noncon-
trolling
Shares  Surplus Earnings Inc. (Loss) Total Interests Equity Interests
90,303,686
  $1,397
 $4,009
 $863
 $6,269
 $
 $6,269
 $

  
 7
 
 7
 
 7
 
Net earnings (loss)
  
 (301) 
 (301) 
 (301) (3)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
  
 
 (831) (831) 
 (831) 2
Dividends ($0.45 per share)
  
 (40) 
 (40) 
 (40) 
Shares issued:         
   
  
Exercise of stock options204,093
  9
 
 
 9
 
 9
 
Restricted stock awards227,867
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other benefit plans14,541
  1
 
 
 1
 
 1
 
Dividend reinvestment plan1,617
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense
  6
 
 
 6
 
 6
 
Shares acquired and retired(826,283)  (12) (49) 
 (61) 
 (61) 
Shares exchanged — benefit plans(95,854)  (2) (9) 
 (11) 
 (11) 
Forfeitures of restricted stock(2,331)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
  
 (1) 
 (1) 
 (1) 1
Balance at March 31, 202089,827,336
  $1,399
 $3,616
 $32
 $5,047
 $
 $5,047
 $
                
Balance at December 31, 201889,291,724
  $1,334
 $3,588
 $48
 $4,970
 $2
 $4,972
 $
89,291,724
  $1,334
 $3,588
 $48
 $4,970
 $2
 $4,972
 $
Net earnings (losses)
  
 329
 
 329
 
 329
 (3)
Net earnings (loss)
  
 329
 
 329
 
 329
 (3)
Other comprehensive income
  
 
 396
 396
 
 396
 

  
 
 396
 396
 
 396
 
Dividends ($0.40 per share)
  
 (36) 
 (36) 
 (36) 

  
 (36) 
 (36) 
 (36) 
Shares issued:                                
Exercise of stock options152,253
  6
 
 
 6
 
 6
 
152,253
  6
 
 
 6
 
 6
 
Restricted stock awards232,565
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
232,565
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other benefit plans11,062
  1
 
 
 1
 
 1
 
11,062
  1
 
 
 1
 
 1
 
Dividend reinvestment plan1,893
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,893
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense
  6
 
 
 6
 
 6
 

  6
 
 
 6
 
 6
 
Shares exchanged — benefit plans(43,470)  (1) (3) 
 (4) 
 (4) 
(43,470)  (1) (3) 
 (4) 
 (4) 
Forfeitures of restricted stock(8,314)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
(8,314)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
  
 (3) 
 (3) (2) (5) 3

  
 (3) 
 (3) (2) (5) 3
Balance at March 31, 201989,637,713
  $1,346
 $3,875
 $444
 $5,665
 $
 $5,665
 $
89,637,713
  $1,346
 $3,875
 $444
 $5,665
 $
 $5,665
 $
                
Balance at December 31, 201788,275,460
  $1,269
 $3,248
 $813
 $5,330
 $1
 $5,331
 $3
Cumulative effect of accounting change
  
 225
 (221) 4
 
 4
 
Net earnings (losses)
  
 145
 
 145
 (1) 144
 (3)
Other comprehensive loss
  
 
 (287) (287) 
 (287) 
Dividends ($0.35 per share)
  
 (31) 
 (31) 
 (31) 
Shares issued:         
   
  
Exercise of stock options374,314
  14
 
 
 14
 
 14
 
Restricted stock awards200,625
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other benefit plans52,583
  6
 
 
 6
 
 6
 
Dividend reinvestment plan2,779
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense
  5
 
 
 5
 
 5
 
Shares exchanged — benefit plans(23,882)  
 (3) 
 (3) 
 (3) 
Forfeitures of restricted stock(666)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 201888,881,213
  $1,294
 $3,584
 $305
 $5,183
 $
 $5,183
 $



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Table of Contents
AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q


AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In Millions)
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
Operating Activities:      
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests$326
 $141
Net earnings (loss), including noncontrolling interests$(304) $326
Adjustments:      
Depreciation and amortization34
 71
113
 34
Annuity benefits311
 182
276
 311
Realized (gains) losses on investing activities(184) 93
550
 (184)
Net sales of trading securities1
 61
8
 1
Deferred annuity and life policy acquisition costs(64) (57)(49) (64)
Change in:      
Reinsurance and other receivables128
 245
161
 128
Other assets(271) 26
410
 (271)
Insurance claims and reserves(112) (284)(152) (112)
Payable to reinsurers(22) (82)(35) (22)
Other liabilities304
 (16)(543) 304
Managed investment entities’ assets/liabilities16
 31
89
 16
Other operating activities, net(13) (20)8
 (13)
Net cash provided by operating activities454
 391
532
 454
      
Investing Activities:      
Purchases of:      
Fixed maturities(1,801) (2,464)(4,140) (1,801)
Equity securities(35) (212)(232) (35)
Mortgage loans(38) 
(21) (38)
Equity index options and other investments(220) (195)(245) (220)
Real estate, property and equipment(10) (23)(9) (10)
Proceeds from:      
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities1,032
 962
1,220
 1,032
Repayments of mortgage loans29
 43
4
 29
Sales of fixed maturities201
 105
1,483
 201
Sales of equity securities95
 32
80
 95
Sales and settlements of equity index options and other investments79
 208
248
 79
Sales of real estate, property and equipment1
 
1
 1
Managed investment entities:      
Purchases of investments(391) (606)(414) (391)
Proceeds from sales and redemptions of investments373
 478
370
 373
Other investing activities, net1
 16
2
 1
Net cash used in investing activities(684) (1,656)(1,653) (684)
      
Financing Activities:      
Annuity receipts1,395
 1,148
1,410
 1,395
Annuity surrenders, benefits and withdrawals(782) (647)(813) (782)
Net transfers from variable annuity assets13
 11
15
 13
Additional long-term borrowings121
 

 121
Issuances of managed investment entities’ liabilities
 775
Retirements of managed investment entities’ liabilities(3) (684)(41) (3)
Issuances of Common Stock7
 14
10
 7
Repurchases of Common Stock(61) 
Cash dividends paid on Common Stock(36) (31)(40) (36)
Net cash provided by financing activities715
 586
480
 715
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents485
 (679)(641) 485
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,515
 2,338
2,314
 1,515
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$2,000
 $1,659
$1,673
 $2,000


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Table of Contents
AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



INDEX TO NOTES
      
A.Accounting Policies H.I.Goodwill and Other Intangibles 
B.SegmentsAcquisition of OperationsBusiness I.J.Long-Term Debt 
C.Fair Value MeasurementsJ.Leases
D.InvestmentsSegments of Operations K.Shareholders’ Equity 
E.D.DerivativesFair Value Measurements L.Income Taxes 
F.E.Deferred Policy Acquisition CostsInvestments M.Contingencies 
F.DerivativesN.Insurance
G.Deferred Policy Acquisition CostsO.Subsequent Events
H.Managed Investment Entities N.Insurance 
      


A.     A.     Accounting Policies


Basis of PresentationThe accompanying consolidated financial statements for American Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“AFG”) are unaudited; however, management believes that all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals unless otherwise disclosed herein) necessary for fair presentation have been made. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes necessary to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).
 
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform to the current year’s presentation. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The results of operations of companies since their formation or acquisition are included in the consolidated financial statements. Events or transactions occurring subsequent to March 31, 20192020, and prior to the filing of this Form 10-Q, have been evaluated for potential recognition or disclosure herein.
 
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Changes in circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimates.


FairValueMeasurements  Accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The standards establish a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (“inputs”) are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect AFG’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. AFG did not have any significantmaterial nonrecurring fair value measurements in the first three months of 20192020.


InvestmentsCredit Losses on Financial Instruments  On January 1, 2018,2020, AFG adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01,2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which provides a new loss model for determining credit-related impairments for financial instruments measured at amortized cost (mortgage loans, premiums receivable and reinsurance recoverables) and requires all equityan entity to estimate the credit losses expected over the life of an exposure or pool of exposures. The estimate of expected credit losses considers historical information, current information, as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts, including estimates of prepayments. Expected credit losses, and subsequent increases or decreases in such expected losses, are recorded immediately through net earnings as an allowance that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, with the net carrying value of the financial asset presented on the balance sheet at the amount expected to be collected. AFG’s portfolio of mortgage loans crosses a wide variety of commercial properties with very strong loan to value ratios and no credit losses in recent years. In addition, the reinsurance used in AFG’s insurance operations is purchased from financially strong (highly rated) reinsurers and the Company has a long history of collecting premiums receivable through various economic cycles. At the date of adoption, the impact of adjusting AFG’s existing allowances for uncollectable mortgage loans, premiums receivable and reinsurance recoverables to the allowances calculated under the new guidance resulted in a reduction in the net allowance, which was recorded as the cumulative effect of an accounting change ($7 million increase in retained earnings at January 1, 2020).


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED


The updated guidance also amended the current other-than-temporary impairment model for available for sale debt securities by requiring the recognition of impairments relating to credit losses through an allowance and limits the amount of credit loss to the difference between a security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. Subsequent increases or decreases in expected credit losses will be recorded immediately in net earnings through realized gains (losses).

Investments   Equity securities other than those accounted for under the equity method to beare reported at fair value with holding gains and losses recognized in net earnings. At December 31, 2017, AFG had $1.60 billion in equity securities classified as “available for sale” under the prior guidance with holding gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) instead of net earnings. At the date of adoption, the $221 million net unrealized gain on equity securities included in AOCI was reclassified to retained earnings as the cumulative effect of an accounting change. The cumulative effect of the accounting change also includes the net unrealized gain on AFG’s small number of limited partnerships and similar investments carried at cost under the prior guidance that are carried at fair value through net earnings under the new guidance ($4 million net of tax at the date of adoption).

Holding gains and losses on equity securities carried at fair value are generally recorded in realized gains (losses) on securities. However, AFG records holding gains and losses on securities classified as “trading” under previous guidance, its small portfolio of limited partnerships and similar investments carried at fair value and certain other securities classified at purchase as “fair value through net investment income” in net investment income.





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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED



Fixed maturity securities classified as “available for sale” are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in AOCI in AFG’s Balance Sheet. Fixed maturity securities classified as “trading” are reported at fair value with changes in unrealized holding gains or losses during the period included in net investment income. Mortgage and policy loans are carried primarily at the aggregate unpaid balance.


Premiums and discounts on fixed maturity securities are amortized using the effective interest method. Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) are amortized over a period based on estimated future principal payments, including prepayments. Prepayment assumptions are reviewed periodically and adjusted to reflect actual prepayments and changes in expectations.


Limited partnerships and similar investments are generally accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, AFG records its share of the earnings or losses of the investee based on when they are reported by the investee in its financial statements rather than in the period in which the investee declares a dividend. AFG’s share of the earnings or losses from equity method investments is generally recorded on a quarter lag due to the timing of the receipt of the investee’s financial statements. AFG’s equity in the earnings (losses) of limited partnerships and similar investments is included in net investment income.


GainsRealized gains or losses on the disposal of fixed maturity securities are determined on the specific identification basis. When a decline in the value of a specific investmentan available for sale fixed maturity is considered to be other-than-temporary at the balance sheet date, a provisionan allowance for impairmentcredit losses (impairment), including any write-off of accrued interest, is charged to earnings (included in realized gains (losses) on securities) and the cost basis of that investment is reduced.. If management can assert that it does not intend to sell an impaired fixed maturitythe security and it is not more likely than not that it will have to sell the securityit before recovery of its amortized cost basis (net of allowance), then the other-than-temporary impairment allowance is separated into two components: (i) the amount related to credit losses (recorded in earnings) and (ii) the amount related to all other factors (recorded in other comprehensive income). The credit-related portion of an other-than-temporary impairment is measured by comparing a security’s amortized cost to the present value of its current expected cash flows discounted at its effective yield prior to the impairment charge. Both components are shown in the statement of earnings. If management intends to sell an impaired security, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, an impairment charge to earnings is recorded in earnings to reduce the amortized cost (net of allowance) of that security to fair value. See “Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” above for a discussion of new guidance adopted on January 1, 2020.


Derivatives Derivatives included in AFG’s Balance Sheet are recorded at fair value. Changes in fair value of derivatives are included in earnings unless the derivatives are designated and qualify as highly effective cash flow hedges. Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting under GAAP consist primarily of (i) components of certain fixed maturity securities (primarily interest-only and principal-only MBS) and (ii) the equity-based component of certain annuity products (included in annuity benefits accumulated) and related equity index options designed to be consistent with the characteristics of the liabilities and used to mitigate the risk embedded in those annuity products.


To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of a derivative contract, AFG formally documents the relationship between the terms of the hedge and the hedged items and its risk management objective. This documentation includes defining how hedge effectiveness and ineffectiveness will be measured on a retrospective and prospective basis.


Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as highly effective cash flow hedges are recorded in AOCI and are reclassified into earnings when the variability of the cash flows from the hedged items impacts earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness is immediately recorded in current period earnings. When the change in the fair value of a qualifying cash flow hedge is included in earnings, it is included in the same line item in the statement of earnings as the cash flows from the hedged item. AFG uses interest rate swaps that are designated and qualify as highly effective cash flow hedges to mitigate interest rate risk related to certain floating-rate securities included in AFG’s portfolio of fixed maturity securities.



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Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of cost of subsidiaries over AFG’s equity in their underlying net assets. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to an impairment test at least annually. An entity is not required to complete the quantitative annual goodwill impairment test on a reporting unit if the entity elects to perform a qualitative analysis and determines that it is more likely than not that the reporting unit’s fair value exceeds its carrying amount.


Reinsurance Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policies. AFG’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries report as assets (i) the estimated reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses, including an estimate for losses incurred but not reported, and (ii) amounts paid or due to reinsurers applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force. Payable to reinsurers includes ceded premiums due to reinsurers, as well as ceded premiums retained by AFG’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries under contracts to fund

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ceded losses as they become due. AFG’s insurance subsidiaries also assume reinsurance from other companies. Earnings on reinsurance assumed is recognized based on information received from ceding companies.


An AFG subsidiary cedes life insurance policies to a third party on a funds withheld basis whereby the subsidiary retains the assets (securities) associated with the reinsurance contract. Interest is credited to the reinsurer based on the actual investment performance of the retained assets. This reinsurance contract is considered to contain an embedded derivative (that must be adjusted to fair value) because the yield on the payable is based on a specific block of the ceding company’s assets, rather than the overall creditworthiness of the ceding company. AFG determined that changes in the fair value of the underlying portfolio of fixed maturity securities is an appropriate measure of the value of the embedded derivative. The securities related to this contract are classified as “trading.” The adjustment to fair value on the embedded derivative offsets the investment income recorded on the adjustment to fair value of the related trading portfolio.
 
Deferred PolicyAcquisitionCosts(“DPAC”)   Policy acquisition costs (principally commissions, premium taxes and certain underwriting and policy issuance costs) directly related to the successful acquisition or renewal of an insurance contract are deferred. DPAC also includes capitalized costs associated with sales inducements offered to fixed annuity policyholders such as enhanced interest rates and premium and persistency bonuses.
 
For the property and casualty companies, DPAC is limited based upon recoverability without any consideration for anticipated investment income and is charged against income ratably over the terms of the related policies. A premium deficiency is recognized if the sum of expected claims costs, claims adjustment expenses and unamortized acquisition costs exceed the related unearned premiums. A premium deficiency is first recognized by charging any unamortized acquisition costs to expense to the extent required to eliminate the deficiency. If the premium deficiency is greater than unamortized acquisition costs, a liability is accrued for the excess deficiency and reported with unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses.


DPAC related to annuities is deferred to the extent deemed recoverable and amortized, with interest, in relation to the present value of actual and expected gross profits on the policies. Expected gross profits consist principally of estimated future investment margin (estimated future net investment income less interest credited on policyholder funds) and surrender, mortality, and other life and annuity policy charges, less death, annuitization and guaranteed withdrawal benefits in excess of account balances and estimated future policy administration expenses. To the extent that realized gains and losses result in adjustments to the amortization of DPAC related to annuities, such adjustments are reflected as components of realized gains (losses) on securities.


DPAC related to traditional life and health insurance is amortized over the expected premium paying period of the related policies, in proportion to the ratio of annual premium revenues to total anticipated premium revenues. See Life, Accident and Health ReservesReserves” below for details on the impact of loss recognition on the accounting for traditional life and health insurance contracts.


DPAC includes the present value of future profits on business in force of annuity and life, accident and health insurance companies acquired (“PVFP”). PVFP represents the portion of the costs to acquire companies that is allocated to the value of the right to receive future cash flows from insurance contracts existing at the date of acquisition. PVFP is amortized with interest in relation to expected gross profits of the acquired policies for annuities and universal life products and in relation to the premium paying period for traditional life and health insurance products.


DPAC and certain other balance sheet amounts related to annuity and life businesses are also adjusted, net of tax, for the change in expense that would have been recorded if the unrealized gains (losses) from securities had actually been realized. These adjustments are included in unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, a component of AOCI in AFG’s Balance Sheet.


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Managed Investment EntitiesA company is considered the primary beneficiary of, and therefore must consolidate, a variable interest entity (“VIE”) based primarily on its ability to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact that entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of, or receive benefits from, the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
 
AFG manages, and has investments in, collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) that are VIEs (see Note GHManaged“Managed Investment EntitiesEntities”). AFG has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of thethese CLOs because (i) its role as asset manager gives it the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the CLOs and (ii) through its investment in the CLO debt tranches, it has exposure to CLO losses (limited to the amount AFG invested) and the right to receive CLO benefits that could potentially be significant to the CLOs.

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Because AFG has no right to use the CLO assets and no obligation to pay the CLO liabilities, the assets and liabilities of the CLOs are shown separately in AFG’s Balance Sheet. AFG has elected the fair value option for reporting on the CLO assets and liabilities to improve the transparency of financial reporting related to the CLOs. The net gain or loss from accounting for the CLO assets and liabilities at fair value is presented separately in AFG’s Statement of Earnings.


The fair values of a CLO’s assets may differ from the separately measured fair values of its liabilities even though the CLO liabilities only have recourse to the CLO assets. AFG has set the carrying value of the CLO liabilities equal to the fair value of the CLO assets (which have more observable fair values) as an alternative to reporting those liabilities at a separately measured fair value. CLO earnings attributable to AFG’s shareholders are measured by the change in the fair value of AFG’s investments in the CLOs and management fees earned.


Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses   The net liabilities stated for unpaid claims and for expenses of investigation and adjustment of unpaid claims represent management’s best estimate and are based upon (i) the accumulation of case estimates for losses reported prior to the close of the accounting period on direct business written; (ii) estimates received from ceding reinsurers and insurance pools and associations; (iii) estimates of unreported losses (including possible development on known claims) based on past experience; (iv) estimates based on experience of expenses for investigating and adjusting claims; and (v) the current state of the law and coverage litigation. Establishing reserves for asbestos, environmental and other mass tort claims involves considerably more judgment than other types of claims due to, among other things, inconsistent court decisions, an increase in bankruptcy filings as a result of asbestos-related liabilities, novel theories of coverage, and judicial interpretations that often expand theories of recovery and broaden the scope of coverage.
 
Loss reserve liabilities are subject to the impact of changes in claim amounts and frequency and other factors. Changes in estimates of the liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses are reflected in the statement of earnings in the period in which determined. Despite the variability inherent in such estimates, management believes that the liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are adequate.
 
Annuity Benefits Accumulated  Annuity receipts and benefit payments are recorded as increases or decreases in annuity benefits accumulated rather than as revenue and expense. Increases in this liability for interest credited are charged to annuity benefits expense and decreases for annuity policy charges are recorded in other income. For traditional fixed annuities, the liability for annuity benefits accumulated represents the account value that had accrued to the benefit of the policyholder as of the balance sheet date. For fixed-indexed annuities (“FIAs”), the liability for annuity benefits accumulated includes an embedded derivative that represents the estimated fair value of the index participation with the remaining component representing the discounted value of the guaranteed minimum contract benefits.
 
For certain products, annuity benefits accumulated also includes reserves for accrued persistency and premium bonuses, guaranteed withdrawals and excess benefits expected to be paid on future deaths and annuitizations (“EDAR”). The liabilities for EDAR and guaranteed withdrawals are accrued for and modified using assumptions consistent with those used in determining DPAC and DPAC amortization, except that amounts are determined in relation to the present value of total expected assessments. Total expected assessments consist principally of estimated future investment margin, surrender, mortality, and other life and annuity policy charges, and unearned revenues once they are recognized as income.
 
Annuity benefits accumulated also includes amounts advanced from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati.
 

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Unearned Revenue   Certain upfront policy charges on annuities are deferred as unearned revenue (included in other liabilities) and recognized in net earnings (included in other income) using the same assumptions and estimated gross profits used to amortize DPAC.


Life, Accident and Health Reserves Liabilities for future policy benefits under traditional life, accident and health policies are computed using the net level premium method. Computations are based on the original projections of investment yields, mortality, morbidity and surrenders and include provisions for unfavorable deviations unless a loss recognition event (premium deficiency) occurs. Claim reserves and liabilities established for accident and health claims are modified as necessary to reflect actual experience and developing trends.


For long-duration contracts (such as traditional life and long-term care policies), loss recognition occurs when, based on current expectations as of the measurement date, existing contract liabilities plus the present value of future premiums (including reasonably expected rate increases) are not expected to cover the present value of future claims payments and related settlement

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and maintenance costs (excluding overhead) as well as unamortized acquisition costs. If a block of business is determined to be in loss recognition, a charge is recorded in earnings in an amount equal to the excess of the present value of expected future claims costs and unamortized acquisition costs over existing reserves plus the present value of expected future premiums (with no provision for adverse deviation). The charge is recorded first to reduce unamortized acquisition costs and then as an additional reserve (if unamortized acquisition costs have been reduced to zero).


In addition, reserves for traditional life and long-term care policies are subject to adjustment for loss recognition charges that would have been recorded if the unrealized gains (losses) from securities had actually been realized. This adjustment is included in unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, a component of AOCI in AFG’s Balance Sheet.


DebtIssuanceCostsDebt issuance costs related to AFG’s outstanding debt are presented in its Balance Sheet as a direct reduction in the carrying value of long-term debt and are amortized over the life of the related debt using the effective interest method as a component of interest expense. Debt issuance costs related to AFG’s revolving credit facilities are included in other assets in AFG’s Balance Sheet.


Variable Annuity Assets and Liabilities Separate accounts related to variable annuities represent the fair value of deposits invested in underlying investment funds on which AFG earns a fee. Investment funds are selected and may be changed only by the policyholder, who retains all investment risk.


AFG’s variable annuity contracts contain a guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”) to be paid if the policyholder dies before the annuity payout period commences. In periods of declining equity markets, the GMDB may exceed the value of the policyholder’s account. A GMDB liability is established for future excess death benefits using assumptions together with a range of reasonably possible scenarios for investment fund performance that are consistent with DPAC capitalization and amortization assumptions.


Leases On January 1, 2019, AFG adopted ASU 2016-02, which requires entities that lease assets for terms longer than one year to recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases on the balance sheet based on the present value of contractual cash flows. As permitted under the ASU, AFG adopted the guidance on a modified retrospective basis (comparative periods were not adjusted) and elected the following accounting policies and practical expedients:
exclude leases with a term of 12 months or less from the calculation of lease assets and liabilities,
not separate lease and non-lease components except for buildings (office space and storage facilities),
for contracts existing at the date of adoption – not reassess whether a contract is a lease or contains a lease, how initial direct costs were accounted for or whether the lease is an operating or finance lease, and
use hindsight to determine the lease term for leases existing at the date of adoption.

Adoption of the new guidance resulted in AFG recognizing a lease liability of $198 million (included in other liabilities) and a corresponding right-of-use asset of $174 million (which is presented net of $24 million in deferred rent and lease incentives) on January 1, 2019. Deferred rent and lease incentives were recognized as liabilities under the previous guidance and result from the straight-line expensing of operating leases. The adoption of the new guidance did not have a material effect on the AFG’s results of operations or liquidity. See Note J — “Leases for additional disclosures.


At March 31, 2020 AFG has a $182 million lease liability included in other liabilities and a lease right-of-use asset of $162 million included in other assets compared to $180 million and $158 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019.

NoncontrollingInterests   For balance sheet purposes, noncontrolling interests represent the interests of shareholders other than AFG in consolidated entities. In the statement of earnings, net earnings and losses attributable to noncontrolling interests represents such shareholders’ interest in the earnings and losses of those entities. Noncontrolling interests that are redeemable at the option of the holder are presented separately in the mezzanine section of the balance sheet (between liabilities and equity).


PremiumRecognition Property and casualty premiums are earned generally over the terms of the policies on a pro rata basis. Unearned premiums represent that portion of premiums written, which is applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force. On reinsurance assumed from other insurance companies or written through various underwriting organizations, unearned premiums are based on information received from such companies and organizations. For traditional life, accident and health products, premiums are recognized as revenue when legally collectible from policyholders. For interest-sensitive life and universal life products, premiums are recorded in a policyholder account,

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which is reflected as a liability. Revenue is recognized as amounts are assessed against the policyholder account for mortality coverage and contract expenses.


Income Taxes  Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases and are measured using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is established to reduce total deferred tax assets to an amount that will more likely than not be

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realized. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recorded in net earnings in the period that includes the enactment date.


AFG recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is more likely than not to be sustained under examination by the appropriate taxing authority. Interest and penalties on AFG’s reserve for uncertain tax positions are recognized as a component of tax expense.


Stock-Based Compensation All share-based grants are recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over their vesting periods based on their calculated fair value at the date of grant. AFG uses the Black Scholes pricing model to measure the fair value of employee stock options. See Note K — “Shareholders’ Equity for further information.


AFG records excess tax benefits or deficiencies for share-based payments through income tax expense in the statement of earnings. In addition, AFG accounts for forfeitures of awards when they occur.


Benefit Plans   AFG provides retirement benefits to qualified employees of participating companies through the AFG 401(k) Retirement and Savings Plan, a defined contribution plan. AFG makes all contributions to the retirement fund portion of the plan and matches a percentage of employee contributions to the savings fund. Company contributions are expensed in the year for which they are declared. AFG and many of its subsidiaries provide health care and life insurance benefits to eligible retirees. AFG also provides postemployment benefits to former or inactive employees (primarily those on disability) who were not deemed retired under other company plans. The projected future cost of providing these benefits is expensed over the period employees earn such benefits.


Earnings Per Share Although basic earnings per share only considers shares of common stock outstanding during the period, the calculation of diluted earnings per share includes the following adjustments to weighted average common shares related to stock-based compensation plans: first three months of 2020 and 2019 — NaN and 2018 — 1.3 million, and 1.8 million, respectively.
 
There were no0.8 million anti-dilutive potential common shares for the first three months of 2019 or 2018.2020 due to AFG’s net loss and 0 anti-dilutive potential common shares for the first three months of 2019.
 
Statement of Cash Flows   For cash flow purposes, “investing activities” are defined as making and collecting loans and acquiring and disposing of debt or equity instruments, property and equipment and businesses. “Financing activities” include obtaining resources from owners and providing them with a return on their investments, borrowing money and repaying amounts borrowed. Annuity receipts, surrenders, benefits and withdrawals are also reflected as financing activities. All other activities are considered “operating.” Short-term investments having original maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents for purposes of the financial statements.statements



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B.     Acquisition of Business

Effective in June 2019, National Interstate, a property and casualty insurance subsidiary of AFG, entered into an agreement with Atlas Financial Holdings, Inc. (“AFH”) to become the exclusive underwriter of AFH’s paratransit book of business. National Interstate estimates that the majority of AFH’s $110 million paratransit business will be eligible for quotation under this arrangement over the first 12 months following inception of the agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, AFH will act as an underwriting manager for National Interstate for at least 12 months, after which time National Interstate is entitled to acquire the renewal rights for the business from AFH for a purchase price equal to 15% of the in force gross written premiums at that date. The majority of the purchase price ultimately paid for the renewal rights will be recorded as an intangible renewal rights asset and will be amortized over the estimated life of the business acquired. In connection with the transaction, AFG was granted a five-year warrant to acquire approximately 2.4 million shares of AFH (19.9% at the acquisition date). The estimated fair value of the warrant was approximately $1 million at the date it was received.

B.    C.    Segments of Operations


AFG manages its business as three3 segments: (i) Property and casualty insurance, (ii) Annuity and (iii) Other, which includes holding company costs, revenues and costs of AFG’s limited insurance operations outside of property and casualty insurance and annuities,annuity segments, and operations attributable to the noncontrolling interests of the managed investment entities.


AFG reports its property and casualty insurance business in the following Specialty sub-segments: (i) Property and transportation, which includes physical damage and liability coverage for buses trucks and recreational vehicles,trucks, inland and ocean marine, agricultural-related products and other commercial property coverages, (ii) Specialty casualty, which includes primarily excess and surplus, generalexecutive and professional liability, executive liability, professionalgeneral liability, umbrella and excess liability, specialty coverages in targeted markets, customized programs for small to mid-sized businesses and workers’ compensation insurance, and (iii) Specialty financial, which includes risk management insurance programs for lending and leasing institutions (including equipment leasing and collateral and lender-placed mortgage property insurance), suretyfidelity and fidelitysurety products and trade credit insurance. Premiums and underwriting profit included under Other specialty represent business assumed by AFG’s internal reinsurance program from the operations that make up AFG’s other Specialty sub-segments and amortization of deferred gains on retroactive reinsurance transactions related to the sales of businesses in prior years. AFG’s annuity business sells traditional fixed fixed-indexed and variable-indexedindexed annuities in the retail, financial institutions, broker-dealer and registered investment advisor markets. AFG’s reportable segments and their components were determined based primarily upon similar economic characteristics, products and services.



In December 2019, AFG initiated actions to exit the Lloyd’s of London insurance market, which included placing its Lloyd’s subsidiaries including its Lloyd’s Managing Agency, Neon Underwriting Ltd., into run-off. Neon and its predecessor, Marketform, have failed to achieve AFG’s profitability objectives since AFG’s purchase of Marketform in 2008. Beginning prospectively with the first quarter of 2020, the results for AFG’s Specialty casualty sub-segment exclude the run-off operations of Neon (“Neon exited lines”).

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The following tables (in millions) show AFG’s revenues and earnings before income taxes by segment and sub-segment.
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
Revenues      
Property and casualty insurance:      
Premiums earned:      
Specialty      
Property and transportation$361
 $350
$386
 $361
Specialty casualty629
 579
556
 629
Specialty financial146
 149
156
 146
Other specialty37
 29
40
 37
Other lines (a)71
 
Total premiums earned1,173
 1,107
1,209
 1,173
Net investment income104
 100
Net investment income (b)93
 104
Other income3
 2
5
 3
Total property and casualty insurance1,280
 1,209
1,307
 1,280
Annuity:      
Net investment income435
 394
422
 435
Other income27
 26
35
 28
Total annuity462
 420
457
 463
Other98
 83
62
 97
Total revenues before realized gains (losses)1,840
 1,712
1,826
 1,840
Realized gains (losses) on securities184
 (93)(551) 184
Total revenues$2,024
 $1,619
$1,275
 $2,024
Earnings Before Income Taxes   
Property and casualty insurance:   
Underwriting:   
Specialty   
Property and transportation$39
 $33
Specialty casualty36
 41
Specialty financial13
 15
Other specialty
 3
Other lines (*)(1) (1)
Total underwriting87
 91
Investment and other income, net95
 93
Total property and casualty insurance182
 184
Annuity90
 125
Other(43) (42)
Total earnings before realized gains (losses) and income taxes229
 267
Realized gains (losses) on securities184
 (93)
Total earnings before income taxes$413
 $174

(*)(a)Represents premiums earned in the Neon exited lines during the first three months of 2020. Neon’s $88 million in earned premiums during the first three months of 2019 are included in the Specialty casualty sub-segment.
(b)Includes a net loss of $6 million in the Neon exited lines, primarily from the change in fair value of equity securities.

 Three months ended March 31,
 2020 2019
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes   
Property and casualty insurance:   
Underwriting:   
Specialty   
Property and transportation$27
 $39
Specialty casualty52
 36
Specialty financial17
 13
Other specialty(7) 
Other lines (a)(2) (1)
Total underwriting87
 87
Investment and other income, net (b)84
 95
Total property and casualty insurance171
 182
Annuity29
 90
Other (c)(37) (43)
Total earnings before realized gains (losses) and income taxes163
 229
Realized gains (losses) on securities(551) 184
Total earnings (loss) before income taxes$(388) $413

(a)Includes a $1 million underwriting loss in the first three months of 2020 in the Neon exited lines. Neon’s $10 million underwriting loss in the first three months of 2019 is included in the Specialty casualty sub-segment.
(b)Includes $9 million in net expenses from the Neon exited lines, before noncontrolling interest.
(c)Includes holding company interest and expenses.


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C.    D.    Fair Value Measurements


Accounting standards for measuring fair value are based on inputs used in estimating fair value. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:
 
Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (markets in which transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis). AFG’s Level 1 financial instruments consist primarily of publicly traded equity securities, highly liquid government bonds for which quoted market prices in active markets are available and short-term investments of managed investment entities.


Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets (markets in which there are few transactions, the prices are not current, price quotations vary substantially over time or among market makers, or in which little information is released publicly); and valuations based on other significant inputs that are observable in active markets. AFG’s Level 2 financial instruments include separate account assets, corporate and municipal fixed maturity securities, asset-backed securities (“ABS”), mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), certain non-affiliated common stocks, equity index options and investments of managed investment entities priced using observable inputs. Level 2 inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, corroborated broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads and benchmark securities. When non-binding broker quotes can be corroborated by comparison to similar securities priced using observable inputs, they are classified as Level 2.


Level 3 — Valuations derived from market valuation techniques generally consistent with those used to estimate the fair values of Level 2 financial instruments in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable or when the market for a security exhibits significantly less liquidity relative to markets supporting Level 2 fair value measurements. The unobservable inputs may include management’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use based on the best information available at the valuation date. AFG’s Level 3 is comprised of financialFinancial instruments whose fair value is estimated based on non-binding broker quotes or internally developed using significant inputs not based on, or corroborated by, observable market information.information are classified as Level 3.


As discussed in Note A — Accounting“Accounting Policies — Managed Investment Entities,, AFG has set the carrying value of its CLO liabilities equal to the fair value of the CLO assets (which have more observable fair values) as an alternative to reporting those liabilities at separately measured fair values. As a result, the CLO liabilities are categorized within the fair value hierarchy on the same basis (proportionally) as the related CLO assets. Since the portion of the CLO liabilities allocated to Level 3 is derived from the fair value of the CLO assets, these amounts are excluded from the progression of Level 3 financial instruments.


AFG’s management is responsible for the valuation process and uses data from outside sources (including nationally recognized pricing services and broker/dealers) in establishing fair value. AFG’s internal investment professionals are a group of approximately 2520 analysts whose primary responsibility is to manage AFG’s investment portfolio. These professionals monitor individual investments as well as overall industries and are active in the financial markets on a daily basis. The group is led by AFG’s chief investment officer, who reports directly to one of AFG’s Co-CEOs. Valuation techniques utilized by pricing services and prices obtained from external sources are reviewed by AFG’s internal investment professionals who are familiar with the securities being priced and the markets in which they trade to ensure the fair value determination is representative of an exit price. To validate the appropriateness of the prices obtained, these investment managers consider widely published indices (as benchmarks), recent trades, changes in interest rates, general economic conditions and the credit quality of the specific issuers. In addition, the Company communicates directly with the pricing services regarding the methods and assumptions used in pricing, including verifying, on a test basis, the inputs used by the service to value specific securities.


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Assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value in the financial statements are summarized below (in millions): 
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
March 31, 2019       
March 31, 2020       
Assets:              
Available for sale (“AFS”) fixed maturities:              
U.S. Government and government agencies$144
 $81
 $8
 $233
$158
 $32
 $15
 $205
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 6,914
 63
 6,977

 6,801
 105
 6,906
Foreign government
 148
 
 148

 170
 
 170
Residential MBS
 2,587
 169
 2,756

 2,968
 163
 3,131
Commercial MBS
 869
 55
 924

 875
 32
 907
Asset-backed securities
 9,348
 670
 10,018
Collateralized loan obligations
 3,970
 168
 4,138
Other asset-backed securities
 5,728
 1,030
 6,758
Corporate and other29
 20,000
 2,346
 22,375
25
 22,346
 1,548
 23,919
Total AFS fixed maturities173
 39,947
 3,311
 43,431
183
 42,890
 3,061
 46,134
Trading fixed maturities8
 99
 
 107
1
 95
 
 96
Equity securities1,507
 69
 354
 1,930
1,056
 67
 436
 1,559
Equity index call options
 620
 
 620

 209
 
 209
Assets of managed investment entities (“MIE”)213
 4,553
 20
 4,786
169
 3,841
 16
 4,026
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts) (*)
 610
 
 610

 497
 
 497
Other assets — derivatives
 25
 
 25

 125
 
 125
Total assets accounted for at fair value$1,901
 $45,923
 $3,685
 $51,509
$1,409
 $47,724
 $3,513
 $52,646
Liabilities:              
Liabilities of managed investment entities$204
 $4,370
 $19
 $4,593
$162
 $3,688
 $15
 $3,865
Derivatives in annuity benefits accumulated
 
 3,247
 3,247

 
 3,099
 3,099
Other liabilities — derivatives
 28
 
 28

 10
 
 10
Total liabilities accounted for at fair value$204
 $4,398
 $3,266
 $7,868
$162
 $3,698
 $3,114
 $6,974
              
December 31, 2018       
December 31, 2019       
Assets:              
Available for sale fixed maturities:              
U.S. Government and government agencies$141
 $83
 $9
 $233
$151
 $43
 $15
 $209
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
 6,880
 59
 6,939

 6,858
 105
 6,963
Foreign government
 142
 
 142

 172
 
 172
Residential MBS
 2,547
 197
 2,744

 2,987
 173
 3,160
Commercial MBS
 864
 56
 920

 892
 35
 927
Asset-backed securities
 8,964
 847
 9,811
Collateralized loan obligations
 4,265
 15
 4,280
Other asset-backed securities
 5,842
 1,286
 7,128
Corporate and other28
 19,184
 1,996
 21,208
29
 21,879
 1,758
 23,666
Total AFS fixed maturities169
 38,664
 3,164
 41,997
180
 42,938
 3,387
 46,505
Trading fixed maturities9
 96
 
 105
2
 111
 
 113
Equity securities1,410
 68
 336
 1,814
1,433
 67
 437
 1,937
Equity index call options
 184
 
 184

 924
 
 924
Assets of managed investment entities203
 4,476
 21
 4,700
213
 4,506
 17
 4,736
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts) (*)
 557
 
 557

 628
 
 628
Other assets — derivatives
 16
 
 16

 50
 
 50
Total assets accounted for at fair value$1,791
 $44,061
 $3,521
 $49,373
$1,828
 $49,224
 $3,841
 $54,893
Liabilities:              
Liabilities of managed investment entities$195
 $4,297
 $20
 $4,512
$206
 $4,349
 $16
 $4,571
Derivatives in annuity benefits accumulated
 
 2,720
 2,720

 
 3,730
 3,730
Other liabilities — derivatives
 49
 
 49

 10
 
 10
Total liabilities accounted for at fair value$195
 $4,346
 $2,740
 $7,281
$206
 $4,359
 $3,746
 $8,311
(*)Variable annuity liabilities equal the fair value of variable annuity assets.




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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED




During the first three months of 2019 and 2018, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.


Approximately 7% of the total assets carried at fair value at March 31, 2019,2020, were Level 3 assets. Approximately 60%43% ($2.201.52 billion) of the Level 3 assets were priced using non-binding broker quotes, for which there is a lack of transparency as to the inputs used to determine fair value. Details as to the quantitative inputs are neither provided by the brokers nor otherwise reasonably obtainable by AFG.


Internally developed Level 3 asset fair values represent approximately $1.23$1.63 billion at March 31, 2019.2020. Of this amount, approximately $743$727 million relates to fixed maturity securities that were priced using management’s best estimate of an appropriate credit spread over the treasury yield (of a similar duration) to discount future expected cash flows using a third partythird-party model. The credit spread applied by management is the significant unobservable input. For this group of approximately 12037 securities, the average spread used was 577414 basis points over the reference treasury yield and the spreads ranged from 10053 basis points to 2,9661,253 basis points (approximately 80%70% of the spreads were between 400200 and 700 basis points). Had management used higher spreads, the fair value of this group of securities would have been lower. Conversely, if the spreads used were lower, the fair values would have been higher. For the remainder of the internally developed prices, any justifiable changes in unobservable inputs used to determine fair value would not have resulted in a material change in AFG’s financial position.
The derivatives embedded in AFG’s fixed-indexed and variable-indexed annuity liabilities are measured using a discounted cash flow approach and had a fair value of $3.253.10 billion at March 31, 20192020. The following table presents information about the unobservable inputs used by management in determining fair value of these Level 3 liabilities. See Note EFDerivatives.“Derivatives.


 Unobservable Input Range 
 Adjustment for insurance subsidiary’s credit risk 0.1%1.9%2.2%3.6% over the risk freerisk-free rate 
 Risk margin for uncertainty in cash flows 0.73%0.80% reduction in the discount rate 
 Surrenders 4% – 23%21% of indexed account value 
 Partial surrenders 2% – 9% of indexed account value 
 Annuitizations 0.1% – 1% of indexed account value 
 Deaths 1.7%1.9%9.5%10.6% of indexed account value 
 Budgeted option costs 2.6%2.5%3.6%3.3% of indexed account value 



The range of adjustments for insurance subsidiary’s credit risk is based on the Moody’s corporate A2 bond index and reflects credit spread variations across the yield curve. The range of projected surrender rates reflects the specific surrender charges and other features of AFG’s individual fixed-indexed and variable-indexed annuity products with an expected range of 7% to 11%10% in the majority of future calendar years (4% to 23%21% over all periods). Increasing the budgeted option cost or risk margin for uncertainty in cash flow assumptions in the table above would increase the fair value of the fixed-indexed and variable-indexed annuity embedded derivatives, while increasing any of the other unobservable inputs in the table above would decrease the fair value of the embedded derivatives.




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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED




Changes in balances of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value during the first three months of 20192020 and 20182019 are presented below (in millions). The transfers into and out of Level 3 were due to changes in the availability of market observable inputs and $29 million of equity securities transferred into Level 3 in the first quarter of 2018 related to a small number of limited partnerships and similar investments carried at cost under the prior guidance that are carried at fair value through net earnings under new guidance adopted on January 1, 2018, as discussed in Note A — Accounting Policies — Investments.”inputs. All transfers are reflected in the table at fair value as of the end of the reporting period.
  
Total realized/unrealized
gains (losses) included in
            
Total realized/unrealized
gains (losses) included in
          
Balance at December 31, 2018 Net
earnings
 
Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Purchases
and
issuances
 
Sales and
settlements
 
Transfer
into
Level 3
 
Transfer
out of
Level 3
 Balance at March 31, 2019Balance at December 31, 2019 Net
earnings
 
Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Purchases
and
issuances
 
Sales and
settlements
 
Transfer
into
Level 3
 
Transfer
out of
Level 3
 Balance at March 31, 2020
AFS fixed maturities:                              
U.S. government agency$9
 $
 $
 $
 $(1) $
 $
 $8
$15
 $1
 $(1) $
 $
 $
 $
 $15
State and municipal59
 
 5
 
 (1) 
 
 63
105
 
 1
 
 (1) 
 
 105
Residential MBS197
 5
 (5) 
 (6) 
 (22) 169
173
 5
 (12) 
 (5) 2
 
 163
Commercial MBS56
 
 
 
 (1) 
 
 55
35
 
 
 
 (3) 
 
 32
Asset-backed securities847
 (3) 8
 75
 (114) 
 (143) 670
Collateralized loan obligations15
 (7) 2
 
 
 158
 
 168
Other asset-backed securities1,286
 (14) (11) 77
 (178) 13
 (143) 1,030
Corporate and other1,996
 2
 31
 432
 (88) 
 (27) 2,346
1,758
 (3) (27) 119
 (36) 5
 (268) 1,548
Total AFS fixed maturities3,164
 4
 39
 507
 (211) 
 (192) 3,311
3,387
 (18) (48) 196
 (223) 178
 (411) 3,061
Equity securities336
 1
 
 1
 
 16
 
 354
437
 (24) 
 6
 
 17
 
 436
Assets of MIE21
 (1) 
 
 
 
 
 20
17
 (1) 
 
 
 
 
 16
Total Level 3 assets$3,521
 $4
 $39
 $508
 $(211) $16
 $(192) $3,685
$3,841
 $(43) $(48) $202
 $(223) $195
 $(411) $3,513
                              
Embedded derivatives$(2,720) $(462) $
 $(112) $47
 $
 $
 $(3,247)$(3,730) $647
 $
 $(78) $62
 $
 $
 $(3,099)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)$(2,720) $(462) $
 $(112) $47
 $
 $
 $(3,247)$(3,730) $647
 $
 $(78) $62
 $
 $
 $(3,099)




   
Total realized/unrealized
gains (losses) included in
          
Balance at December 31, 2018 Net
earnings
 
Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Purchases
and
issuances
 
Sales and
settlements
 
Transfer
into
Level 3
 
Transfer
out of
Level 3
 Balance at March 31, 2019
AFS fixed maturities:               
U.S. government agency$9
 $
 $
 $
 $(1) $
 $
 $8
State and municipal59
 
 5
 
 (1) 
 
 63
Residential MBS197
 5
 (5) 
 (6) 
 (22) 169
Commercial MBS56
 
 
 
 (1) 
 
 55
Collateralized loan obligations116
 
 
 
 
 
 
 116
Other asset-backed securities731
 (3) 8
 75
 (114) 
 (143) 554
Corporate and other1,996
 2
 31
 432
 (88) 
 (27) 2,346
Total AFS fixed maturities3,164

4
 39
 507
 (211) 
 (192) 3,311
Equity securities336
 1
 
 1
 
 16
 
 354
Assets of MIE21
 (1) 
 
 
 
 
 20
Total Level 3 assets$3,521
 $4
 $39
 $508
 $(211) $16
 $(192) $3,685
                
Embedded derivatives$(2,720) $(462) $
 $(112) $47
 $
 $
 $(3,247)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)$(2,720) $(462) $
 $(112) $47
 $
 $
 $(3,247)

   
Total realized/unrealized
gains (losses) included in
          
Balance at December 31, 2017 Net
earnings
 
Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Purchases
and
issuances
 
Sales and
settlements
 
Transfer
into
Level 3
 
Transfer
out of
Level 3
 Balance at March 31, 2018
AFS fixed maturities:               
U.S. government agency$8
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $8
State and municipal148
 
 (1) 
 (1) 
 (84) 62
Residential MBS122
 (4) 
 
 (6) 7
 (4) 115
Commercial MBS36
 (1) 
 12
 
 
 
 47
Asset-backed securities744
 (2) 3
 204
 (37) 
 
 912
Corporate and other1,044
 1
 (14) 238
 (31) 
 
 1,238
Total AFS fixed maturities2,102
 (6) (12) 454
 (75) 7
 (88) 2,382
Equity securities165
 (5) 
 9
 (4) 29
 
 194
Assets of MIE23
 (2) 
 3
 
 
 
 24
Total Level 3 assets$2,290
 $(13) $(12) $466
 $(79) $36
 $(88) $2,600
                
Embedded derivatives$(2,542) $63
 $
 $(103) $33
 $
 $
 $(2,549)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)$(2,542) $63
 $
 $(103) $33
 $
 $
 $(2,549)


(*)As previously discussed, these tables exclude the portion of MIE liabilities allocated to Level 3, which are derived from the fair value of the MIE assets.




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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED




Fair Value of Financial InstrumentsThe carrying value and fair value of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value in the financial statements are summarized below (in millions):
Carrying Fair ValueCarrying Fair Value
Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
March 31, 2019         
March 31, 2020         
Financial assets:                  
Cash and cash equivalents$2,000
 $2,000
 $2,000
 $
 $
$1,673
 $1,673
 $1,673
 $
 $
Mortgage loans1,078
 1,071
 
 
 1,071
1,346
 1,350
 
 
 1,350
Policy loans172
 172
 
 
 172
161
 161
 
 
 161
Total financial assets not accounted for at fair value$3,250
 $3,243
 $2,000
 $
 $1,243
$3,180
 $3,184
 $1,673
 $
 $1,511
Financial liabilities:                  
Annuity benefits accumulated (*)$37,768
 $36,881
 $
 $
 $36,881
$40,218
 $39,773
 $
 $
 $39,773
Long-term debt1,423
 1,406
 
 1,403
 3
1,473
 1,411
 
 1,408
 3
Total financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value$39,191
 $38,287
 $
 $1,403
 $36,884
$41,691
 $41,184
 $
 $1,408
 $39,776
                  
December 31, 2018         
December 31, 2019         
Financial assets:                  
Cash and cash equivalents$1,515
 $1,515
 $1,515
 $
 $
$2,314
 $2,314
 $2,314
 $
 $
Mortgage loans1,068
 1,056
 
 
 1,056
1,329
 1,346
 
 
 1,346
Policy loans174
 174
 
 
 174
164
 164
 
 
 164
Total financial assets not accounted for at fair value$2,757
 $2,745
 $1,515
 $
 $1,230
$3,807
 $3,824
 $2,314
 $
 $1,510
Financial liabilities:                  
Annuity benefits accumulated (*)$36,384
 $34,765
 $
 $
 $34,765
$40,159
 $40,182
 $
 $
 $40,182
Long-term debt1,302
 1,231
 
 1,228
 3
1,473
 1,622
 
 1,619
 3
Total financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value$37,686
 $35,996
 $
 $1,228
 $34,768
$41,632
 $41,804
 $
 $1,619
 $40,185


(*)Excludes $238$245 million and $232$247 million of life contingent annuities in the payout phase at March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, respectively.


The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value. Fair values for mortgage loans are estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings. The fair value of policy loans is estimated to approximate carrying value; policy loans have no defined maturity dates and are inseparable from insurance contracts. The fair value of annuity benefits was estimated based on expected cash flows discounted using forward interest rates adjusted for the Company’s credit risk and includes the impact of maintenance expenses and capital costs. Fair values of long-term debt are based primarily on quoted market prices.



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Table of Contents
AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED




D.    E.    Investments


Available for sale fixed maturities at March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019, consisted of the following (in millions):
 
Amortized
Cost
 Allowance for Expected Credit Losses Gross Unrealized 
Net
Unrealized
 
Fair
Value
Gains Losses
March 31, 2020           
Fixed maturities:           
U.S. Government and government agencies$190
 $
 $15
 $
 $15
 $205
States, municipalities and political subdivisions6,526
 
 388
 (8) 380
 6,906
Foreign government164
 
 6
 
 6
 170
Residential MBS3,078
 6
 133
 (74) 59
 3,131
Commercial MBS892
 
 20
 (5) 15
 907
Collateralized loan obligations4,456
 17
 5
 (306) (301) 4,138
Other asset-backed securities7,069
 14
 65
 (362) (297) 6,758
Corporate and other23,726
 24
 786
 (569) 217
 23,919
Total fixed maturities$46,101
 $61
 $1,418
 $(1,324) $94
 $46,134
            
December 31, 2019           
Fixed maturities:           
U.S. Government and government agencies$199
 $
 $10
 $
 $10
 $209
States, municipalities and political subdivisions6,604
 
 363
 (4) 359
 6,963
Foreign government170
 
 3
 (1) 2
 172
Residential MBS2,900
 
 265
 (5) 260
 3,160
Commercial MBS896
 
 31
 
 31
 927
Collateralized loan obligations4,307
 
 10
 (37) (27) 4,280
Other asset-backed securities6,992
 
 156
 (20) 136
 7,128
Corporate and other22,456
 
 1,231
 (21) 1,210
 23,666
Total fixed maturities$44,524
 $
 $2,069
 $(88) $1,981
 $46,505

 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Amortized
Cost
 Gross Unrealized 
Net
Unrealized
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 Gross Unrealized 
Net
Unrealized
 
Fair
Value
Gains Losses Gains Losses
Fixed maturities:                   
U.S. Government and government agencies$233
 $2
 $(2) $
 $233
 $235
 $1
 $(3) $(2) $233
States, municipalities and political subdivisions6,744
 253
 (20) 233
 6,977
 6,825
 169
 (55) 114
 6,939
Foreign government146
 2
 
 2
 148
 140
 2
 
 2
 142
Residential MBS2,477
 287
 (8) 279
 2,756
 2,476
 277
 (9) 268
 2,744
Commercial MBS900
 24
 
 24
 924
 905
 17
 (2) 15
 920
Asset-backed securities9,909
 163
 (54) 109
 10,018
 9,781
 130
 (100) 30
 9,811
Corporate and other22,009
 471
 (105) 366
 22,375
 21,475
 167
 (434) (267) 21,208
Total fixed maturities$42,418
 $1,202
 $(189) $1,013
 $43,431
 $41,837
 $763
 $(603) $160
 $41,997
                    


The non-credit related portion of other-than-temporary impairment charges is included in other comprehensive income. Cumulative non-credit charges taken for securities still owned at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were $135 million and $140 million, respectively. Gross unrealized gains on such securities at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were $123 million and $119 million, respectively. Gross unrealized losses on such securities at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were $4 million. These amounts represent the non-credit other-than-temporary impairment charges recorded in AOCI adjusted for subsequent changes in fair values and relate primarily to residential MBS.

Equity securities, which are reported at fair value with holding gains and losses recognized in net earnings, consisted of the following at March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019 (in millions):
 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
     Fair Value     Fair Value
 Actual Cost   over (under) Actual Cost   over (under)
  Fair Value Cost  Fair Value Cost
Common stocks$1,315
 $919
 $(396) $1,164
 $1,283
 $119
Perpetual preferred stocks685
 640
 (45) 640
 654
 14
Total equity securities carried at fair value$2,000
 $1,559
 $(441) $1,804
 $1,937
 $133

 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
     
Fair Value
 over (under)
Cost
     Fair Value
over (under)
Cost
 Actual Cost    Actual Cost   
  Fair Value   Fair Value 
Common stocks$1,162
 $1,218
 $56
 $1,241
 $1,148
 $(93)
Perpetual preferred stocks719
 712
 (7) 705
 666
 (39)
Total equity securities carried at fair value$1,881
 $1,930
 $49
 $1,946
 $1,814
 $(132)




1920

Table of Contents
AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED




The following tables show gross unrealized losses (dollars in millions) on available for sale fixed maturities by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at the following balance sheet dates. 
 Less Than Twelve Months Twelve Months or More
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
 
Fair Value as
% of Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
 
Fair Value as
% of Cost
March 31, 2020           
Fixed maturities:           
U.S. Government and government agencies$
 $
 % $
 $1
 100%
States, municipalities and political subdivisions(8) 235
 97% 
 26
 100%
Foreign government
 3
 100% 
 
 %
Residential MBS(70) 1,562
 96% (4) 31
 89%
Commercial MBS(5) 117
 96% 
 
 %
Collateralized loan obligations(141) 2,234
 94% (165) 1,691
 91%
Other asset-backed securities(352) 4,597
 93% (10) 94
 90%
Corporate and other(554) 7,738
 93% (15) 98
 87%
Total fixed maturities$(1,130) $16,486
 94% $(194) $1,941
 91%
            
December 31, 2019           
Fixed maturities:           
U.S. Government and government agencies$
 $16
 100% $
 $11
 100%
States, municipalities and political subdivisions(3) 254
 99% (1) 82
 99%
Foreign government(1) 70
 99% 
 
 %
Residential MBS(4) 509
 99% (1) 69
 99%
Commercial MBS
 17
 100% 
 
 %
Collateralized loan obligations(11) 1,284
 99% (26) 1,728
 99%
Other asset-backed securities(12) 1,211
 99% (8) 123
 94%
Corporate and other(13) 1,100
 99% (8) 211
 96%
Total fixed maturities$(44) $4,461
 99% $(44) $2,224
 98%

  
Less Than Twelve Months Twelve Months or More
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
 
Fair Value as
% of Cost
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
 
Fair Value as
% of Cost
March 31, 2019           
Fixed maturities:           
U.S. Government and government agencies$
 $3
 100% $(2) $118
 98%
States, municipalities and political subdivisions(4) 240
 98% (16) 869
 98%
Foreign government
 63
 100% 
 7
 100%
Residential MBS(4) 240
 98% (4) 136
 97%
Commercial MBS
 12
 100% 
 10
 100%
Asset-backed securities(35) 3,370
 99% (19) 981
 98%
Corporate and other(13) 1,280
 99% (92) 3,949
 98%
Total fixed maturities$(56) $5,208
 99% $(133) $6,070
 98%
            
December 31, 2018           
Fixed maturities:           
U.S. Government and government agencies$
 $41
 100% $(3) $120
 98%
States, municipalities and political subdivisions(23) 1,497
 98% (32) 902
 97%
Foreign government
 18
 100% 
 4
 100%
Residential MBS(4) 279
 99% (5) 139
 97%
Commercial MBS(1) 147
 99% (1) 30
 97%
Asset-backed securities(77) 5,406
 99% (23) 629
 96%
Corporate and other(306) 10,378
 97% (128) 2,078
 94%
Total fixed maturities$(411) $17,766
 98% $(192) $3,902
 95%


At March 31, 20192020, the gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities of $189 million$1.32 billion relate to 1,2741,871 securities. Investment grade securities (as determined by nationally recognized rating agencies) represented approximately 85%83% of the gross unrealized loss and 93%89% of the fair value.


To evaluate fixed maturities for expected credit losses (impairment), management considers whether the unrealized loss is credit-driven or a result of changes in market interest rates, the extent to which fair value is less than cost basis, historical operating, balance sheet and cash flow data from the issuer, third party research and communications with industry specialists and discussions with issuer management.

AFG analyzes its MBS securities for other-than-temporary impairmentexpected credit losses (impairment) each quarter based upon expected future cash flows. Management estimates expected future cash flows based upon its knowledge of the MBS market, cash flow projections (which reflect loan to collateral values, subordination, vintage and geographic concentration) received from independent sources, implied cash flows inherent in security ratings and analysis of historical payment data. In the first three months of both 2019 and 2018,2020, AFG recorded less than $1an allowance for credit losses of $6 million in other-than-temporary impairment charges related to its residential MBS.


In the first three months of 2019 and 2018,2020, AFG recorded $3an allowance for credit losses of $24 million and $1 million, respectively, in other-than-temporary impairment charges related to corporate bonds and other fixed maturities.maturities, $17 million on third-party collateralized loan obligations and $14 million on other asset-backed securities.


Management believes AFG will recover its cost basis (net of any allowance) in the securities with unrealized losses and that AFG has the ability to hold the securities until they recover in value and had no intent to sell them at March 31, 20192020.




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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED




See Note A — “Accounting Policies — Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” for a discussion of new guidance effective January 1, 2020, which impacts the accounting for expected credit losses (impairments) of fixed maturity securities. Under the new guidance, credit losses on available for sale fixed maturities continue to be measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows compared to amortized cost; however, impairment losses are now recognized through an allowance instead of a direct writedown of amortized cost. Under the new guidance, recoveries of previously impaired amounts are recorded as an immediate reversal of all or a portion of the allowance instead of accredited as investment income through a yield adjustment. In addition, the allowance on available for sale fixed maturities cannot cause the amortized cost net of the allowance to be below fair value. Accordingly, future changes in the fair value of an impaired security (when the allowance was limited by the fair value) due to reasons other than issuer credit (e.g. changes in market interest rates) could result in increases or decreases in the allowance, which will be recorded through realized gains (losses) on securities. A progression of the allowance for expected credit portion of other-than-temporary impairmentslosses on fixed maturity securities for which the non-credit portion of an impairment has been recognized in other comprehensive income is shown below (in millions):
 2020
Balance at January 1$
Impact of adoption of new accounting policy
Provision for expected credit losses61
Reductions due to sales or redemptions
Balance at March 31$61

 2019 2018
Balance at January 1$142
 $145
Additional credit impairments on:   
Previously impaired securities
 
Securities without prior impairments
 
Reductions due to sales or redemptions(1) (1)
Balance at March 31$141
 $144


The table below sets forth the scheduled maturities of available for sale fixed maturities as of March 31, 20192020 (dollars in millions). Securities with sinking funds are reported at average maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain securities may be called or prepaid by the issuers.
 Amortized Fair Value
Cost, net (*) Amount %
Maturity     
One year or less$2,018
 $2,027
 4%
After one year through five years10,563
 10,710
 23%
After five years through ten years14,450
 14,722
 32%
After ten years3,551
 3,741
 8%
 30,582
 31,200
 67%
Collateralized loan obligations and other ABS (average life of approximately 4-1/2 years)11,494
 10,896
 24%
MBS (average life of approximately 3-1/2 years)3,964
 4,038
 9%
Total$46,040
 $46,134
 100%

  
Amortized Fair Value
Cost Amount %
Maturity     
One year or less$1,549
 $1,561
 4%
After one year through five years9,016
 9,177
 21%
After five years through ten years14,097
 14,384
 33%
After ten years4,470
 4,611
 11%
 29,132
 29,733
 69%
ABS (average life of approximately 4.5 years)9,909
 10,018
 23%
MBS (average life of approximately 4.5 years)3,377
 3,680
 8%
Total$42,418
 $43,431
 100%

(*)Amortized cost, net of allowance for expected credit losses.


Certain risks are inherent in fixed maturity securities, including loss upon default, price volatility in reaction to changes in interest rates, and general market factors and risks associated with reinvestment of proceeds due to prepayments or redemptions in a period of declining interest rates.
There were no investments in individual issuers that exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity at March 31, 20192020 or December 31, 20182019.




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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED




Net Unrealized Gain on Marketable Securities  In addition to adjusting fixed maturity securities classified as “available for sale” to fair value, GAAP requires that deferred policy acquisition costs and certain other balance sheet amounts related to annuity, long-term care and life businesses be adjusted to the extent that unrealized gains and losses from securities would result in adjustments to those balances had the unrealized gains or losses actually been realized. The following table shows (in millions) the components of the net unrealized gain on securities that is included in AOCI in AFG’s Balance Sheet.
 Pretax Deferred Tax Net
March 31, 2020     
Net unrealized gain on:     
Fixed maturities — annuity segment (*)$124
 $(26) $98
Fixed maturities — all other(30) 7
 (23)
Total fixed maturities94
 (19) 75
Deferred policy acquisition costs — annuity segment(57) 12
 (45)
Annuity benefits accumulated(18) 3
 (15)
Unearned revenue1
 
 1
Total net unrealized gain on marketable securities$20
 $(4) $16
      
December 31, 2019     
Net unrealized gain on:     
Fixed maturities — annuity segment (*)$1,611
 $(338) $1,273
Fixed maturities — all other370
 (78) 292
Total fixed maturities1,981
 (416) 1,565
Deferred policy acquisition costs — annuity segment(681) 143
 (538)
Annuity benefits accumulated(219) 46
 (173)
Life, accident and health reserves(1) 
 (1)
Unearned revenue11
 (2) 9
Total net unrealized gain on marketable securities$1,091
 $(229) $862
 Pretax Deferred Tax Net
March 31, 2019     
Net unrealized gain on:     
Fixed maturities — annuity segment (*)$792
 $(166) $626
Fixed maturities — all other221
 (47) 174
Total fixed maturities1,013
 (213) 800
Deferred policy acquisition costs — annuity segment(325) 68
 (257)
Annuity benefits accumulated(108) 23
 (85)
Unearned revenue8
 (2) 6
Total net unrealized gain on marketable securities$588
 $(124) $464
      
December 31, 2018     
Net unrealized gain on:     
Fixed maturities — annuity segment (*)$101
 $(21) $80
Fixed maturities — all other59
 (13) 46
Total fixed maturities160
 (34) 126
Deferred policy acquisition costs — annuity segment(42) 9
 (33)
Annuity benefits accumulated(14) 3
 (11)
Unearned revenue1
 
 1
Total net unrealized gain on marketable securities$105
 $(22) $83

(*)Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments supporting AFG’s annuity benefits accumulated.


Net Investment Income  The following table shows (in millions) investment income earned and investment expenses incurred.
 Three months ended March 31,
 2020 2019
Investment income:   
Fixed maturities$491
 $469
Equity securities:   
Dividends17
 22
Change in fair value (a) (b)(12) 11
Equity in earnings of partnerships and similar investments25
 21
Other28
 25
Gross investment income549
 548
Investment expenses(5) (6)
Net investment income (b)$544
 $542
 Three months ended March 31,
 2019 2018
Investment income:   
Fixed maturities$469
 $412
Equity securities:   
Dividends22
 20
Change in fair value (*)11
 (1)
Equity in earnings of partnerships and similar investments21
 46
Other25
 23
Gross investment income548
 500
Investment expenses(6) (5)
Net investment income$542
 $495

(*)(a)Although the change in the fair value of the majority of AFG’s equity securities is recorded in realized gains (losses) on securities, AFG records holding gains and losses in net investment income on equity securities classified as “trading” under previous guidance and on a small portfolio of limited partnership and similar investments that do not qualify for the equity method of accounting.
(b)Net investment income in the first three months of 2020 includes a loss of $6 million on investments held by the companies that comprise the Neon exited lines due primarily to the $7 million loss recorded on equity securities that are carried at fair value through net investment income.


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED




Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in AOCI related to fixed maturity and equity security investments are summarized as follows (in millions): 
 Three months ended March 31, 2020 Three months ended March 31, 2019
 Realized gains (losses)   Realized gains (losses)  
 Before Impairments Impairment Allowance Total Change in Unrealized Before Impairments Impairments Total Change in Unrealized
Fixed maturities$29
 $(61) $(32) $(1,887) $3
 $(3) $
 $853
Equity securities(535) 
 (535) 
 182
 
 182
 
Mortgage loans and other investments4
 
 4
 
 
 
 
 
Other (*)(3) 15
 12
 816
 1
 1
 2
 (370)
Total pretax(505) (46) (551) (1,071) 186
 (2) 184
 483
Tax effects106
 10
 116
 225
 (39) 
 (39) (102)
Net of tax$(399) $(36) $(435) $(846) $147
 $(2) $145
 $381
 Three months ended March 31, 2019 Three months ended March 31, 2018
 Realized gains (losses)   Realized gains (losses)  
 Before Impairments Impairments Total Change in Unrealized Before Impairments Impairments Total Change in Unrealized
Fixed maturities$3
 $(3) $
 $853
 $(1) $(1) $(2) $(599)
Equity securities182
 
 182
 
 (95) 
 (95) 
Other (*)1
 1
 2
 (370) 4
 
 4
 248
Total pretax186
 (2) 184
 483
 (92) (1) (93) (351)
Tax effects(39) 
 (39) (102) 20
 
 20
 74
Net of tax$147
 $(2) $145
 $381
 $(72) $(1) $(73) $(277)

(*)Primarily adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs and reserves related to the annuity business.


All equity securities other than those accounted for under the equity method are carried at fair value through net earnings. AFG recorded net holding gains (losses) on equity securities during the first three months of 20192020 and 20182019 on securities that were still owned at March 31, 20192020 and March 31, 20182019 as follows (in millions):
 Three months ended March 31,
 2020 2019
Included in realized gains (losses)$(540) $163
Included in net investment income(5) 11
 $(545) $174

 Three months ended March 31,
 2019 2018
Included in realized gains (losses)$163
 $(94)
Included in net investment income11
 (1)
 $174
 $(95)


Gross realized gains and losses (excluding impairment write-downs and mark-to-market of derivatives) on available for sale fixed maturity investment transactions consisted of the following (in millions): 
 Three months ended March 31,
2020 2019
Gross gains$29
 $6
Gross losses(4) (9)

  
Three months ended March 31,
2019 2018
Gross gains$6
 $6
Gross losses(9) (3)


E.    F.    Derivatives


As discussed under DerivativesDerivatives” in Note AAccounting“Accounting Policies,, AFG uses derivatives in certain areas of its operations.


Derivatives That Do Not Qualify for Hedge Accounting   The following derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting under GAAP are included in AFG’s Balance Sheet at fair value (in millions):
    March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Derivative Balance Sheet Line Asset Liability Asset Liability
MBS with embedded derivatives Fixed maturities $103
 $
 $102
 $
Fixed-indexed and variable-indexed annuities (embedded derivative) Annuity benefits accumulated 
 3,099
 
 3,730
Equity index call options Equity index call options 209
 
 924
 
Equity index put options Other liabilities 
 8
 
 1
Reinsurance contracts (embedded derivative) Other liabilities 
 2
 
 4
    $312
 $3,109
 $1,026
 $3,735

    March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Derivative Balance Sheet Line Asset Liability Asset Liability
MBS with embedded derivatives Fixed maturities $113
 $
 $109
 $
Public company warrants Equity securities 
 
 
 
Fixed-indexed and variable-indexed annuities (embedded derivative) Annuity benefits accumulated 
 3,247
 
 2,720
Equity index call options Equity index call options 620
 
 184
 
Equity index put options Other liabilities 
 
 
 1
Reinsurance contracts (embedded derivative) Other liabilities 
 3
 
 2
    $733
 $3,250
 $293
 $2,723




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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED



The MBS with embedded derivatives consist of primarily interest-only and principal-only MBS. AFG records the entire change in the fair value of these securities in earnings. These investments are part of AFG’s overall investment strategy and represent a small component of AFG’s overall investment portfolio.


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED



Warrants to purchase shares of publicly traded companies, which represent a small component of AFG’s overall investment portfolio, are considered to be derivatives that are required to be carried at fair value through earnings.


AFG’s fixed-indexed and variable-indexed annuities provide policyholders with a crediting rate tied, in part, to the performance of an existing stock market or other financial index. AFG attempts to mitigate the risk in the index-based component of these products through the purchase and sale of call and put options on the appropriate index. AFG receives collateral from certain counterparties to support its purchased call option assets (net of collateral required under put option contracts with the same counterparties). This collateral ($40676 million at March 31, 20192020 and $103$577 million at December 31, 2018)2019) is included in other assets in AFG’s Balance Sheet with an offsetting liability to return the collateral, which is included in other liabilities. AFG’s strategy is designed so that the net change in the fair value of the call option assets and put optionsoption liabilities will generally offset the economic change in the liabilitiesnet liability from the index participation. Both the index-based component of the annuities (an embedded derivative) and the related call and put options are considered derivatives.derivatives that must be adjusted for changes in fair value through earnings each period. The fair values of these derivatives are impacted by actual and expected stock market performance and interest rates as well as other factors. Fluctuations in certain of these factors, such as changes in interest rates and the performance of the stock market, among other factors, can cause volatilityare not economic in nature for the periodic measurementcurrent reporting period, but rather impact the timing of fair value of the embedded derivative that management believes can be inconsistent with the long-term economics of these products.reported results.


As discussed under ReinsuranceReinsurance” in Note A, AFG has a reinsurance contract that is considered to contain an embedded derivative.


The following table summarizes the gains (losses) included in AFG’s Statement of Earnings for changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting for the first three months of 20192020 and 20182019 (in millions):
    Three months ended March 31,
Derivative Statement of Earnings Line 2020 2019
MBS with embedded derivatives Realized gains (losses) on securities $4
 $6
Fixed-indexed and variable-indexed annuities (embedded derivative) Annuity benefits 647
 (462)
Equity index call options Annuity benefits (628) 366
Equity index put options Annuity benefits (6) 1
Reinsurance contract (embedded derivative) Net investment income 2
 (1)
    $19
 $(90)

    Three months ended March 31,
Derivative Statement of Earnings Line 2019 2018
MBS with embedded derivatives Realized gains (losses) on securities $6
 $(4)
Public company warrants Realized gains (losses) on securities 
 (1)
Fixed-indexed and variable-indexed annuities (embedded derivative) Annuity benefits (462) 63
Equity index call options Annuity benefits 366
 (38)
Equity index put options Annuity benefits 1
 
Reinsurance contract (embedded derivative) Net investment income (1) 1
    $(90) $21


Derivatives Designated and Qualifying as Cash Flow Hedges   As of March 31, 2019,2020, AFG has entered into sixteen12 active interest rate swaps that are designated and qualify as highly effective cash flow hedges to mitigate interest rate risk related to certain floating-rate securities included in AFG’s portfolio of fixed maturity securities. The purpose of each of these swaps is to effectively convert a portion of AFG’s floating-rate fixed maturity securities to fixed rates by offsetting the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in short-term LIBOR.


Under the terms of the swaps, AFG receives fixed-rate interest payments in exchange for variable interest payments based on short-term LIBOR. The notional amounts of the interest rate swaps generally decline over each swap’s respective life (the swaps expire between August 2019April 2020 and June 2030) in anticipation of the expected decline in AFG’s portfolio of fixed maturity securities with floating interest rates based on short-term LIBOR. The total outstanding notional amount of AFG’s interest rate swaps was $2.31$1.86 billion at March 31, 20192020 compared to $2.35$1.98 billion at December 31, 2018,2019, reflecting the scheduled amortization discussed above.above and the termination of a swap with a total notional amount of $83 million in the first quarter of 2020. The fair value of the effective portion of the interest rate swaps in an asset position and included in other assets was $25$125 million at March 31, 20192020 and $16$50 million at December 31, 2018.2019. The fair value of the effective portion of the interest rate swaps in a liability position and included in other liabilities was $25less than $1 million at March 31, 20192020 and $46$5 million at December 31, 2018.2019. The net unrealized gain or loss on cash flow hedges is included in AOCI, net of DPAC and deferred taxes. Amounts reclassified from AOCI (before DPAC and taxes) to net investment income were lossesincome of $12 million and income reductions of $2 million infor the first three months of 2020 and 2019, comparedrespectively. AFG had a $19 million liability to income of $1 million in the first three months of 2018. There was no ineffectiveness recorded in net earnings during these periods. Areturn collateral receivable supportingrelated to these swaps of $134 million(included in other liabilities) at March 31, 20192020 and $135a $20 million receivable for collateral posted related to these swaps (included in other assets) at December 31, 2018 is included in other assets in AFG’s Balance Sheet.2019.



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED





F.    G.    Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs


A progression of deferred policy acquisition costs is presented below (in millions):
P&C  Annuity and Other   P&C  Annuity and Other   
Deferred  Deferred Sales          ConsolidatedDeferred  Deferred Sales          Consolidated
Costs  Costs Inducements PVFP Subtotal Unrealized (*) Total  Total
Balance at December 31, 2019$322
  $1,303
 $75
 $36
 $1,414
 $(699) $715
  $1,037
Additions158
  49
 1
 
 50
 
 50
  208
Amortization:                 
Periodic amortization(170)  (98) (3) (2) (103) 
 (103)  (273)
Included in realized gains
  10
 
 
 10
 
 10
  10
Foreign currency translation
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
Change in unrealized
  
 
 
 
 591
 591
  591
Balance at March 31, 2020$310
  $1,264
 $73
 $34
 $1,371
 $(108) $1,263
  $1,573
Costs  Costs Inducements PVFP Subtotal Unrealized (*) Total  Total                 
Balance at December 31, 2018$299
  $1,285
 $86
 $42
 $1,413
 $(30) $1,383
  $1,682
$299
  $1,285
 $86
 $42
 $1,413
 $(30) $1,383
  $1,682
Additions187
  64
 1
 
 65
 
 65
  252
187
  64
 1
 
 65
 
 65
  252
Amortization:                                  
Periodic amortization(175)  (15) (3) (2) (20) 
 (20)  (195)(175)  (15) (3) (2) (20) 
 (20)  (195)
Included in realized gains
  2
 
 
 2
 
 2
  2

  2
 
 
 2
 
 2
  2
Foreign currency translation1
  
 
 
 
 
 
  1
1
  
 
 
 
 
 
  1
Change in unrealized
  
 
 
 
 (295) (295)  (295)
  
 
 
 
 (295) (295)  (295)
Balance at March 31, 2019$312
  $1,336
 $84
 $40
 $1,460
 $(325) $1,135
  $1,447
$312
  $1,336
 $84
 $40
 $1,460
 $(325) $1,135
  $1,447
                 
Balance at December 31, 2017$270
  $1,217
 $102
 $49
 $1,368
 $(422) $946
  $1,216
Additions162
  57
 
 
 57
 
 57
  219
Amortization:                 
Periodic amortization(154)  (69) (5) (2) (76) 
 (76)  (230)
Included in realized gains
  3
 
 
 3
 
 3
  3
Foreign currency translation1
  
 
 
 
 
 
  1
Change in unrealized
  
 
 
 
 208
 208
  208
Balance at March 31, 2018$279
  $1,208
 $97
 $47
 $1,352
 $(214) $1,138
  $1,417


(*)Adjustments to DPAC related to net unrealized gains/losses on securities and cash flow hedges.


The present value of future profits (“PVFP”) amounts in the table above are net of $150156 million and $148154 million of accumulated amortization at March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019, respectively.


G.    H.    Managed Investment Entities


AFG is the investment manager and its subsidiaries have investments ranging from 15.0% to 60.9%100.0% of the most subordinate debt tranche of eleven11 active collateralized loan obligation entities or ��CLOs,”(“CLOs”), which are considered variable interest entities. AFG’s subsidiaries also own portions of the senior debt tranches of certain of these CLOs. Upon formation between 2012 and 2018, these entities issued securities in various senior and subordinate classes and invested the proceeds primarily in secured bank loans, which serve as collateral for the debt securities issued by each particular CLO. None of the collateral was purchased from AFG. AFG’s investments in the subordinate debt tranches of these entities receive residual income from the CLOs only after the CLOs pay expenses (including management fees to AFG) and interest on and returns of capital to senior levels of debt securities. There are no contractual requirements for AFG to provide additional funding for these entities. AFG has not provided and does not intend to provide any financial support to these entities.


AFG’s maximum exposure to economic loss on itsthe CLOs that it manages is limited to its investment in thethose CLOs, which had an aggregate fair value of $193161 million (including $130$81 million invested in the most subordinate tranches) at March 31, 20192020, and $188165 million at December 31, 20182019.


In March 2018, AFG formed a new CLO, which issued $463 million face amount of liabilities (including $31 million face amount purchased by subsidiaries of AFG). During the first three months of 20192020, AFG subsidiaries purchased $57 million face amount of senior debt and 2018,subordinate tranches of existing CLOs for $39 million. During both the first three months of 2020 and 2019, AFG subsidiaries received less than $1 million, and $17 million, respectively, in sale and redemption proceeds from its CLO investments. During the first three months of 2018, one AFG CLO was substantially liquidated, as permitted by the CLO indenture.




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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED




The revenues and expenses of the CLOs are separately identified in AFG’s Statement of Earnings, after the elimination of management fees and earnings attributable to shareholders of AFG as measured by the change in the fair value of AFG’s investments in the CLOs. Selected financial information related to the CLOs is shown below (in millions): 
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
Investment in CLO tranches at end of period$193
 $221
$161
 $193
Gains (losses) on change in fair value of assets/liabilities (a):      
Assets87
 14
(679) 87
Liabilities(87) (17)636
 (87)
Management fees paid to AFG3
 4
4
 3
CLO earnings attributable to AFG shareholders (b)11
 3
CLO earnings (losses) attributable to AFG shareholders (b)(36) 11


(a)Included in revenues in AFG’s Statement of Earnings.
(b)Included in earnings before income taxes in AFG’s Statement of Earnings.

The aggregate unpaid principal balance of the CLOs’ fixed maturity investments exceeded the fair value of the investments by $144818 million and $232146 million at March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019, respectively. The aggregate unpaid principal balance of the CLOs’ debt exceeded its carrying value by $145747 million and $241$129 million at those dates. AtThe CLO assets include loans with an aggregate fair value of $20 million at March 31, 20192020 and $10 million at December 31, 2018,2019, for which the CLO assets do not have any loans thatCLOs are not accruing interest because the loans are in default.default (aggregate unpaid principal balance of $50 million at March 31, 2020 and $25 million at December 31, 2019).

In addition to the CLOs that it manages, AFG had investments in CLOs that are managed by third parties (therefore not consolidated), which are included in available for sale fixed maturity securities and had a carrying value of $4.14 billion at March 31, 2020 and $4.28 billion at December 31, 2019.


H.    I.    Goodwill and Other Intangibles


There were no0 changes in the goodwill balance of $207 million during the first three months of 20192020. Included in other assets in AFG’s Balance Sheet is $5140 million at March 31, 20192020 and $5443 million at December 31, 20182019 in amortizable intangible assets related to property and casualty insurance acquisitions. These amounts are net of accumulated amortization of $42$53 million and $3950 million, respectively. Amortization of intangibles was $3 million and $2 million in both the first three months of 20192020 and 2018, respectively.2019.


I.    J.    Long-Term Debt


Long-term debt consisted of the following (in millions):
March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Principal Discount and Issue Costs Carrying Value Principal Discount and Issue Costs Carrying ValuePrincipal Discount and Issue Costs Carrying Value Principal Discount and Issue Costs Carrying Value
Direct Senior Obligations of AFG:                      
4.50% Senior Notes due June 2047$590
 $(2) $588
 $590
 $(2) $588
$590
 $(2) $588
 $590
 $(2) $588
3.50% Senior Notes due August 2026425
 (4) 421
 425
 (4) 421
425
 (3) 422
 425
 (3) 422
Other3
 
 3
 3
 
 3
3
 
 3
 3
 
 3
1,018
 (6) 1,012
 1,018
 (6) 1,012
1,018
 (5) 1,013
 1,018
 (5) 1,013
                      
Direct Subordinated Obligations of AFG:                      
6-1/4% Subordinated Debentures due September 2054150
 (5) 145
 150
 (5) 145
5.125% Subordinate Debentures due December 2059200
 (6) 194
 200
 (6) 194
6% Subordinated Debentures due November 2055150
 (5) 145
 150
 (5) 145
150
 (5) 145
 150
 (5) 145
5.875% Subordinated Debentures due March 2059125
 (4) 121
 
 
 
125
 (4) 121
 125
 (4) 121
425
 (14) 411
 300
 (10) 290
475
 (15) 460
 475
 (15) 460
$1,443
 $(20) $1,423
 $1,318
 $(16) $1,302
$1,493
 $(20) $1,473
 $1,493
 $(20) $1,473



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED


AFG has no0 scheduled principal payments on its long-term debt for the balance of 20192020 or in the subsequent five years.


In March 2019, AFG issued $125 million in 5.875% Subordinated Debentures due in 2059.

AFG can borrow up to $500 million under its revolving credit facility, which expires in June 2021. Amounts borrowed under this agreement bear interest at rates ranging from 1.00% to 1.875% (currently 1.375%) over LIBOR based on AFG’s credit rating. NoNaN amounts were borrowed under this facility at March 31, 20192020 or December 31, 20182019.

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED




J.    Leases

AFG and its subsidiaries lease real estate that is primarily used for office space and, to a lesser extent, equipment under operating lease arrangements. Most of AFG’s real estate leases include an option to extend or renew the lease term at AFG’s option. The operating lease liability includes lease payments related to options to extend or renew the lease term if AFG is reasonably certain of exercising those options. Lease payments are discounted using the implicit discount rate in the lease. If the implicit discount rate for the lease cannot be readily determined, AFG uses an estimate of its incremental secured borrowing rate. AFG did not have any material contracts accounted for as finance leases at March 31, 2019 or January 1, 2019.

At March 31, 2019, AFG’s $167 million operating lease right-of-use asset (presented net of $23 million in deferred rent and lease incentives) and $190 million operating lease liability are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in AFG’s Balance Sheet.

The following table details AFG’s lease activity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 (dollars in millions):
 Three months ended
 March 31, 2019
Lease expense: 
Operating leases$11
Short-term leases
Total lease expense$11
  
Other operating lease information: 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities reported in operating cash flows$12
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities3
  
Weighted-average remaining lease term5.9 years
Weighted-average discount rate4.1%

The following table presents the undiscounted contractual maturities of AFG’s operating lease liability at March 31, 2019 (dollars in millions):
 March 31, 2019
Operating lease payments: 
Remainder of 2019$35
202042
202136
202228
202323
Thereafter51
Total lease payments215
Impact of discounting(25)
Operating lease liability$190



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED


K.    K.    Shareholders’ Equity


AFG is authorized to issue 12.5 million shares of Voting Preferred Stock and 12.5 million shares of Nonvoting Preferred Stock, each without par value.


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax (“AOCI”) Comprehensive income is defined as all changes in shareholders’ equity except those arising from transactions with shareholders. Comprehensive income includes net earnings and other comprehensive income, which consists primarily of changes in net unrealized gains or losses on available for sale securities.
The progression of the components of accumulated other comprehensive income follows (in millions):
  Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)      Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  
AOCI
Beginning
Balance
 Pretax Tax 
Net
of
tax
 
Attributable to
noncontrolling
interests
 
Attributable to
shareholders
 Other (c) 
AOCI
Ending
Balance
AOCI
Beginning
Balance
 Pretax Tax 
Net
of
tax
 
Attributable to
noncontrolling
interests
 
Attributable to
shareholders
 
AOCI
Ending
Balance
Three months ended March 31, 2020             
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities:             
Unrealized holding losses on securities arising during the period  $(1,095) $230
 $(865) $
 $(865) 

Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (*)  24
 (5) 19
 
 19
 

Total net unrealized gains (losses) on securities$862
 (1,071) 225
 (846) 
 (846) $16
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges17
 34
 (7) 27
 
 27
 44
Foreign currency translation adjustments(9) (10) 
 (10) (2) (12) (21)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments(7) 
 
 
 
 
 (7)
Total$863
 $(1,047) $218
 $(829) $(2) $(831) $32
             
Three months ended March 31, 2019                            
Net unrealized gains on securities:                            
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period  $487
 $(103) $384
 $
 $384
   

  $487
 $(103) $384
 $
 $384
  
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (a)  (4) 1
 (3) 
 (3)   

Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (*)  (4) 1
 (3) 
 (3)  
Total net unrealized gains on securities$83
 483
 (102) 381
 
 381
 $
 $464
$83
 483
 (102) 381
 
 381
 $464
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges(11) 14
 (3) 11
 
 11
 
 
(11) 14
 (3) 11
 
 11
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments(16) 4
 
 4
 
 4
 
 (12)(16) 4
 
 4
 
 4
 (12)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments(8) 
 
 
 
 
 
 (8)(8) 
 
 
 
 
 (8)
Total$48
 $501
 $(105) $396
 $
 $396
 $
 $444
$48
 $501
 $(105) $396
 $
 $396
 $444
               
Three months ended March 31, 2018               
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities:               
Unrealized holding losses on securities arising during the period  $(353) $74
 $(279) $
 $(279)    
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (a)  2
 
 2
 
 2
    
Total net unrealized gains (losses) on securities (b)$840
 (351) 74
 (277) 
 (277) $(221) $342
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges(13) (14) 3
 (11) 
 (11) 
 (24)
Foreign currency translation adjustments(6) 2
 (1) 1
 
 1
 
 (5)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments(8) 
 
 
 
 
 
 (8)
Total$813
 $(363) $76
 $(287) $
 $(287) $(221) $305
(a)
(*)    The reclassification adjustment out of net unrealized gains (losses) on securities affected the following lines in AFG’s Statement of Earnings:
 OCI component Affected line in the statement of earnings 
 Pretax Realized gains (losses) on securities 
 Tax Provision (credit) for income taxes 
(b)Includes net unrealized gains of $61 million at March 31, 2019 compared to $58 million at December 31, 2018 related to securities for which only the credit portion of an other-than-temporary impairment has been recorded in earnings.
(c)On January 1, 2018, AFG adopted new guidance that requires all equity securities other than those accounted for under the equity method to be reported at fair value with holding gains and losses recognized in net earnings. At the date of adoption, the $221 million net unrealized gain on equity securities classified as available for sale (with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in AOCI) under the prior guidance was reclassified from AOCI to retained earnings as the cumulative effect of an accounting change.



Stock Incentive Plans   Under AFG’s stock incentive plans, employees of AFG and its subsidiaries are eligible to receive equity awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock awards. In the first three months of 2019,2020, AFG issued 232,565227,867 shares of restricted Common Stock (fair value of $99.28$104.15 per share) under the Stock Incentive Plan. AFG did not grant any stock options in the first three months of 2019.



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED





Total compensation expense related to stock incentive plans of AFG and its subsidiaries was $6$5 million and $5$6 million in the first three months of 20192020 and 20182019, respectively.


L.    L.    Income Taxes


The following is a reconciliation of income taxes at the statutory rate of 21% to the provision for income taxes as shown in AFG’s Statement of Earnings (dollars in millions):
 Three months ended March 31,
 2020 2019
 Amount % of EBT Amount % of EBT
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (“EBT”)$(388)   $413
  
        
Income taxes at statutory rate$(81) 21% $87
 21%
Effect of:       
Stock-based compensation(4) 1% (2) %
Tax exempt interest(3) 1% (4) (1%)
Dividends received deduction(1) % (1) %
Nondeductible expenses2
 (1%) 2
 %
Change in valuation allowance2
 (1%) 2
 %
Foreign operations1
 % 
 %
Other
 1% 3
 1%
Provision (credit) for income taxes as shown in the statement of earnings$(84) 22% $87
 21%

 Three months ended March 31,
 2019 2018
 Amount % of EBT Amount % of EBT
Earnings before income taxes (“EBT”)$413
   $174
  
        
Income taxes at statutory rate$87
 21% $37
 21%
Effect of:       
Tax exempt interest(4) (1%) (3) (2%)
Dividends received deduction(1) % (1) %
Stock-based compensation(2) % (5) (3%)
Nondeductible expenses2
 % 2
 1%
Change in valuation allowance2
 % 
 %
Foreign operations
 % 3
 2%
Other3
 1% 
 %
Provision for income taxes as shown in the statement of earnings$87
 21% $33
 19%


Approximately $19$23 million of AFG’s net operating loss carryforwards (“NOL”) subject to separate return limitation year (“SRLY”) tax rules will expire unutilized at December 31, 2019.2020. Since AFG maintains a full valuation allowance against its SRLY NOLs, the expiration of these loss carryforwards will be offset by a corresponding reduction in the valuation allowance and will have no overall impact on AFG’s income tax expense or results of operations.


M.     M.     Contingencies


ThereIn December 2015, AFG completed the sale of substantially all of its run-off long-term care insurance business to HC2 Holdings, Inc. (“HC2”). As part of the transaction, AFG agreed to provide up to an aggregate of $35 million of capital support for the insurance companies, on an as-needed basis to maintain specified surplus levels, subject to immediate reimbursement by HC2 through a five-year capital maintenance agreement. As of March 31, 2020, AFG has been released of any obligation to perform under this agreement.

Other than the matter described above, there have been no significant changes to the matters discussed and referred to in Note MN — “Contingencies” of AFG’s 20182019 Form 10-K, which covers property and casualty insurance reserves for claims related to environmental exposures, asbestos and other mass tort claims and environmental and occupational injury and disease claims of former subsidiary railroad and manufacturing operations, as well as contingencies related to the sale of substantially all of AFG’s run-off long-term care insurance business.operations.




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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED




N.    N.    Insurance


Property and Casualty Insurance Reserves The following table provides an analysis of changes in the liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses during the first three months of 20192020 and 20182019 (in millions):
 Three months ended March 31,
 2020 2019
Balance at beginning of year$10,232
 $9,741
Less reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance3,024
 2,942
Net liability at beginning of year7,208
 6,799
Provision for losses and LAE occurring in the current period749
 737
Net increase (decrease) in the provision for claims of prior years(42) (45)
Total losses and LAE incurred (*)707
 692
Payments for losses and LAE of:   
Current year(75) (89)
Prior years(676) (615)
Total payments(751) (704)
Foreign currency translation and other(22) 1
Net liability at end of period7,142
 6,788
Add back reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance2,964
 2,835
Gross unpaid losses and LAE included in the balance sheet at end of period$10,106
 $9,623

 Three months ended March 31,
 2019 2018
Balance at beginning of year$9,741
 $9,678
Less reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance2,942
 2,957
Net liability at beginning of year6,799
 6,721
Provision for losses and LAE occurring in the current period737
 697
Net decrease in the provision for claims of prior years(45) (56)
Total losses and LAE incurred692
 641
Payments for losses and LAE of:   
Current year(89) (86)
Prior years(615) (554)
Total payments(704) (640)
Reserves of business disposed (*)
 (319)
Foreign currency translation and other1
 2
Net liability at end of period6,788
 6,405
Add back reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance2,835
 2,788
Gross unpaid losses and LAE included in the balance sheet at end of period$9,623
 $9,193

(*)ReflectsIncludes $40 million in losses and LAE incurred in the reinsurance to close transaction at Neon discussed below.exited lines in the first three months of 2020.


The net decrease in the provision for claims of prior years during the first three months of 2020 reflects (i) lower than expected losses in the crop business and lower than anticipated claim frequency and severity at National Interstate
(within the Property and transportation sub-segment) and (ii) lower than anticipated claim severity in the workers’ compensation businesses and lower than anticipated claim frequency and severity in the executive liability business (within the Specialty casualty sub-segment). This favorable development was partially offset by (i) higher than expected claim severity in the property and inland marine business (within the Property and transportation sub-segment), (ii) higher than expected claim frequency and severity in the excess and surplus lines businesses and higher than expected claim severity in the public sector business (within the Specialty casualty sub-segment), and (iii) higher than expected losses at Neon.

The net decrease in the provision for claims of prior years during the first three months of 2019 reflects (i) lower than expected
losses in the crop business and lower than expected claim frequency at National Interstate (all within the Property and transportation sub-segment), (ii) lower than anticipated claim severity in the workers’ compensation business (within the Specialty casualty sub-segment), and (iii) lower than expected claim frequency and severity in the surety business and lower than anticipated claim severity in the fidelity business (all within the Specialty financial sub-segment). This favorable development was partially offset by higher than expected claim severity in the in the targeted markets businesses and higher than expected losses at Neon (all within the Specialty casualty sub-segment).


The net decrease inRecoverables from Reinsurers and Premiums ReceivableSee Note A — “Accounting Policies — Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” for a discussion of new guidance effective January 1, 2020, which impacts the provisionaccounting for claimsexpected credit losses of prior years during the first three months of 2018 reflects (i) lower than expected losses in the crop business (within the Propertyrecoverables from reinsurers and transportation sub-segment), (ii) lower than anticipated claim frequency and severity in workers’ compensation business and lower than expected claim severity in the executive liability business (all within the Specialty casualty sub-segment), and (iii) lower than expected claim frequency and severity in the surety business (within the Specialty financial sub-segment). This favorable development was partially offset by higher than expected claim severity and frequency in the targeted markets businesses (within the Specialty casualty sub-segment).

In December 2017, the Neon Lloyd’s syndicate entered into a reinsurance to close transaction for the 2015 and prior years of account with StarStone Underwriting Limited, a subsidiary of Enstar Group Limited, which was effective as of December 31, 2017 and settled in early 2018. In the Lloyd’s market, a reinsurance to close transaction transfers the responsibility for discharging allpremiums receivable. Progressions of the liabilities that attach to the transferred year of account plus the right to any income due to the closing year of account in return2020 allowance for a premium. This transaction provided Neon with finality on its legacy business.expected credit losses are shown below (in millions):

 Recoverables from Reinsurers Premiums Receivable
Balance at January 1$18
 $13
Impact of adoption of new accounting policy(6) (3)
Provision (credit) for expected credit losses1
 (1)
Write-offs charged against the allowance
 
Balance at March 31$13
 $9





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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED


O.    Subsequent Events

Since March 31, 2020, the U.S. federal and state governments, along with governments around the world, have enacted emergency measures to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions have caused significant disruption in the global economy, which has prompted stabilization efforts including monetary and fiscal interventions. Some states have ordered or requested insurers to issue refunds or credits to policyholders with reduced exposures due to workforce reductions, travel limitations or otherwise diminished operations due to the pandemic. In addition, stay at home orders and other restrictions have reduced sales of annuities in the second quarter of 2020. Management cannot reliably estimate how long the pandemic and related recessionary economic conditions will last, whether the regulatory interventions will be successful or the ultimate impact on AFG’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Because the majority of AFG’s investments in limited partnerships and similar investments accounted for under the equity method are reported on a quarter lag, AFG will likely record a loss from those investments in the second quarter of 2020 from the downturn in the financial markets that occurred in the first quarter.

On April 2, 2020, AFG issued $300 million of 5.25% Senior Notes due in April 2030, which will increase liquidity and provide flexibility at the parent company in its response to the uncertainties of the current economic environment.





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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

ITEM 2
2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

INDEX TO MD&A
Page PagePage Page
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “projects”, “estimates”, “intends”, “plans”, “seeks”, “could”, “may”, “should”, “will” or the negative version of those words or other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to: expectations concerning market and other conditions and their effect on future premiums, revenues, earnings, investment activities, and the amount and timing of share repurchases; recoverability of asset values; expected losses and the adequacy of reserves for asbestos, environmental pollution and mass tort claims; rate changes; and improved loss experience.


Actual results and/or financial condition could differ materially from those contained in or implied by such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons including but not limited to:
changes in financial, political and economic conditions, including changes in interest and inflation rates, currency fluctuations and extended economic recessions or expansions in the U.S. and/or abroad;
performance of securities markets, including the cost of equity index options;
new legislation or declines in credit quality or credit ratings that could have a material impact on the valuation of securities in AFG’s investment portfolio;
the availability of capital;
changes in insurance law or regulation, including changes in statutory accounting rules and changes in regulation of the Lloyd’s market, including modifications to the establishment of capital requirements, forchanges in costs associated with the exit from the Lloyd’s market and approvalthe run-off of business plans for syndicate participation;AFG’s Lloyd’s based insurer, Neon;
the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, including the effects on the international and national economy and credit markets, legislative or regulatory developments affecting the insurance industry, quarantines or other travel or health-related restrictions;
changes in the legal environment affecting AFG or its customers;
tax law and accounting changes, including the impact of recent changes in U.S. corporate tax law;changes;
levels of natural catastrophes and severe weather, terrorist activities (including any nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events), incidents of war or losses resulting from pandemics, civil unrest and other major losses;
disruption caused by cyber-attacks or other technology breaches or failures by AFG or its business partners and service providers, which could negatively impact AFG’s business and/or expose AFG to litigation;
development of insurance loss reserves and establishment of other reserves, particularly with respect to amounts associated with asbestos and environmental claims;
availability of reinsurance and ability of reinsurers to pay their obligations;
trends in persistency and mortality;
competitive pressures;
the ability to obtain adequate rates and policy terms;
changes in AFG’s credit ratings or the financial strength ratings assigned by major ratings agencies to AFG’s operating subsidiaries; and
the impact of the conditions in the international financial markets and the global economy relating to AFG’s international operations.
The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date of this report. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



OVERVIEW


Financial Condition

AFG is organized as a holding company with almost all of its operations being conducted by subsidiaries. AFG, however, has continuing cash needs for administrative expenses, the payment of principal and interest on borrowings, shareholder dividends, and taxes. Therefore, certain analyses are most meaningfully presented on a parent only basis while others are best done on a total enterprise basis. In addition, because most of its businesses are financial in nature, AFG does not prepare its consolidated financial statements using a current-noncurrent format. Consequently, certain traditional ratios and financial analysis tests are not meaningful.


Results of Operations

Through the operations of its subsidiaries, AFG is engaged primarily in property and casualty insurance, focusing on specialized commercial products for businesses, and in the sale of traditional fixed fixed-indexed and variable-indexedindexed annuities in the retail, financial institutions, broker-dealer and registered investment advisor markets.


Net earningsAFG reported a net loss attributable to AFG’s shareholders for the first three months of 2019 were2020 of $301 million ($3.34 per share, diluted), compared to net earnings attributable to shareholders of $329 million ($3.63 per share, diluted) compared to $145 million ($1.60 per share, diluted) reported in the same period of 2018, reflecting:
lower earnings2019. The COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread financial and economic impacts, including a significant decrease in both the annuity segment,
lower underwriting profit in the propertyequity and casualty insurance segment,
higher net investment income in the property and casualty insurance segment, and
realized gainscredit markets, which adversely impacted returns on securities in the first three monthsAFG’s $3.58 billion of 2019 compared to realized losses on securities in the first three months of 2018. Both the 2019 and 2018 periods reflect the change in the fair value of equity securitiesinvestments that are required to be carried at fair value through net earnings. AFG’s results reflect:
net realized losses on securities in the first three months of 2020 compared to net realized gains on securities in the first three months of 2019,
lower earnings in the annuity segment reflecting negative adjustments to investments that are marked to market through net investment income,
lower net investment income in the property and casualty insurance segment due primarily to negative adjustments to investments that are marked to market through net investment income, and
lower holding company expenses.

Outlook
The COVID-19 pandemic began to have a significant impact on global, social and economic activity during the first three months of 2020. AFG has taken actions under new accounting guidance adoptedits business continuity plan to minimize risk to the Company’s employees and to prevent any significant disruption to AFG’s business, agents or policyholders.

Management believes that AFG’s strong financial position coming into 2020 and current liquidity and capital at its subsidiaries will give AFG the flexibility to continue to effectively address and respond to the ongoing uncertainties presented by the pandemic. Even with management’s expectation that the impacts of the pandemic will continue through 2020, AFG’s insurance subsidiaries are projected to have capital at or in excess of the levels required by ratings agencies in order to maintain their current ratings, and the parent company does not have any near-term debt maturities.

The widespread economic impacts of the pandemic, including a significant decrease in both equity and credit markets, adversely affected AFG’s investment returns during the first quarter of 2020. Because the majority of AFG’s investments in limited partnerships and similar investments accounted for using the equity method are reported on January 1, 2018.a quarter lag, second quarter 2020 returns from those investments will reflect the financial results and valuations as of March 31, 2020, including the impact of the downturn in financial markets during the first quarter and could be negative. Management expects there to be continued volatility in the financial markets for the remainder of 2020.


While AFG’s underwriting results for the first three months of 2020 were not significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, management anticipates that the pandemic and current recessionary economic conditions will have a negative impact on premiums and earnings for the remainder of 2020. As the economy continues to contract, exposures in many of AFG’s property and casualty businesses will change due to workforce reduction, fewer miles driven and reduced revenue. This may lead to lower frequency and severity in certain lines while there may be COVID-19 related increases in claim frequency in other lines of business. As states mandate longer grace periods for premium payments, AFG’s property and casualty subsidiaries are likely to see a slowdown in cash collections and higher premiums receivable balances throughout the remainder of 2020, which will require management to monitor the reinvestment of cash flows from the property and casualty subsidiaries’ investment portfolios. There is also uncertainty as to potential government decree or legislation that could alter the coverage landscape such as the imposition of retroactive business interruption insurance. Like most of the insurance industry, AFG’s business interruption coverages require direct physical damage to covered

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

property for business interruption coverage to apply and the vast majority of AFG’s property policies also contain virus exclusions. While AFG has not experienced an increase in death claims or surrender activity in the annuity business related to COVID-19, stay at home orders and other restrictions are likely to continue to reduce annuity sales for the remainder of 2020. See Part II, Item 1A — “Risk Factors.”

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES


Significant accounting policies are summarized in Note AAccounting Policies“Accounting Policies” to the financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that can have a significant effect on amounts reported in the financial statements. As more information becomes known, these estimates and assumptions change and, thus, impact amounts reported in the future. The areas where management believes the degree of judgment required to determine amounts recorded in the financial statements is most significant are as follows:
the establishment of insurance reserves, especially asbestos and environmental-related reserves,
the recoverability of reinsurance,
the recoverabilityamortization of annuity deferred policy acquisition costs,
the measurement of the derivatives embedded in fixed-indexed and variable-indexedindexed annuity liabilities,
the establishment of asbestos and environmental reserves of former railroad and manufacturing operations, and
the valuation of investments, including the determination of other-than-temporary impairments.


For a discussion of these policies, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis — “Critical Accounting Policies” in AFG’s 20182019 Form 10-K.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


Ratios
AFG’s debt to total capital ratio on a consolidated basis is shown below (dollars in millions):
 March 31,
2019
 December 31, March 31, 2020 December 31,
2018 2017Actual Adjusted (*)2019 2018
Principal amount of long-term debt $1,443
 $1,318
 $1,318
 $1,493
 $1,793
 $1,493
 $1,318
Total capital 6,644
 6,218
 6,046
 6,480
 6,780
 6,883
 6,218
Ratio of debt to total capital:              
Including subordinated debt 21.7% 21.2% 21.8% 23.0% 26.4% 21.7% 21.2%
Excluding subordinated debt 15.3% 16.4% 16.8% 15.7% 19.4% 14.8% 16.4%


(*)Reflects the impact of the April 2, 2020 issuance of $300 million of 5.25% Senior Notes due in April 2030.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



The ratio of debt to total capital is a non-GAAP measure that management believes is useful for investors, analysts and independent ratings agencies to evaluate AFG’s financial strength and liquidity and to provide insight into how AFG finances its operations. In addition, maintaining a ratio of debt, excluding subordinated debt and debt secured by real estate (if any), to total capital of 35% or lower is a financial covenant in AFG’s bank credit facility. The ratio is calculated by dividing the principal amount of AFG’s long-term debt by its total capital, which includes long-term debt, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity (excluding unrealized gains (losses) related to fixed maturity investments).


AFG’sFixed charges are computed on a “total enterprise” basis. For purposes of calculating the ratios, “earnings (loss)” have been computed by adding to pretax earnings (loss) the fixed charges and the noncontrolling interests in earnings of subsidiaries having fixed charges and the undistributed equity in earnings or losses of investees. Fixed charges include interest (including annuity benefits as indicated), amortization of debt premium/discount and expense, preferred dividend and distribution requirements of subsidiaries and a portion of rental expense deemed to be representative of the interest factor. The ratio of core earnings to fixed charges excluding annuity benefits and the ratio of earnings (loss) to fixed charges excluding and including annuity benefits are shown in the table below:

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

  Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2019
Ratio of core earnings to fixed charges excluding annuity benefits 11.15
 12.78
Impact of non-core items (29.95) 1.83
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges excluding annuity benefits *
 14.61
Impact of including interest on annuities as a fixed charge (18.47) (12.76)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges including annuity benefits *
 1.85

*Earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $396 million.

Although the ratio of earnings to fixed charges including annuity benefits as a fixed charge, was 2.26 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 1.54 for the year ended December 31, 2018. Excluding annuity benefits, this ratio was 20.00 and 7.86, respectively. The ratio excluding annuity benefits is presented becausenot required or encouraged to be disclosed under Securities and Exchange Commission rules, some investors and lenders may not consider interest credited to annuity policyholderpolicyholders’ accounts is not always considered a borrowing cost for an insurance company.company, and accordingly, believe this ratio is meaningful.


Condensed Consolidated Cash Flows
AFG’s principal sources of cash include insurance premiums, income from its investment portfolio and proceeds from the maturities, redemptions and sales of investments. Insurance premiums in excess of acquisition expenses and operating costs are invested until they are needed to meet policyholder obligations or made available to the parent company through dividends to cover debt obligations and corporate expenses, and to provide returns to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. Cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities as detailed in AFG’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows are shown below (in millions):
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
Net cash provided by operating activities$454
 $391
$532
 $454
Net cash used in investing activities(684) (1,656)(1,653) (684)
Net cash provided by financing activities715
 586
480
 715
Net change in cash and cash equivalents$485
 $(679)$(641) $485


Net Cash Provided by Operating ActivitiesAFG’s property and casualty insurance operations typically produce positive net operating cash flows as premiums collected and investment income exceed policy acquisition costs, claims payments and operating expenses. AFG’s net cash provided by operating activities is impacted by the level and timing of property and casualty premiums, claim and expense payments and recoveries from reinsurers. AFG’s annuity operations typically produce positive net operating cash flows as investment income exceeds acquisition costs and operating expenses. Interest credited on annuity policyholder funds is a non-cash increase in AFG’s annuity benefits accumulated liability and annuity premiums, benefits and withdrawals are considered financing activities due to the deposit-type nature of annuities. Cash flows provided by operating activities also include the activity of AFG’s managed investment entities (collateralized loan obligations) other than those activities included in investing or financing activities. The changes in the assets and liabilities of the managed investment entities included in operating activities increased cash flows from operating activities by $16$89 million during the first three months of 20192020 and $31$16 million in the first three months of 2018,2019, accounting for a $15$73 million declineincrease in cash flows from operating activities in the 20192020 period compared to the 20182019 period. As discussed in Note AAccounting“Accounting PoliciesManaged Investment EntitiesEntities” to the financial statements, AFG has no right to use the CLO assets and no obligation to pay the CLO liabilities and such assets and liabilities are shown separately in AFG’s Balance Sheet. Excluding the impact of the managed investment entities, net cash provided by operating activities was $443 million in the first three months of 2020 compared to $438 million in the first three months of 2019, compared to $360 million in the first three months of 2018, an increase of $78$5 million.


Net Cash Used in Investing ActivitiesAFG’s investing activities consist primarily of the investment of funds provided by its property and casualty and annuity businesses. Net cash used in investing activities was $684 million$1.65 billion for the first three months of 20192020 compared to $1.66 billion$684 million in the first three months of 2018, a decrease2019, an increase of $972 million.$969 million. As discussed below (under net cash provided by financing activities), AFG’s annuity groupsegment had net cash flows from annuity policyholders of $612 million in the first three months of 2020 and $626 million in the first three months of 2019 and $5122019. In addition, AFG’s cash on hand decreased by $641 million in the first three months of 2018, which is the primary source of AFG’s cash used in investing activities. In addition, AFG’s cash on hand increased by $485 million during the first three months of 20192020 as AFG held more cash due to fewer investment opportunities in the first quarter of 2019 compared to a decrease of cash on hand of $679 million during the first three months of 2018, as AFGopportunistically invested a large portion of its cash on hand at December 31, 2017. Net investment activitywhen credit spreads widened in the managed investment entities was a $18March of 2020 compared to an increase of $485 millionuse of cash in the first three months of 2019 compared when AFG held more cash due to a $128 million usefewer attractive investment opportunities. In addition to the investment of cash infunds provided by the 2018 period, accounting for a $110 million decrease in net cash used ininsurance operations, investing activities inalso include the first three months of 2019 compared to the same 2018 period. See Note A — “Accounting PoliciesManaged Investment Entities and Note G — “Managed Investment Entities to the financial statements.purchase



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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



and disposal of managed investment entity investments, which are presented separately in AFG’s Balance Sheet. Net investment activity in the managed investment entities was a $44 millionuse of cash in the first three months of 2020 compared to an $18 million use of cash in the 2019 period, accounting for an $26 million increase in net cash used in investing activities in the first three months of 2020 compared to the same 2019 period. See Note A — “Accounting Policies — Managed Investment Entities” and Note H — “Managed Investment Entities” to the financial statements.

Net Cash Provided by Financing ActivitiesAFG’s financing activities consist primarily of transactions with annuity policyholders, issuances and retirements of long-term debt, issuances and repurchases of common stock, and dividend payments. Net cash provided by financing activities was $715480 million for the first three months of 20192020 compared to $586715 million in the first three months of 2018, an increase2019, a decrease of $129235 million. Annuity receipts exceeded annuity surrenders, benefits, withdrawals and transfers by $612 million in the first three months of 2020 compared to $626 million in the first three months of 2019, compared to $512 million in the first three months of 2018, accounting for a $114$14 million increasedecrease in net cash provided by financing activities in the 20192020 period compared to the 20182019 period. Financing activities also include issuances and retirements of managed investment entity liabilities, which are nonrecourse to AFG and presented separately in AFG’s Balance Sheet. In March 2019, AFG issued $125 million of 5.875% Subordinated Debentures due in 2059, the net proceeds of which contributed $121 million to net cash provided by financing activities in the first three months of 2019. During the first three months of 2020, AFG repurchased $61 million of its Common Stock compared to no share repurchases in the 2019 period. Financing activities also include issuances and retirements of managed investment entity liabilities, which are nonrecourse to AFG and presented separately in AFG’s Balance Sheet. Retirements of managed investment entity liabilities exceeded issuances by were $41 million in the first three months of 2020 compared to $3 million in the first three months of 2019, compared to issuances of managed investment entity liabilities exceeding retirements by $91 million in the first three months of 2018, accounting for a $9438 milliondecrease in net cash provided by financing activities in the 20192020 period compared to the 20182019 period. See Note AAccounting“Accounting PoliciesManaged Investment EntitiesEntities” and Note GHManaged“Managed Investment EntitiesEntities” to the financial statements.


Parent and Subsidiary Liquidity


Parent Holding Company Liquidity   Management believes AFG has sufficient resources to meet its liquidity requirements. If funds generated from operations, including dividends, tax payments and borrowings from subsidiaries, are insufficient to meet fixed charges in any period, AFG would be required to utilize parent company cash and marketable securities or to generate cash through borrowings, sales of other assets, or similar transactions.


AFG can borrow up to $500 million under its revolving credit facility which expires in June 2021. Amounts borrowed under this agreement bear interest at rates ranging from 1.00% to 1.875% (currently 1.375%) over LIBOR based on AFG’s credit rating. There were no borrowings under this agreement, or under any other parent company short-term borrowing arrangements, during 20182019 or the first three months of 2019.2020.


On April 2, 2020, AFG issued $300 million of 5.25% Senior Notes due in April 2030 to increase liquidity and provide flexibility at the parent holding company. The net proceeds of the offering will be used for general corporate purposes.

During the first three months of 2020, AFG repurchased 826,283 shares of its Common Stock for $61 million. Through the date of this filing, AFG has not repurchased any additional shares.

In MayDecember 2019, AFG declared a special cash dividendissued $200 million of $1.50 per share5.125% Subordinated Debentures due in December 2059. A portion of AFG Common Stock. The dividend is payable on May 28, 2019the net proceeds of the offering were used to shareholders of record on May 15, 2019. The aggregateredeem AFG’s $150 million outstanding principal amount of this special dividend will be approximately $135 million.6-1/4% Subordinated Debentures due in September 2054, at par value, with the remainder used for general corporate purposes.


In March 2019, AFG issued $125 million of 5.875% Subordinated Debentures due in March 2059. The net proceeds of the offering will bewere used for general corporate purposes.


In 2018,2019, AFG paid special cash dividends of $3.00$3.30 per share of AFG Common Stock ($1.50 per share in May and $1.80 per share in November) totaling approximately $267 million and repurchased 65,589 shares of its Common Stock for $6$297 million.


Under a tax allocation agreement with AFG, its 80%-owned U.S. subsidiaries generally pay taxes to (or recover taxes from) AFG based on each subsidiary’s contribution to amounts due under AFG’s consolidated tax return.


Subsidiary Liquidity   Great American Life Insurance Company (“GALIC”), a wholly-owned annuity subsidiary, is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (“FHLB”). The FHLB makes advances and provides other banking services to member institutions, which provides the annuity operations with an additional source of liquidity. At March 31, 20192020, GALIC had $1.1$1.30 billion in outstanding advances from the FHLB (included in annuity benefits accumulated), bearing interest at rates ranging from 0.15%0.69% to 0.22% over LIBOR1.35% (average rate of 2.67%1.12% at March 31, 20192020). While these advances

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

must be repaid between 20192020 and 20212025 ($345 million in 2019, $225165 million in 2020, and $526$931 million in 2021)2021 and $200 million in 2025), GALIC has the option to prepay all or a portion on the majority of the advances. GALIC has invested the proceeds from the advances in fixed maturity securities with similar expected lives as the advances for the purpose of earning a spread over the interest payments due to the FHLB. At March 31, 2019,2020, GALIC estimated that it had additional borrowing capacity of approximately $300$550 million from the FHLB.


The liquidity requirements of AFG’s insurance subsidiaries relate primarily to the liabilities associated with their products as well as operating costs and expenses, payments of dividends and taxes to AFG and contributions of capital to their subsidiaries. Historically, cash flows from premiums and investment income have generally provided more than sufficient funds to meet these requirements. Funds received in excess of cash requirements are generally invested in additional marketable securities. In addition, the insurance subsidiaries generally hold a significant amount of highly liquid, short-term investments.


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



The excess cash flow of AFG’s property and casualty group allows it to extend the duration of its investment portfolio somewhat beyond that of its claim reserves.


In the annuity business, where profitability is largely dependent on earning a spread between invested assets and annuity liabilities, the duration of investments is generally maintained close to that of liabilities. In a rising interest rate environment, significant protection from withdrawals exists in the form of temporary and permanent surrender charges on AFG’s annuity products. With declining rates, AFG receives some protection (from spread compression) due to the ability to lower crediting rates, subject to contractually guaranteed minimum interest rates (“GMIRs”). At March 31, 2019,2020, AFG could reduce the average crediting rate on approximately $29$31 billion of traditional fixed, fixed-indexed and variable-indexed annuities without guaranteed withdrawal benefits by approximately 120118 basis points (on a weighted average basis). Annuity policies are subject to GMIRs at policy issuance. AFG has taken action to lower crediting rates on annuity policies near or after the end of the surrender charge period. The table below shows the breakdown of annuity reserves by GMIR. The current interest crediting rates on substantially all of AFG’s annuities with a GMIR of 3% or higher are at their minimum.
     % of Reserves 
     March 31, December 31, 
 GMIR   2019 2018 2017 
 1 — 1.99%   79% 79% 76% 
 2 — 2.99%   4% 4% 5% 
 3 — 3.99%   8% 8% 10% 
 4.00% and above   9% 9% 9% 
           
 Annuity benefits accumulated (in millions) $38,006 $36,616 $33,316 
     % of Reserves 
     March 31, December 31, 
 GMIR   2020 2019 2018 
 1 — 1.99%   83% 83% 80% 
 2 — 2.99%   3% 3% 4% 
 3 — 3.99%   7% 7% 8% 
 4.00% and above   7% 7% 8% 
           
 Annuity benefits accumulated (in millions) $40,463 $40,406 $36,616 


AFG believes its insurance subsidiaries maintain sufficient liquidity to pay claims and benefits and operating expenses. In addition, these subsidiaries have sufficient capital to meet commitments in the event of unforeseen events such as reserve deficiencies, inadequate premium rates or reinsurer insolvencies. Even in the current uncertain COVID-19 environment, management believes that the capital levels in AFG’s insurance subsidiaries are adequate to maintain its businesses and rating agency ratings. Should the current adverse financial conditions continue through 2020, AFG’s insurance subsidiaries will reduce dividend payments to AFG parent as needed to maintain sufficient capital at the insurance companies. Nonetheless, changes in statutory accounting rules, significant declines in the fair value of the insurance subsidiaries’ investment portfolios or significant ratings downgrades on these investments, could create a need for additional capital.


Investments
AFG’s investment portfolio at March 31, 20192020, contained $43.4346.13 billion in fixed maturity securities classified as available for sale and carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in a separate component of shareholders’ equity on an after-tax basisaccumulated other comprehensive income and $10796 million in fixed maturities classified as trading with holding gains and losses included in net investment income. In addition, AFG’s investment portfolio includes $1.73$1.25 billion in equity securities carried at fair value with holding gains and losses included in realized gains (losses) on securities and $198$306 million in equity securities carried at fair value with holding gains and losses included in net investment income.


Fair values for AFG’s portfolio are determined by AFG’s internal investment professionals using data from nationally recognized pricing services as well as non-binding broker quotes. Fair values of equity securities are generally based on

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

published closing prices. For AFG’s fixed maturity portfolio, approximately 92%89% was priced using pricing services at March 31, 20192020 and the balance was priced primarily by using non-binding broker quotes. When prices obtained for the same security vary, AFG’s internal investment professionals select the price they believe is most indicative of an exit price.


The pricing services use a variety of observable inputs to estimate fair value of fixed maturities that do not trade on a daily basis. Based upon information provided by the pricing services, these inputs include, but are not limited to, recent reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids or offers, reference data, and measures of volatility. Included in the pricing of MBSmortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) are estimates of the rate of future prepayments and defaults of principal over the remaining life of the underlying collateral. Due to the lack of transparency in the process that brokers use to develop prices, valuations that are based on brokers’ prices are classified as Level 3 in the GAAP hierarchy unless the price can be corroborated, for example, by comparison to similar securities priced using observable inputs.


Valuation techniques utilized by pricing services and prices obtained from external sources are reviewed by AFG’s internal investment professionals who are familiar with the securities being priced and the markets in which they trade to ensure the fair value determination is representative of an exit price. To validate the appropriateness of the prices obtained, these investment managers consider widely published indices (as benchmarks), recent trades, changes in interest rates, general economic conditions and the credit quality of the specific issuers. In addition, AFG communicates directly with pricing services regarding the methods and assumptions used in pricing, including verifying, on a test basis, the inputs used by the services to value specific securities.


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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



In general, the fair value of AFG’s fixed maturity investments is inversely correlated to changes in interest rates. The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of such fair values to reasonably likely changes in interest rates by illustrating the estimated effect on AFG’s fixed maturity portfolio and accumulated other comprehensive income that an immediate increase of 100 basis points in the interest rate yield curve would have at March 31, 20192020 (dollars in millions). Effects of increases or decreases from the 100 basis points illustrated would be approximately proportional.


Fair value of fixed maturity portfolio$43,538
$46,230
Percentage impact on fair value of 100 bps increase in interest rates(4.5%)(4.0%)
Pretax impact on fair value of fixed maturity portfolio$(1,959)$(1,849)
Offsetting adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs and other balance sheet amounts800
850
Estimated pretax impact on accumulated other comprehensive income(1,159)(999)
Deferred income tax243
210
Estimated after-tax impact on accumulated other comprehensive income$(916)$(789)


Approximately 91% of the fixed maturities held by AFG at March 31, 20192020, were rated “investment grade” (credit rating of AAA to BBB) by nationally recognized rating agencies. Investment grade securities generally bear lower yields and lower degrees of risk than those that are unrated and non-investment grade. Management believes that the high qualityhigh-quality investment portfolio should generate a stable and predictable investment return.


MBS are subject to significant prepayment risk due to the fact that,because, in periods of declining interest rates, mortgages may be repaid more rapidly than scheduled as borrowers refinance higher rate mortgages to take advantage of lower rates. Although interest rates have been low in recent years, tighter lending standards have resulted in fewer buyers being able to refinance the mortgages underlying much


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Table of AFG’s non-agency residential MBS portfolio.Contents

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

Summarized information for AFG’s MBS (including those classified as trading) at March 31, 20192020, is shown in the table below (dollars in millions). Agency-backed securities are those issued by a U.S. government-backed agency; Alt-A mortgages are those with risk profiles between prime and subprime. The average life of the residential and commercial MBS is approximately 4.54 years and 43 years, respectively.
 
Amortized
Cost
 Fair Value 
Fair Value as
% of Cost
 
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 
% Rated
Investment
Grade
 
Amortized
Cost, net (*)
 Fair Value 
Fair Value as
% of Cost
 
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 
% Rated
Investment
Grade
Collateral type                    
Residential:                    
Agency-backed $163
 $163
 100% $
 100% $494
 $506
 102% $12
 100%
Non-agency prime 960
 1,089
 113% 129
 27% 1,359
 1,383
 102% 24
 61%
Alt-A 1,005
 1,118
 111% 113
 35% 904
 918
 102% 14
 40%
Subprime 351
 388
 111% 37
 27% 316
 325
 103% 9
 28%
Commercial 900
 924
 103% 24
 95% 892
 907
 102% 15
 96%
 $3,379
 $3,682
 109% $303
 50% $3,965
 $4,039
 102% $74
 66%


(*)Amortized cost, net of allowance for expected credit losses.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) assigns creditworthiness designations on a scale of 1 to 6 with 1 being the highest quality and 6 being the lowest quality. The NAIC retains third-party investment management firms to assist in the determination of appropriate NAIC designations for MBS based not only on the probability of loss (which is the primary basis of ratings by the major ratings firms), but also on the severity of loss and statutory carrying value. At March 31, 20192020, 96% (based on statutory carrying value of $3.32$3.92 billion) of AFG’s MBS had an NAIC designation of 1.


Municipal bonds represented approximately 16%15% of AFG’s fixed maturity portfolio at March 31, 20192020. AFG’s municipal bond portfolio is high quality, with 99% of the securities rated investment grade at that date. The portfolio is well diversified across the states of issuance and individual issuers. At March 31, 20192020, approximately 78%79% of the municipal bond portfolio was held in revenue bonds, with the remaining 22%21% held in general obligation bonds. AFG does not own general obligation bonds issued by Puerto Rico.



Summarized information for the unrealized gains and losses recorded in AFG’s Balance Sheet at March 31, 2020, is shown in the following table (dollars in millions). Approximately $1.17 billion of available for sale fixed maturity securities had no unrealized gains or losses at March 31, 2020
36
 
Securities
With
Unrealized
Gains
 
Securities
With
Unrealized
Losses
Available for Sale Fixed Maturities   
Fair value of securities$26,535
 $18,427
Amortized cost of securities, net of allowance for expected credit losses$25,117
 $19,751
Gross unrealized gain (loss)$1,418
 $(1,324)
Fair value as % of amortized cost106% 93%
Number of security positions3,520
 1,871
Number individually exceeding $2 million gain or loss117
 183
Concentration of gains (losses) by type or industry (exceeding 5% of unrealized):   
States and municipalities$388
 $(8)
Banks, savings and credit institutions165
 (33)
Mortgage-backed securities153
 (79)
Insurance113
 (29)
Other financials97
 (131)
Other asset-backed securities65
 (362)
Energy19
 (205)
Collateralized loan obligations5
 (306)
Percentage rated investment grade95% 89%


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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



Summarized information for the unrealized gains and losses recorded in AFG’s Balance Sheet at March 31, 2019, is shown in the following table (dollars in millions). Approximately $624 million of available for sale fixed maturity securities had no unrealized gains or losses at March 31, 2019.
 
Securities
With
Unrealized
Gains
 
Securities
With
Unrealized
Losses
Available for Sale Fixed Maturities   
Fair value of securities$31,529
 $11,278
Amortized cost of securities$30,327
 $11,467
Gross unrealized gain (loss)$1,202
 $(189)
Fair value as % of amortized cost104% 98%
Number of security positions4,075
 1,274
Number individually exceeding $2 million gain or loss64
 6
Concentration of gains (losses) by type or industry (exceeding 5% of unrealized):   
Mortgage-backed securities$311
 $(8)
States and municipalities253
 (20)
Asset-backed securities163
 (54)
Banks, savings and credit institutions98
 (22)
Manufacturing89
 (21)
Insurance companies51
 (11)
Percentage rated investment grade91% 93%

The table below sets forth the scheduled maturities of AFG’s available for sale fixed maturity securities at March 31, 20192020, based on their fair values. Securities with sinking funds are reported at average maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain securities may be called or prepaid by the issuers.
Securities
With
Unrealized
Gains
 
Securities
With
Unrealized
Losses
Securities
With
Unrealized
Gains
 
Securities
With
Unrealized
Losses
Maturity      
One year or less4% 3%4% 4%
After one year through five years22% 17%31% 12%
After five years through ten years35% 30%39% 24%
After ten years12% 7%12% 4%
73% 57%86% 44%
Asset-backed securities (average life of approximately 4.5 years)17% 39%
Mortgage-backed securities (average life of approximately 4.5 years)10% 4%
Collateralized loan obligations and other asset-backed securities (average life of approximately 4-1/2 years)6% 47%
Mortgage-backed securities (average life of approximately 3-1/2 years)8% 9%
100% 100%100% 100%


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



The table below (dollars in millions) summarizes the unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities by dollar amount:
  
Aggregate
Fair
Value
 
Aggregate
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 
Fair
Value as
% of Cost
Fixed Maturities at March 31, 2019      
Securities with unrealized gains:      
Exceeding $500,000 (685 securities) $10,978
 $749
 107%
$500,000 or less (3,390 securities) 20,551
 453
 102%
  $31,529
 $1,202
 104%
Securities with unrealized losses:      
Exceeding $500,000 (75 securities) $1,435
 $(80) 95%
$500,000 or less (1,199 securities) 9,843
 (109) 99%
  $11,278
 $(189) 98%
  
Aggregate
Fair
Value
 
Aggregate
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 
Fair
Value as
% of Cost
Fixed Maturities at March 31, 2020      
Securities with unrealized gains:      
Exceeding $500,000 (830 securities) $13,559
 $1,036
 108%
$500,000 or less (2,690 securities) 12,976
 382
 103%
  $26,535
 $1,418
 106%
Securities with unrealized losses:      
Exceeding $500,000 (709 securities) $11,374
 $(1,172) 91%
$500,000 or less (1,162 securities) 7,053
 (152) 98%
  $18,427
 $(1,324) 93%


The following table (dollars in millions) summarizes the unrealized losses for all securities with unrealized losses by issuer quality and the length of time those securities have been in an unrealized loss position: 
  
Aggregate
Fair
Value
 
Aggregate
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value as
% of Cost
Securities with Unrealized Losses at March 31, 2019      
Investment grade fixed maturities with losses for:      
Less than one year (388 securities) $4,758
 $(49) 99%
One year or longer (740 securities) 5,711
 (113) 98%
  $10,469
 $(162) 98%
Non-investment grade fixed maturities with losses for:      
Less than one year (85 securities) $450
 $(7) 98%
One year or longer (61 securities) 359
 (20) 95%
  $809
 $(27) 97%
  
Aggregate
Fair
Value
 
Aggregate
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value as
% of Cost
Securities with Unrealized Losses at March 31, 2020      
Investment grade fixed maturities with losses for:      
Less than one year (1,231 securities) $14,456
 $(921) 94%
One year or longer (151 securities) 1,865
 (179) 91%
  $16,321
 $(1,100) 94%
Non-investment grade fixed maturities with losses for:      
Less than one year (454 securities) $2,030
 $(209) 91%
One year or longer (35 securities) 76
 (15) 84%
  $2,106
 $(224) 90%


When a decline in the value of a specific investment is considered to be other-than-temporary, a provisionan allowance for impairmentcredit losses (impairment) is charged to earnings (accounted for as a realized loss) and the cost basis of that investment is reduced by the amount of the charge.. The determination of whether unrealized losses are other-than-temporary requires judgment based on subjective as well as objective factors as detailed in AFG’s 20182019 Form 10-K under Management’s Discussion and Analysis — “Investments.”


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued


Based on its analysis, management believes AFG will recover its cost basis (net of any allowance) in the fixed maturity securities with unrealized losses and that AFG has the ability to hold the securities until they recover in value and had no intent to sell them at March 31, 20192020. Although AFG has the ability to continue holding its fixed maturity investments with unrealized losses, its intent to hold them may change due to deterioration in the issuers’ creditworthiness, decisions to lessen exposure to a particular issuer or industry, asset/liability management decisions, market movements, changes in views about appropriate asset allocation or the desire to offset taxable realized gains. Should AFG’s ability or intent change with regard toregarding a particular security, a charge for impairment would likely be required. While it is not possible to accurately predict if or when a specific security will become impaired, charges for other-than-temporary impairment could be material to results of operations in future periods. Significant declines in the fair value of AFG’s investment portfolio could have a significant adverse effect on AFG’s liquidity. For information on AFG’s realized gains (losses) on securities, including charges for other-than-temporary impairment, see “Results of Operations — Consolidated Realized Gains (Losses) on Securities.”


Uncertainties
Management believes that the areas posing the greatest risk of material loss are the adequacy of its insurance reserves and contingencies arising out of its former railroad and manufacturing operations. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis — “Uncertainties — Asbestos and Environmental-related (“A&E”) Insurance Reserves”Reserves in AFG’s 20182019 Form 10-K.10‑K.



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued


MANAGED INVESTMENT ENTITIES


Accounting standards require AFG to consolidate its investments in collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) entities that it manages and owns an interest in (in the form of debt). See Note AAccounting“Accounting PoliciesManaged Investment EntitiesEntities” and Note GH Managed“Managed Investment EntitiesEntities” to the financial statements. The effect of consolidating these entities is shown in the tables below (in millions). The “Before CLO Consolidation” columns include AFG’s investment and earnings in the CLOs on an unconsolidated basis.


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Before CLO
Consolidation
 
Managed
Investment
Entities
 
Consol.
Entries
 
Consolidated
As Reported
Before CLO
Consolidation
 
Managed
Investment
Entities
 
Consol.
Entries
 
Consolidated
As Reported
March 31, 2019       
March 31, 2020       
Assets:              
Cash and investments$51,232
 $
 $(192) (a) $51,040
$53,381
 $
 $(160) (a) $53,221
Assets of managed investment entities
 4,786
 
 4,786

 4,026
 
 4,026
Other assets10,307
 
 (1) (a) 10,306
10,397
 
 (1) (a) 10,396
Total assets$61,539
 $4,786
 $(193) $66,132
$63,778
 $4,026
 $(161) $67,643
Liabilities:              
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums$12,228
 $
 $
 $12,228
$12,914
 $
 $
 $12,914
Annuity, life, accident and health benefits and reserves38,638
 
 
 38,638
41,070
 
 
 41,070
Liabilities of managed investment entities
 4,786
 (193) (a) 4,593

 4,026
 (161) (a) 3,865
Long-term debt and other liabilities5,008
 
 
 5,008
4,747
 
 
 4,747
Total liabilities55,874
 4,786
 (193) 60,467
58,731
 4,026
 (161) 62,596
              
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
 
 

 
 
 
              
Shareholders’ equity:              
Common Stock and Capital surplus1,346
 
 
 1,346
1,399
 
 
 1,399
Retained earnings3,875
 
 
 3,875
3,616
 
 
 3,616
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax444
 
 
 444
32
 
 
 32
Total shareholders’ equity5,665
 
 
 5,665
5,047
 
 
 5,047
Noncontrolling interests
 
 
 

 
 
 
Total equity5,665
 
 
 5,665
5,047
 
 
 5,047
Total liabilities and equity$61,539
 $4,786
 $(193) $66,132
$63,778
 $4,026
 $(161) $67,643
              
December 31, 2018       
December 31, 2019       
Assets:              
Cash and investments$48,685
 $
 $(187) (a) $48,498
$55,416
 $
 $(164) (a) $55,252
Assets of managed investment entities
 4,700
 
 4,700

 4,736
 
 4,736
Other assets10,259
 
 (1) (a) 10,258
10,143
 
 (1) (a) 10,142
Total assets$58,944
 $4,700
 $(188) $63,456
$65,559
 $4,736
 $(165) $70,130
Liabilities:              
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums$12,336
 $
 $
 $12,336
$13,062
 $
 $
 $13,062
Annuity, life, accident and health benefits and reserves37,251
 
 
 37,251
41,018
 
 
 41,018
Liabilities of managed investment entities
 4,700
 (188) (a) 4,512

 4,736
 (165) (a) 4,571
Long-term debt and other liabilities4,385
 
 
 4,385
5,210
 
 
 5,210
Total liabilities53,972
 4,700
 (188) 58,484
59,290
 4,736
 (165) 63,861
              
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
 
 

 
 
 
              
Shareholders’ equity:              
Common Stock and Capital surplus1,334
 
 
 1,334
1,397
 
 
 1,397
Retained earnings3,588
 
 
 3,588
4,009
 
 
 4,009
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax48
 
 
 48
863
 
 
 863
Total shareholders’ equity4,970
 
 
 4,970
6,269
 
 
 6,269
Noncontrolling interests2
 
 
 2

 
 
 
Total equity4,972
 
 
 4,972
6,269
 
 
 6,269
Total liabilities and equity$58,944
 $4,700
 $(188) $63,456
$65,559
 $4,736
 $(165) $70,130


(a)Elimination of the fair value of AFG’s investment in CLOs and related accrued interest.


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
Before CLO
Consolidation (a)
 
Managed
Investment
Entities
 
Consol.
Entries
 
Consolidated
As Reported
Before CLO
Consolidation (a)
 
Managed
Investment
Entities
 
Consol.
Entries
 
Consolidated
As Reported
Three months ended March 31, 2019       
Three months ended March 31, 2020       
Revenues:              
Insurance net earned premiums$1,179
 $
 $
 $1,179
$1,209
 $
 $
 $1,209
Net investment income553
 
 (11) (b) 542
508
 
 36
 (b) 544
Realized gains on securities184
 
 
 184
Realized gains (losses) on securities(551) 
 
 (551)
Income (loss) of managed investment entities:              
Investment income
 69
 
 69

 59
 
 59
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of assets/liabilities
 (5) 5
 (b) 

 
 (43) (b) (43)
Other income53
 
 (3) (c) 50
61
 
 (4) (c) 57
Total revenues1,969
 64
 (9) 2,024
1,227
 59
 (11) 1,275
Costs and Expenses:              
Insurance benefits and expenses1,439
 
 
 1,439
1,516
 
 
 1,516
Expenses of managed investment entities
 64
 (9) (b)(c) 55

 59
 (11) (b)(c) 48
Interest charges on borrowed money and other expenses117
 
 
 117
99
 
 
 99
Total costs and expenses1,556
 64
 (9) 1,611
1,615
 59
 (11) 1,663
Earnings before income taxes413
 
 
 413
Provision for income taxes87
 
 
 87
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests326
 
 
 326
Less: Net earnings (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests(3) 
 
 (3)
Net earnings attributable to shareholders$329
 $
 $
 $329
Earnings (loss) before income taxes(388) 
 
 (388)
Provision (credit) for income taxes(84) 
 
 (84)
Net earnings (loss), including noncontrolling interests(304) 
 
 (304)
Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(3) 
 
 (3)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders$(301) $
 $
 $(301)
              
Three months ended March 31, 2018       
Three months ended March 31, 2019       
Revenues:              
Insurance net earned premiums$1,113
 $
 $
 $1,113
$1,173
 $
 $
 $1,173
Net investment income498
 
 (3) (b) 495
553
 
 (11) (b) 542
Realized losses on securities(93) 
 
 (93)
Realized gains (losses) on securities184
 
 
 184
Income (loss) of managed investment entities:              
Investment income
 58
 
 58

 69
 
 69
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of assets/liabilities
 (1) (2) (b) (3)
 (5) 5
 (b) 
Other income53
 
 (4) (c) 49
59
 
 (3) (c) 56
Total revenues1,571
 57
 (9) 1,619
1,969
 64
 (9) 2,024
Costs and Expenses:              
Insurance benefits and expenses1,297
 
 
 1,297
1,430
 
 
 1,430
Expenses of managed investment entities
 57
 (9) (b)(c) 48

 64
 (9) (b)(c) 55
Interest charges on borrowed money and other expenses100
 
 
 100
126
 
 
 126
Total costs and expenses1,397
 57
 (9) 1,445
1,556
 64
 (9) 1,611
Earnings before income taxes174
 
 
 174
Provision for income taxes33
 
 
 33
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests141
 
 
 141
Less: Net earnings (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests(4) 
 
 (4)
Net earnings attributable to shareholders$145
 $
 $
 $145
Earnings (loss) before income taxes413
 
 
 413
Provision (credit) for income taxes87
 
 
 87
Net earnings (loss), including noncontrolling interests326
 
 
 326
Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(3) 
 
 (3)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders$329
 $
 $
 $329


(a)Includes incomelosses of $11 million and $3$36 million in the first three months of 20192020 and 2018, respectively,income of $11 million in the first three months of 2019, representing the change in fair value of AFG’s CLO investments plus $3$4 million and $4$3 million in the first three months of 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively, in CLO management fees earned.
(b)Elimination of the change in fair value of AFG’s investments in the CLOs, including $6$7 million and $5$6 million in the first three months of 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively, in distributions recorded as interest expense by the CLOs.
(c)Elimination of management fees earned by AFG.





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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


General
AFG’s net earnings attributable to shareholders, determined in accordance with GAAP, include certain items that may not be indicative of its ongoing core operations. For example, core net operating earnings excludes realized gains (losses) on securities because such gains and losses are influenced significantly by financial markets, interest rates and the timing of sales. Similarly, significant gains and losses from the sale of real estate are excluded from core earnings as they are influenced by the timing of sales and realized gains (losses) and significant tax benefits (charges) related to subsidiaries are excluded because such gains and losses are largely the result of the changing business strategy and market opportunities. In addition, special charges related to coverage that AFG no longer writes, such as the Neon exited lines discussed below and for asbestos and environmental exposures, are excluded from core earnings.

Beginning prospectively with the second quarter of 2019, AFG’s core net operating earnings for its annuity segment excludes unlocking, the impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities (“FIAs”), and other impacts of changes in the stock market and interest rates on the accounting for FIAs over or under the cost of the equity index options purchased to mitigate the risk in the index-based component of those FIAs (“annuity non-core earnings (losses)”). Fluctuations in interest rates and the stock market, among other factors, can cause volatility in the periodic measurement of FIA liabilities that management believes can be inconsistent with the long-term economics of this growing portion of AFG’s annuity business. Management believes that separating these impacts as “non-core” will provide investors with a better view of the fundamental performance of the business, and a more comparable measure of the annuity segment’s business compared to the results identified as “core” by its peers. Core net operating earnings for the annuity segment for the first quarter of 2019 and prior periods were not adjusted, so results for the three months ended March 31, 2020 are not directly comparable to the three months ended March 31, 2019. The impact of the items now considered annuity non-core earnings (losses) on prior periods is highlighted in the discussion following the reconciliation of net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders to core net operating earnings.

In December 2019, AFG initiated actions to exit the Lloyd’s of London insurance market, which included placing its Lloyd’s subsidiaries including its Lloyd’s Managing Agency, Neon Underwriting Ltd., into run-off. Neon and its predecessor, Marketform, have failed to achieve AFG’s profitability objectives since AFG’s purchase of Marketform in 2008. Consistent with the treatment of other items that are not indicative of AFG’s ongoing operations (both favorable and unfavorable), beginning prospectively with the first quarter of 2020, AFG’s core net operating earnings for its property and casualty insurance segment excludes the run-off operations of Neon (“Neon exited lines”). The Neon exited lines impact is highlighted in the discussion following the reconciliation of net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders to core net operating earnings.


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

The following table (in millions, except per share amounts) identifies non-core items and reconciles net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders to core net operating earnings, a non-GAAP financial measure. AFG believes core net operating earnings is a useful tool for investors and analysts in analyzing ongoing operating trends and for management to evaluate financial performance against historical results because it believes this provides a more comparable measure of its continuing business.
 Three months ended March 31,
2019 2018
Components of net earnings attributable to shareholders:   
Core operating earnings before income taxes$229
 $267
Pretax non-core item:   
Realized gains (losses) on securities184
 (93)
Earnings before income taxes413
 174
Provision (credit) for income taxes:   
Core operating earnings48
 52
Non-core item:   
Realized gains (losses) on securities39
 (19)
Total provision for income taxes87
 33
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests326
 141
Less net earnings (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests:   
Core operating earnings(3) (4)
Total net earnings (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests(3) (4)
Net earnings attributable to shareholders$329
 $145
    
Net earnings:   
Core net operating earnings$184
 $219
Realized gains (losses) on securities145
 (74)
Net earnings attributable to shareholders$329
 $145
    
Diluted per share amounts:   
Core net operating earnings$2.02
 $2.42
Realized gains (losses) on securities1.61
 (0.82)
Net earnings attributable to shareholders$3.63
 $1.60

 Three months ended March 31,
2020 2019
Components of net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders:   
Core operating earnings before income taxes$211
 $229
Pretax non-core items:   
Realized gains (losses) on securities(551) 184
Annuity non-core earnings (losses) (a)(38) 
Neon exited lines (b)(10) 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes(388) 413
Provision (credit) for income taxes:   
Core operating earnings40
 48
Non-core items:   
Realized gains (losses) on securities(116) 39
Annuity non-core earnings (losses) (a)(8) 
Total provision for income taxes(84) 87
Net earnings (loss), including noncontrolling interests(304) 326
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests:   
Core operating earnings
 (3)
Neon exited lines (b)(3) 
Total net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(3) (3)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders$(301) $329
    
Net earnings (loss):   
Core net operating earnings$171
 $184
Realized gains (losses) on securities(435) 145
Annuity non-core earnings (losses) (a)(30) 
Neon exited lines (b)(7) 
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders$(301) $329
    
Diluted per share amounts:   
Core net operating earnings$1.88
 $2.02
Realized gains (losses) on securities(4.81) 1.61
Annuity non-core earnings (losses) (a)(0.34) 
Neon exited lines (b)(0.07) 
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders$(3.34) $3.63

(a)As discussed above, beginning prospectively with the second quarter of 2019, unlocking, the impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs, and other impacts of changes in the stock market and interest rates on the accounting for FIAs over or under the cost of the equity index options purchased to mitigate the risk in the index-based component of those FIAs are considered annuity non-core earnings (losses).
(b)As discussed above, beginning prospectively with the first quarter of 2020, the Neon run-off operations are considered property and casualty insurance non-core earnings (losses).

Because AFG’s limited partnerships and similar investments accounted for using the equity method are reported on a quarter lag, the second quarter returns will reflect March 31, 2020 valuations provided by third party sources and will incorporate the downturn in financial markets during the first quarter.

Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders increased $184was a loss of $301 million in the first three months of 2020 compared to earnings of $329 million in the first three months of 2019 compared toreflecting net realized losses on securities in the same2020 period in 2018 due primarily

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

compared to net realized gains on securities in the 2019 period, compared to net realized losses in the 2018 period, partially offset byand lower core net operating earnings. CoreIn addition, net operating earnings decreased $35(loss) attributable to shareholders includes after-tax losses of $30 million in the first three months of 2019 compared to2020 from the same period in 2018, reflecting lower earnings in the annuity segment, due primarily to the unfavorable impact of significantly lower than anticipated interest rates onchanges in the fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities.FIAs and other impacts of changes in the stock market and interest rates on the accounting for FIAs over or under the cost of the equity index options purchased to mitigate the risk in the index-based component of those FIAs. As discussed above, this impact on the accounting for FIAs is considered non-core earnings (losses) beginning with the second quarter of 2019. Excluding the $9 million after-tax negative impact of these items on results for the first three months of 2019, core net operating earnings for the first three months of 2020 decreased $22 million compared to the first three months of 2019 reflecting the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on partnerships and similar investments and AFG-managed CLOs in both the property and casualty insurance and annuity segments, partially offset by lower holding company expenses. Realized gains (losses) on securities in the first three months of 20192020 and 20182019 resulted primarily from the change in fair value of equity securities that were still held at the balance sheet date.





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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 20192020 AND 20182019


Segmented Statement of Earnings
AFG reports its business as three segments: (i) Property and casualty insurance (“P&C”), (ii) Annuity and (iii) Other, which includes run-off long-term care and life, holding company costs and income and expenses related to the managed investment entities (“MIEs”).


AFG’s net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders, determined in accordance with GAAP, include certain items that may not be indicative of its ongoing core operations. The following tables for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 identify such items by segment and reconcile net earnings attributable to shareholders to core net operating earnings, a non-GAAP financial measure that AFG believes is a useful tool for investors and analysts in analyzing ongoing operating trends (in millions):
    Other          Other        
P&C Annuity Consol. MIEs Holding Co., other and unallocated Total Non-core reclass GAAP TotalP&C Annuity Consol. MIEs Holding Co., other and unallocated Total Non-core reclass Neon exited lines (c) GAAP Total
Three months ended March 31, 2019             
Three months ended March 31, 2020               
Revenues:                            
Property and casualty insurance net earned premiums$1,173
 $
 $
 $
 $1,173
 $
 $1,173
$1,138
 $
 $
 $
 $1,138
 $
 $71
 $1,209
Life, accident and health net earned premiums
 
 
 6
 6
 
 6
Net investment income104
 435
 (11) 14
 542
 
 542
99
 422
 36
 (7) 550
 
 (6) 544
Realized gains on securities
 
 
 
 
 184
 184
Realized gains (losses) on securities
 
 
 
 
 (551) 
 (551)
Income (loss) of MIEs:                            
Investment income
 
 69
 
 69
 
 69

 
 59
 
 59
 
 
 59
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of assets/liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 (43) 
 (43) 
 
 (43)
Other income3
 27
 (3) 23
 50
 
 50
5
 35
 (4) 21
 57
 
 
 57
Total revenues1,280
 462
 55
 43
 1,840
 184
 2,024
1,242
 457
 48
 14
 1,761
 (551) 65
 1,275
                            
Costs and Expenses:                            
Property and casualty insurance:                            
Losses and loss adjustment expenses692
 
 
 
 692
 
 692
667
 
 
 
 667
 
 40
 707
Commissions and other underwriting expenses394
 
 
 5
 399
 
 399
383
 
 
 5
 388
 
 32
 420
Annuity benefits
 311
 
 
 311
 
 311

 287
 
 (8) 279
 (3) 
 276
Life, accident and health benefits
 
 
 9
 9
 
 9
Annuity and supplemental insurance acquisition expenses
 26
 
 2
 28
 
 28

 71
 
 1
 72
 41
 
 113
Interest charges on borrowed money
 
 
 16
 16
 
 16

 
 
 17
 17
 
 
 17
Expenses of MIEs
 
 55
 
 55
 
 55

 
 48
 
 48
 
 
 48
Other expenses12
 35
 
 54
 101
 
 101
11
 32
 
 36
 79
 
 3
 82
Total costs and expenses1,098
 372
 55
 86
 1,611
 
 1,611
1,061
 390
 48
 51
 1,550
 38
 75
 1,663
Earnings before income taxes182
 90
 
 (43) 229
 184
 413
Provision for income taxes37
 19
 
 (8) 48
 39
 87
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests145
 71
 
 (35) 181
 145
 326
Less: Net earnings (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests(3) 
 
 
 (3) 
 (3)
Core Net Operating Earnings148
 71
 
 (35) 184
    
Non-core earnings attributable to shareholders (a):             
Realized gains on securities, net of tax
 
 
 145
 145
 (145) 
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders$148
 $71
 $
 $110
 $329
 $
 $329
Earnings (loss) before income taxes181
 67
 
 (37) 211
 (589) (10) (388)
Provision (credit) for income taxes38
 14
 
 (12) 40
 (124) 
 (84)
Net earnings (loss), including noncontrolling interests143
 53
 
 (25) 171
 (465) (10) (304)
Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 (3) (3)
Core Net Operating Earnings (Loss)143
 53
 
 (25) 171
      
Non-core earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders (a):               
Realized gains (losses) on securities, net of tax
 
 
 (435) (435) 435
 
 
Annuity non-core earnings (losses), net of tax (b)
 (30) 
 
 (30) 30
 
 
Neon exited lines (c)(7) 
 
 
 (7) 
 7
 
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Shareholders$136
 $23
 $
 $(460) $(301) $
 $
 $(301)


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



 Other       Other      
P&C Annuity Consol. MIEs Holding Co., other and unallocated Total Non-core reclass GAAP TotalP&C Annuity Consol. MIEs Holding Co., other and unallocated Total Non-core reclass GAAP Total
Three months ended March 31, 2018             
Three months ended March 31, 2019             
Revenues:                          
Property and casualty insurance net earned premiums$1,107
 $
 $
 $
 $1,107
 $
 $1,107
$1,173
 $
 $
 $
 $1,173
 $
 $1,173
Life, accident and health net earned premiums
 
 
 6
 6
 
 6
Net investment income100
 394
 (3) 4
 495
 
 495
104
 435
 (11) 14
 542
 
 542
Realized losses on securities
 
 
 
 
 (93) (93)
Realized gains (losses) on securities
 
 
 
 
 184
 184
Income (loss) of MIEs:                          
Investment income
 
 58
 
 58
 
 58

 
 69
 
 69
 
 69
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of assets/liabilities
 
 (3) 
 (3) 
 (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income2
 26
 (4) 25
 49
 
 49
3
 28
 (3) 28
 56
 
 56
Total revenues1,209
 420
 48
 35
 1,712
 (93) 1,619
1,280
 463
 55
 42
 1,840
 184
 2,024
                          
Costs and Expenses:                          
Property and casualty insurance:                          
Losses and loss adjustment expenses641
 
 
 
 641
 
 641
692
 
 
 
 692
 
 692
Commissions and other underwriting expenses375
 
 
 6
 381
 
 381
394
 
 
 5
 399
 
 399
Annuity benefits
 182
 
 
 182
 
 182

 312
 
 (1) 311
 
 311
Life, accident and health benefits
 
 
 11
 11
 
 11
Annuity and supplemental insurance acquisition expenses
 81
 
 1
 82
 
 82

 26
 
 2
 28
 
 28
Interest charges on borrowed money
 
 
 15
 15
 
 15

 
 
 16
 16
 
 16
Expenses of MIEs
 
 48
 
 48
 
 48

 
 55
 
 55
 
 55
Other expenses9
 32
 
 44
 85
 
 85
12
 35
 
 63
 110
 
 110
Total costs and expenses1,025
 295
 48
 77
 1,445
 
 1,445
1,098
 373
 55
 85
 1,611
 
 1,611
Earnings before income taxes184
 125
 
 (42) 267
 (93) 174
Provision for income taxes37
 25
 
 (10) 52
 (19) 33
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests147
 100
 
 (32) 215
 (74) 141
Less: Net earnings (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests(4) 
 
 
 (4) 
 (4)
Core Net Operating Earnings151
 100
 
 (32) 219
    
Non-core earnings attributable to shareholders (a):             
Realized losses on securities, net of tax
 
 
 (74) (74) 74
 
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders$151
 $100
 $
 $(106) $145
 $
 $145
Earnings (loss) before income taxes182
 90
 
 (43) 229
 184
 413
Provision (credit) for income taxes37
 19
 
 (8) 48
 39
 87
Net earnings (loss), including noncontrolling interests145
 71
 
 (35) 181
 145
 326
Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests(3) 
 
 
 (3) 
��(3)
Core Net Operating Earnings (Loss)148
 71
 
 (35) 184
    
Non-core earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders (a):             
Realized gains (losses) on securities, net of tax
 
 
 145
 145
 (145) 
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Shareholders$148
 $71
 $
 $110
 $329
 $
 $329


(a)
See the reconciliation of core earnings to GAAP net earnings under “Results“Results of Operations — General” for details on the tax and noncontrolling interest impacts of these reconciling items.
(b)As discussed under “Results of Operations — General,” beginning with the second quarter of 2019, unlocking, the impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs, and other impacts of changes in the stock market and interest rates on the accounting for FIAs over or under the cost of the equity index options purchased to mitigate the risk in the index-based component of those FIAs are considered annuity non-core earnings (losses).
(c)As discussed under “Results of Operations — General,” beginning with the first quarter of 2020, the Neon run-off operations are considered property and casualty insurance non-core earnings (losses).


Property and Casualty Insurance Segment — Results of Operations
Performance measures such as underwriting profit or loss and related combined ratios are often used by property and casualty insurers to help users of their financial statements better understand the company’s performance. Underwriting profitability is measured by the combined ratio, which is a sum of the ratios of losses and loss adjustment expenses, and commissions and other underwriting expenses to premiums. A combined ratio under 100% indicates an underwriting profit. The combined ratio does not reflect net investment income, other income, other expenses or federal income taxes.


AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations contributed $182$171 million in GAAP pretax earnings in the first three months of 20192020 compared to $184$182 million in the first three months of 2018,2019, a decrease of $2$11 million (6%). Property and casualty core pretax earnings were $181 million in the first three months of 2020 compared to $182 million in the first three months of 2019, a decrease of $1 million (1%). The decrease in both GAAP and core pretax earnings reflects lower underwriting profitnet investment income in the first three months of 20192020 compared to the first three months of 2018, offset by higher net investment income.2019 due primarily to the impact of financial market disruption on earnings (losses) from partnerships and similar investments and AFG-managed CLOs.




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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



The following table details AFG’s GAAP and core earnings before income taxes from its property and casualty insurance operations for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 (dollars in millions):
Three months ended March 31,  Three months ended March 31,  
2019 2018 % Change2020 2019 % Change
Gross written premiums$1,535
 $1,458
 5%$1,526
 $1,535
 (1%)
Reinsurance premiums ceded(388) (356) 9%(361) (388) (7%)
Net written premiums1,147
 1,102
 4%1,165
 1,147
 2%
Change in unearned premiums26
 5
 420%(27) 26
 (204%)
Net earned premiums1,173
 1,107
 6%1,138
 1,173
 (3%)
Loss and loss adjustment expenses692
 641
 8%667
 692
 (4%)
Commissions and other underwriting expenses394
 375
 5%383
 394
 (3%)
Underwriting gain87
 91
 (4%)
Core underwriting gain88
 87
 1%
    

    

Net investment income104
 100
 4%99
 104
 (5%)
Other income and expenses, net(9) (7) 29%(6) (9) (33%)
Earnings before income taxes$182
 $184
 (1%)
Core earnings before income taxes181
 182
 (1%)
Pretax non-core Neon exited lines (*)(10) 
 %
GAAP earnings before income taxes$171
 $182
 (6%)
     
     
(*) In December 2019, AFG initiated actions to exit the Lloyd’s of London insurance market, which included placing its Lloyd’s subsidiaries including its Lloyd’s Managing Agency, Neon Underwriting Ltd. (“Neon”), into run-off. As discussed under “Results of Operations — General,” following the December 2019 decision to exit the Lloyd’s of London insurance market, the results from the Neon exited lines are being treated as non-core earnings (losses) prospectively beginning in 2020. Each line item in the table above has been adjusted to remove the impact from the Neon run-off operations in 2020. The following table details the impact of the Neon exited lines to each component of earnings (loss) before income taxes in the property and casualty insurance operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 (in millions):
(*) In December 2019, AFG initiated actions to exit the Lloyd’s of London insurance market, which included placing its Lloyd’s subsidiaries including its Lloyd’s Managing Agency, Neon Underwriting Ltd. (“Neon”), into run-off. As discussed under “Results of Operations — General,” following the December 2019 decision to exit the Lloyd’s of London insurance market, the results from the Neon exited lines are being treated as non-core earnings (losses) prospectively beginning in 2020. Each line item in the table above has been adjusted to remove the impact from the Neon run-off operations in 2020. The following table details the impact of the Neon exited lines to each component of earnings (loss) before income taxes in the property and casualty insurance operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31, 2020
Excluding Neon
exited lines
 
Neon
exited lines
 Total
Gross written premiums$1,526
 $56
 $1,582
Reinsurance premiums ceded(361) (57) (418)
Net written premiums1,165
 (1) 1,164
Change in unearned premiums(27) 72
 45
Net earned premiums1,138
 71
 1,209
Loss and loss adjustment expenses667
 40
 707
Commissions and other underwriting expenses383
 32
 415
Underwriting gain (loss)88
 (1) 87
     
Net investment income99
 (6) 93
Other income and expenses, net(6) (3) (9)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes$181
 $(10) $171
     
     
     Three months ended March 31,  
     2020 2019 Change
Combined Ratios:          
Specialty lines    Change     
Loss and LAE ratio58.9% 57.8% 1.1%58.5% 58.9% (0.4%)
Underwriting expense ratio33.6% 33.9% (0.3%)33.7% 33.6% 0.1%
Combined ratio92.5% 91.7% 0.8%92.2% 92.5% (0.3%)
          
Aggregate — including exited lines          
Loss and LAE ratio59.0% 57.9% 1.1%58.5% 59.0% (0.5%)
Underwriting expense ratio33.6% 33.9% (0.3%)34.3% 33.6% 0.7%
Combined ratio92.6% 91.8% 0.8%92.8% 92.6% 0.2%



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

AFG reports the underwriting performance of its Specialty property and casualty insurance business in the following sub-segments: (i) Property and transportation, (ii) Specialty casualty and (iii) Specialty financial.


To understand the overall profitability of particular lines, the timing of claims payments and the related impact of investment income must be considered. Certain “short-tail” lines of business (primarily property coverages) generally have quick loss payouts, which reduce the time funds are held, thereby limiting investment income earned thereon. In contrast, “long-tail” lines of business (primarily liability coverages and workers’ compensation) generally have payouts that are either structured over many years or take many years to settle, thereby significantly increasing investment income earned on related premiums received.


Gross Written Premiums
Gross written premiums (“GWP”) for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment were $1.54$1.58 billion for the first three months of 20192020 compared to $1.46$1.54 billion for the first three months of 20182019, an increase of $77$47 million (5% (3%). Detail of AFG’s property and casualty gross written premiums is shown below (dollars in millions):
Three months ended March 31,  Three months ended March 31,  
2019 2018  2020 2019  
GWP % GWP % % ChangeGWP % GWP % % Change
Property and transportation$439
 29% $426
 29% 3%$494
 31% $439
 29% 13%
Specialty casualty912
 59% 853
 59% 7%849
 54% 912
 59% (7%)
Specialty financial184
 12% 179
 12% 3%183
 11% 184
 12% (1%)
$1,535
 100% $1,458
 100% 5%
Total specialty1,526
 96% 1,535
 100% (1%)
Neon exited lines56
 4% 
 % %
Aggregate$1,582
 100% $1,535
 100% 3%


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



Reinsurance Premiums Ceded
Reinsurance premiums ceded (“Ceded”) for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment were 25%26% of gross written premiums for the first three months of 20192020 compared to 24%25% of gross written premiums for the first three months of 2018,2019, an increase of 1 percentage point. Detail of AFG’s property and casualty reinsurance premiums ceded is shown below (dollars in millions):
Three months ended March 31,  Three months ended March 31,  
2019 2018 Change in2020 2019 Change in
Ceded % of GWP Ceded % of GWP % of GWPCeded % of GWP Ceded % of GWP % of GWP
Property and transportation$(95) 22% $(102) 24% (2%)$(108) 22% $(95) 22% %
Specialty casualty(286) 31% (259) 30% 1%(263) 31% (286) 31% %
Specialty financial(39) 21% (31) 17% 4%(34) 19% (39) 21% (2%)
Other specialty32
   36
    44
   32
    
$(388) 25% $(356) 24% 1%
Total specialty(361) 24% (388) 25% (1%)
Neon exited lines(57) 102% 
 % 102%
Aggregate$(418) 26% $(388) 25% 1%



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

Net Written Premiums
Net written premiums (“NWP”) for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment were $1.151.16 billion for the first three months of 20192020 compared to $1.10$1.15 billion for the first three months of 20182019, an increase of $4517 million (4% (1%). Detail of AFG’s property and casualty net written premiums is shown below (dollars in millions):
Three months ended March 31,  Three months ended March 31,  
2019 2018  2020 2019  
NWP % NWP % % ChangeNWP % NWP % % Change
Property and transportation$344
 30% $324
 29% 6%$386
 33% $344
 30% 12%
Specialty casualty626
 55% 594
 54% 5%586
 50% 626
 55% (6%)
Specialty financial145
 13% 148
 14% (2%)149
 13% 145
 13% 3%
Other specialty32
 2% 36
 3% (11%)44
 4% 32
 2% 38%
$1,147
 100% $1,102
 100% 4%
Total specialty1,165
 100% 1,147
 100% 2%
Neon exited lines(1) % 
 % %
Aggregate$1,164
 100% $1,147
 100% 1%


Net Earned Premiums
Net earned premiums (“NEP”) for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment were $1.17$1.21 billion for the first three months of 20192020 compared to $1.11$1.17 billion for the first three months of 2018, 2019, an increase of $66$36 million (6% (3%). Detail of AFG’s property and casualty net earned premiums is shown below (dollars in millions):
Three months ended March 31,  Three months ended March 31,  
2019 2018  2020 2019  
NEP % NEP % % ChangeNEP % NEP % % Change
Property and transportation$361
 31% $350
 32% 3%$386
 32% $361
 31% 7%
Specialty casualty629
 54% 579
 52% 9%556
 46% 629
 54% (12%)
Specialty financial146
 12% 149
 13% (2%)156
 13% 146
 12% 7%
Other specialty37
 3% 29
 3% 28%40
 3% 37
 3% 8%
$1,173
 100% $1,107
 100% 6%
Total specialty1,138
 94% 1,173
 100% (3%)
Neon exited lines71
 6% 
 % %
Aggregate$1,209
 100% $1,173
 100% 3%


The $77 million (5%) increase in grossGross written premiums for the first three months of 20192020 increased $47 million compared to the first three months of 2018 reflects growth in each of the Specialty property and casualty sub-segments.2019. Overall average renewal rates increased approximately 1%7% in the first three months of 2019.2020. Excluding rate decreases in the workers’ compensation business, renewal pricing increased approximately 4%11%.


Property and transportationGross written premiums increased $13$55 million (3%(13%) in the first three months of 20192020 compared to the first three months of 2018. This increase was2019, due primarily the result ofto new business opportunities in the transportation, businesses.property and inland marine and ocean marine businesses, as well as new premiums from the addition of the Atlas paratransit business, partially offset by declines in passenger transportation premiums caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Average renewal rates increased approximately 4%6% for this group in the first three months of 2020. Reinsurance premiums ceded as a percentage of gross written premiums were comparable for the first three months of 2020 and the first three months of 2019.

Specialty casualtyGross written premiums decreased$63 million (7%) in the first three months of 2020 compared to the first three months of 2019 due primarily to the run-off of Neon. Excluding the impact of $159 million in gross written premiums from the Neon exited lines in the first three months of 2019, gross written premiums increased 13% in the first three months of 2020 compared to the first three months of 2019. This increase reflects growth in the excess and surplus lines and excess liability businesses, primarily the result of rate increases, new business opportunities, and higher retentions on renewal business. This growth was partially offset by lower premiums in the workers’ compensation businesses. Average renewal rates increased approximately 8% for this group in the first three months of 2020. Excluding rate decreases in the workers’ compensation business, renewal rates for this group increased approximately 17%. Reinsurance premiums ceded as a percentage of gross written premiums were comparable for the first three months of 2020 and the first three months of 2019. Excluding the impact of the Neon exited lines, reinsurance premiums ceded as a percentage of gross written premiums increased 6% in the first three months of 2020 compared to the first three months

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

of 2019 reflecting growth in the excess and surplus and excess liability businesses, which cede a larger percentage of premiums than the other businesses in the Specialty casualty sub-segment.

Specialty financial Gross written premiums decreased$1 million (1%) in the first three months of 2020 compared to the first three months of 2019 due primarily to lower premiums in the financial institutions business, partially offset by higher premiums in the surety business. Average renewal rates increased approximately 5% for this group in the first three months of 2020. Reinsurance premiums ceded as a percentage of gross written premiums decreased 2 percentage points for the first three months of 20192020 compared to the first three months of 20182019, reflecting lower cessions in the crop insurance business.


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued


Specialty casualty Gross written premiums increased$59 million (7%) in the first three months of 2019 compared to the first three months of 2018 due primarily to higher premiums within Neon, resulting from the growth of its portfolio in targeted classes of business, the addition of premiums from ABA Insurance Services, and improved pricing in the excess and surplus lines businesses. This growth was partially offset by lower premiums in the workers’ compensation business. Average renewal rates decreased approximately 1% for this group in the first three months of 2019. Excluding the workers’ compensation businesses, renewal rates for this group increased approximately 5%. Reinsurance premiums ceded as a percentage of gross written premiums increased 1 percentage point in the first three months of 2019 compared to the first three months of 2018 reflecting higher cessions at Neon, partially offset by lower cessions to AFG’s internal reinsurance program, which is included in Other specialty.

Specialty financial Gross written premiums increased$5 million (3%) in the first three months of 2019 compared to the first three months of 2018 due primarily to higher premiums in the fidelity business, partially offset by lower premiums in the surety, financial institutions and equipment leasing businesses. Average renewal rates for this group increased approximately 3% in the first three months of 2019. Reinsurance premiums ceded as a percentage of gross written premiums increased 4 percentage points for the first three months of 2019 compared to the first three months of 2018, reflecting higher cessions in the financial institutions business and changesdue to reduced gross written premiums in the mixcertain lines of business in the fidelity and equipment leasing businesses.that are 100% reinsured.


Other specialty The amounts shown as reinsurance premiums ceded represent business assumed by AFG’s internal reinsurance program from the operations that make up AFG’s other Specialty property and casualty insurance sub-segments. Reinsurance premiums assumed decreased $4increased $12 million (11%(38%) in the first three months of 20192020 compared to the first three months of 2018,2019, reflecting a decreasean increase in premiums retained, primarily from businesses in the Specialty casualty sub-segment.



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued


Combined Ratio
The table below (dollars in millions) details the components of the combined ratio for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment:
Three months ended March 31,   Three months ended March 31,Three months ended March 31,   Three months ended March 31,
2019 2018 Change 2019 20182020 2019 Change 2020 2019
Property and transportation                  
Loss and LAE ratio62.2% 63.0% (0.8%)    61.4% 62.2% (0.8%)    
Underwriting expense ratio26.8% 27.4% (0.6%)    31.5% 26.8% 4.7%    
Combined ratio89.0% 90.4% (1.4%)    92.9% 89.0% 3.9%    
Underwriting profit      $39
 $33
      $27
 $39
                  
Specialty casualty                  
Loss and LAE ratio61.6% 59.5% 2.1%    61.1% 61.6% (0.5%)    
Underwriting expense ratio32.6% 33.4% (0.8%)    29.6% 32.6% (3.0%)    
Combined ratio94.2% 92.9% 1.3%    90.7% 94.2% (3.5%)    
Underwriting profit      $36
 $41
      $52
 $36
                  
Specialty financial                  
Loss and LAE ratio38.2% 40.2% (2.0%)    38.0% 38.2% (0.2%)    
Underwriting expense ratio53.2% 50.0% 3.2%    51.1% 53.2% (2.1%)    
Combined ratio91.4% 90.2% 1.2%    89.1% 91.4% (2.3%)    
Underwriting profit      $13
 $15
      $17
 $13
                  
Total Specialty                  
Loss and LAE ratio58.9% 57.8% 1.1%    58.5% 58.9% (0.4%)    
Underwriting expense ratio33.6% 33.9% (0.3%)    33.7% 33.6% 0.1%    
Combined ratio92.5% 91.7% 0.8%    92.2% 92.5% (0.3%)    
Underwriting profit      $88
 $92
      $89
 $88
                  
Aggregate — including exited lines                  
Loss and LAE ratio59.0% 57.9% 1.1%    58.5% 59.0% (0.5%)    
Underwriting expense ratio33.6% 33.9% (0.3%)    34.3% 33.6% 0.7%    
Combined ratio92.6% 91.8% 0.8%    92.8% 92.6% 0.2%    
Underwriting profit      $87
 $91
      $87
 $87


The Specialty property and casualty insurance operations generated an underwriting profit of $8889 million in the first three months of 2020 compared to $88 million in the first three months of 2019, compared to $92an increase of $1 million in the first three months of 2018, a decrease of $4 million (4%(1%). The lowerhigher underwriting profit in the first three months of 20192020 reflects lowerhigher underwriting profits in the Specialty casualty and Specialty financial sub-segments, partially offset by higherlower underwriting profit in the Property and transportation sub-segment.

Property and transportation Underwriting profit for this group was $39 million for the first three months of 2019 compared to $33 million in the first three months of 2018, an increase of $6 million (18%). Higher underwriting profit in the transportation businesses was partially offset by lower underwriting profits in the agricultural, property and inland marine and ocean marine businesses, as well as the Singapore branch.

Specialty casualty Underwriting profit for this group was $36 million for the first three months of 2019 compared to $41 million for the first three months of 2018, a decrease of $5 million (12%). Improved underwriting results in the targeted markets businesses were more than offset by lower underwriting profits in the excess and surplus lines and workers’ compensation businesses.

Specialty financial Underwriting profit for this group was $13 million for the first three months of 2019 compared to $15 million in the first three months of 2018, a decrease of $2 million (13%) due primarily to lower underwriting profitability in the financial institutions business.



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued




Property and transportationUnderwriting profit for this group was $27 million for the first three months of 2020 compared to $39 million for the first three months of 2019, a decrease of $12 million (31%). This decrease reflects lower underwriting profit in the crop business.

Specialty casualty Underwriting profit for this group was $52 million for the first three months of 2020 compared to $36 million for the first three months of 2019, an increase of $16 million (44%). This increase reflects higher underwriting profits in the executive liability and workers’ compensation businesses, due primarily to higher net favorable reserve development, as well as the impact of $10 million of underwriting losses at Neon in the first three months of 2019. Higher net adverse reserve development in the excess and surplus lines and public sector businesses partially offset these results. Excluding the impact of the Neon exited lines, underwriting profit for the Specialty casualty sub-segment increased $6 million (13%) in the first three months of 2020 compared to the first three months of 2019.

Specialty financial Underwriting profit for this group was $17 million for the first three months of 2020 compared to $13 million in the first three months of 2019, an increase of $4 million (31%), reflecting higher underwriting profitability in the financial institutions business, partially offset by lower underwriting profitability in the fidelity business.

Other specialty This group reported an underwriting loss of $7 million in the first three months of 2020 compared to an underwriting profit of less than $1 million in the first three months of 2019 compared to $3 million in the first three months of 2018. This decrease reflects adverse prior year reserve development, reflecting higher losses in the business assumed by AFG’s internal reinsurance program from the operations that make up AFG’s other Specialty sub-segments in the first three months of 20192020 compared to favorable prior year reserve development in the first three months of 2018.2019.



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
AFG’s overall loss and LAE ratio was 59.0%58.5% for the first three months of 20192020 compared to 57.9%59.0% for the first three months of 20182019, an increasea decrease of 1.10.5 percentage points. The components of AFG’s property and casualty losses and LAE amounts and ratio are detailed below (dollars in millions):
Three months ended March 31,  Three months ended March 31,  
Amount Ratio Change inAmount Ratio Change in
2019 2018 2019 2018 Ratio2020 2019 2020 2019 Ratio
Property and transportation                  
Current year, excluding catastrophe losses$242
 $233
 66.8% 66.7% 0.1%$253
 $242
 65.4% 66.8% (1.4%)
Prior accident years development(26) (18) (7.2%) (5.1%) (2.1%)(24) (26) (6.2%) (7.2%) 1.0%
Current year catastrophe losses9
 5
 2.6% 1.4% 1.2%8
 9
 2.2% 2.6% (0.4%)
Property and transportation losses and LAE and ratio$225
 $220
 62.2% 63.0% (0.8%)$237
 $225
 61.4% 62.2% (0.8%)
                  
Specialty casualty                  
Current year, excluding catastrophe losses$400
 $375
 63.7% 64.5% (0.8%)$364
 $400
 65.4% 63.7% 1.7%
Prior accident years development(13) (35) (2.2%) (6.0%) 3.8%(24) (13) (4.3%) (2.2%) (2.1%)
Current year catastrophe losses1
 5
 0.1% 1.0% (0.9%)
 1
 % 0.1% (0.1%)
Specialty casualty losses and LAE and ratio$388
 $345
 61.6% 59.5% 2.1%$340
 $388
 61.1% 61.6% (0.5%)
                  
Specialty financial                  
Current year, excluding catastrophe losses$60
 $60
 41.1% 40.2% 0.9%$60
 $60
 38.6% 41.1% (2.5%)
Prior accident years development(6) (3) (4.3%) (1.8%) (2.5%)(2) (6) (1.2%) (4.3%) 3.1%
Current year catastrophe losses2
 3
 1.4% 1.8% (0.4%)1
 2
 0.6% 1.4% (0.8%)
Specialty financial losses and LAE and ratio$56
 $60
 38.2% 40.2% (2.0%)$59
 $56
 38.0% 38.2% (0.2%)
                  
Total Specialty                  
Current year, excluding catastrophe losses$725
 $684
 61.8% 61.7% 0.1%$705
 $725
 61.9% 61.8% 0.1%
Prior accident years development(46) (57) (4.0%) (5.1%) 1.1%(48) (46) (4.2%) (4.0%) (0.2%)
Current year catastrophe losses12
 13
 1.1% 1.2% (0.1%)9
 12
 0.8% 1.1% (0.3%)
Total Specialty losses and LAE and ratio$691
 $640
 58.9% 57.8% 1.1%$666
 $691
 58.5% 58.9% (0.4%)
                  
Aggregate — including exited lines                  
Current year, excluding catastrophe losses$725
 $684
 61.8% 61.7% 0.1%$740
 $725
 61.2% 61.8% (0.6%)
Prior accident years development(45) (56) (3.9%) (5.0%) 1.1%(42) (45) (3.5%) (3.9%) 0.4%
Current year catastrophe losses12
 13
 1.1% 1.2% (0.1%)9
 12
 0.8% 1.1% (0.3%)
Aggregate losses and LAE and ratio$692
 $641
 59.0% 57.9% 1.1%$707
 $692
 58.5% 59.0% (0.5%)


Current accident year losses and LAE, excluding catastrophe losses
The current accident year loss and LAE ratio, excluding catastrophe losses for AFG’s Specialty property and casualty insurance operations was 61.9% for the first three months of 2020 compared to 61.8% for the first three months of 2019 compared to 61.7% for the first three months of 2018, an increase of 0.1 percentage points.


Property and transportation   The loss and LAE ratio for the current year, excluding catastrophe losses is comparable in the first three months of 2019 and the first three months of 2018.


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued


Specialty casualty   The 0.81.4 percentage point decrease in the loss and LAE ratio for the current year, excluding catastrophe losses reflects a decrease in the loss and LAE ratio at National Interstate, due primarily to rate increases in the public sector, general liability2020 first quarter, and professional liability businesses.a decrease in the loss and LAE ratio in the Singapore branch for the first three months of 2020 compared to the first three months of 2019.


Specialty financialcasualty   The 0.91.7 percentage point increase in the loss and LAE ratio for the current year, excluding catastrophe losses reflects the impact of the Neon exited lines in the first three months of 2019, which have a lower loss and LAE ratio than many of the other businesses in the Specialty casualty group. Excluding the impact of the Neon exited

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

lines, the loss and LAE ratio for the current year, excluding catastrophe losses is comparable in the first three months of 2020 and the first three months of 2019.

Specialty financial The 2.5 percentage point decrease in the loss and LAE ratio for the current year, excluding catastrophe losses reflects a decrease in the loss and LAE ratio of the financial institutions and equipment leasing businesses, partially offset by an increase in the loss and LAE ratio of the financial institutions business, partially offset by a decrease in the loss and LAE ratio of the fidelity business.


Net prior year reserve development
AFG’s Specialty property and casualty insurance operations recorded net favorable reserve development related to prior accident years of $4648 million in the first three months of 20192020 compared to $57$46 million in the first three months of 2018, a decrease2019, an increase of $11$2 million (19%(4%).


Property and transportationNet favorable reserve development of $2624 million in the first three months of 2020 reflects lower than expected losses in the crop business and lower than anticipated claim frequency and severity at National Interstate, partially offset by higher than expected claim severity in the property and inland marine business. Net favorable reserve development of $26 million in the first three months of 2019 reflects lower than expected losses in the crop business and lower than expected claim frequency and severity in the transportation businesses.

Specialty casualty Net favorable reserve development of $18$24 million in the first three months of 20182020 reflects lower than expected lossesanticipated claim severity in the cropworkers’ compensation businesses and lower than anticipated claim frequency and severity in the executive liability business, partially offset by higher than expected claim frequency and severity in the excess and surplus lines businesses and higher than expected claim severity in the public sector business.

Specialty casualty Net favorable reserve development of $13 million in the first three months of 2019 reflects lower than anticipated claim severity in the workers’ compensation business, partially offset by higher than expected claim severity in the targeted markets businesses and higher than expected losses at Neon.

Specialty financialNet favorable reserve development of $35was $2 million in the first three months of 2018 includes lower than anticipated claim frequency and severity in the workers’ compensation business and lower than expected claim severity in the executive liability business, partially offset by higher than expected claim severity and frequency in the targeted markets businesses.

Specialty financial 2020. Net favorable reserve development of $6 million in the first three months of 2019 reflects lower than expected claim frequency and severity in the surety business and lower than anticipated claim severity in the fidelity business. Net favorable reserve development of $3 million in the first three months of 2018 reflects lower than expected claim frequency and severity in the surety business.


Other specialty In addition to the development discussed above, total Specialty prior year reserve development includes net adverse reserve development of $2 million in the first three months of 2020 and net favorable reserve development of $1 million in both the first three months of 2019 and the first three months of 2018,2019, reflecting the amortization of the deferred gain on the retroactive insurance transaction entered into in connection with the sale of businesses in 1998 and 2001 and reserve development associated with AFG’s internal reinsurance program.


Aggregate Aggregate net prior accident years reserve development for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment includes net adverse reserve development of $5 million in the first three months of 2020 from the Neon exited lines and net adverse reserve development of $1 million in both the first three months of 2020 and the first three months of 2019 and the first three months of 2018 related to other business outside of the Specialty group that AFG no longer writes.


Catastrophe losses
AFG generally seeks to reduce its exposure to catastrophes through individual risk selection, including minimizing coastal and known fault-line exposures, and the purchase of reinsurance. Based on data available at December 31, 2018,2019, AFG’s exposure to a catastrophic earthquake or windstorm that industry models indicate should statistically occur once in every 100, 250 or 500 years as a percentage of AFG’s Shareholders’ Equity is shown below:
   ImpactApproximate impact of modeled loss on AFG’s 
 Industry Model on AFG’s Shareholders’ Equity 
 100-year event Less than 1% 
 250-year event Less than 3%2% 
 500-year event Approximately 6% 


AFG maintains comprehensive catastrophe reinsurance coverage, including a $15 million per occurrence net retention for its U.S.-based property and casualty insurance operations for losses up to $100$134 million. Neon’s excess of loss catastrophe reinsurance limits the maximum retained loss per event to $25$15 million for a U.S. catastrophelosses up to $145 million on direct business and $15 million for a non-U.S. catastrophe for losses up to $250 million.$45 million on assumed business. AFG’s property and casualty insurance

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

operations further maintain supplemental fully collateralized reinsurance coverage up to 95% of $200 million for catastrophe losses in excess of $104$134 million of traditional catastrophe reinsurance through a catastrophe bond.


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion$9 million in the first three months of 2020 resulted primarily from storms and Analysistornadoes in multiple regions of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



the United States. Catastrophe losses of $12 million in the first three months of 2019 resulted primarily from winter storms in multiple regions of the United States. Catastrophe losses of $13 million in the first three months of 2018 resulted primarily from winter storms in the eastern portion of the United States and mudslides in California.


Commissions and Other Underwriting Expenses
AFG’s property and casualty commissions and other underwriting expenses (“U/W Exp”) were $394$415 million in the first three months of 20192020 compared to $375$394 million for the first three months of 20182019, an increase of $1921 million (5%). AFG’s underwriting expense ratio, calculated as commissions and other underwriting expenses divided by net premiums earned, was 34.3% for the first three months of 2020 compared to 33.6% for the first three months of 2019 compared to 33.9% for the first three months, an increase of 2018, a decrease of 0.30.7 percentage points. Detail of AFG’s property and casualty commissions and other underwriting expenses and underwriting expense ratios is shown below (dollars in millions):
Three months ended March 31,  Three months ended March 31,  
2019 2018 Change in2020 2019 Change in
U/W Exp % of NEP U/W Exp % of NEP % of NEPU/W Exp % of NEP U/W Exp % of NEP % of NEP
Property and transportation$97
 26.8% $97
 27.4% (0.6%)$122
 31.5% $97
 26.8% 4.7%
Specialty casualty205
 32.6% 193
 33.4% (0.8%)164
 29.6% 205
 32.6% (3.0%)
Specialty financial77
 53.2% 74
 50.0% 3.2%80
 51.1% 77
 53.2% (2.1%)
Other specialty15
 39.2% 11
 39.4% (0.2%)17
 43.8% 15
 39.2% 4.6%
$394
 33.6% $375
 33.9% (0.3%)
Total specialty383
 33.7% 394
 33.6% 0.1%
Neon exited lines32
   
    
Aggregate$415
 34.3% $394
 33.6% 0.7%


Property and transportation   Commissions and other underwriting expenses as a percentage of net earned premiums increased 4.7 percentage points in the first three months of 2020 compared to the first three months of 2019 reflecting lower profitability-based ceding commissions received from reinsurers in the crop business in the first three months of 2020 compared to the first three months of 2019.

Specialty casualty   Commissions and other underwriting expenses as a percentage of net earned premiums decreased 0.63.0 percentage points in the first three months of 20192020 compared to the first three months of 2018 reflecting2019 due to the runoff of Neon. Neon has a higher profitability-based ceding commissions received from reinsurersexpense ratio than many of the other businesses in the crop business, partially offset by an increase inSpecialty casualty sub-segment. Excluding Neon exited lines, the underwriting expense ratio in the transportation businesses.is comparable between periods for this group.


Specialty casualtyfinancial   Commissions and other underwriting expenses as a percentage of net earned premiums decreased 0.82.1 percentage points in the first three months of 20192020 compared to the first three months of 20182019 reflecting lower underwriting expenses related to the exit of certain lines of business at Neon and the impact of higher net earned premiums at Neon.

Specialty financial   Commissions and other underwriting expenses as a percentage of net earned premiums increased3.2 percentage points in the first three months of 2019 compared to the first three months of 2018 reflecting higher profitability-based commissionscommission paid to agents in the financial institutions business.


Property and Casualty Net Investment Income
NetExcluding the Neon exited lines, net investment income in AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations was $104$99 million in the first three months of 20192020 compared to $100104 million in the first three months of 20182019, an increasea decrease of $45 million (4%5%). The average invested assets and overall yield earned on investments held by AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations are provided below (dollars in millions):
Three months ended March 31,    Three months ended March 31,    
2019 2018 Change % Change2020 2019 Change % Change
Net investment income$104
 $100
 $4
 4%$99
 $104
 $(5) (5%)
    

      

  
Average invested assets (at amortized cost)$10,997
 $10,422
 $575
 6%$11,457
 $10,997
 $460
 4%
    

      

  
Yield (net investment income as a % of average invested assets)3.78% 3.84% (0.06%) 

3.46% 3.78% (0.32%) 

              
Tax equivalent yield (*)3.96% 4.02% (0.06%)  3.58% 3.96% (0.38%)  
(*)   
(*)Adjusts the yield on equity securities and tax-exempt bonds to the fully taxable equivalent yield.


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and tax-exempt bonds to the fully taxable equivalent yield.Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued


The property and casualty insurance segment’s increasedecrease in net investment income for the first three months of 20192020 compared to the first three months of 20182019 reflects lower earnings from partnerships and similar investments and AFG-managed CLOs in the first three months of 2020 as a result of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on financial markets, partially offset by growth in the property and casualty insurance segment. The property and casualty insurance segment’s overall yield on investments (net investment income as a percentage of average invested assets) was 3.78%3.46% for the first three months of 20192020 compared to 3.84%3.78% for the first three months of 2018,2019, a decrease of 0.060.32 percentage points,

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued


due primarily to lower income from partnerships and similar investments.points. AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations recorded $8$3 million in earnings from partnerships and similar investments and AFG-managed CLOs in the first three months of 2020 compared to $8 million in the first three months of 2019, compared to $18 million in the first three months of 2018, a decrease of $10$5 million (56%(63%). The annualized yield earned on these partnerships and similar investments and AFG-managed CLOs was 4.7%1.4% in the first three months of 20192020 compared to 14.0%4.7% in the prior year period. Because the property and casualty segment’s partnerships and similar investments accounted for using the equity method are reported on a quarter lag, the second quarter 2020 returns on those investments will reflect the financial results and valuations for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, including the impact of the downturn in financial markets during the first quarter.


In addition to the property and casualty segment’s net investment income from ongoing operations discussed above, the Neon exited lines reported a $6 million loss in net investment income, primarily from changes in the fair value of equity securities.

Property and Casualty Other Income and Expenses, Net
Other income and expenses, net for AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations was a net expense of $6 million for the first three months of 2020 compared to $9 million for the first three months of 2019, compared to net expensedecrease of $7$3 million for the first three months of 2018.(33%). The table below details the items included in other income and expenses, net for AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations (in millions):
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
Other income$3
 $2
$5
 $3
Other expenses      
Amortization of intangibles3
 2
3
 3
Other9
 7
8
 9
Total other expenses12
 9
11
 12
Other income and expenses, net$(9) $(7)$(6) $(9)


Annuity Segment — Results of Operations
AFG’s annuityIn addition to the property and casualty segment’s other incomes and expenses from ongoing operations contributed $90discussed above, the Neon exited lines incurred $3 million in pretax earnings inother expenses during the first three months of 2019 compared to $125 million in the first three months of 2018, a decrease of $35 million (28%). This decrease in AFG’s annuity segment results for the first three months of 2019 as compared to the first three months of 2018 is due primarily to the unfavorable impact of significantly lower than anticipated interest rates on the fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities (“FIAs”), partially offset by the impact of strong stock market performance in the 2019 period.2020.


The following table details AFG’s earnings before income taxes from its annuity operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (dollars in millions):
 Three months ended March 31,  
 2019 2018 % Change
Revenues:     
Net investment income$435
 $394
 10%
Other income:     
Guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees16
 16
 %
Policy charges and other miscellaneous income11
 10
 10%
Total revenues462
 420
 10%
      
Costs and Expenses:     
Annuity benefits (*)311
 182
 71%
Acquisition expenses26
 81
 (68%)
Other expenses35
 32
 9%
Total costs and expenses372
 295
 26%
Earnings before income taxes$90
 $125
 (28%)
(*)Details of the components of annuity benefits provided below.
The following tables provide an analysis of AFG’s annuity earnings before income taxes (dollars in millions):
 Three months ended March 31,  
 2019 2018 % Change
Earnings before income taxes — before the impact of derivatives related to FIAs$134
 $112
 20%
Impact of derivatives related to FIAs(44) 13
 (438%)
Earnings before income taxes$90
 $125
 (28%)


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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



The vast majorityAnnuity Segment — Results of Operations
AFG’s FIAs are indexed to the S&P 500, which increased 13%annuity operations contributed $29 million in GAAP pretax earnings in the first three months of 2019. As highlighted2020 compared to $90 million in the table below, this positive stockfirst three months of 2019, a decrease of $61 million (68%). This decrease in AFG’s GAAP annuity segment results for the first three months of 2020 as compared to the first three months of 2019 is due primarily to the negative impact of the significant decrease in both credit and equity markets on earnings (losses) from partnerships and similar investments and AFG-managed CLOs. The decrease in the financial markets also had a negative impact on liabilities for annuities with guaranteed withdrawal benefits and on the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs in the 2020 period compared to the impact of strong market performance favorably impactedin the 2019 period. This decrease was partially offset by the favorable impact of higher than anticipated interest rates on the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs in the 2020 period compared to the unfavorable impact of lower than anticipated interest rates in the 2019 period and growth in the annuity business.

The following table details AFG’s GAAP and core earnings before income taxes from its annuity operations beyondfor the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (dollars in millions):
 Three months ended March 31,  
 2020 2019 % Change
Revenues:     
Net investment income$422
 $435
 (3%)
Other income:     
Guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees17
 16
 6%
Policy charges and other miscellaneous income (a)18
 12
 50%
Total revenues457
 463
 (1%)
      
Costs and Expenses:     
Annuity benefits (a)(b)287
 312
 (8%)
Acquisition expenses (a)71
 26
 173%
Other expenses32
 35
 (9%)
Total costs and expenses390
 373
 5%
Core earnings before income taxes67
 90
 (26%)
Pretax non-core earnings (losses) (a)(38) 
 %
GAAP earnings before income taxes$29
 $90
 (68%)
(a)
As discussed under “Results of Operations — General,” beginning prospectively with the second quarter of 2019, unlocking, the impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs, and other impacts of changes in the stock market and interest rates on the accounting for FIAs over or under the cost of the equity index options purchased to mitigate the risk in the index-based component of those FIAs are considered non-core earnings (losses). For the first three months of 2020, annuity benefits exclude the $3 million favorable impact of these items and acquisition expenses excludes the related $41 million unfavorable impact on the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs.
(b)Details of the components of annuity benefits are provided below.

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

Annuity core earnings before income taxes were $67 million in the first three months of 2020 compared to $90 million in the first three months of 2019, a decrease of $23 million (26%). As discussed under “Results of Operations — General,” beginning prospectively with the second quarter of 2019, unlocking, changes in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs, by $19 million, particularly relatedand other impacts of changes in the stock market and interest rates on the accounting for FIAs over or under the cost of the equity index options purchased to mitigate the risk in the index-based component of those FIAs with guaranteed withdrawal benefits. This $19 million favorable impact on AFG’sare considered non-core earnings (losses). For the first three months of 2020, the annuity segment’s core earnings before income taxes excludes $38 million in pretax losses related to these items. Since annuity core earnings for the first quarter of 2019 is effectively a reversalwere not adjusted, the annuity segment’s core earnings before income taxes for the first three months of a significant portion2019 includes the $11 million negative impact from these items in that period. Excluding the $11 million negative impact of these items on results for the unfavorablefirst three months of 2019, annuity core net operating earnings were $67 million for the first three months of 2020 compared to $101 million for the first three months of 2019, reflecting the negative impact of the 14%significant decrease in both the S&P 500credit and equity markets on earnings (losses) from partnerships and similar investments and AFG-managed CLOs in the fourth2020 quarter, partially offset by growth in the business. The table below highlights the impact of 2018. Ifchanges in the fair value of derivatives and other impacts of the changes in the stock market reverts back to AFG’s long-term expectations of performance and volatility, management expects the impact of the stock marketinterest rates on annuity earnings before the impact of derivatives related to FIAs to be less significantsegment results (dollars in future periods.millions):
 Three months ended March 31,  
 2019 2018 % Change
Earnings before income taxes — before the impact of derivatives related to FIAs and other impacts of stock market performance on FIAs$115
 $113
 2%
Other impacts of stock market performance on FIAs:     
FIAs with guaranteed withdrawal benefits14
 (1) (1,500%)
DPAC associated with FIAs5
 
 %
Earnings before income taxes — before the impact of derivatives related to FIAs$134
 $112
 20%
 Three months ended March 31,  
 2020 2019 % Change
Earnings before income taxes — before the impact of derivatives related to FIAs and other impacts of stock market performance and interest rates on FIAs$67
 $101
 (34%)
Impact of derivatives related to FIAs and other impacts of changes in the stock market and interest rates on FIAs over or under option costs:     
Change in fair value of derivatives related to FIAs13
 (95) (114%)
Accretion of guaranteed minimum FIA benefits(105) (99) 6%
Other annuity benefits(55) 8
 (788%)
Less cost of equity options150
 141
 6%
Related impact on the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs(41) 34
 (221%)
Earnings before income taxes$29
 $90
 (68%)
Annuity benefits consisted of the following (dollars in millions):
 Three months ended March 31,  
Three months ended March 31,   2020 2019 Total
2019 2018 % Change Core Non-core Total Core Non-core Total % Change
Interest credited — fixed$194
 $166
 17% $103
 $
 $103
 $95
 $
 $95
 8%
Accretion of guaranteed minimum FIA benefits 
 105
 105
 99
 
 99
 6%
Interest credited — fixed component of variable annuities1
 1
 % 1
 
 1
 1
 
 1
 %
Cost of equity options 150
 (150) 
 
 
 
 %
Other annuity benefits:          

     

 

Change in expected death and annuitization reserve4
 4
 %
Amortization of sales inducements3
 5
 (40%) 2
 1
 3
 4
 
 4
 (25%)
Change in guaranteed withdrawal benefit reserve:                   
Impact of change in the stock market(14) 1
 (1,500%)
Impact of change in the stock market and interest rates 
 44
 44
 (12) 
 (12) (467%)
Accretion of benefits and other21
 22
 (5%) 25
 
 25
 19
 
 19
 32%
Change in other benefit reserves7
 8
 (13%)
Total other annuity benefits21
 40
 (48%)
Total before impact of derivatives related to FIAs216
 207
 4%
Change in expected death and annuitization reserves and other 6
 
 6
 7
 
 7
 (14%)
Change in other benefit reserves — impact of changes in interest rates and the stock market 
 10
 10
 4
 
 4
 150%
Derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities:                   
Embedded derivative mark-to-market462
 (63) (833%) 
 (647) (647) 462
 
 462
 (240%)
Equity option mark-to-market(367) 38
 (1,066%) 
 634
 634
 (367) 
 (367) (273%)
Impact of derivatives related to FIAs95
 (25) (480%) 
 (13) (13) 95
 
 95
 (114%)
              
Total annuity benefits$311
 $182
 71% $287
 $(3) $284
 $312
 $
 $312
 (9%)



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

Because fluctuations in interest rates and the stock market, among other factors, can cause volatility in annuity benefits expense related to FIAs that can be inconsistent with the long-term economics of the FIA business, management believes that including the actual cost of the equity options purchased in the FIA business and excluding unlocking, the impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs, and other impacts of changes in the stock market and interest rates on the accounting for FIAs provides investors with a better view of the true cost of funds in the business and a more comparable measure compared to the cost of funds reported by its peers. The cost of the equity options included in AFG’s cost of funds is the net purchase price of the option contracts amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the contracts, which is generally one year. The following table reconciles AFG’s non-GAAP cost of funds measure to total annuity benefits expense (in millions):
 Three months ended March 31,
 2020 2019
Interest credited — fixed$103
 $95
Include cost of equity options150
 141
Cost of funds253
 236
    
Interest credited — fixed component of variable annuities1
 1
Other annuity benefits, excluding the impact of interest rates and the stock market on FIAs33
 30
 287
 267
Changes in fair value of derivatives related to FIAs and other impacts of the stock market and interest rates over or under option costs:   
Impact of derivatives related to FIAs(13) 95
Accretion of guaranteed minimum FIA benefits105
 99
Other annuity benefits — impact of the stock market and interest rates on FIAs55
 (8)
Less cost of equity options (included in cost of funds)(150) (141)
Total annuity benefits expense$284
 $312

Net Spread on Fixed Annuities (excludes variable annuity earnings)
The profitability of a fixed annuity business is largely dependent on the ability of a company to earn income on the assets supporting the business in excess of the amounts credited to policyholder accounts plus expenses incurred (earning a “spread”). Performance measures such as net interest spread and net spread earned are often presented by annuity businesses to help users of their financial statements better understand the company’s performance.



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



The table below (dollars in millions) details the components of these spreads for AFG’s fixed annuity operations (including fixed-indexed and variable-indexed annuities):
Three months ended March 31,  Three months ended March 31,  
2019 2018 % Change2020 2019 % Change
Average fixed annuity investments (at amortized cost)$36,991
 $33,002
 12%$40,073
 $36,991
 8%
Average fixed annuity benefits accumulated37,078
 33,329
 11%40,139
 37,078
 8%
          
As % of fixed annuity benefits accumulated (except as noted):

 

  

 

  
Net investment income (as % of fixed annuity investments)4.68% 4.74%  4.19% 4.68%  
Interest credited — fixed(2.09%) (1.99%)  
Cost of funds(2.52%) (2.54%)  
Other annuity benefit expenses, net of guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees (*)(0.14%) (0.14%)  
Net interest spread2.59% 2.75%  1.53% 2.00%  
          
Policy charges and other miscellaneous income0.08% 0.10%  
Other annuity benefit expenses, net of guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees(0.04%) (0.29%)  
Acquisition expenses(0.28%) (0.94%)  
Policy charges and other miscellaneous income (*)0.15% 0.09%  
Acquisition expenses (*)(0.67%) (0.65%)  
Other expenses(0.36%) (0.38%)  (0.32%) (0.36%)  
Change in fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities(1.03%) 0.30%  
Net spread earned on fixed annuities excluding the impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs and other impacts of changes in the stock market and interest rates on FIAs0.69% 1.08%  
Changes in fair value of derivatives related to FIAs and other impacts of the stock market and interest rates under (over) option costs:     
Included in core% (0.12%)  
Annuity non-core earnings (losses)(0.38%) %  
Net spread earned on fixed annuities0.96% 1.54%  0.31% 0.96%  

The table below illustrates the impact of fair value accounting for derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities on the annuity segment’s net spread earned on fixed annuities:
 Three months ended March 31,
 2019 2018
Net spread earned on fixed annuities — before the impact of derivatives related to FIAs1.43% 1.38%
Impact of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities:   
Change in fair value of derivatives(1.03%) 0.30%
Related impact on:   
Accretion of guaranteed withdrawal benefits (a)0.06% %
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (b)0.49% (0.14%)
Amortization of deferred sales inducements (b)0.01% %
Net spread earned on fixed annuities0.96% 1.54%


(a)(*)An estimateExcluding the impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs and other impacts of changes in the stock market and interest rates on annuity benefits and the related acceleration/deceleration of the accretion of guaranteed withdrawal benefits.
(b)An estimate of the related acceleration/deceleration ofimpact on the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred sales inducements.costs.


The net spread earned on fixed annuities before the impact of derivatives related to FIAs increased 0.05 percentage points to 1.43% for the first three months of 2019 from 1.38% for the first three months of 2018 due primarily to the impact of unusually strong stock market performance on annuities with guaranteed withdrawal benefits. As previously noted, if the stock market reverts back to AFG’s long-term expectations of performance and volatility, management expects the impact of the stock market on annuity earnings before the impact of derivatives related to FIAs to be less significant in future periods.

Annuity Net Investment Income
Net investment income for the first three months of 20192020 was $435$422 million compared to $394$435 million for the first three months of 2018, an increase2019, a decrease of $41$13 million (10%(3%). This increasedecrease reflects the impact of the significant decline in both credit and equity markets on the annuity segment’s earnings (losses) from partnerships and similar investments and AFG-managed CLOs, partially offset by growth in AFG’s annuity business, partially offset by the impact of lower investment yields.business. The overall yield earned on investments in AFG’s fixed annuity operations, calculated as net investment income divided by average investment balances (at amortized cost), decreased by 0.060.49 percentage points to 4.68%4.19% from 4.74%4.68% in the first three months of 20192020 compared to the first three months of 2018.2019. The decrease in the net investment yield between periods reflects the negative impact of lower earnings from partnerships and similar investments and AFG-managed CLOs in the first quarter of 2020, along with the impact of the reinvestment of proceeds from maturity and redemptionrun-off of higher yielding investments at the lower yields availableand higher cash balances. AFG’s annuity segment recorded $6 million in losses from partnerships and similar investments and AFG-managed CLOs in the first three months of 2020 compared to $29 million in earnings in the first three months of 2019, a change of $35 million (121%). The annualized yield earned on these partnerships and similar investments and AFG-managed CLOs was a negative yield of 1.9% in the first three months of 2020 compared to a positive yield of 10.9% in the prior year period. Because the annuity segment’s partnerships and similar investments accounted for using the equity method are reported on a quarter lag, the second quarter 2020 returns from those investments will reflect the financial markets. For the period from January 1, 2018, throughresults and valuations as of March 31, 2019, $5.8 billion2020, including the downturn in annuity segment investments with an average yield of approximately 5.0% were redeemed or sold withfinancial markets during the proceeds reinvested at an approximately 0.4% lower yield.first quarter.




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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



Annuity Interest Credited — FixedCost of Funds
Interest credited — fixedCost of funds for the first three months of 2020 was $253 million compared to $236 million for the first three months of 2019, was $194 million compared to $166 million for the first three months of 2018, an increase of $28$17 million (17% (7%). This increase reflects the impact of growth in the annuity business. The average interest rate credited to policyholders,cost of policyholder funds, calculated as interest creditedcost of funds divided by average fixed annuity benefits accumulated, increased0.10decreased0.02 percentage points to 2.09%2.52% in the first three months of 2020 from 2.54% in the first three months of 2019 from 1.99% in the first three monthsreflecting lower renewal option costs.

The following table provides details of 2018 due to higher crediting rates on new business (reflecting the impact of risingAFG’s interest rates during 2018).

Annuity Net Interest Spread
AFG’s net interest spread decreased0.16 percentage points to 2.59% from 2.75% in the first three months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 due primarily to higher crediting rates on new business and lower fixed maturity investment yields. Features included in current annuity product offerings allow AFG to achieve its desired profitability at a lower net interest spread than historical product offerings. As a result, AFG expects its net interest spread to narrow in the future.

Annuity Policy Charges and Other Miscellaneous Income
Annuity policy chargescredited and other miscellaneous income, which consist primarilycost of surrender charges, amortization of deferred upfront policy charges (unearned revenue) and income from sales of real estate were $11 million for the first three months of 2019 compared to $10 million for the first three months of 2018, an increase of $1 million (10%). Annuity policy charges and other miscellaneous income as a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated, decreased 0.02 percentage points to 0.08% from 0.10% in the first three months of 2019 compared to the first three months of 2018.funds (in millions):

 Three months ended March 31,
 2020 2019
Cost of equity options (FIAs)$150
 $141
Interest credited:   
Traditional fixed annuities63
 59
Fixed component of fixed-indexed annuities25
 22
Immediate annuities6
 6
Pension risk transfer products4
 1
Federal Home Loan Bank advances5
 7
Total cost of funds$253
 $236

Other Annuity Benefits, Net of Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit Fees
Other annuity benefits, net of guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees excluding the impact of the stock market and interest rates, for the first three months of 2020 were $16 million compared to $14 million for the first three months of 2019, were $5an increase of $2 million compared to $24 million for the first three months of 2018, a decrease of $19 million (79%(14%). As a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated, these net expenses decreased 0.25 percentage points to 0.04% from 0.29%were 0.14% in both the first three months of 2019 compared to2020 and the first three months of 2018.2019. In addition to interest credited to policyholders’ accounts and the change in fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities, annuity benefits expense also includes the following expenses (in millions, net of guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees):
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
Change in expected death and annuitization reserve$4
 $4
Other annuity benefits, excluding the impact of the stock market and interest rates on FIAs:   
Amortization of sales inducements3
 5
$2
 $4
Change in guaranteed withdrawal benefit reserve:   
Impact of change in the stock market(14) 1
Accretion of benefits and other21
 22
Change in guaranteed withdrawal benefit reserve25
 19
Change in other benefit reserves7
 8
6
 7
Other annuity benefits21
 40
33
 30
Offset guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees(16) (16)(17) (16)
Other annuity benefits excluding the impact of the stock market and interest rates, net16
 14
Other annuity benefits — impact of the stock market and interest rates(55) 8
Other annuity benefits, net$5
 $24
$(39) $22


As discussed under “Annuity Benefits Accumulated” in Note AAccounting Policies“Accounting Policies” to the financial statements, guaranteed withdrawal benefit reserves are accrued for and modified using assumptions similar to those used in establishing and amortizing deferred policy acquisition costs. TheIn addition, the guaranteed withdrawal benefit reserve related to FIAs can be inversely impacted by the calculated FIA embedded derivative reserve as the value to policyholders of the guaranteed withdrawal benefits decreasesincreases when the benefit of stock market participation increases.decreases. As shown in the table above, the changechanges in the stock market and interest rates decreased AFG’s guaranteed withdrawal benefit reserve by $14$55 million in the first three months of 20192020 compared to an increase in AFG’s guaranteed benefit reserve by $1of $8 million in the first three months of 2018.2019. This $15$63 million (788%) change (1,500%) was the primary cause of the $19$61 million overall decreasechange in other annuity benefits, net of guaranteed withdrawal fees in the first three months of 20192020 compared to the first three months of 2018.2019.


Annuity Acquisition Expenses
Annuity acquisition expenses for the first three months of 2019 were $26 million compared to $81 million for the first three months of 2018, a decrease of $55 million (68%), reflecting the acceleration/deceleration of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DPAC”) as a result of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs. AFG’s amortization of DPAC and commission expenses as a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated was 0.28% for the first three months


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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



Annuity Net Interest Spread
AFG’s net interest spread decreased 0.47 percentage points to 1.53% from 2.00% in the first three months of 20192020 compared to 0.94%the same period in 2019 due primarily to the negative impact of the significant decline in credit and equity markets on earnings (losses) from partnerships and similar investments and AFG-managed CLOs in the first three months of 2020. Features included in current annuity product offerings allow AFG to achieve its desired profitability at a lower net interest spread than historical product offerings. As a result, AFG expects its net interest spread to narrow in the future.

Annuity Policy Charges and Other Miscellaneous Income
Annuity policy charges and other miscellaneous income, which consist primarily of surrender charges, amortization of deferred upfront policy charges (unearned revenue) and equity index call option proceeds received at maturity that are not passed to policyholders through index credits due to surrenders, were $18 million for the first three months of 20182020 compared to $12 million for the first three months of 2019, an increase of $6 million (50%), reflecting higher gains on equity index options in excess of policyholder index credits in the first three months of 2020 compared to the first three months of 2019. Annuity policy charges and has generally ranged between 0.75%other miscellaneous income as a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated, increased 0.06 percentage points to 0.15% from 0.09% in the first three months of 2020 compared to the first three months of 2019, reflecting higher gains on equity index call options in excess of policyholder index credits.

Annuity Acquisition Expenses
The following table illustrates the acceleration/deceleration of the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DPAC”) resulting from changes in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs and 0.85%. Variancesother impacts of changes in the stock market and interest rates on the accounting for FIAs over or under option costs (in millions):
 Three months ended March 31,
 2020 2019
Annuity acquisition expenses before the impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs and other impacts of the stock market and interest rates$71
 $60
Impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives and other impacts of the stock market and interest rates41
 (34)
Annuity acquisition expenses$112
 $26

Annuity acquisitions expenses before the acceleration/deceleration of the amortization resulting from changes in the general range relate primarilyfair value of derivatives related to FIAs and other impacts of changes in the stock market and interest rates on the accounting for FIAs over or under option costs were $71 million for the first three months of 2020 compared to $60 million for the first three months of 2019, an increase of $11 million (18%), reflecting the impact of (i) materialvery strong investment income from fixed maturity securities and the negative impact of the significant decline in stock market performance on variable annuities in the first three months of 2020.

In the first quarter of 2020, the deceleration in the amortization of DPAC resulting from adverse changes in interest rates or the fair value of derivatives and other liabilities related to FIAs on annuity acquisition expenses as a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated was more than offset by the unfavorable impact on DPAC amortization of poor stock market performance on AFG’sprojected future investment income generated by the investment of the projected net proceeds from the call and put options used in the FIA business, and (ii) differences in actual experience from actuarially projected estimates and assumptions. For example, thebusiness. The negative impact of lower than anticipated interest rates during the first three months of 2019 on the fair value of derivatives and other liabilities related to FIAs resulted in a partially offsetting deceleration of the amortization of DPAC. In contrast, the positive impact of higher than anticipated interest rates during the first three months of 2018 on the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs resulted in a partially offsetting acceleration of the amortization of DPAC.


The table below illustrates the estimated impact of changes in the fair value accounting forof derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities and other impacts of changes in the stock market and interest rates on FIAs on annuity acquisition expenses as a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated:
 Three months ended March 31,
 2019 2018
Before the impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs on the amortization of DPAC0.77% 0.80%
Impact of changes in fair value of derivatives related to FIAs on amortization of DPAC (*)(0.49%) 0.14%
Annuity acquisition expenses as a % of fixed annuity benefits accumulated0.28% 0.94%
 Three months ended March 31,
 2020 2019
Before the impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs and other impacts of the stock market and interest rates0.67% 0.65%
Impact of changes in fair value of derivatives and other impacts of the stock market and interest rates0.41% (0.37%)
Annuity acquisition expenses as a % of fixed annuity benefits accumulated1.08% 0.28%
(*)An estimate of the acceleration/deceleration of the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs resulting from fair value accounting for derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities.



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

Annuity Other Expenses
Annuity other expenses were $32 million for the first three months of 2020 compared to $35 million for the first three months of 2019, compared to $32 million for the first three months of 2018, an increasea decrease of $3 million (9%). Annuity other expenses represent primarily general and administrative expenses, as well as selling and issuance expenses that are not deferred. As a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated, these expenses decreased 0.020.04 percentage points to 0.36%0.32% for the first three months of 20192020 from 0.38%0.36% in the first three months of 20182019 due primarily to growth in the annuity business.


Change in Fair Value of Derivatives Related to Fixed-Indexed (Including Variable-Indexed) Annuities and Other Impacts of Changes in the Stock Market and Interest Rates on FIAs
AFG’s fixed-indexed (including variable-indexed) annuities provide policyholders with a crediting rate tied, in part, to the performance of an existing stock market or other financial index. AFG attempts to mitigate the risk in the index-based component of these products through the purchase and sale of call and put options on the appropriate index. AFG’s strategy is designed so that the net change in the fair value of the call option assets and put option liabilities will generally offset the economic change in the net liability from the index participation. Both the index-based component of the annuities (an embedded derivative) and the related call and put options are considered derivatives that must be adjusted for changes in fair value through earnings each period. The fair values of these derivatives are impacted by actual and expected stock market performance and interest rates as well as other factors. For a list of other factors impacting the fair value of the embedded derivative component of AFG’s annuity benefits accumulated, see Note CD — Fair“Fair Value MeasurementsMeasurements” to the financial statements. Fluctuations in certain of these factors, such as changes in interest rates and the performance of the stock market, are not economic in nature for the current reporting period, but rather impact the timing of reported results.


As discussed above under “Other Annuity Benefits, Net of Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit Fees” and “Annuity Acquisition Expenses,” the periodic accounting for DPAC and guaranteed withdrawal benefits related to FIAs is also impacted by changes in the stock market and interest rates. These impacts may be temporary in nature and not necessarily indicative of the long-term performance of the FIA business. The net changetable below highlights the impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities increasedFIAs and the other impacts of the stock market and interest rates over or under the cost of the equity index options (discussed above) on earnings before income taxes for the annuity benefitssegment (dollars in millions):
 Three months ended March 31,  
 2020 2019 % Change
Change in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs$13
 $(95) (114%)
Accretion of guaranteed minimum FIA benefits(105) (99) 6%
Other annuity benefits(55) 8
 (788%)
Less cost of equity options150
 141
 6%
Related impact on the amortization of DPAC(41) 34
 (221%)
Impact on annuity segment earnings before income taxes$(38) $(11) 245%

During the first three months of 2020, the negative impact of the significant decrease in stock market performance, partially offset by $95the favorable impact of higher than anticipated interest rates, reduced earnings before income taxes for the annuity segment by $38 million in compared to the $11 million impact of the lower than anticipated interest rates on annuity earnings before income taxes for the first three months of 2019, compared to a decrease of $25 million in the first three months of 2018. The change in the fair value of these derivatives includes $10 million in the first three months of 2019 and $7 million in the first three months of 2018 in interest accreted on the embedded derivative (before DPAC amortization), an increase of $3$27 million (43%(245%). AFG expects both the size of the embedded derivative and interest rates to rise, resulting in continued increases in interest on the embedded derivative. During the first three months of 2019, the negative impact of significantly lower than anticipated interest rates on the fair value of the embedded derivative was partially offset by the positive impact of very strong stock market performance. During the first three months of 2018, the positive impact of higher than expected interest rates on the fair value of these derivatives was partially offset by the negative impact of higher than expected option costs and poor stock market performance. As a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated, the changeimpact of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuitiesFIAs and other impacts of changes in the stock market and interest rates on the accounting for FIAs over or under the cost of the equity index options purchased to mitigate the risk in the indexed-based component of those FIAs was a net expense of 1.03%0.38% in the first three months of 20192020 compared to a net expense reduction of 0.30%0.12% in the first three months of 2018.2019.


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued


Fluctuations in interest rates and the stock market, among other factors, can cause volatility in the periodic measurement of fair value of the embedded derivative that management believes can be inconsistent with the long-term economics of these products. The table below illustrates the impact of fair value accounting for derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities on the annuity segment’s earnings before income taxes (dollars in millions):
 Three months ended March 31,  
 2019 2018 % Change
Earnings before income taxes — before change in fair value of derivatives related to FIAs$134
 $112
 20%
Impact of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities:     
Change in fair value of derivatives related to FIAs(95) 25
 (480%)
Related impact on amortization of DPAC and accretion of guaranteed withdrawal benefits (*)51
 (12) (525%)
Earnings before income taxes$90
 $125
 (28%)

(*)An estimate of the related acceleration/deceleration of the amortization of deferred sales inducements and deferred policy acquisition costs and accretion of guaranteed withdrawal benefits.

As illustrated in the table above, the change in fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities, including the related impact on amortization of DPAC, decreased the annuity segment’s earnings before income taxes by $44 million in the first three months of 2019 and increased the annuity segment’s earnings before income taxes by $13 million in the first three months of 2018.


The following table provides analysis of the primary factors impacting the change in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs.FIAs and the other impacts of the stock market and interest rates on the accounting for FIAs over or under the cost of the equity index options discussed above. Each factor is presented net of the estimated related impact on amortization of DPAC (dollars in millions).
 Three months ended March 31,  
 2019 2018 % Change
Interest on the embedded derivative liability$(10) $(7) 43%
Changes in interest rates higher (lower) than expected(45) 27
 (267%)
Change in the stock market, including volatility15
 (2) (850%)
Other(4) (5) (20%)
Impact of derivatives related to FIAs$(44) $13
 (438%)
 Three months ended March 31,  
 2020 2019 % Change
Changes in the stock market, including volatility$(64) $33
 (294%)
Changes in interest rates higher (lower) than expected29
 (45) (164%)
Other(3) 1
 (400%)
Impact on annuity segment earnings before income taxes$(38) $(11) 245%


The change in the fair value
64

Table of derivatives related to FIAs includes an ongoing expense for annuity interest accreted on theContents
embedded derivative reserve. The amountAMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of interest accreted in any period is generally based on the sizeFinancial Condition and Results of the embeddedOperations — Continued
derivative and current interest rates. AFG expects both the size of the embedded derivative and interest rates to rise, resulting in
continued increases in interest on the embedded derivative liability.

Annuity Net Spread Earned on Fixed Annuities
AFG’s net spread earned on fixed annuities excluding the impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs and other impacts of changes in the stock market and interest rates over or under option costs decreased 0.580.39 percentage points to 0.96%0.69% in the first three months of 2020 from 1.54%1.08% in the first three months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018due primarily to the 0.47 percentage points decrease in AFG’s net interest spread discussed above. AFG’s overall net spread earned on fixed annuities decreased 0.65 percentage points to 0.31% in the first three months of 2020 from 0.96% in the first three months of 2019 due to the decrease in AFG’s net interest spread, the impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives and related DPAC amortization offsetother impacts of the stock market and interest rates on the accounting for FIAs discussed above and the 0.16 percentage points decrease in AFG’s net interest spread.above.


Annuity Benefits Accumulated
Annuity premiums received and benefit payments are recorded as increases or decreases in annuity benefits accumulated rather than as revenue and expense. Increases in this liability for interest credited and other benefits are charged to expense and decreases for surrender and other policy charges are credited to other income.



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued


For certain products, annuity benefits accumulated also includes reserves for accrued persistency and premium bonuses, excess benefits expected to be paid on future deaths and annuitizations (“EDAR”) and guaranteed withdrawal benefits. Annuity benefits accumulated also includes amounts advanced from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati. The following table is a progression of AFG’s annuity benefits accumulated liability for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 (in millions):
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
Beginning fixed annuity reserves$36,431
 $33,005
$40,018
 $36,431
Fixed annuity premiums (receipts)1,390
 1,141
1,205
 1,390
Federal Home Loan Bank advances200
 
Surrenders, benefits and other withdrawals(761) (627)(794) (761)
Interest and other annuity benefit expenses:      
Interest credited194
 166
Cost of funds253
 236
Embedded derivative mark-to-market462
 (63)(647) 462
Change in other benefit reserves8
 30
25
 (34)
Ending fixed annuity reserves$37,724
 $33,652
$40,260
 $37,724
      
Reconciliation to annuity benefits accumulated per balance sheet:      
Ending fixed annuity reserves (from above)$37,724
 $33,652
$40,260
 $37,724
Impact of unrealized investment related gains108
 71
38
 108
Fixed component of variable annuities174
 178
165
 174
Annuity benefits accumulated per balance sheet$38,006
 $33,901
$40,463
 $38,006


Annuity benefits accumulated includes a liability of $690 million at March 31, 2020 and $478 million at March 31, 2019 and $381 million at March 31, 2018 for guaranteed withdrawal benefits on annuities with features that allow the policyholder to take fixed periodic lifetime benefit payments that could exceed account value. As discussed in Note A — above under Accounting Policies — Other Annuity Benefits, Accumulated,Net of Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit Fees” and “Annuity Acquisition Expenses, these reserves are accruedthe periodic accounting for (accreted)DPAC and modified using assumptions consistent with those usedguaranteed withdrawal benefits related to amortize deferred policy acquisition costs. Accordingly,FIAs is also impacted by changes in the fair value of derivatives associated with FIAs impact the accretion of the guaranteed withdrawal benefit reserve.stock market and interest rates.


Statutory Annuity Premiums
AFG’s annuity operations generated statutory premiums of $1.40 billion in the first three months of 2019 compared to $1.15 billion in the first three months of 2018, an increase of $247 million (22%). The following table summarizes AFG’s annuity sales (dollars in millions):
 Three months ended March 31,  
2019 2018 % Change
Financial institutions single premium annuities — indexed$424
 $413
 3%
Financial institutions single premium annuities — fixed344
 105
 228%
Retail single premium annuities — indexed301
 294
 2%
Retail single premium annuities — fixed29
 21
 38%
Broker dealer single premium annuities — indexed227
 259
 (12%)
Broker dealer single premium annuities — fixed6
 3
 100%
Pension risk transfer10
 
 %
Education market — fixed and indexed annuities49
 46
 7%
Total fixed annuity premiums1,390
 1,141
 22%
Variable annuities5
 7
 (29%)
Total annuity premiums$1,395
 $1,148
 22%

Management attributes the 22% increase in annuity premiums in the first three months of 2019 compared to the first three months of 2018 to the introduction of new products and efforts to expand in the retail and broker dealer markets. As a result of lower market interest rates during the past several months, AFG recently lowered crediting rates on several products, which has begun to slow annuity sales compared to the fourth quarter of 2018.


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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued


Statutory Annuity Premiums
AFG’s annuity operations generated statutory premiums of $1.21 billion in the first three months of 2020 compared to $1.40 billion in the first three months of 2019, a decrease of $185 million (13%). The following table summarizes AFG’s annuity sales (dollars in millions):

 Three months ended March 31,  
2020 2019 % Change
Financial institutions single premium annuities — indexed$424
 $424
 %
Financial institutions single premium annuities — fixed287
 344
 (17%)
Retail single premium annuities — indexed172
 301
 (43%)
Retail single premium annuities — fixed25
 29
 (14%)
Broker dealer single premium annuities — indexed138
 227
 (39%)
Broker dealer single premium annuities — fixed17
 6
 183%
Pension risk transfer103
 10
 930%
Education market — fixed and indexed annuities39
 49
 (20%)
Total fixed annuity premiums1,205
 1,390
 (13%)
Variable annuities5
 5
 %
Total annuity premiums$1,210
 $1,395
 (13%)

Management attributes the 13% decrease in annuity premiums in the first three months of 2020 compared to the first three months of 2019 to the lower market interest rate environment. In response to the continued drop in market interest rates during 2019 and 2020, AFG lowered crediting rates on several products, which has slowed annuity sales compared to 2019 levels. In addition, many of the restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic impact the ability of agents to conduct business in the same manner as usual. As a result, management expects annuity premiums to be negatively impacted during the remainder of 2020.

Annuity premiums increased 6% in the first three months of 2020 compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, reflecting a sequential increase in all of the annuity segment’s major channels.

Annuity Earnings before Income Taxes Reconciliation
The following table reconciles the net spread earned on AFG’s fixed annuities to overall annuity pretax earnings for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 (in millions):
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
Earnings on fixed annuity benefits accumulated$89
 $128
$31
 $89
Earnings impact of investments in excess of fixed annuity benefits accumulated (*)(1) (4)(1) (1)
Variable annuity earnings2
 1
Variable annuity earnings (loss)(1) 2
Earnings before income taxes$90
 $125
$29
 $90


(*)
Net investment income (as a % of investments) of 4.68%4.19% and 4.74%4.68% for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019, respectively, multiplied by the difference between average fixed annuity investments (at amortized cost) and average fixed annuity benefits accumulated in each period.



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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

Holding Company, Other and Unallocated — Results of Operations
AFG’s net pretax loss outside of its property and casualty insurance and annuity operationssegments (excluding realized gains and losses) totaled $37 million in the first three months of 2020 compared to $43 million in the first three months of 2019, compared to $42a decrease of $6 million in the first three months of 2018, an increase of $1 million (2%(14%).


The following table details AFG’s loss before income taxes from operations outside of its property and casualty insurance and annuity operationssegments for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 (dollars in millions):
Three months ended March 31,  Three months ended March 31,  
2019 2018 % Change2020 2019 % Change
Revenues:          
Life, accident and health net earned premiums$6
 $6
 %$5
 $6
 (17%)
Net investment income14
 4
 250%(7) 14
 (150%)
Other income — P&C fees15
 17
 (12%)17
 15
 13%
Reclassify annuity segment option gains(8) (1) 700%
Other income8
 8
 %7
 8
 (13%)
Total revenues43
 35
 23%14
 42
 (67%)
          
Costs and Expenses:          
Property and casualty insurance — commissions and other underwriting expenses5
 6
 (17%)5
 5
 %
Annuity — annuity benefits(8) (1) 700%
Life, accident and health benefits9
 11
 (18%)10
 9
 11%
Life, accident and health acquisition expenses2
 1
 100%1
 2
 (50%)
Other expense — expenses associated with P&C fees10
 11
 (9%)12
 10
 20%
Other expenses44
 33
 33%14
 44
 (68%)
Costs and expenses, excluding interest charges on borrowed money70
 62
 13%34
 69
 (51%)
Loss before income taxes, excluding realized gains and losses and interest charges on borrowed money(27) (27) %(20) (27) (26%)
Interest charges on borrowed money16
 15
 7%17
 16
 6%
Loss before income taxes, excluding realized gains and losses$(43) $(42) 2%$(37) $(43) (14%)


Holding Company and Other — Life, Accident and Health Premiums, Benefits and Acquisition Expenses
AFG’s run-off long-term care and life insurance operations recorded net earned premiums of $5 million and related benefits and acquisition expenses of $11 million in the first three months of 2020 compared to net earned premiums of $6 million and related benefits and acquisition expenses of $11 million in the first three months of 2019 compared to net earned premiums of $62019. The $1 million and related benefits and acquisition expenses of $12 million in the first three months of 2018. The $2 million (18%(11%) decreaseincrease in life, accident and health benefits reflects lowerhigher claims in the run-off lifelong-term care insurance business.


Holding Company and Other — Net Investment Income
AFG recorded a net investment incomeloss on investments held outside of its property and casualty insurance and annuity operationssegments of $7 million in the first three months of 2020 compared to net investment income of $14 million in the first three months of 2019, compared to $4a change of $21 million in the first three months of 2018, an increase of $10 million (250%(150%). The parent company holds a small portfolio of securities that are carried at fair value through net investment income. These securities increaseddecreased in value by $13 million in the first three months of 2020 compared to an increase in value of $6 million in the first three months of 2019 compared to a $1 million decrease in value in the first three months of 2018.2019.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued




Holding Company and Other — P&C Fees and Related Expenses
Summit, a workers’ compensation insurance subsidiary, collects fees from a small group of unaffiliated insurers for providing underwriting, policy administration and claims services. In addition, certain of AFG’s property and casualty insurance businesses collect fees from customers for ancillary services such as workplace safety programs and premium financing. In the first three months of 2019,2020, AFG collected $15$17 million in fees for these services compared to $17$15 million in the first three months of 2018.2019. Management views this fee income, net of the $10$12 million in the first three months of 20192020 and $11$10 million in the first three months of 2018,2019, in expenses incurred to generate such fees, as a reduction in the cost of underwriting its property and casualty insurance policies. Consistent with internal management reporting, these fees and the related expenses are netted and recorded as a reduction of commissions and other underwriting expenses in AFG’s segmented results.


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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued

Holding Company and Other — Annuity Segment Option Gains
As discussed under “Annuity Segment — Results of Operations,” AFG purchases and sells equity index options to mitigate the risk in the index-based component of its FIAs. In evaluating the performance of the annuity business, management views the cost of the equity options as a better measurement of the true expenses of the Annuity segment as compared to the GAAP accounting for these options as derivatives because any proceeds at expiration from the options generally are passed to policyholders through index credits. On occasion, policyholders surrender their annuity prior to receiving the index credit, which results in any option exercise proceeds being retained by AFG. For internal management reporting, AFG views these “option gains” as miscellaneous (other) income rather than as a component of annuity benefits expense. Consistent with internal management reporting, these option gains are reclassified from annuity benefits to other income in AFG’s segmented results. In the first three months of 2020 and 2019, AFG had $8 million and $1 million, respectively, in such option gains. 

Holding Company and Other — Other Income
Other income in the table above includes $4 million in the first three months of 2020 and $3 million in the first three months of 2019, and $4 million in the first three months of 2018, in management fees paid to AFG by the AFG-managed CLOs (AFG’s consolidated managed investment entities). The management fees are eliminated in consolidation — see the other income line in the Consolidate MIEs column under “Results of Operations — Segmented Statement of Earnings.Earnings.Excluding amounts eliminated in consolidation, AFG recorded other income outside of its property and casualty insurance and annuity operationssegments of $3 million in the first three months of 2020 compared to $5 million in the first three months of 2019 compared to $4 million in the first three months of 2018.2019.


Holding Company and Other — Other Expenses
AFG’s holding companies and other operations outside of its property and casualty insurance and annuity operationssegments recorded other expenses of $14 million in the first three months of 2020 compared to $44 million in the first three months of 2019, compared to $33a decrease of $30 million in the first three months of 2018, an increase of $11 million (33%(68%). This increasedecrease reflects a $3 million charitable donation in the first quarter of 2019 and higherlower holding company expenses related to employee benefit plans that are tied to stock market performance and incentive compensation expense in the first three months of 20192020 compared to the 2018 period.first three months of 2019.


Holding Company and Other — Interest Charges on Borrowed Money
AFG’s holding companies and other operations outside of its property and casualty insurance and annuity operationssegments recorded interest expense of $1617 million in the first three months of 20192020 compared to $15$16 million in the first three months of 2018,2019, an increase of $1 million (7%(6%). The following table details the principal amount of AFG’s long-term debt balances as of March 31, 20192020 compared to March 31, 20182019 (dollars in millions):
March 31,
2019
 March 31,
2018
March 31,
2020
 March 31,
2019
Direct obligations of AFG:      
4.50% Senior Notes due June 2047$590
 $590
$590
 $590
3.50% Senior Notes due August 2026425
 425
425
 425
6-1/4% Subordinated Debentures due September 2054150
 150
5.125% Subordinated Debentures due December 2059200
 
6% Subordinated Debentures due November 2055150
 150
150
 150
5.875% Subordinated Debentures due March 2059125
 
125
 125
6-1/4% Subordinated Debentures due September 2054
 150
Other3
 3
3
 3
Total principal amount of Holding Company Debt$1,443
 $1,318
$1,493
 $1,443
      
Weighted Average Interest Rate4.7% 4.6%4.6% 4.7%


The increase in interest expense and the weighted average interest rate for the first three months of 20192020 as compared to the first three months of 20182019 reflects the issuance offollowing financial transactions completed by AFG between January 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020:
Issued $125 million of 5.875% Subordinated Debentures onin March 18, 2019.2019

Issued $200 million of 5.125% Subordinated Debentures in December 2019

Redeemed $150 million of 6-1/4% Subordinated Debentures in December 2019


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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued



Consolidated Realized Gains (Losses) on Securities
AFG’s consolidated realized gains (losses) on securities, which are not allocated to segments, were net gainslosses of $184$551 million in the first three months of 20192020 compared to net lossesgains of $93$184 million in the first three months of 2018, an improvement2019, a change of $277$735 million (298%(399%). Realized gains (losses) on securities consisted of the following (in millions):
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
Realized gains (losses) before impairments:      
Disposals$(3) $4
$29
 $(3)
Change in the fair value of equity securities (*)182
 (95)
Change in the fair value of equity securities(535) 182
Change in the fair value of derivatives6
 (5)4
 6
Adjustments to annuity deferred policy acquisition costs and related items1
 4
(3) 1
186
 (92)(505) 186
Impairment charges:      
Securities(3) (1)(61) (3)
Adjustments to annuity deferred policy acquisition costs and related items1
 
15
 1
(2) (1)(46) (2)
Realized gains (losses) on securities$184
 $(93)$(551) $184

(*)
As discussed in Note A — Accounting Policies — Investments,” beginning in January 2018, all equity securities other than those accounted for under the equity method are carried at fair value through net earnings. These amounts include a $163 million net gain on securities that were still held at March 31, 2019 and a $94 million net loss on securities that were still held at March 31, 2018.


The $535 million net realized loss from the change in the fair value of equity securities in the first three months of 2020 includes losses of $139 million on investments in banks and financing companies, $110 million on investments in media companies, $83 million on investments in natural gas companies, $46 million on investments in energy companies and $42 million on real estate investment trusts. The $182 million net realized gain from the change in the fair value of equity securities in the first three months of 2019 includes gains of $52 million on investments in banks and financing companies, $29 million from investments in media companies and $17 million on energy-related investments.

The $95$61 million net realized loss from the changeof impairment charges in the fair value of equity securities in the first three months of 2018 includes approximately $252020 include $24 million in charges related to real estate investment trusts, $24corporate bonds and other fixed maturities, $17 million related to bankson third-party collateralized loan obligations and financing companies and $15$14 million related to media companies.on other asset-backed securities.


Consolidated Income Taxes
AFG’s consolidated provision (credit) for income taxes was a credit of $84 million for the first three months of 2020 compared to a provision of $87 million for the first three months of 2019, compared to $33a change of $171 million for the first three months of 2018, an increase of $54 million (164%(197%). See NoteLIncome Taxes“Income Taxes” to the financial statements for an analysis of items affecting AFG’s effective tax rate.


Consolidated Noncontrolling Interests
AFG’s consolidated net earnings (losses)(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests was a net loss of $3 million for both the first three months of 2019 compared to $4 million for2020 and the first three months of 2018.2019. Both periods reflect losses at Neon, AFG’s United Kingdom-based Lloyd’s insurer.


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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Continued


RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS


See Note AAccounting“Accounting PoliciesInvestmentsCredit Losses on Financial Instruments”to the financial statements for a discussion of accounting guidance adopted on January 1, 2018, which, among other things, requires equity investments that are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net earnings.

See Note A — “Accounting PoliciesLeasesand Note J — “Leasesto the financial statements for a discussion of accounting guidance adopted on January 1, 2019, which requires entities that lease assets for terms longer than one year to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases on the balance sheet based on the present value of cash flows.

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS TO BE ADOPTED

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,2020, which provides a new credit loss model for determining credit-related impairments for financial instruments measured at amortized cost (e.g. mortgage(mortgage loans, orpremiums receivable and reinsurance recoverables) and requires an entity to estimate the credit losses expected over the life of an exposure or pool of exposures. The estimate


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Table of expected credit losses considers historical information, current information, as well as reasonableContents
AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
Management’s Discussion and supportable forecasts, including estimatesAnalysis of prepayments. The expected credit losses,Financial Condition and subsequent increases or decreases in such losses, will be recorded immediately through realized gains (losses) as an allowance that is deducted from the amortized cost basisResults of the financial asset, with the net carrying value of the financial asset presented on the balance sheet at the amount expected to be collected. The updated guidance also amends the current other-than-temporary impairment model for available for sale debt securities by requiring the recognition of impairments relating to credit losses through an allowance account and limits the amount of credit loss to the difference between a security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. Subsequent increases or decreases in expected credit losses will be recorded immediately in the income statement through realized gains (losses). AFG will be required to adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2020. AFG cannot estimate the impact that the updated guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity until the updated guidance is adopted.Operations — Continued


ACCOUNTING STANDARDS TO BE ADOPTED

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-12, Financial Services – Insurance: Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts, which changes the assumptions used to measure the liability for future policy benefits for traditional and limited pay contracts (e.g. life, accident and health benefits) from being locked in at inception to being updated at least annually and standardizes the liability discount rate to be used and updated each reporting period, requires the measurement of market risk benefits associated with deposit contracts (e.g. annuities) to be recorded at fair value, simplifies the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs to a constant level basis over the expected life of the related contracts and requires enhanced disclosures. AFG will be required to adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2021.2022. AFG cannot estimate the impact that the updated guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity until the updated guidance is adopted.closer to adoption.




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ITEM 3
3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk


As of March 31, 20192020, there were no material changes to the information provided in Item 7A — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk of AFG’s 20182019 Form 10-K.


ITEM 4
4. Controls and Procedures


AFG’s management, with participation of its Co-Chief Executive Officers and its Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated AFG’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, AFG’s Co-CEOs and CFO concluded that the controls and procedures are effective. There have been no changes in AFG’s internal control over financial reporting during the first fiscal quarter of 20192020 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, AFG’s internal control over financial reporting.


In the ordinary course of business, AFG and its subsidiaries routinely enhance their information systems by either upgrading current systems or implementing new systems. There has been no change in AFG’s business processes and procedures during the first fiscal quarter of 20192020 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, AFG’s internal control over financial reporting.


PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
For a discussion of AFG’s potential risks or uncertainties, please see “Part I — Item 1A — Risk Factors” and “Part II — Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in AFG’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, and “Part I — Item 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in each case as updated by AFG’s periodic filings with the SEC. Other than as described below, there have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Part I — Item 1A of the Company’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The impact of COVID-19 and related risks could materially affect AFG’s results of operations, financial position and liquidity.
The global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in, and is expected to continue to result in, significant disruptions in economic activity and financial markets. COVID-19 has directly and indirectly adversely affected AFG and will likely continue to do so for an uncertain period of time. The cumulative effects of COVID-19 on AFG cannot be predicted at this time, but could include, without limitation:
Continued volatility and further disruption in financial markets which could result in additional significant declines in the fair value of AFG’s investments and could lead to investment losses due to creditor defaults and bankruptcies;
Declining interest rates which could reduce future investment results;
A negative impact on premium volumes and annuity sales due to the impact of COVID-19 on general economic activity;
Negative impact on the global economy or the economies of particular countries or regions, including travel, trade, tourism, the health system, food supply, consumption and overall economic output;
Reduced cash flows from policyholders delaying premium payments and increased surrenders and annuitizations of in-force annuities;
Increased claims, including annuity and life insurance death claims, losses, litigation and related expenses;
Legislative, regulatory, and judicial actions in response to COVID-19, including, but not limited to: actions prohibiting AFG from canceling insurance policies in accordance with policy terms; requiring AFG to cover losses when its policies specifically excluded coverage or did not provide coverage; ordering AFG to provide premium refunds; granting extended grace periods for payment of premiums; and providing for extended periods of time to pay past due premiums; and
Policyholder losses from COVID-19-related claims could be greater than AFG’s reserves for those losses.


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AFG’s results of operations could be adversely impacted by catastrophes, both natural and man-made, pandemics or severe weather conditions or climate change.
Catastrophes can be caused by unpredictable natural events such as hurricanes, windstorms, severe storms, tornadoes, floods, hailstorms, severe winter weather, earthquakes, explosions and fire, and by other events, such as terrorist attacks, as well as pandemics and other similar outbreaks in many parts of the world, including the recent outbreak of COVID-19. These events may have a material adverse effect on our workforce and business operations as well as the workforce and operations of our customers and independent agents. Some of the assets in our investment portfolio may be adversely affected by declines in the financial markets, changes in interest rates, reduced liquidity and economic activity caused by large-scale catastrophes, pandemics, terrorist attacks or similar events which could have a material adverse effect on our revenue, liquidity and operating results.

While not considered a catastrophe by insurance industry standards, droughts can have a significant adverse impact on AFG’s crop insurance results. In addition, extreme weather events that are linked to rising temperatures, changing global weather patterns and fluctuating rain, snow and sea levels (climate change) could result in increased occurrence and severity of catastrophes. The extent of gross losses for our insurance operations from a catastrophe event is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected by the event and the severity of the event, potentially mitigated by any reinsurance coverage purchased by AFG’s insurance subsidiaries. In addition, certain catastrophes could result in both property and non-property claims from the same event. A severe catastrophe or a series of catastrophes could result in losses exceeding AFG’s reinsurance protection and may have a material adverse impact on its results of operations or financial condition.


ITEM 2
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities   AFG did not repurchase anyrepurchased shares of its Common Stock during the first three months of 2019. As of March 31, 2019, there were 5,000,000 remaining shares that may be repurchased under the Plans authorized by AFG’s Board of Directors in February 2016 and February 2019.2020 as follows:

 
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum Number
of Shares
that May
Yet be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs (*)
First Quarter:       
January
 
 
 5,000,000
February103,679
 $95.29
 103,679
 4,896,321
March722,604
 71.27
 722,604
 4,173,717
Total826,283
 $74.28
 826,283
  
(*)Represents the remaining shares that may be repurchased under the Plans authorized by AFG’s Board of Directors in February 2016 and February 2019.

In addition, AFG acquired 1,001 shares of its Common Stock (at an average of $89.94 per share) in January 2019, 42,3161,105 shares (at an average of $99.33$110.19 per share) in January 2020 and 94,749 shares (at an average of $110.81 per share) in February 2019 and 153 shares (at $98.19 per share) in March 20192020 in connection with its stock incentive plans.

ITEM 5
Other Information

Disclosure of Certain Activities Under Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934   Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Section 13(r)”), requires a registrant to disclose in its annual or quarterly reports whether it or an affiliate knowingly engaged in certain activities, transactions or dealings related to Iran during the period covered by the report.

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries located outside the United States subscribe to insurance policies that provide insurance coverage to vessels owned by international shipping and marine entities with vessels that travel worldwide. As a result, the insurance policies may be called upon to respond to claims involving or that have exposure to Iranian petroleum resources, refined petroleum, and petrochemical industries. For example, certain of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries participate in global marine hull and war policies that provide coverage for damage to vessels navigating into and out of ports worldwide, which could include Iran.

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company is not aware of any additional premium with respect to underwriting insurance or reinsurance activities reportable under Section 13(r). Should any such risks have entered into the stream of commerce covered by these insurance or reinsurance activities, the Company believes that the premiums associated with such business would be immaterial.



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ITEM 6
Exhibits
 
Number Exhibit Description  
   
   
   
   
101101.INS The following financial information from American Financial Group’s Form 10-Q forXBRL Instance Document - the quarter ended March 31, 2019, formattedinstance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language):tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.  
101.SCH        (i) Consolidated Balance SheetInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.  
101.CAL       (ii) Consolidated Statement of EarningsInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.  
101.DEF      (iii) Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive IncomeInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.  
101.LAB      (iv) Consolidated Statement of Changes in EquityInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.  
101.PRE       (v) Consolidated Statement of Cash FlowsInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.  
104      (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).  
 



Signature
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


 American Financial Group, Inc.
    
May 3, 201911, 2020By: /s/ Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
   Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


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