AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP INC

AFG’s net earnings, determined in accordance with GAAP, include certain items that may not be indicative of its ongoing core operations. 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. In addition, special charges related to coverage that AFG no longer writes, such as asbestos and environmental exposures, are excluded from core earnings.

The following table (in millions, except per share amounts) identifies non-core items and reconciles net earnings 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.

Net earnings were $255 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $263 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 reflecting net realized losses on securities in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to net realized gains on securities in the fourth quarter of 2023, partially offset by higher core net operating earnings. Core net operating earnings for the fourth quarter of 2024 increased $24 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 reflecting higher net investment income, including improved returns on alternative investments, partially offset by lower underwriting profit. Net realized losses on securities of $7 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 and net realized gains on securities of $25 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 include $1 million of after-tax losses and $22 million of after-tax gains, respectively, from the change in fair value of equity securities that were still held at the balance sheet date.

Net earnings were $887 million for the full-year of 2024 compared to $852 million in 2023 reflecting the impact of net realized losses on securities in 2023 and higher core net operating earnings. Core net operating earnings for 2024 increased $7 million compared to 2023. Higher investment income outside of alternative investments was partially offset by lower returns on AFG’s alternative investment portfolio and lower underwriting profit. Net realized gains on securities of less than $1 million in 2024 and net realized losses on securities of $28 million in 2023 include $19 million of after-tax gains and $2 million of after-tax losses, respectively, from the change in fair value of equity securities that were still held at the balance sheet date.

Net earnings were $852 million for the full-year of 2023 compared to $898 million in 2022 reflecting lower core net operating earnings and a special A&E charge recorded in the third quarter of 2023, partially offset by lower net realized losses on securities in 2023 compared to 2022. Core net operating earnings for 2023 decreased $98 million compared to 2022 reflecting lower returns on AFG’s alternative investment portfolio when compared to the strong performance of this portfolio in 2022 and lower underwriting profit, partially offset by higher investment income outside of alternative investments. Net realized losses on securities of $28 million in 2023 and $92 million in 2022 include $2 million and $75 million, respectively, of after-tax losses from the change in fair value of equity securities that were still held at the balance sheet date.