Zacks Research Has Pessimistic Outlook of AFG Q4 Earnings

American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:AFG) – Investment analysts at Zacks Research dropped their Q4 2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of American Financial Group in a report released on Monday, February 16th. Zacks Research analyst Team now anticipates that the insurance provider will post earnings per share of $3.40 for the quarter, down from their previous estimate of $3.52. The consensus estimate for American Financial Group’s current full-year earnings is $10.50 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for American Financial Group’s FY2027 earnings at $11.57 EPS.

American Financial Group (NYSE:AFG) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The insurance provider reported $3.65 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $3.18 by $0.47. American Financial Group had a net margin of 10.30% and a return on equity of 18.92%. The business had revenue of $2.06 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.79 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $3.12 earnings per share. The company’s revenue was down 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year.

A number of other equities analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Weiss Ratings lowered shares of American Financial Group from a “buy (b-)” rating to a “hold (c+)” rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on American Financial Group from $165.00 to $160.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Piper Sandler increased their price target on American Financial Group from $130.00 to $139.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reissued a “hold” rating and set a $142.00 price objective on shares of American Financial Group in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $141.25.

American Financial Group Price Performance

Shares of American Financial Group stock opened at $129.63 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.87 and a beta of 0.71. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $132.67 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $135.31. American Financial Group has a 12 month low of $114.73 and a 12 month high of $150.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 0.55 and a quick ratio of 0.55.

American Financial Group Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a special dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, February 25th. Investors of record on Monday, February 16th will be issued a dividend of $1.50 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. American Financial Group’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 34.96%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On American Financial Group

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Royal Bank of Canada increased its position in shares of American Financial Group by 11.1% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 75,421 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $9,905,000 after purchasing an additional 7,554 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. purchased a new position in American Financial Group in the first quarter valued at $2,330,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its stake in American Financial Group by 145.8% in the first quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 1,278 shares of the insurance provider’s stock valued at $168,000 after buying an additional 758 shares in the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc lifted its holdings in American Financial Group by 86.7% during the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 422 shares of the insurance provider’s stock worth $57,000 after buying an additional 196 shares during the last quarter. Finally, D.A. Davidson & CO. boosted its position in shares of American Financial Group by 23.0% during the 2nd quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 4,126 shares of the insurance provider’s stock worth $521,000 after acquiring an additional 772 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.37% of the company’s stock.

Trending Headlines about American Financial Group

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

• Positive Sentiment: Zacks raised its Q4 2027 EPS estimate to $4.05 (from $3.73), which is a favorable revision for late‑2027 profitability and could support upside if subsequent quarters follow.
• Neutral Sentiment: American Financial adopted a 2026 Executive Incentive Plan — a routine governance move that can align management pay with performance but is unlikely to be a near‑term stock catalyst. Article Title
• Neutral Sentiment: Management will participate in the 2026 AIFA conference — a standard investor‑relations event that could provide fresh color or guidance but is not an immediate earnings driver. Article Title
• Negative Sentiment: Zacks cut multiple near‑term and medium‑term EPS forecasts: Q4 2026 to $3.40 (from $3.52), reductions to several 2026 and 2027 quarter estimates (Q1–Q3 2026/2027 and Q2–Q3 2027), and FY2026/FY2027 trims (FY2026 to $11.00 from $11.32; FY2027 to $11.57 from $11.77). Those downward revisions lower forward earnings expectations and help explain selling pressure on the stock today.

About American Financial Group

American Financial Group, Inc (NYSE: AFG) is a diversified holding company primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. Through its flagship subsidiary, Great American Insurance Company, the firm underwrites a broad range of specialty insurance products for commercial and industrial clients, including inland marine, excess and surplus lines, executive liability, and environmental liability coverage. In addition, American Financial Group offers supplemental accident and health insurance and assumes reinsurance risks from other insurers, helping to diversify its underwriting portfolio.

The company traces its roots to 1946, when it was founded by Carl Lindner, Sr.