AFG-2012.9.30 10Q


________________________________________________________
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 September 30, 2012
Commission File No. 1-13653 
AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
 
Incorporated under
the Laws of Ohio
 
IRS Employer I.D.
No. 31-1544320

301 East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(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.    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company:
      Large Accelerated Filer  x Accelerated Filer  ¨ Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨ Smaller Accelerated Filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company.    Yes  ¨    No  x
As of November 1, 2012, there were 90,234,106 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding, excluding 14.9 million shares owned by subsidiaries.

________________________________________________________


Table of Contents

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
  
Page
 
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
PART I
ITEM I — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars In Millions)
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31, 2011
(as adjusted)
Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,626

 
$
1,324

Investments:
 
 
 
Fixed maturities, available for sale at fair value (amortized cost – $21,760 and $20,562)
23,746

 
21,807

Fixed maturities, trading at fair value
309

 
440

Equity securities, at fair value (cost – $825 and $744)
1,031

 
928

Mortgage loans
566

 
401

Policy loans
229

 
252

Real estate and other investments
530

 
425

Total cash and investments
28,037

 
25,577

Recoverables from reinsurers
3,865

 
2,942

Prepaid reinsurance premiums
587

 
409

Agents’ balances and premiums receivable
750

 
565

Deferred policy acquisition costs
621

 
901

Assets of managed investment entities
3,102

 
3,058

Other receivables
1,168

 
895

Variable annuity assets (separate accounts)
577

 
548

Other assets
741

 
757

Goodwill
185

 
186

Total assets
$
39,633

 
$
35,838

Liabilities and Equity:
 
 
 
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
$
7,277

 
$
6,520

Unearned premiums
1,821

 
1,484

Annuity benefits accumulated
17,245

 
15,420

Life, accident and health reserves
1,699

 
1,727

Payable to reinsurers
656

 
475

Liabilities of managed investment entities
2,753

 
2,787

Long-term debt
966

 
934

Variable annuity liabilities (separate accounts)
577

 
548

Other liabilities
1,675

 
1,386

Total liabilities
34,669

 
31,281

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Common Stock, no par value
- 200,000,000 shares authorized
- 90,846,962 and 97,846,402 shares outstanding
91

 
98

Capital surplus
1,071

 
1,121

Retained earnings:
 
 
 
Appropriated — managed investment entities
109

 
173

Unappropriated
2,577

 
2,439

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
931

 
580

Total shareholders’ equity
4,779

 
4,411

Noncontrolling interests
185

 
146

Total equity
4,964

 
4,557

Total liabilities and equity
$
39,633

 
$
35,838


2

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
 
Nine months ended
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
(as adjusted)
 
2012
 
2011
(as adjusted)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and casualty insurance premiums
$
848

 
$
835

 
$
2,091

 
$
2,043

Life, accident and health premiums
80

 
107

 
290

 
324

Investment income
327

 
310

 
981

 
916

Realized gains (losses) on:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities (*)
85

 
8

 
145

 
27

Subsidiaries
156

 

 
155

 
(3
)
Income (loss) of managed investment entities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income
31

 
27

 
92

 
78

Gain (loss) on change in fair value of assets/liabilities
(13
)
 
1

 
(63
)
 
(54
)
Other income
49

 
47

 
135

 
136

Total revenues
1,563

 
1,335

 
3,826

 
3,467

Costs and Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and casualty insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
610

 
549

 
1,317

 
1,303

Commissions and other underwriting expenses
254

 
228

 
697

 
648

Annuity benefits
140

 
142

 
417

 
383

Life, accident and health benefits
68

 
90

 
244

 
275

Annuity and supplemental insurance acquisition expenses
47

 
46

 
142

 
145

Interest charges on borrowed money
22

 
21

 
64

 
63

Expenses of managed investment entities
19

 
17

 
58

 
53

Other operating and general expenses
118

 
86

 
320

 
279

Total costs and expenses
1,278

 
1,179

 
3,259

 
3,149

Operating earnings before income taxes
285

 
156

 
567

 
318

Provision for income taxes
74

 
48

 
184

 
126

Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests
211

 
108

 
383

 
192

Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
(15
)
 
11

 
(55
)
 
(41
)
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders
$
226

 
$
97

 
$
438

 
$
233

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Attributable to Shareholders per Common Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
2.43

 
$
0.97

 
$
4.58

 
$
2.27

Diluted
$
2.39

 
$
0.95

 
$
4.50

 
$
2.23

Average number of Common Shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
92.9

 
99.7

 
95.7

 
102.3

Diluted
94.6

 
101.3

 
97.4

 
104.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends per Common Share
$
0.175

 
$
0.1625

 
$
0.525

 
$
0.4875

________________________________________
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(*) Consists of the following:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized gains before impairments
$
93

 
$
18

 
$
164

 
$
68

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Losses on securities with impairment
(8
)
 
(6
)
 
(20
)
 
(23
)
Non-credit portion recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

 
(4
)
 
1

 
(18
)
Impairment charges recognized in earnings
(8
)
 
(10
)
 
(19
)
 
(41
)
Total realized gains on securities
$
85

 
$
8

 
$
145

 
$
27


3

Table of Contents

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Millions)
 
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests
$
211

 
$
108

 
$
383

 
$
192

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities arising during the period
228

 
(1
)
 
464

 
135

Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net earnings
(56
)
 
(14
)
 
(96
)
 
(34
)
Reclassification adjustment for unrealized gains of subsidiaries sold
(18
)
 

 
(18
)
 

Total net unrealized gains (losses) on securities
154

 
(15
)
 
350

 
101

Foreign currency translation adjustments
10

 
(14
)
 
9

 
(9
)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments

 

 
1

 
1

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
164

 
(29
)
 
360

 
93

Total comprehensive income, net of tax
375

 
79

 
743

 
285

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
(10
)
 
12

 
(47
)
 
(38
)
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders
$
385

 
$
67

 
$
790

 
$
323



4

Table of Contents

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Millions)
 
  
 
 
Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
Common
 
Common Stock
and Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other Comp
 
 
 
Noncon-
trolling
 
Total
Shares
 
Surplus
 
Approp.
 
Unapprop.
 
Inc. (Loss)
 
Total
 
Interests
 
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2011,
as adjusted
97,846,402

 
$
1,219

 
$
173

 
$
2,439

 
$
580

 
$
4,411

 
$
146

 
$
4,557

Net earnings

 

 

 
438

 

 
438

 
(55
)
 
383

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 
352

 
352

 
8

 
360

Allocation of losses of managed investment entities

 

 
(64
)
 

 

 
(64
)
 
64

 

Dividends on Common Stock

 

 

 
(50
)
 

 
(50
)
 

 
(50
)
Shares issued:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercise of stock options
1,009,714

 
27

 

 

 

 
27

 

 
27

Other benefit plans
291,610

 
6

 

 

 

 
6

 

 
6

Dividend reinvestment plan
11,697

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 
15

 

 

 

 
15

 

 
15

Shares exchanged - benefit plans
(23,685
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares acquired and retired
(8,288,776
)
 
(105
)
 

 
(210
)
 

 
(315
)
 

 
(315
)
Other

 

 

 
(40
)
 
(1
)
 
(41
)
 
22

 
(19
)
Balance at September 30, 2012
90,846,962

 
$
1,162

 
$
109

 
$
2,577

 
$
931

 
$
4,779

 
$
185

 
$
4,964

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
105,168,366

 
$
1,271

 
$
197

 
$
2,523

 
$
479

 
$
4,470

 
$
150

 
$
4,620

Cumulative effect of accounting change

 

 

 
(155
)
 
16

 
(139
)
 

 
(139
)
Balance at December 31, 2010,
as adjusted
105,168,366

 
1,271

 
197

 
2,368

 
495

 
4,331

 
150

 
4,481

Net earnings

 

 

 
233

 

 
233

 
(41
)
 
192

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 
90

 
90

 
3

 
93

Allocation of losses of managed investment entities

 

 
(47
)
 

 

 
(47
)
 
47

 

Dividends on Common Stock

 

 

 
(50
)
 

 
(50
)
 

 
(50
)
Shares issued:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Exercise of stock options
758,075

 
19

 

 

 

 
19

 

 
19

Other benefit plans
371,392

 
8

 

 

 

 
8

 

 
8

Dividend reinvestment plan
11,686

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 
10

 

 

 

 
10

 

 
10

Shares acquired and retired
(7,803,286
)
 
(95
)
 

 
(168
)
 

 
(263
)
 

 
(263
)
Other

 

 

 

 

 

 
(4
)
 
(4
)
Balance at September 30, 2011
98,506,233

 
$
1,213

 
$
150

 
$
2,383

 
$
585

 
$
4,331

 
$
155

 
$
4,486


5

Table of Contents

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In Millions)
  
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
(as adjusted)
Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests
$
383

 
$
192

Adjustments:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
118

 
131

Annuity benefits
417

 
383

Realized gains on investing activities
(299
)
 
(23
)
Net (purchases) sales of trading securities
27

 
(44
)
Deferred annuity and life policy acquisition costs
(177
)
 
(187
)
Change in:
 
 
 
Reinsurance and other receivables
(1,387
)
 
(519
)
Other assets
6

 
(99
)
Insurance claims and reserves
1,275

 
347

Payable to reinsurers
181

 
331

Other liabilities
(56
)
 
153

Managed investment entities’ assets/liabilities
(13
)
 
(22
)
Other operating activities, net
12

 
18

Net cash provided by operating activities
487

 
661

Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of:
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
(3,240
)
 
(4,062
)
Equity securities
(231
)
 
(365
)
Mortgage loans
(178
)
 
(132
)
Real estate, property and equipment
(61
)
 
(82
)
Proceeds from:
 
 
 
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities
1,617

 
1,455

Repayments of mortgage loans
10

 
227

Sales of fixed maturities
495

 
865

Sales of equity securities
235

 
88

Sales of real estate, property and equipment
4

 
4

Sales of subsidiaries
302

 

Cash and cash equivalents of businesses sold
(34
)
 

Managed investment entities:
 
 
 
Purchases of investments
(1,246
)
 
(1,085
)
Proceeds from sales and redemptions of investments
1,429

 
1,170

Other investing activities, net
(40
)
 
(14
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(938
)
 
(1,931
)
Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Annuity receipts
2,433

 
2,468

Annuity surrenders, benefits and withdrawals
(1,127
)
 
(971
)
Additional long-term borrowings
344

 
2

Reductions of long-term debt
(323
)
 
(17
)
Issuances of managed investment entities’ liabilities
456

 

Retirement of managed investment entities’ liabilities
(704
)
 
(60
)
Issuances of Common Stock
27

 
19

Repurchases of Common Stock
(315
)
 
(263
)
Cash dividends paid on Common Stock
(50
)
 
(50
)
Other financing activities, net
12

 
34

Net cash provided by financing activities
753

 
1,162

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
302

 
(108
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
1,324

 
1,099

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
1,626

 
$
991


6

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


INDEX TO NOTES
 
 
 
 
 
 
A.
Accounting Policies
 
H.
Managed Investment Entities
 
B.
Acquisitions and Sales of Subsidiaries
 
I.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
 
C.
Segments of Operations
 
J.
Long-Term Debt
 
D.
Fair Value Measurements
 
K.
Shareholders’ Equity
 
E.
Investments
 
L.
Income Taxes
 
F.
Derivatives
 
M.
Contingencies
 
G.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
 
N.
Subsequent Event
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A.     Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation   The accompanying consolidated financial statements for American Financial Group, Inc. (“AFG”) and its subsidiaries 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.
 
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 September 30, 2012, and prior to the filing date 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.
 
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2012   Effective January 1, 2012, AFG retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-26 that addresses which costs related to issuing or renewing insurance contracts qualify for deferral. To qualify for deferral, the guidance specifies that a cost must be directly related to the successful acquisition of an insurance contract. The financial statements for prior periods have been adjusted to reflect the adoption of the new standard.
 
The impact of adoption on amounts previously reported is shown in the table below (in millions, except per share data):
  
December 31,
2011
Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
As previously reported
$
1,105

As adjusted
901

 
 
Net deferred tax liability (included in other liabilities)
 
As previously reported
$
203

As adjusted
133

 
 
Shareholders’ equity
 
As previously reported
$
4,545

As adjusted
4,411


7

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


  
2011
  
1st
Quarter
 
2nd
Quarter
 
3rd
Quarter
 
4th
Quarter
 
Total
Year
Net earnings attributable to shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As previously reported
$
83

 
$
55

 
$
96

 
$
109

 
$
343

As adjusted
88

 
48

 
97

 
109

 
342

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per Common Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As previously reported
$
0.79

 
$
0.52

 
$
0.94

 
$
1.10

 
$
3.33

As adjusted
0.83

 
0.46

 
0.95

 
1.09

 
3.32

 
Effective January 1, 2012, AFG retrospectively adopted ASU 2011-05, which eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income in the Statement of Changes in Equity. As permitted by the standard, comprehensive income is presented herein in a separate statement immediately following the Statement of Earnings. This new presentation does not change the measurement of net earnings, other comprehensive income or earnings per share, and accordingly, had no impact on AFG’s results of operations or financial position.
 
Effective January 1, 2012, AFG adopted ASU 2011-04, which clarifies the application of existing fair value measurement and amends certain disclosure requirements. Disclosures required by the guidance are included in Note D. The impact of adoption was not material to AFG’s results of operations or financial position.
 
Fair Value Measurements   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 significant nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and liabilities in the first nine months of 2012 or 2011.
 
Investments   Fixed maturity and equity securities classified as “available for sale” are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income in AFG’s Balance Sheet. Fixed maturity and equity securities classified as “trading” are reported at fair value with changes in unrealized holding gains or losses during the period included in 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 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.
 
Gains or losses on securities are determined on the specific identification basis. When a decline in the value of a specific investment is considered to be other-than-temporary at the balance sheet date, a provision for impairment is charged to earnings (included in realized gains (losses)) and the cost basis of that investment is reduced. If management can assert that it does not intend to sell an impaired fixed maturity security and it is not more likely than not that it will have to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, then the other-than-temporary impairment is separated into two components: 1) the amount related to credit losses (recorded in earnings) and 2) 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 to reduce the amortized cost of that security to fair value.
 
Derivatives   Derivatives included in AFG’s Balance Sheet are recorded at fair value and consist primarily of (i) components of certain fixed maturity securities (primarily interest-only MBS) and (ii) the equity-based component of certain annuity products (included in annuity benefits accumulated) and related call options (included in other investments) designed to be consistent with the characteristics of the liabilities and used to mitigate the risk embedded in those annuity products. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are included in earnings.
 

8

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


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. Under guidance adopted in 2011, an entity is only required to complete the quantitative annual goodwill impairment test on a reporting unit if the entity determines (through qualitative analysis) that it is more likely than not that the reporting unit’s fair value is less than 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 (a) the estimated reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses, including an estimate for losses incurred but not reported, and (b) amounts paid 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 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.
 
Certain annuity and supplemental insurance subsidiaries cede life insurance policies to a third party on a funds withheld basis whereby the subsidiaries retain the assets (securities) associated with the reinsurance contracts. Interest is credited to the reinsurer based on the actual investment performance of the retained assets. These reinsurance contracts are considered to contain embedded derivatives (that must be adjusted to fair value) because the yield on the payables is based on specific blocks of the ceding companies’ assets, rather than the overall creditworthiness of the ceding company. AFG determined that changes in the fair value of the underlying portfolios of fixed maturity securities is an appropriate measure of the value of the embedded derivative. The securities related to these transactions are classified as “trading.” The adjustment to fair value on the embedded derivatives offsets the investment income recorded on the adjustment to fair value of the related trading portfolios.
 
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (“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. As discussed previously under “Accounting Standards Adopted in 2012,” AFG’s accounting for DPAC changed effective January 1, 2012, and amounts previously reported have been adjusted retrospectively.
 
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 variable annuity policy charges, less death and annuitization 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).

DPAC related to annuities is also adjusted, net of tax, for the change in amortization 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 accumulated other comprehensive income in AFG’s Balance Sheet.

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.

DPAC includes the present value of future profits on business in force of annuity and supplemental 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.
 

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


Managed Investment Entities   A 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 H — “Managed Investment Entities). Both the management fees (payment of which is subordinate to other obligations of the CLOs) and the investments in the CLOs are considered variable interests. AFG has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of the 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) it has exposure to CLO losses (through its investments in the CLO debt tranches) and the right to receive benefits (through its subordinated management fees and returns on its investments), both of which could potentially be significant to the CLOs.
 
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 excess of fair value of the CLOs’ assets over the fair value of the liabilities is recorded in AFG’s Balance Sheet as appropriated retained earnings — managed investment entities, representing amounts that ultimately will inure to the benefit of the CLO debt holders.
 
The net gain or loss from accounting for the CLO assets and liabilities at fair value is separately presented in AFG’s Statement of Earnings. CLO earnings attributable to AFG’s shareholders represent the change in fair value of AFG’s investments in the CLOs (including distributions) and management fees earned. All other CLO earnings (losses) are not attributable to AFG’s shareholders and will ultimately inure to the benefit of the other CLO debt holders. As a result, such CLO earnings (losses) are included in net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in AFG’s Statement of Earnings and in appropriated retained earnings — managed investment entities in the Balance Sheet. As the CLOs approach maturity (2016 to 2022), it is expected that losses attributable to noncontrolling interests will reduce appropriated retained earnings towards zero as the fair values of the assets and liabilities converge and the CLO assets are used to pay the CLO debt.

At September 30, 2012, assets and liabilities of managed investment entities include $308 million in assets and $267 million in liabilities of a temporary warehousing entity that was established in connection with the formation of a new CLO. All warehoused assets were transferred to the new CLO and the liabilities were repaid when the CLO formation was completed and the CLO issued its securities in October 2012.
 
Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses   The net liabilities stated for unpaid claims and for expenses of investigation and adjustment of unpaid claims are based upon (a) the accumulation of case estimates for losses reported prior to the close of the accounting period on direct business written; (b) estimates received from ceding reinsurers and insurance pools and associations; (c) estimates of unreported losses (including possible development on known claims) based on past experience; (d) estimates based on experience of expenses for investigating and adjusting claims; and (e) 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 expense and decreases for surrender charges are credited to other income.
 
For certain products, annuity benefits accumulated also includes reserves for accrued persistency and premium bonuses and excess benefits expected to be paid on future deaths and annuitizations (“EDAR”). The liability for EDAR is 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

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


estimated future investment margin, surrender, mortality, and other life and variable 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.
 
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. Claim reserves and liabilities established for accident and health claims are modified as necessary to reflect actual experience and developing trends.
 
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.
 
Premium Recognition   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, which is reflected as a liability. Revenue is recognized as amounts are assessed against the policyholder account for mortality coverage and contract expenses.
 
Noncontrolling Interests   For Balance Sheet purposes, noncontrolling interests represents 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.
 
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 realized.
 
AFG records a liability for the inherent uncertainty in quantifying its income tax provisions. Related interest and penalties 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.
 
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   Basic earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The calculation of diluted earnings per share includes adjustments to weighted average common shares related to stock-based compensation plans: third quarter 2012 and 20111.7 million and 1.6 million; first nine months of 2012 and 20111.7 million and 1.8 million, respectively.
 

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


AFG’s weighted average diluted shares outstanding excludes the following anti-dilutive potential common shares related to stock compensation plans: third quarter 2012 and 20111.9 million and 2.6 million; first nine months of 2012 and 20111.8 million and 2.3 million, respectively. Adjustments to net earnings attributable to shareholders in the calculation of diluted earnings per share were nominal in the 2012 and 2011 periods.
 
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 and property and equipment. “Financing activities” include obtaining resources from owners and providing them with a return on their investments, borrowing money and repaying amounts borrowed. Annuity receipts, 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.

B.     Acquisitions and Sales of Subsidiaries 

On August 31, 2012, AFG completed the sale of its Medicare supplement and critical illness businesses, which included Loyal American Life Insurance Company and four other insurance companies, to Cigna Corporation for $307 million in cash. AFG realized a gain of $155 million on the sale (subject to post-closing adjustments). Since the transaction includes the ongoing cessions of certain business to Cigna, the operations being sold are not reported as discontinued operations. Following the sale, AFG’s supplemental insurance operations consist solely of its run-off long-term care business.
 
The impact of the August 2012 sale of the Medicare supplement and critical illness businesses on AFG’s financial statements is shown below (in millions):
Sale proceeds
$
307

Expenses
(12
)
Net proceeds
$
295

 
 
Assets of businesses sold:
 
Cash and investments
$
217

Deferred policy acquisition costs
108

Other assets
31

Total assets
356

Liabilities of businesses sold:
 
Life, accident and health reserves
209

Other liabilities
7

Total liabilities
216

Net assets of businesses sold
$
140

 
 
Gain on sale of subsidiaries
$
155


Summarized Statement of Earnings information for the Medicare supplement and critical illness businesses through the sale date is shown below (in millions): 
  
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
     2012 (*)
 
2011
 
     2012 (*)
 
2011
Total revenues
$
53

 
$
80

 
$
212

 
$
244

Total costs and expenses
43

 
69

 
184

 
223

Operating earnings before income taxes
$
10

 
$
11

 
$
28

 
$
21


(*) Reflects revenues and expenses through the end of August 2012.


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


During the third quarter of 2012, AFG acquired the outstanding 28% of Marketform, its London-based Lloyd’s property and casualty insurance operation, that it did not already own for $17 million and sold an additional small annuity and supplemental insurance company for $7 million.
C.    Segments of Operations

AFG manages its business as three segments: (i) property and casualty insurance, (ii) annuity and supplemental insurance and (iii) other, which includes holding company costs and amounts 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, inland and ocean marine, agricultural-related products and other property coverages, (ii) Specialty casualty, which includes primarily excess and surplus, general liability, executive liability, umbrella and excess liability, customized programs for small to mid-sized businesses and workers’ compensation, and (iii) Specialty financial, which includes risk management insurance programs for lending and leasing institutions (including collateral and mortgage protection insurance), surety and fidelity products and trade credit insurance. AFG’s annuity business markets traditional fixed and fixed-indexed annuities in the education, bank and individual markets. Following the sale of its Medicare supplement and critical illness businesses in August 2012 (see Note B — “Acquisitions and Sales of Subsidiaries), AFG’s remaining supplemental insurance operations consist solely of its run-off blocks of long-term care and life insurance business.

AFG’s reportable segments and their components were determined based primarily upon similar economic characteristics, products and services.The following tables (in millions) show AFG’s revenues and operating earnings before income taxes by significant business segment and sub-segment.
  
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
September 30,
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and casualty insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums earned:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and transportation
$
487

 
$
500

 
$
1,040

 
$
1,029

Specialty casualty
243

 
216

 
699

 
651

Specialty financial
100

 
101

 
301

 
313

Other
18

 
18

 
51

 
50

Total premiums earned
848

 
835

 
2,091

 
2,043

Investment income
69

 
73

 
210

 
223

Realized gains
44

 
15

 
88

 
47

Other income
16

 
20

 
47

 
55

Total property and casualty insurance
977

 
943

 
2,436

 
2,368

Annuity and supplemental insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income
270

 
236

 
789

 
694

Life, accident and health premiums
80

 
107

 
290

 
324

Realized gains (losses) on securities
41

 
(8
)
 
57

 
(22
)
Realized gains (losses) on subsidiaries
156

 

 
155

 
(2
)
Other income
30

 
27

 
84

 
79

Total annuity and supplemental insurance
577

 
362

 
1,375

 
1,073

Other
9

 
30

 
15

 
26

Total revenues
$
1,563

 
$
1,335

 
$
3,826

 
$
3,467



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


  
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
September 30,
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Operating Earnings (Losses) Before Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and casualty insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underwriting:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and transportation
$

 
$
5

 
$
33

 
$
38

Specialty casualty
8

 
20

 
45

 
38

Specialty financial
1

 
24

 
28

 
52

Other
7

 
9

 
10

 
14

Other lines (a)
(32
)
 

 
(39
)
 
(50
)
Total underwriting
(16
)
 
58

 
77

 
92

Investment and other income, net
58

 
65

 
174

 
205

Realized gains
44

 
15

 
88

 
47

Total property and casualty insurance
86

 
138

 
339

 
344

Annuity and supplemental insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operations (b)
81

 
47

 
224

 
157

Realized gains (losses) on securities
41

 
(8
)
 
57

 
(22
)
Realized gains (losses) on subsidiaries
156

 

 
155

 
(2
)
Total annuity and supplemental insurance
278

 
39

 
436

 
133

Other (c)
(79
)
 
(21
)
 
(208
)
 
(159
)
Total operating earnings before income taxes
$
285

 
$
156

 
$
567

 
$
318


(a)
Includes third quarter 2012 and second quarter 2011 special charges of $31 million and $50 million, respectively, to increase asbestos and environmental reserves.
(b)
Includes earnings from the Medicare supplement and critical illness operations, which were sold in August 2012, of $10 million and $11 million for the third quarter and $28 million and $21 million for the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(c)
Includes holding company expenses and earnings (losses) of managed investment entities attributable to noncontrolling interests of ($18) million and $8 million for the third quarter and ($64) million and ($47) million for the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively. Holding company expenses for the third quarter of 2012 include an $8 million loss on retirement of debt and a $15 million charge for a labor matter related to AFG’s former railroad operations.

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 and 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, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and investments of managed investment entities priced using observable inputs. Level 2 inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, corroborated

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


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 in the circumstances. AFG’s Level 3 is comprised of financial instruments, including liabilities of managed investment entities, 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.

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


Assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value in the financial statements are summarized below (in millions): 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available for sale (“AFS”) fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and government agencies
$
198

 
$
143

 
$
20

 
$
361

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 
4,268

 
58

 
4,326

Foreign government

 
264

 

 
264

Residential MBS

 
3,953

 
367

 
4,320

Commercial MBS

 
2,924

 
21

 
2,945

All other corporate
4

 
11,031

 
495

 
11,530

Total AFS fixed maturities
202

 
22,583

 
961

 
23,746

Trading fixed maturities

 
308

 
1

 
309

Equity securities
883

 
112

 
36

 
1,031

Assets of managed investment entities (“MIE”)
221

 
2,846

 
35

 
3,102

Variable annuity assets (separate accounts) (a)

 
577

 

 
577

Other investments

 
153

 

 
153

Total assets accounted for at fair value
$
1,306

 
$
26,579

 
$
1,033

 
$
28,918

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities of managed investment entities
$
247

 
$

 
$
2,506

 
$
2,753

Derivatives in annuity benefits accumulated

 

 
497

 
497

Other liabilities — derivatives

 
18

 

 
18

Total liabilities accounted for at fair value
$
247

 
$
18

 
$
3,003

 
$
3,268

December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available for sale (“AFS”) fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and government agencies
$
248

 
$
134

 
$

 
$
382

States, municipalities and political subdivisions

 
3,794

 
83

 
3,877

Foreign government

 
254

 

 
254

Residential MBS

 
3,487

 
361

 
3,848

Commercial MBS

 
2,821

 
19

 
2,840

All other corporate
9

 
10,078

 
519

 
10,606

Total AFS fixed maturities
257

 
20,568

 
982

 
21,807

Trading fixed maturities

 
439

 
1

 
440

Equity securities
888

 
29

 
11

 
928

Assets of managed investment entities (“MIE”)
290

 
2,724

 
44

 
3,058

Variable annuity assets (separate accounts) (a)

 
548

 

 
548

Other investments

 
71

 

 
71

Total assets accounted for at fair value
$
1,435

 
$
24,379

 
$
1,038

 
$
26,852

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities of managed investment entities
$
194

 
$

 
$
2,593

 
$
2,787

Derivatives in annuity benefits accumulated

 

 
361

 
361

Other liabilities — derivatives

 
23

 

 
23

Total liabilities accounted for at fair value
$
194

 
$
23

 
$
2,954

 
$
3,171

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (a)   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 nine months of 2012, six preferred stocks with an aggregate fair value of $35 million were transferred from Level 1 to Level 2. All of these transfers occurred in the first quarter. The transfers were due to decreases in trade frequency, resulting in lack of available trade data sufficient to warrant classification in Level 1. Approximately 4% of the total assets accounted for at fair value on September 30, 2012, were Level 3 assets. Approximately 90% ($907 million) 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. Since internally developed Level 3 asset fair values represent less than one-half of 1% of the total assets measured at fair value and less than 3% of AFG’s shareholders’ equity, changes in unobservable inputs used to determine internally developed fair values would not have a material impact on AFG’s financial position.

The fair values of the liabilities of managed investment entities were determined using primarily non-binding broker quotes, which were reviewed by AFG’s investment professionals. AFG’s investment professionals are familiar with the cash flow models used by the brokers to determine the fair value of these liabilities and review the broker quotes based on their knowledge of the CLO market and the market for the underlying assets. Their review includes consideration of expected reinvestment, default and recovery rates on the assets supporting the CLO liabilities, as well as surveying general CLO liability fair values and analysis provided by third parties.

The only significant Level 3 assets or liabilities carried at fair value in the financial statements that were not measured using broker quotes are the derivatives embedded in AFG’s fixed-indexed annuity liabilities, which are measured using a discounted cash flow approach and had a fair value of $497 million at September 30, 2012. The following table presents information about the unobservable inputs used by management in determining fair value of these embedded derivatives. See Note F — “Derivatives.”

Unobservable Input
  
Range
Adjustment for insurance subsidiary’s credit risk
  
0.5% – 2.05% over the risk free rate
Risk margin for uncertainty in cash flows
  
0.3% reduction in the discount rate
Surrenders
  
4% – 25% of indexed account value
Partial surrenders
  
3% – 5% of indexed account value
Annuitizations
  
1% – 2% of indexed account value
Deaths
  
1% – 2.5% of indexed account value
Budgeted option costs
  
2.5% – 4.0% of indexed account value

Increasing the budgeted option cost or risk margin for uncertainty in cash flows assumptions in the table above would increase the fair value of the fixed-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.


17

Table of Contents
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 third quarter and first nine months of 2012 and 2011 are presented below (in millions). The transfers into and out of Level 3 were due to changes in the availability of market observable 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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at June 30, 2012
 
Net
income
 
Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Purchases
and
issuances
 
Sales and
Settlements
 
Transfer
into
Level 3
 
Transfer
out of
Level 3
 
Balance at September 30, 2012
AFS fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government
$
20

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
20

State and municipal
86

 

 
2

 

 
(6
)
 
4

 
(28
)
 
58

Residential MBS
320

 
3

 
7

 
15

 
(11
)
 
86

 
(53
)
 
367

Commercial MBS
20

 
1

 

 

 

 

 

 
21

All other corporate
537

 
2

 
6

 
67

 
(19
)
 
1

 
(99
)
 
495

Trading fixed maturities
1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1

Equity securities
41

 

 

 
4

 

 
9

 
(18
)
 
36

Assets of MIE
54

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(18
)
 
35

Liabilities of MIE (*)
(2,429
)
 
(52
)
 

 
(97
)
 
72

 

 

 
(2,506
)
Embedded derivatives
(444
)
 
(41
)
 

 
(19
)
 
7

 

 

 
(497
)

(*)
Total realized/unrealized loss included in net income includes losses of $49 million related to liabilities outstanding as of September 30, 2012. See Note H — “Managed Investment Entities.”
 
  
 
 
Total
realized/unrealized
gains (losses)
included in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at June 30, 2011
 
Net
income
 
Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Purchases
and
Issuances
 
Sales and
Settlements
 
Transfer
into
Level 3
 
Transfer
out of
Level 3
 
Balance at September 30, 2011
AFS fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and municipal
$
84

 
$

 
$
4

 
$

 
$
(3
)
 
$

 
$
(13
)
 
$
72

Residential MBS
255

 
1

 
(5
)
 
25

 
(9
)
 
24

 
(7
)
 
284

Commercial MBS
10

 

 

 
9

 

 
9

 

 
28

All other corporate
382

 
2

 
12

 
32

 
(14
)
 
46

 
(24
)
 
436

Trading fixed maturities
1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1

Equity securities
21

 

 
(1
)
 
2

 

 
2

 

 
24

Assets of MIE
53

 
(6
)
 

 
5

 
(7
)
 

 
(5
)
 
40

Liabilities of MIE (*)
(2,322
)
 
89

 

 

 
51

 

 

 
(2,182
)
Embedded derivatives
(279
)
 
32

 

 
(62
)
 
4

 

 

 
(305
)

(*)
Total realized/unrealized loss included in net income includes losses of $89 million related to liabilities outstanding as of September 30, 2011. See Note H — “Managed Investment Entities.”
 

18

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


  
 
 
Total
realized/unrealized
gains (losses)
included in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2011
 
Net
income
 
Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Purchases
and
Issuances
 
Sales and
Settlements
 
Transfer
into
Level 3
 
Transfer
out of
Level 3
 
Balance at September 30, 2012
AFS fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
20

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
20

State and municipal
83

 

 
4

 
19

 
(7
)
 
9

 
(50
)
 
58

Residential MBS
361

 
5

 
11

 
86

 
(29
)
 
167

 
(234
)
 
367

Commercial MBS
19

 
1

 
1

 

 

 

 

 
21

All other corporate
519

 
9

 
18

 
124

 
(57
)
 
29

 
(147
)
 
495

Trading fixed maturities
1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1

Equity securities
11

 

 

 
30

 

 
13

 
(18
)
 
36

Assets of MIE
44

 

 

 
13

 
(13
)
 
14

 
(23
)
 
35

Liabilities of MIE (*)
(2,593
)
 
(155
)
 

 
(463
)
 
705

 

 

 
(2,506
)
Embedded derivatives
(361
)
 
(97
)
 

 
(57
)
 
18

 

 

 
(497
)

(*)
Total realized/unrealized loss included in net income includes losses of $99 million related to liabilities outstanding as of September 30, 2012. See Note H — “Managed Investment Entities.”
 
  
 
 
Total
realized/unrealized
gains (losses)
included in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
 
Net
income
 
Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Purchases
and
Issuances
 
Sales and
Settlements
 
Transfer
into
Level 3
 
Transfer
out of
Level 3
 
Balance at September 30, 2011
AFS fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and municipal
$
20

 
$

 
$
5

 
$
53

 
$
(3
)
 
$
10

 
$
(13
)
 
$
72

Residential MBS
312

 
2

 
(8
)
 
42

 
(29
)
 
31

 
(66
)
 
284

Commercial MBS
6

 

 

 
9

 

 
13

 

 
28

All other corporate
436

 
1

 
17

 
123

 
(51
)
 
70

 
(160
)
 
436

Trading fixed maturities
3

 

 

 

 

 

 
(2
)
 
1

Equity securities
21

 

 
1

 
2

 
(2
)
 
2

 

 
24

Assets of MIE
48

 
(7
)
 

 
21

 
(13
)
 
8

 
(17
)
 
40

Liabilities of MIE (*)
(2,258
)
 
17

 

 

 
59

 

 

 
(2,182
)
Embedded derivatives
(181
)
 
4

 

 
(142
)
 
14

 

 

 
(305
)

(*)
Total realized/unrealized loss included in net income includes losses of $19 million related to liabilities outstanding as of September 30, 2011. See Note H — “Managed Investment Entities.”

19

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


The 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
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,626

 
$
1,626

 
$
1,626

 
$

 
$

Mortgage loans
566

 
575

 

 

 
575

Policy loans
229

 
229

 

 

 
229

Total financial assets not accounted for at fair value
$
2,421

 
$
2,430

 
$
1,626

 
$

 
$
804

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annuity benefits accumulated (*)
$
17,040

 
$
17,452

 
$

 
$

 
$
17,452

Long-term debt
966

 
1,085

 

 
976

 
109

Total financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value
$
18,006

 
$
18,537

 
$

 
$
976

 
$
17,561


(*)    Excludes life contingent annuities in the payout phase.

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.

E.    Investments

Available for sale fixed maturities and equity securities at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, consisted of the following (in millions): 

September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Gains
 
Losses
 
Gains
 
Losses
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and government agencies
$
345

 
$
361

 
$
16

 
$

 
$
363

 
$
382

 
$
19

 
$

States, municipalities and political subdivisions
3,976

 
4,326

 
352

 
(2
)
 
3,613

 
3,877

 
267

 
(3
)
Foreign government
245

 
264

 
19

 

 
236

 
254

 
18

 

Residential MBS
4,100

 
4,320

 
294

 
(74
)
 
3,858

 
3,848

 
170

 
(180
)
Commercial MBS
2,629

 
2,945

 
316

 

 
2,628

 
2,840

 
218

 
(6
)
All other corporate
10,465

 
11,530

 
1,076

 
(11
)
 
9,864

 
10,606

 
802

 
(60
)
Total fixed maturities
$
21,760

 
$
23,746

 
$
2,073

 
$
(87
)
 
$
20,562

 
$
21,807

 
$
1,494

 
$
(249
)
Common stocks
$
633

 
$
828

 
$
200

 
$
(5
)
 
$
610

 
$
797

 
$
207

 
$
(20
)
Perpetual preferred stocks
$
192

 
$
203

 
$
13

 
$
(2
)
 
$
134

 
$
131

 
$
5

 
$
(8
)
The non-credit related portion of other-than-temporary impairment charges are included in other comprehensive income. Cumulative charges taken for residential MBS still owned at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively were $228 million and $227 million.
 

20

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


The following tables show gross unrealized losses (in millions) on fixed maturities and equity securities by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. 
 
  
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
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and government agencies
$

 
$
6

 
100
%
 
$

 
$

 
%
 
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
(2
)
 
126

 
98
%
 

 
13

 
100
%
 
Foreign government

 

 
%
 

 

 
%
 
Residential MBS
(9
)
 
314

 
97
%
 
(65
)
 
473

 
88
%
 
Commercial MBS

 
5

 
100
%
 

 

 
%
 
All other corporate
(4
)
 
204

 
98
%
 
(7
)
 
133

 
95
%
 
Total fixed maturities
$
(15
)
 
$
655

 
98
%
 
$
(72
)
 
$
619

 
90
%
 
Common stocks
$
(5
)
 
$
50

 
91
%
 
$

 
$

 
%
 
Perpetual preferred stocks
$

 
$

 
%
 
$
(2
)
 
$
25

 
93
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and government agencies
$

 
$
2

 
100
%
 
$

 
$

 
%
 
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
(2
)
 
120

 
98
%
 
(1
)
 
59

 
98
%
 
Foreign government

 
1

 
100
%
 

 

 
%
 
Residential MBS
(59
)
 
1,141

 
95
%
 
(121
)
 
473

 
80
%
 
Commercial MBS
(6
)
 
183

 
97
%
 

 
18

 
100
%
 
All other corporate
(43
)
 
940

 
96
%
 
(17
)
 
114

 
87
%
 
Total fixed maturities
$
(110
)
 
$
2,387

 
96
%
 
$
(139
)
 
$
664

 
83
%
 
Common stocks
$
(19
)
 
$
169

 
90
%
 
$
(1
)
 
$
4

 
80
%
 
Perpetual preferred stocks
$
(1
)
 
$
23

 
96
%
 
$
(7
)
 
$
31

 
82
%

At September 30, 2012, the gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities of $87 million relate to approximately 420 securities. Investment grade securities (as determined by nationally recognized rating agencies) represented approximately 22% of the gross unrealized loss and 50% of the fair value.

AFG analyzes its MBS securities for other-than-temporary 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. For the first nine months of 2012, AFG recorded in earnings $5 million in other-than-temporary impairment charges related to its residential MBS.


21

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


A progression of the credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments 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).

 
2012
 
2011
Balance at June 30
$
191

 
$
171

Additional credit impairments on:
 
 
 
Previously impaired securities

 
8

Securities without prior impairments

 
2

Reductions — disposals

 
(1
)
Balance at September 30
$
191

 
$
180

 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1
$
187

 
$
143

Additional credit impairments on:
 
 
 
Previously impaired securities
4

 
37

Securities without prior impairments

 
7

Reductions — disposals

 
(7
)
Balance at September 30
$
191

 
$
180

The table below sets forth the scheduled maturities of available for sale fixed maturities as of September 30, 2012 (in millions). Asset-backed securities and other 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. MBS had an average life of approximately 4 years at September 30, 2012. 
  
Amortized
 
Fair Value
Cost
 
Amount
 
%
Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
One year or less
$
838

 
$
857

 
4
%
After one year through five years
5,320

 
5,735

 
24

After five years through ten years
6,529

 
7,285

 
31

After ten years
2,344

 
2,604

 
11

 
15,031

 
16,481

 
70

MBS
6,729

 
7,265

 
30

Total
$
21,760

 
$
23,746

 
100
%
Certain risks are inherent in connection with 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 September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.
 

22

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


Net Unrealized Gain on Marketable Securities   In addition to adjusting equity securities and fixed maturity securities classified as “available for sale” to fair value, GAAP requires that deferred policy acquisition costs related to annuities and certain other balance sheet amounts 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 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in AFG’s Balance Sheet. 
 
Pretax
 
Deferred Tax and
Amounts  Attributable
to Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Net
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain on:
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
$
1,986

 
$
(709
)
 
$
1,277

Equity securities
206

 
(74
)
 
132

Deferred policy acquisition costs
(764
)
 
267

 
(497
)
Annuity benefits and other liabilities
13

 
(4
)
 
9

 
$
1,441

 
$
(520
)
 
$
921

December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain on:
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturities
$
1,245

 
$
(444
)
 
$
801

Equity securities
184

 
(65
)
 
119

Deferred policy acquisition costs
(537
)
 
188

 
(349
)
Annuity benefits and other liabilities
10

 
(3
)
 
7

 
$
902

 
$
(324
)
 
$
578

Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments are summarized as follows (in millions): 
 
Fixed
Maturities
 
Equity
Securities
 
Mortgage
Loans
and Other
Investments
 
Other (a)
 
Tax
Effects
 
Noncon-
trolling
Interests
 
Total
Quarter ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized before impairments
$
20

 
$
77

 
$

 
$
(4
)
 
$
(33
)
 
$

 
$
60

Realized — impairments
(1
)
 
(9
)
 

 
2

 
3

 

 
(5
)
Change in unrealized
378

 
(18
)
 

 
(122
)
 
(84
)
 
(4
)
 
150

Quarter ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized before impairments
$
27

 
$
6

 
$
(15
)
 
$

 
$
(6
)
 
$

 
$
12

Realized — impairments
(12
)
 
(2
)
 

 
4

 
3

 

 
(7
)
Change in unrealized
172

 
(75
)
 

 
(121
)
 
9

 
(2
)
 
(17
)
Nine months ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized before impairments
$
40

 
$
133

 
$
(3
)
 
$
(6
)
 
$
(58
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
105

Realized — impairments
(5
)
 
(19
)
 

 
5

 
7

 

 
(12
)
Change in unrealized
741

 
22

 

 
(224
)
 
(189
)
 
(7
)
 
343

Nine months ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized before impairments
$
51

 
$
41

 
$
(22
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(24
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
43

Realized — impairments
(49
)
 
(2
)
 
(4
)
 
14

 
14

 

 
(27
)
Change in unrealized
417

 
(77
)
 

 
(185
)
 
(54
)
 
(4
)
 
97

 
(a)
Primarily adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs related to annuities.


23

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


Realized gains (losses) on securities includes net gains of $1 million in the third quarter and $4 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to net gains of $3 million in the third quarter and net losses of less than $1 million in the first nine months of 2011 from the mark-to-market of certain MBS, primarily interest-only securities with interest rates that float inversely with short-term rates. Gross realized gains and losses (excluding impairment writedowns and mark-to-market of derivatives) on available for sale fixed maturity and equity security investment transactions included in the Statement of Cash Flows consisted of the following (in millions): 
  
Nine months ended
September 30,
2012
 
2011
Fixed maturities:
 
 
 
Gross gains
$
37

 
$
57

Gross losses
(2
)
 
(5
)
Equity securities:
 
 
 
Gross gains
136

 
42

Gross losses
(3
)
 
(1
)

F.    Derivatives

As discussed under Derivatives in Note A, AFG uses derivatives in certain areas of its operations. AFG’s derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting under GAAP; changes in the fair value of derivatives are included in earnings.

The following derivatives are included in AFG’s Balance Sheet at fair value (in millions): 
  
 
 
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Derivative
 
Balance Sheet Line
 
Asset
 
Liability
 
Asset
 
Liability
MBS with embedded derivatives
 
Fixed maturities
 
$
96

 
$

 
$
99

 
$

Interest rate swaptions
 
Other investments
 
1

 

 
5

 

Fixed-indexed annuities (embedded derivative)
 
Annuity benefits accumulated
 

 
497

 

 
361

Equity index call options
 
Other investments
 
152

 

 
66

 

Reinsurance contracts (embedded derivative)
 
Other liabilities
 

 
18

 

 
23

 
 
 
 
$
249

 
$
515

 
$
170

 
$
384


The MBS with embedded derivatives consist primarily of interest-only MBS with interest rates that float inversely with short-term rates. 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.

AFG has entered into $1 billion notional amount of pay-fixed interest rate swaptions (options to enter into pay-fixed/receive floating interest rate swaps at future dates expiring between 2012 and 2015) to mitigate interest rate risk in its annuity operations. AFG paid $29 million to purchase these swaptions, which represents its maximum potential economic loss over the life of the contracts.

AFG’s fixed-indexed annuities, which represented approximately 40% of annuity benefits accumulated at September 30, 2012, provide policyholders with a crediting rate tied, in part, to the performance of an existing stock market index. AFG attempts to mitigate the risk in the index-based component of these products through the purchase of call options on the appropriate index. AFG’s strategy is designed so that an increase in the liabilities, due to an increase in the market index, will be generally offset by unrealized and realized gains on the call options purchased by AFG. Both the index-based component of the annuities and the related call options are considered derivatives.
 
As discussed under Reinsurance in Note A, certain reinsurance contracts in AFG’s annuity and supplemental insurance business are considered to contain embedded derivatives.


24

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


The following table summarizes the gain (loss) included in the Statement of Earnings for changes in the fair value of these derivatives for the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 and 2011 (in millions): 
  
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
Derivative
 
Statement of Earnings Line
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
MBS with embedded derivatives
 
Realized gains
 
$
1

 
$
3

 
$
4

 
$

Interest rate swaptions
 
Realized gains
 
(1
)
 
(15
)
 
(4
)
 
(22
)
Fixed-indexed annuities (embedded derivative)
 
Annuity benefits
 
(41
)
 
32

 
(97
)
 
4

Equity index call options
 
Annuity benefits
 
30

 
(50
)
 
67

 
(30
)
Reinsurance contracts (embedded derivative)
 
Investment income
 
(4
)
 
(6
)
 
(7
)
 
(10
)
 
 
 
 
$
(15
)
 
$
(36
)
 
$
(37
)
 
$
(58
)

G.    Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Deferred policy acquisition costs consisted of the following (in millions): 
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
Property and casualty insurance
$
200

 
$
189

Annuity and supplemental insurance:
 
 
 
Policy acquisition costs
876

 
898

Policyholder sales inducements
195

 
207

Present value of future profits (“PVFP”)
114

 
144

Impact of unrealized gains and losses on securities
(764
)
 
(537
)
Total annuity and supplemental
421

 
712

 
$
621

 
$
901

 
See Accounting Standards Adopted in 2012 under Note A — “Accounting Policies.”
 
The PVFP amounts in the table above are net of $169 million and $195 million of accumulated amortization at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Annuity and supplemental insurance policy acquisition costs and PVFP decreased $92 million and $16 million, respectively, due to the August 2012 sale of the Medicare supplement and critical illness businesses.
 
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs for the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in millions): 
  
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
September 30,
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Property and casualty insurance
$
111

 
$
102

 
$
323

 
$
310

Annuity and supplemental insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policy acquisition costs
27

 
27

 
86

 
89

Policyholder sales inducements
8

 
6

 
24

 
20

PVFP
5

 
5

 
14

 
16

Total annuity and supplemental
40

 
38

 
124

 
125

 
$
151

 
$
140

 
$
447

 
$
435






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


H.    Managed Investment Entities

AFG is the investment manager and its subsidiaries have investments ranging from 7.5% to 51.2% of the most subordinate debt tranche of eight collateralized loan obligation entities or “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 2004 and 2012, 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 operating expenses (including management fees to AFG), 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 its CLOs is limited to its investment in the CLOs, which had an aggregate fair value of $240 million (including $96 million invested in the most subordinate debt tranches) at September 30, 2012, and $98 million at December 31, 2011.

In February 2012, one of the AFG CLOs was substantially liquidated at the instruction of the holder of the majority of the most subordinate debt tranche, as permitted by the CLO indentures. In March 2012, AFG formed a new CLO, which issued $410 million face amount of liabilities (including $39 million face amount purchased by subsidiaries of AFG). In October 2012, AFG formed another new CLO, which issued $450 million face amount of liabilities (including $35 million face amount purchased by subsidiaries of AFG).

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
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
September 30,
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Gains (losses) on change in fair value of assets/liabilities (a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
$
39

 
$
(88
)
 
$
92

 
$
(71
)
Liabilities
(52
)
 
89

 
(155
)
 
17

Management fees paid to AFG
6

 
5

 
14

 
13

CLO earnings (losses) attributable to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFG shareholders (b)
11

 
(2
)
 
21

 
5

Noncontrolling interests (b)
(18
)
 
8

 
(64
)
 
(47
)

(a)
Included in Revenues in AFG’s Statement of Earnings.
(b)
Included in Operating 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 $33 million and $120 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The aggregate unpaid principal balance of the CLOs’ debt exceeded its fair value by $151 million and $306 million at those dates. The CLO assets include $5 million and $2 million in loans (aggregate unpaid principal balance of $12 million and $7 million, respectively) at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, for which the CLOs are not accruing interest because the loans are in default.

I.    Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill was $185 million and $186 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Goodwill decreased $1 million in the third quarter of 2012 due to the sale of a small annuity and supplemental insurance subsidiary. Included in other assets in AFG’s Balance Sheet is $32 million at September 30, 2012 and $41 million at December 31, 2011 in amortizable intangible assets related to property and casualty insurance acquisitions. These amounts are net of accumulated amortization of $57 million and $47 million, respectively. Amortization of these intangibles was $3 million in each of the third quarters of 2012 and 2011 and $10 million and $9 million in the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively. Other assets also include $8 million in non-amortizable intangible assets related to property and casualty insurance acquisitions.

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



J.    Long-Term Debt

The carrying value of long-term debt consisted of the following (in millions): 
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
Direct obligations of AFG:
 
 
 
9-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2019
$
350

 
$
350

6-3/8% Senior Notes due June 2042
230

 

5-3/4% Senior Notes due August 2042
125

 

7% Senior Notes due September 2050
132

 
132

7-1/8% Senior Debentures due February 2034

 
115

Other
3

 
3

 
840

 
600

Subsidiaries:
 
 
 
Obligations of AAG Holding (guaranteed by AFG):
 
 
 
7-1/2% Senior Debentures due November 2033

 
112

7-1/4% Senior Debentures due January 2034

 
86

Notes payable secured by real estate due 2012 through 2016
63

 
64

Secured borrowings ($16 and $17 guaranteed by AFG)
21

 
30

National Interstate bank credit facility
22

 
22

 
106

 
314

Payable to Subsidiary Trusts:
 
 
 
AAG Holding Variable Rate Subordinated Debentures due May 2033
20

 
20

 
$
966

 
$
934

 
Scheduled principal payments on debt for the balance of 2012 and the subsequent five years were as follows: 2012 — $25 million; 2013 — $20 million; 2014 — $2 million; 2015 — $14 million; 2016 — $45 million and 2017 — none.

As shown below (in millions), the majority of AFG’s long-term debt is unsecured obligations of the holding company and its subsidiaries:
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
Unsecured obligations
$
882

 
$
840

Obligations secured by real estate
63

 
64

Other secured borrowings
21

 
30

 
$
966

 
$
934

 
AFG can borrow up to $500 million under its revolving credit facility which expires in August 2013. Amounts borrowed under this agreement bear interest at rates ranging from 1.75% to 3.00% (currently 2%) over LIBOR based on AFG’s credit rating. No amounts were borrowed under this facility at September 30, 2012. AFG expects to replace this credit facility in the fourth quarter of 2012 with a $500 million four-year revolving credit facility with lower interest rates and commitment fees.

In June 2012, AFG issued $230 million in 6-3/8% Senior Notes due 2042 and used the proceeds to redeem the outstanding AAG Holding Company 7-1/2% and 7-1/4% Senior Debentures at par value in July 2012. In August 2012, AFG issued $125 million in 5-3/4% Senior Notes due 2042 and used the proceeds to redeem the outstanding AFG 7-1/8% Senior Debentures at par value in September 2012.



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


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
 
 
 
 
 
  
AOCI
Beginning
Balance
 
Pretax
 
Tax
 
Noncontrolling
interests
 
Net
 
Other (b)
 
AOCI
Ending
Balance
 
Quarter ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains on securities
$
771

(a) 
$
238

 
$
(84
)
 
$
(4
)
 
$
150

 
$

 
$
921

(a) 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
9

 
10

 

 
(1
)
 
9

 
(1
)
 
17

 
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments
(7
)


 

 

 

 

 
(7
)

Total
$
773

 
$
248

 
$
(84
)
 
$
(5
)
 
$
159

 
$
(1
)
 
$
931

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarter ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities
$
605

 
$
(24
)
 
$
9

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(17
)
 
$

 
$
588

 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
17

 
(14
)
 

 
1

 
(13
)
 

 
4

 
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments
(7
)


 

 

 

 

 
(7
)

Total
$
615

 
$
(38
)
 
$
9

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(30
)
 
$

 
$
585

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains on securities
$
578

(a) 
$
539

 
$
(189
)
 
$
(7
)
 
$
343

 
$

 
$
921

(a) 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
10

 
9

 

 
(1
)
 
8

 
(1
)
 
17

 
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments
(8
)

1

 

 

 
1

 

 
(7
)

Total
$
580

 
$
549

 
$
(189
)
 
$
(8
)
 
$
352

 
$
(1
)
 
$
931

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains on securities
$
491

 
$
155

 
$
(54
)
 
$
(4
)
 
$
97

 
$

 
$
588

 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
12

 
(9
)
 

 
1

 
(8
)
 

 
4

 
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments
(8
)

1

 

 

 
1

 

 
(7
)

Total
$
495

 
$
147

 
$
(54
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
90

 
$

 
$
585

 
 
(a)
Includes net unrealized gains of $23 million at September 30, 2012 compared to net unrealized losses of $1 million at June 30, 2012 and $16 million at December 31, 2011 related to securities for which only the credit portion of an other-than-temporary impairment has been recorded in earnings.
(b)
Other relates to the third quarter of 2012 acquisition of noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary.

Stock Based Compensation   Under AFG’s Stock Incentive Plan, 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 nine months of 2012, AFG issued 133,931 shares of restricted Common Stock (fair value of $38.10 per share) and granted stock options for 1.1 million shares of Common Stock (at an average exercise price of $38.10) under the

28

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


Stock Incentive Plan. In addition, AFG issued 111,270 shares of Common Stock (fair value of $38.38 per share) in the first quarter of 2012 under its Annual Co-CEO Equity Bonus Plan.

AFG uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the “fair value” of its option grants. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility over a period equal to the expected term. The expected term was estimated based on historical exercise patterns and post vesting cancellations. The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2012 was $13.02 per share based on the following assumptions: expected dividend yield — 1.8%; expected volatility — 39%; expected term — 7.3 years; risk-free rate — 1.4%.

Total compensation expense related to stock incentive plans of AFG and its subsidiaries was $5 million in each of the third quarters of 2012 and 2011 and $20 million and $16 million in the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively.

L.    Income Taxes

Income (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests related to AFG’s managed investment entities are non-taxable (non-deductible). For the the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively, AFG’s operating earnings before income taxes included $64 million and $47 million of such non-deductible losses, thereby increasing AFG’s effective tax rate. For the third quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively, operating earnings before income taxes included $18 million of non-deductible losses and $8 million of non-taxable income related to the managed investment entities.

AFG was involved in litigation with the IRS regarding the calculation of tax reserves for certain annuity liabilities pursuant to Actuarial Guideline 33. In 2010, the U.S. District Court in Southern Ohio issued a final summary judgment in favor of AFG. The IRS appealed the District Court decision to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, which heard oral arguments on March 7, 2012. On May 4, 2012, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the summary judgment of the District Court in favor of AFG. On August 2, 2012, the 90 day period for the IRS to seek a discretionary appeal of the Sixth District Court of Appeals decision in this case expired and the decision in favor of AFG became final. As a result, during the third quarter of 2012 AFG recorded net earnings of approximately $28 million, which includes the expected refund of $17 million of tax and interest paid to the IRS in 2005 and 2006 as well as a decrease in the liability for uncertain tax positions. Closure of subsequent tax years previously held in suspense due to this litigation could further reduce the liability for uncertain tax positions by up to $28 million and a $13 million decrease in related interest. Additionally, the IRS issued new guidance during the third quarter of 2012 that brought certainty to the timing of investment deductions, which caused AFG to reduce its liability for uncertain tax positions by $10 million. Because the ultimate recognition of these investment deductions was highly certain, the reduction in this liability resulted in an offsetting increase in AFG’s deferred tax liability, with no overall impact on AFG’s annual effective tax rate.
 
Except as discussed above, there were no material changes to AFG’s liability for uncertain tax positions as discussed in Note L “Income Taxes,” to AFG’s 2011 Form 10-K.

M.     Contingencies

Except as discussed in Management’s Discussion and AnalysisSpecial Asbestos and Environmental Reserve Charges,” there have been no significant changes to the matters discussed and referred to in Note M — “Contingencies” of AFG’s 2011 Form 10-K, which covers property and casualty insurance reserves for claims related to environmental exposures, asbestos and other mass tort claims, as well as environmental and occupational injury and disease claims of former subsidiary railroad and manufacturing operations.

N.    Subsequent Event

In late October 2012, Superstorm Sandy caused significant property damage in the northeastern United States. While it is too early to estimate the total losses from this storm, models indicate that industry insured losses could approach $20 billion. AFG’s exposure to losses from this storm will be dependent upon the number, size and type of covered losses and will be mitigated by AFG’s use of reinsurance across all lines of potentially impacted business. Considering all of these factors, management expects that AFG’s losses from Superstorm Sandy will be less than 1% of shareholders’ equity.

29

Table of Contents

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
ITEM 2
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
INDEX TO MD&A
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
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 and investment activities; recoverability of asset values; expected losses and the adequacy of reserves for long-term care, 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 abroad;
performance of securities markets;
AFG’s ability to estimate accurately the likelihood, magnitude and timing of any losses in connection with investments in the non-agency residential mortgage market;
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;
regulatory actions (including changes in statutory accounting rules);
changes in the legal environment affecting AFG or its customers;
tax law and accounting 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 civil unrest and other major losses;
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;
the unpredictability of possible future litigation if certain settlements of current litigation do not become effective;
trends in persistency, mortality and morbidity;
competitive pressures, including those in the bank annuity distribution channels, the ability to obtain adequate rates and policy terms; and
changes in AFG’s credit ratings or the financial strength ratings assigned by major ratings agencies to AFG’s operating subsidiaries.

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.

30

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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 best done 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 and fixed-indexed annuities in the education, bank and individual markets.

Net earnings attributable to AFG’s shareholders for the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 were $226 million ($2.39 per share, diluted) and $438 million ($4.50 per share, diluted), respectively, compared to $97 million ($0.95 per share, diluted) and $233 million ($2.23 per share, diluted) reported in the same periods of 2011. Results for the third quarter of 2012 include (i) an after tax gain of $101 million ($1.07 per share) on the sale of the Medicare supplement and critical illness businesses, (ii) a $28 million ($0.30 per share) tax benefit related to the favorable resolution of certain tax litigation, and (iii) an after tax charge of $21 million ($0.23 per share) to strengthen asbestos and other environmental (“A&E”) exposures, primarily within the property and casualty group’s runoff operations. Results for 2011 include a second quarter after tax charge of $38 million ($0.37 per share) to increase A&E reserves. Excluding these items, higher profits in the annuity and supplemental insurance group and higher realized gains on sales of securities were partially offset by lower underwriting earnings and lower investment income in AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Significant accounting policies are summarized in Note A 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 make accounting policies critical are as follows:
 
the establishment of insurance reserves, especially asbestos and environmental-related reserves and reserves for AFG’s closed block of long-term care business,
the recoverability of reinsurance,
the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs,
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 2011 Form 10-K.


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


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Ratios   AFG’s debt to total capital ratio on a consolidated basis is shown below (dollars in millions).
  
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
2010
Long-term debt
 
$
966

 
$
934

 
$
952

Total capital
 
5,032

 
4,860

 
4,894

Ratio of debt to total capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Including debt secured by real estate
 
19.2
%
 
19.2
%
 
19.5
%
Excluding debt secured by real estate
 
18.2
%
 
18.2
%
 
18.4
%
 
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. The ratio is calculated by dividing 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 and appropriated retained earnings related to managed investment entities).
AFG’s ratio of earnings to fixed charges, including annuity benefits as a fixed charge, was 2.27 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 1.95 for the entire year of 2011. Excluding annuity benefits, this ratio was 8.97 and 6.59, respectively. Although the ratio excluding annuity benefits is not required or encouraged to be disclosed under Securities and Exchange Commission rules, it is presented because interest credited to annuity policyholder accounts is not always considered a borrowing cost for an insurance company.

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 August 2013. AFG expects to replace this credit facility in the fourth quarter of 2012 with a $500 million, four-year revolving credit facility with lower interest rates and commitment fees. There were no borrowings under the agreement, or under any other parent company short-term borrowing arrangements, during 2012.

In August 2012, AFG issued $125 million of 5-3/4% Senior Notes due 2042 and used the proceeds to redeem the outstanding AFG 7-1/8% Senior Debentures due February 2034 at par value in September 2012. In June 2012, AFG issued $230 million of 6-3/8% Senior Notes due 2042 and used the proceeds to redeem the outstanding AAG Holding Company, Inc. (a subsidiary of AFG) 7-1/2% Senior Debentures due 2033 and 7-1/4% Senior Debentures due 2034 at par value in July 2012.

During the first nine months of 2012, AFG repurchased 8.3 million shares of its Common Stock for $315 million. In October 2012, AFG repurchased approximately 763,000 additional shares for $29 million. During 2011, AFG repurchased 9.3 million shares of its Common Stock for $315 million.

Under tax allocation agreements 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 and supplemental insurance 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 and supplemental insurance operations with a substantial additional source of liquidity. In the fourth quarter of 2011 the FHLB advanced GALIC $240 million at interest rates ranging from 0.02% to 0.03% over LIBOR (average rate of 0.24% at September 30, 2012). While these advances must be repaid within 5 to 7 years, GALIC has the option to prepay all or a portion of the advances on a monthly basis. GALIC has invested the proceeds from the advances in fixed maturity securities for the purpose of earning a spread over the interest payments due to the FHLB.

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



National Interstate Corporation, a 52%-owned property and casualty insurance subsidiary, can borrow up to $75 million, subject to certain conditions, under an unsecured credit agreement expiring in December 2012. Amounts borrowed bear interest at rates ranging from 0.45% to 0.9% (currently 0.65%) over LIBOR based on National Interstate’s credit rating. There was $22 million outstanding under this agreement at September 30, 2012. National Interstate expects to successfully replace this credit agreement prior to its expiration.

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 without requiring a sale of investments or contributions from AFG. 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.

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”). AFG began selling policies with GMIRs below 2% in 2003; almost all new business since late 2010 has been issued with a 1% GMIR. At September 30, 2012, the average crediting rate on AFG’s annuities was approximately 2.82%, while the average GMIR was approximately 2.28%. This margin provides AFG the flexibility to decrease its crediting rates by up to approximately 54 basis points (on a weighted average basis) on $16 billion in annuities should market interest rates continue to remain low for a long period of time. The vast majority of such decreases can be made within the next 12 months if necessary.

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. 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 September 30, 2012, contained $23.7 billion in “Fixed maturities” classified as available for sale and $1.0 billion in “Equity securities,” all carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in a separate component of shareholders’ equity on an after-tax basis. In addition, $309 million in fixed maturities were classified as trading with changes in unrealized holding gains or losses included in 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 closing prices obtained from the pricing services. For mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), which comprise approximately 30% of AFG’s fixed maturities, prices for each security are generally obtained from both pricing services and broker quotes. For the remainder of AFG’s fixed maturity portfolio, approximately 90% are priced using pricing services and the balance is 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 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.
 

33

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


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 the pricing service regarding the methods and assumptions used in pricing, including verifying, on a test basis, the inputs used by the service to value specific securities.
 
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 that an immediate increase of 100 basis points in the interest rate yield curve would have at September 30, 2012 (dollars in millions). Increases or decreases from the 100 basis points illustrated would be approximately proportional.

Fair value of fixed maturity portfolio
$
24,055

Pretax impact on fair value of 100 bps increase in interest rates
$
(1,058
)
Pretax impact as % of total fixed maturity portfolio
4.4
%
 
Approximately 86% of the fixed maturities held by AFG at September 30, 2012, 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 noninvestment grade. Management believes that the high quality investment portfolio should generate a stable and predictable investment return.
 
MBS are subject to significant prepayment risk due to the fact that, 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 for the last few years, a weak housing market and uncertain economic conditions have led to tighter lending standards, which have resulted in fewer buyers being able to refinance the mortgages underlying much of AFG’s non-agency residential MBS portfolio.
 
Summarized information for AFG’s MBS (including those classified as trading) at September 30, 2012, is shown (in millions) in the table below. 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 majority of the Alt-A securities and substantially all of the subprime securities are backed by fixed-rate mortgages. The average life of both the residential and commercial MBS is approximately 4 years.
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value as
% of  Cost
 
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 
% Rated
Investment
Grade
Collateral type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-backed
 
$
255

 
$
269

 
105
%
 
$
14

 
100
%
Non-agency prime
 
2,324

 
2,483

 
107

 
159

 
50

Alt-A
 
846

 
866

 
102

 
20

 
34

Subprime
 
673

 
697

 
104

 
24

 
26

Commercial
 
2,643

 
2,959

 
112

 
316

 
99

Other
 
18

 
21

 
117

 
3

 
48

 
 
$
6,759

 
$
7,295

 
108
%
 
$
536

 
67
%

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 retained a third-party investment management firm to assist in the determination of appropriate NAIC designations for mortgage-backed securities 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 September 30, 2012, 97% (based on statutory carrying value of $6.5 billion) of AFG’s MBS securities had an NAIC designation of 1 or 2.
 

34

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


Municipal bonds represented approximately 18% of AFG’s fixed maturity portfolio at September 30, 2012. 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 September 30, 2012, approximately 76% of the municipal bond portfolio was held in revenue bonds, with the remaining 24% held in general obligation bonds. State general obligation securities of California, Illinois, New Jersey and New York collectively represented less than 2% of this portfolio.
 
Summarized information for the unrealized gains and losses recorded in AFG’s Balance Sheet at September 30, 2012, is shown in the following table (dollars in millions). Approximately $295 million of available for sale “Fixed maturities” and $103 million of “Equity securities” had no unrealized gains or losses at September 30, 2012. 
 
 
Securities
With
Unrealized
Gains
 
 
Securities
With
Unrealized
Losses
Available for Sale Fixed Maturities
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of securities
 
$
22,177

 
 
$
1,274

Amortized cost of securities
 
$
20,104

 
 
$
1,361

Gross unrealized gain (loss)
 
$
2,073

 
 
$
(87
)
Fair value as % of amortized cost
 
110
%
 
 
94
%
Number of security positions
 
4,340

 
 
422

Number individually exceeding $2 million gain or loss
 
206

 
 
2

Concentration of gains (losses) by type or industry (exceeding 5% of unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
610

 
 
$
(74
)
States and municipalities
 
352

 
 
(2
)
Gas and electric services
 
183

 
 
(1
)
Banks, savings and credit institutions
 
153

 
 
(2
)
Percentage rated investment grade
 
89
%
 
 
50
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of securities
 
$
853

 
 
$
75

Cost of securities
 
$
640

 
 
$
82

Gross unrealized gain (loss)
 
$
213

(*)
 
$
(7
)
Fair value as % of cost
 
133
%
 
 
91
%
Number of security positions
 
201

 
 
32

Number individually exceeding $2 million gain or loss
 
21

 
 
1

 
(*)
Includes $76 million on AFG’s investment in Verisk Analytics, Inc.

The table below sets forth the scheduled maturities of AFG’s available for sale fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2012, based on their fair values. Asset-backed securities and other 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
Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
One year or less
 
4
%
 
 
1
%
After one year through five years
 
25

 
 
15

After five years through ten years
 
31

 
 
11

After ten years
 
11

 
 
11

 
 
71

 
 
38

Mortgage-backed securities (average life of approximately four years)
 
29

 
 
62

 
 
100
%
 
 
100
%

35

Table of Contents
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
Basis
Fixed Maturities at September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities with unrealized gains:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exceeding $500,000 (1,206 securities)
 
$
13,228

 
$
1,605

 
114
%
$500,000 or less (3,134 securities)
 
8,949

 
468

 
106

 
 
$
22,177

 
$
2,073

 
110
%
Securities with unrealized losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exceeding $500,000 (44 securities)
 
$
247

 
$
(47
)
 
84
%
$500,000 or less (378 securities)
 
1,027

 
(40
)
 
96

 
 
$
1,274

 
$
(87
)
 
94
%
 
The following table summarizes (dollars in millions) the unrealized loss for all securities with unrealized losses by issuer quality and length of time those securities have been in an unrealized loss position. 
 
 
Aggregate
Fair
Value
 
Aggregate
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value as
% of Cost
Basis
Securities with Unrealized Losses at September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade fixed maturities with losses for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than one year (91 securities)
 
$
406

 
$
(6
)
 
99
%
One year or longer (74 securities)
 
228

 
(13
)
 
95

 
 
$
634

 
$
(19
)
 
97
%
Non-investment grade fixed maturities with losses for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than one year (82 securities)
 
$
249

 
$
(9
)
 
97
%
One year or longer (175 securities)
 
391

 
(59
)
 
87

 
 
$
640

 
$
(68
)
 
90
%
Common equity securities with losses for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than one year (16 securities)
 
$
50

 
$
(5
)
 
91
%
One year or longer (3 securities)
 

 

 

 
 
$
50

 
$
(5
)
 
91
%
Perpetual preferred equity securities with losses for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than one year (7 securities)
 
$

 
$

 
%
One year or longer (6 securities)
 
25

 
(2
)
 
93

 
 
$
25

 
$
(2
)
 
93
%
 
When a decline in the value of a specific investment is considered to be “other-than-temporary,” a provision for 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 2011 Form 10-K under Management’s Discussion and Analysis — “Investments.”

Based on its analysis, management believes (i) AFG will recover its cost basis in the securities with unrealized losses and (ii) that AFG has the ability and intent to hold the securities until they recover in value and had no intent to sell them at September 30, 2012. Although AFG has the ability to continue holding its 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 to 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.

36

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


Uncertainties   Management believes that the areas posing the greatest risk of material loss are the adequacy of reserves in its insurance operations and contingencies arising out of its former railroad and manufacturing operations. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis — “Uncertainties” in AFG’s 2011 Form 10-K. AFG conducts comprehensive studies of its asbestos and environmental reserves with the aid of outside actuarial and engineering firms and specialty outside counsel every two years with an in-depth internal review during the intervening years. See “Results of Operations” — “Special Asbestos and Environmental Reserve Chargesbelow and Management’s Discussion and Analysis — “Results of Operations” — “Asbestos and Environmental Reserve Charges” in AFG’s 2011 Form 10-K.
 
AFG, as well as other companies that sell long-term care products, have accumulated relatively limited claims, lapse and mortality experience, making it difficult to predict future claims. Long-term care claims tend to be much higher in dollar amount and longer in duration than other health care products such as Medicare supplement. In addition, long-term care claims are incurred much later in the life of a policy than most other health products. These factors make it difficult to appropriately price this product and were instrumental in AFG’s decision to stop writing new policies after December 2009. AFG’s outstanding long-term care policies have level premiums and are guaranteed renewable. Premium rates can potentially be increased in reaction to adverse experience, however, any rate increases would require regulatory approval.
 
Reserves for future policy benefits under long-term care policies are established (and related acquisition costs are amortized) over the life of the policies based on policy benefit assumptions as of the date of issuance, including investment yields, mortality, morbidity, persistency and expenses. Once these assumptions are established for a given policy or group of policies, they are not changed over the life of the policy unless a loss recognition event (premium deficiency) occurs. Loss recognition occurs when, based on current expectations as of the measurement date, the 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, related settlement and maintenance costs, and unamortized acquisition costs. Based on loss recognition testing at December 31, 2011, AFG’s long-term care reserves plus the present value of future premiums exceeded claims costs and unamortized acquisition expenses by approximately $30 million. Adverse changes in any of the reserve assumptions in future periods could result in loss recognition for AFG’s long-term care business. For example, a 1% change in claims costs or a 0.1% change in investment yields in all future periods (excluding their effect on the ability to achieve future rate increases), would each impact the December 31, 2011, “excess” described above by approximately $10 million. Once the “excess” is reduced to zero, the impact of adverse changes in assumptions is recorded as a charge to earnings as either a reduction in unamortized acquisition costs or an increase to contract reserves, net of any reinsurance recoverable.
 
Through September 30, 2012, experience on AFG’s long-term care business has generally emerged consistent with the assumptions from year-end 2011. Although actual yields on investment purchases have exceeded expected yields in the first nine months of 2012, yields on future purchases could fall short of expectations if the recent declines in market yields were to persist and could result in a material charge to earnings (see below). Additionally, even though AFG’s new claims experience has been reasonably consistent with current assumptions, the small size of the long-term care block, combined with its lack of maturity can cause significant period fluctuations. Furthermore, AFG has incurred only a small portion of the claims that it will ultimately receive over the lifetime of these policies, and when combined with the block’s limited claims history, AFG’s 2012 experience may not be indicative of future trends. AFG has engaged an external actuarial consulting firm to supplement its regular internal analysis of claim experience relative to broader industry trends, and expects to complete that analysis prior to the end of 2012.
 
At year-end 2011, AFG’s long-term care and annuity actuarial assumptions related to future interest rates were based on a beginning 10-year U.S. Treasury rate of 2.0%, and a beginning 30-year U.S. Treasury rate of 3.0%. It was assumed that these rates would gradually increase each subsequent year. Through October 31, 2012, these rates have decreased by approximately 0.3% and 0.1%, respectively. In addition, corporate credit spreads have narrowed during the year. Even though AFG has been able to maintain adequate investment yields to date, if this low interest rate environment persists, and if it is forecasted to remain lower in the future than previously expected, AFG would likely lower its reinvestment rate assumptions (including its ultimate reinvestment rate), resulting in a material charge to earnings.



37

Table of Contents
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 Policies Managed Investment Entities and Note H — “Managed Investment Entities.” 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.

38

Table of Contents
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
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and investments
$
28,277

 
$

 
$
(240
)
 
(a)
 
$
28,037

Assets of managed investment entities

 
3,102

 

 
 
 
3,102

Other assets
8,494

 

 

 
 
 
8,494

Total assets
$
36,771

 
$
3,102

 
$
(240
)
 
 
 
$
39,633

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums
$
9,098

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
$
9,098

Annuity, life, accident and health benefits and reserves
18,944

 

 

 
 
 
18,944

Liabilities of managed investment entities

 
2,953

 
(200
)
 
(a)
 
2,753

Long-term debt and other liabilities
3,874

 

 

 
 
 
3,874

Total liabilities
31,916

 
2,953

 
(200
)
 
 
 
34,669

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock and Capital surplus
1,162

 
40

 
(40
)
 
 
 
1,162

Retained earnings:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Appropriated — managed investment entities

 
109

 

 
 
 
109

Unappropriated
2,577

 

 

 
 
 
2,577

Accumulated other comprehensive income
931

 

 

 
 
 
931

Total shareholders’ equity
4,670

 
149

 
(40
)
 
 
 
4,779

Noncontrolling interests
185

 

 

 
 
 
185

Total equity
4,855

 
149

 
(40
)
 
 
 
4,964

Total liabilities and equity
$
36,771

 
$
3,102

 
$
(240
)
 
 
 
$
39,633

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and investments
$
25,675

 
$

 
$
(98
)
 
(a)
 
$
25,577

Assets of managed investment entities

 
3,058

 

 
 
 
3,058

Other assets
7,203

 

 

 
 
 
7,203

Total assets
$
32,878

 
$
3,058

 
$
(98
)
 
 
 
$
35,838

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums
$
8,004

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
$
8,004

Annuity, life, accident and health benefits and reserves
17,147

 

 

 
 
 
17,147

Liabilities of managed investment entities

 
2,885

 
(98
)
 
(a)
 
2,787

Long-term debt and other liabilities
3,343

 

 

 
 
 
3,343

Total liabilities
28,494

 
2,885

 
(98
)
 
 
 
31,281

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock and Capital surplus
1,219

 

 

 
 
 
1,219

Retained earnings:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Appropriated — managed investment entities

 
173

 

 
 
 
173

Unappropriated
2,439

 

 

 
 
 
2,439

Accumulated other comprehensive income
580

 

 

 
 
 
580

Total shareholders’ equity
4,238

 
173

 

 
 
 
4,411

Noncontrolling interests
146

 

 

 
 
 
146

Total equity
4,384

 
173

 

 
 
 
4,557

Total liabilities and equity
$
32,878

 
$
3,058

 
$
(98
)
 
 
 
$
35,838

 
(a)
Elimination of the fair value of AFG’s investment in CLOs.



39

Table of Contents
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
Nine months ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance premiums
$
2,381

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
$
2,381

Investment income
1,002

 

 
(21
)
 
(b)
 
981

Realized gains (losses) on securities
145

 

 

 
 
 
145

Realized gains (losses) on subsidiaries
155

 

 

 
 
 
155

Income (loss) of managed investment entities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income

 
92

 

 
 
 
92

Loss on change in fair value of assets/liabilities

 
(72
)
 
9

 
(b)
 
(63
)
Other income
149

 

 
(14
)
 
(c)
 
135

Total revenues
3,832

 
20

 
(26
)
 

 
3,826

Costs and Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance benefits and expenses
2,817

 

 

 
 
 
2,817

Expenses of managed investment entities

 
84

 
(26
)
 
(b)(c) 
 
58

Interest on borrowed money and other expenses
384

 

 

 
 
 
384

Total costs and expenses
3,201

 
84

 
(26
)
 

 
3,259

Operating earnings before income taxes
631

 
(64
)





567

Provision for income taxes
184

 

 

 
 
 
184

Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests
447

 
(64
)
 

 
 
 
383

Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
9

 

 
(64
)
 
(d)
 
(55
)
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders
$
438

 
$
(64
)
 
$
64

 
 
 
$
438

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance premiums
$
2,367

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
$
2,367

Investment income
921

 

 
(5
)
 
(b)
 
916

Realized gains (losses) on securities
27

 

 

 
 
 
27

Realized gains (losses) on subsidiaries
(3
)
 

 

 
 
 
(3
)
Income (loss) of managed investment entities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income

 
78

 

 
 
 
78

Loss on change in fair value of assets/liabilities

 
(51
)
 
(3
)
 
(b)
 
(54
)
Other income
149

 

 
(13
)
 
(c)
 
136

Total revenues
3,461

 
27

 
(21
)
 

 
3,467

Costs and Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance benefits and expenses
2,754

 

 

 
 
 
2,754

Expenses of managed investment entities

 
74

 
(21
)
 
(b)(c) 
 
53

Interest on borrowed money and other expenses
342

 

 

 
 
 
342

Total costs and expenses
3,096

 
74

 
(21
)
 
 
 
3,149

Operating earnings before income taxes
365

 
(47
)
 

 
 
 
318

Provision for income taxes
126

 

 

 
 
 
126

Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests
239

 
(47
)
 

 
 
 
192

Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
6

 

 
(47
)
 
(d)
 
(41
)
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders
$
233

 
$
(47
)
 
$
47

 
 
 
$
233


(a)
Includes $21 million and $5 million for the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively, in investment income representing the change in fair value of AFG’s CLO investments plus $14 million and $13 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively, in CLO management fees earned.
(b)
Elimination of the change in fair value of AFG’s investments in the CLOs, including $12 million and $8 million in the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively, in distributions recorded as interest expense by the CLOs.
(c)
Elimination of management fees earned by AFG.
(d)
Allocate losses of CLOs attributable to other debt holders to noncontrolling interests.

40

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


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General   Results of operations as shown in the accompanying financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP.

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. The following table identifies such items and reconciles 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, except per share amounts):
  
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
September 30,
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Core net operating earnings
$
78

 
$
92

 
$
253

 
$
257

Gain on sale of subsidiary (*)
101

 

 
101

 

Realized gains (losses) (*)
55

 
5

 
92

 
14

AFG tax case resolution
28

 

 
28

 

Special A&E charges (*)
(21
)
 

 
(21
)
 
(38
)
Other (*)
(15
)
 

 
(15
)
 

Net earnings attributable to shareholders
$
226

 
$
97

 
$
438

 
$
233

Diluted per share amounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core net operating earnings
$
0.82

 
$
.91

 
$
2.59

 
$
2.47

Gain on sale of subsidiary
1.07

 

 
1.04

 

Realized gains (losses)
.59

 
.04

 
.95

 
.13

AFG tax case resolution
.30

 

 
.29

 

Special A&E charges
(.23
)
 

 
(.22
)
 
(.37
)
Other
(.16
)
 

 
(.15
)
 

Net earnings attributable to shareholders
$
2.39

 
$
.95

 
$
4.50

 
$
2.23

 
(*)    The tax effects of reconciling items are shown below (in millions):
Gain on sale of subsidiary
$
(54
)
 
$

 
$
(54
)
 
$

Realized gains (losses)
(31
)
 
(3
)
 
(52
)
 
(10
)
Special A&E charges
12

 

 
12

 
21

Other
8

 

 
8

 

In addition, realized gains (losses) are shown net of noncontrolling interests of ($1 million) in the first nine months of 2012.

Net earnings attributable to shareholders increased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011 due primarily to a $101 million after tax gain on the sale of AFG’s Medicare supplement and critical illness operations, higher realized gains on securities and the results of AFG’s tax case resolution. Net earnings attributable to shareholders were also impacted by special A&E charges in the third quarter of 2012 and the second quarter of 2011. Core net operating earnings decreased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011. Higher earnings in the annuity and supplemental insurance operations were more than offset by lower underwriting profits and lower investment income in the Specialty property and casualty insurance operations.

Property and Casualty Insurance — Underwriting   AFG reports its Specialty insurance business in the following sub-segments: (i) Property and transportation, (ii) Specialty casualty and (iii) Specialty financial.
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. See Note C — “Segments of Operations for detail of AFG’s operating profit by significant business segment.
Underwriting profitability is measured by the combined ratio, which is a sum of the ratios of losses, loss adjustment expenses, underwriting expenses and policyholder dividends to premiums. A combined ratio under 100% indicates an underwriting profit. The combined ratio does not reflect investment income, other income or federal income taxes.

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



 Premiums, combined ratios and prior year development for AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations were as follows (dollars in millions): 
  
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
September 30,
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Gross Written Premiums
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and transportation
$
981

 
$
1,104

 
$
1,840

 
$
1,918

Specialty casualty
376

 
325

 
1,100

 
967

Specialty financial
152

 
146

 
415

 
391

Other

 

 
1

 
1

 
$
1,509

 
$
1,575

 
$
3,356

 
$
3,277

Net Written Premiums
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and transportation
$
539

 
$
575

 
$
1,158

 
$
1,175

Specialty casualty
243

 
220

 
734

 
645

Specialty financial
108

 
103

 
303

 
297

Other
18

 
17

 
52

 
51

 
$
908

 
$
915

 
$
2,247

 
$
2,168

Combined Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and transportation
99.8
%
 
99.0
%
 
96.8
%
 
96.3
%
Specialty casualty
96.7

 
90.9

 
93.5

 
94.2

Specialty financial
98.8

 
75.8

 
90.6

 
83.5

Total Specialty
98.2

 
93.0

 
94.4

 
93.0

Aggregate (including discontinued lines)
101.9
%
 
93.0
%
 
96.3
%
 
95.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Favorable (Unfavorable) Prior Year Development
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and transportation
$
2

 
$
(3
)
 
$
14

 
$
23

Specialty casualty
(3
)
 
23

 
25

 
50

Specialty financial
5

 
9

 
16

 
9

Other specialty
5

 
5

 
7

 
10

 
9

 
34

 
62

 
92

Other (primarily asbestos and environmental charges)
(31
)
 

 
(39
)
 
(50
)
Aggregate (including discontinued lines)
$
(22
)
 
$
34

 
$
23

 
$
42

Gross and net written premiums decreased in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same 2011 period due primarily to lower premiums in the crop insurance operations, which were offset by increases in most of the other businesses. Gross and net written premiums increased in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same 2011 period due primarily to higher premiums in the Specialty casualty group. Overall average renewal rates increased approximately 3% during the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 when compared to the same 2011 periods.
The Specialty insurance operations generated an underwriting profit of $16 million in the 2012 third quarter compared to $58 million in the third quarter of 2011. The $42 million decline in 2012 was due primarily to losses of $12 million in the crop insurance business and approximately $25 million lower favorable reserve development in several of the Specialty casualty businesses. Losses from catastrophes totaled $5 million in the third quarter of 2012, compared to $13 million in the 2011 third quarter. Underwriting profit for the Specialty insurance operations was $116 million for the first nine months of 2012 compared to $142 million in the comparable 2011 period. These results include $20 million of catastrophe losses in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $44 million in the comparable 2011 period.

Property and transportation   Gross and net written premiums for the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 were lower than the comparable 2011 periods primarily as a result of lower crop commodity prices, partially offset by increased premiums in transportation, property and inland marine and ocean marine businesses. The Property and transportation group reported a

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


small underwriting profit in the third quarter of 2012, compared to an underwriting profit of $5 million in the third quarter of 2011. Crop losses resulting from the effects of the Midwest drought more than offset improved profitability in other businesses in this group. The $12 million in crop losses recorded in the third quarter represent the full extent of losses estimated for the year, as any additional losses are expected to be within the scope of AFG’s stop loss reinsurance agreement. Underwriting profit in the first nine months of 2012 decreased approximately $5 million from the comparable 2011 period. Average renewal rates were up approximately 4% for the third quarter and 3% for the year to date in this group.
Specialty casualty   Gross and net written premiums for the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 were higher than the 2011 periods as a result of higher premiums in the workers’ compensation, excess and surplus and targeted market operations. Increased business opportunities arising from larger exposures and general market hardening have contributed to the increased premiums in this group. This group reported an underwriting profit of $8 million in the third quarter of 2012, compared to $20 million in the third quarter of 2011. Improved profitability in the social services and excess and surplus operations was more than offset by lower favorable reserve development in the general liability, workers’ compensation and run-off casualty businesses. Underwriting profits for the first nine months of 2012 were $7 million higher than the comparable 2011 period, due primarily to higher favorable reserve development in the general liability lines and improved profitability in the international businesses, which offset lower profitability in the excess and surplus and executive liability operations. Average renewal rates were up approximately 5% for the third quarter and 4% for the first nine months of 2012 in this group.
Specialty financial   Gross and net written premiums for the third quarter of 2012 were higher than the comparable 2011 period as a result of increased premiums in the financial institutions business. Gross and net written premiums for the first nine months of 2012 were up when compared to the 2011 period. Higher gross written premiums resulted primarily from a service contract business initiated in the second quarter of 2011. All of these premiums were ceded under a reinsurance agreement. This group reported an underwriting profit of $1 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $24 million in the third quarter of 2011. Underwriting profit was $28 million and $52 million for the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively. Losses from a run-off book of automotive-related business, as well as lower favorable reserve development during the third quarter were the primary drivers of these results. Average renewal rates in this group were up approximately 1% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2012.
Special Asbestos and Environmental Reserve Charges   During the third quarter of 2012, AFG completed the previously announced in-depth internal review of its A&E exposures relating to the run-off operations of its property and casualty group and its exposures related to former railroad and manufacturing operations and sites.

As a result of the 2012 internal review, AFG recorded a pretax $31 million special charge (net of reinsurance) to increase the property and casualty group’s asbestos reserves by $19 million and its environmental reserves by $12 million. The charge relates primarily to an increase in environmental investigative costs and related loss adjustment expenses in certain environmental and asbestos files. There were no newly identified issues that management believes would significantly impact the overall adequacy of AFG’s A&E reserves.
In addition to the property and casualty group, the 2012 internal review encompassed reserves for asbestos and environmental exposures of AFG’s former railroad and manufacturing operations. As a result of the internal review, AFG recorded a pretax $2 million special charge (included in other expenses).
A comprehensive study of AFG’s A&E reserves was completed in the second quarter of 2011 with the aid of outside actuarial and engineering firms and specialty outside counsel. As a result of the study, AFG recorded a $59 million special charge to increase its property and casualty group’s A&E reserves by $50 million and the reserves of its former railroad and manufacturing operations by $9 million. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis — “Uncertainties”— “Asbestos and Environmental-related (“A&E”) Insurance Reserves” in AFG’s 2011 Form 10-K.


43

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


Annuity and Supplemental Insurance Operations   Total annuity and supplemental insurance operating earnings before income taxes is as follows (dollars in millions):

Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
September 30,
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Medicare supplement and critical illness (*)
$
10

 
$
11

 
$
28

 
$
21

Annuities and other
71

 
36

 
196

 
136

Annuity and supplemental operating earnings before income taxes
$
81

 
$
47

 
$
224

 
$
157


(*)   Sold in August 2012

Operating earnings before income taxes for the annuity and supplemental insurance segment increased $34 million (72%) in the third quarter and $67 million (43%) for the first nine months of 2012 compared to the 2011 periods, due primarily to AFG’s ability to maintain spreads on a larger base of invested assets in the fixed annuity operations. Higher profitability in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the 2011 quarter also reflects a $7 million increase in earnings resulting from the favorable impact of strong stock market performance (the S&P 500 index increased 6% in the 2012 quarter) on AFG’s market sensitive annuity business. For the nine month period, strong stock market performance (the S&P 500 index increased 15% in the first nine months of 2012) was offset by the impact of lower interest rates on the derivatives associated with AFG’s fixed-indexed annuity business. Earnings in the annuity business also reflect an increase in earnings attributable to this segment’s investment in the CLOs of $8 million in the third quarter and $10 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the 2011 periods, resulting from particularly strong performance in the financial markets. See Note H — “Managed Investment Entities.”

Statutory Annuity Premiums   The following table summarizes AFG’s annuity sales (in millions): 
  
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
September 30,
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Individual Single Premium Annuities - Indexed
$
417

 
$
495

 
$
1,357

 
$
1,206

Individual Single Premium Annuities - Fixed
42

 
74

 
118

 
196

Bank Single Premium Annuities - Indexed
72

 
84

 
232

 
163

Bank Single Premium Annuities - Fixed
127

 
160

 
501

 
657

403(b) Fixed and Indexed Annuities
51

 
60

 
177

 
194

Variable Annuities
14

 
17

 
46

 
52

Total Annuity Premiums
$
723

 
$
890

 
$
2,431

 
$
2,468

Bank annuities represent annuity premiums generated through banks by independent agents and brokers, as well as through direct relationships with certain financial institutions.
The decrease in annuity premiums for the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 is attributable to actions taken by AFG as a result of the low interest rate environment to lower crediting rates and agent commissions on several of the annuity products, which resulted in a slowdown in sales.


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


Life, Accident and Health Premiums and Benefits   The following table summarizes AFG’s life, accident and health premiums and benefits as shown in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings (in millions):
  
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
September 30,
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Premiums
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental insurance operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term care (in run-off)
$
20

 
$
20

 
$
59

 
$
61

Medicare supplement
40

 
64

 
161

 
189

Critical illness and other
14

 
16

 
53

 
55

Life operations (in run-off)
6

 
7

 
17

 
19

 
$
80

 
$
107

 
$
290

 
$
324

Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental insurance operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term care (in run-off)
$
23

 
$
22

 
$
66

 
$
63

Medicare supplement
26

 
43

 
109

 
137

Critical illness and other
10

 
16

 
39

 
45

Life operations (in run-off)
9

 
9

 
30

 
30

 
$
68

 
$
90

 
$
244

 
$
275


Medicare supplement and critical illness premium amounts include only premiums received prior to August 31, 2012, the effective date of the sale of these businesses. See Note B — “Acquisitions and Sales of Subsidiaries.”

Investment Income   In recent years, yields available in the financial markets on fixed maturity securities have generally declined, placing downward pressure on AFG’s investment portfolio yield. The $17 million and $65 million increases in investment income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011 reflect higher average invested assets, primarily related to growth in the annuity business.

Realized Gains (Losses) on Securities   Net realized gains (losses) on securities consisted of the following (in millions): 
  
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
September 30,
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Realized gains (losses) before impairments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Disposals
$
96

 
$
30

 
$
169

 
$
93

Change in the fair value of derivatives
1

 
(12
)
 
1

 
(23
)
Adjustments to annuity deferred policy acquisition costs and related items
(4
)
 

 
(6
)
 
(2
)
 
93

 
18

 
164

 
68

Impairment charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities
(10
)
 
(14
)
 
(24
)
 
(55
)
Adjustments to annuity deferred policy acquisition costs and related items
2

 
4

 
5

 
14

 
(8
)
 
(10
)
 
(19
)
 
(41
)
 
$
85

 
$
8

 
$
145

 
$
27

 
Realized gains on disposals include gains on sales of shares of Verisk Analytics, Inc. of $20 million and $66 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, respectively, and $3 million and $36 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, respectively.


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


The change in fair value of derivatives includes net gains of $1 million in the third quarter and net gains of $4 million in the first nine months of 2012 and net gains of $3 million in the third quarter and net losses of less than $1 million in the first nine months of 2011 from the mark-to-market of MBS, primarily interest-only securities with interest rates that float inversely with short-term rates. See Note F — “Derivatives.”

Realized Gain on Subsidiaries   In August 2012, AFG recorded a pretax gain of approximately $155 million on the sale of its Medicare supplement and critical illness businesses. See Note B — “Acquisitions and Sales of Subsidiaries.”

Annuity Benefits   Annuity benefits reflect amounts accrued on annuity policyholders’ funds accumulated. On deferred annuities (annuities in the accumulation phase), interest is generally credited to policyholders’ accounts at their current stated interest rates. Furthermore, for “two-tier” deferred annuities (annuities under which a higher interest amount can be earned if a policy is annuitized rather than surrendered), additional reserves are accrued for (i) persistency and premium bonuses and (ii) excess benefits expected to be paid for future deaths and annuitizations. Changes in investment yields, crediting rates, actual surrender, death and annuitization experience or modifications in actuarial assumptions can affect these additional reserves and could result in charges (or credits) to earnings in the period the projections are modified.

Annuity benefits decreased $2 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011 as the impact of growth in the annuity business was offset by the favorable impact of strong stock market performance on AFG’s market sensitive annuity business. For the nine month period, stock market performance was offset by the impact of lower interest rates on the derivatives associated with AFG’s fixed-indexed annuity business.

Annuity and Supplemental Insurance Acquisition Expenses   Annuity and supplemental insurance acquisition expenses include amortization of annuity, supplemental insurance and life business deferred policy acquisition costs (“DPAC”) as well as a portion of commissions on sales of insurance products. Annuity and supplemental insurance acquisition expenses also include amortization of the present value of future profits of businesses acquired (“PVFP”).

The vast majority of this group’s DPAC asset relates to its annuity and life insurance lines of business. Unanticipated spread compression, decreases in the stock market, adverse mortality experience, and higher than expected lapse rates could lead to write-offs of DPAC or PVFP in the future.

Other Operating and General Expenses   The $32 million (37%) increase in other operating and general expenses for the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same 2011 period reflects the impact of a $2 million special charge to increase liabilities related to A&E exposures of AFG’s former railroad and manufacturing operations, an $8 million loss on the retirement of debt, and a $15 million adverse judgment in a long-standing labor contract dispute related to AFG’s former railroad operations, the likelihood of which was previously considered to be remote.

Income Taxes   Income tax expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 includes a $28 million benefit related to the favorable resolution of certain tax litigation. See Note L — “Income Taxes.”




46

Table of Contents

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

ITEM 3
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of Market Risk
As of September 30, 2012, there were no material changes to the information provided in Item 7A — “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of Market Risk” of AFG’s 2011 Form 10-K.
ITEM 4
Controls and Procedures
AFG’s management, with participation of its Co-Chief Executive Officers and its principal 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 principal financial officer concluded that the controls and procedures are effective. There have been no changes in AFG’s internal control over financial reporting during the third fiscal quarter of 2012 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 third fiscal quarter of 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, AFG’s internal control over financial reporting.

47

Table of Contents

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 2
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities AFG repurchased shares of its Common Stock during the first nine months of 2012 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 (a)
First Quarter
1,473,789

 
$
37.91

 
1,473,789

 
6,953,252

Second Quarter
2,511,681

 
$
38.55

 
2,511,681

 
4,441,571

July
1,122,751

 
$
37.48

 
1,122,751

 
3,318,820

August
1,953,022

 
$
37.39

 
1,953,022

 
6,365,798

September
1,227,533

 
$
38.16

 
1,227,533

 
5,138,265

 
(a)
Represents the remaining shares that may be repurchased under the Plans authorized by AFG’s Board of Directors in August 2011, February 2012 and August 2012. AFG’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of five million additional shares in February 2012 and another five million shares in August 2012.
ITEM 6
Exhibits
 
Number
 
Exhibit Description
12
 
Computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges.
31(a)
 
Certification of the Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31(b)
 
Certification of the Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31(c)
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32
 
Certification of the Co-Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.
101
 
The following financial information from American Financial Group’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language):
 
 
(i)     Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
 
(ii)    Consolidated Statement of Earnings
 
 
(iii)  Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
 
(iv)   Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
 
 
(v)    Consolidated Statement of Changes in Cash Flows
 
 
(vi)   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

48

Table of Contents

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

Signature
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, American Financial Group, Inc. has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
American Financial Group, Inc.
 
 
 
 
November 8, 2012
 
 
 
BY:
 
s/ Keith A. Jensen
 
 
 
 
 
 
Keith A. Jensen
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President
 
 
 
 
 
 
(principal financial and accounting officer)

49