AFG beats on higher P&C underwriting profit

American Financial Group (AFG) reported a 12 percent increase in
fourth quarter core net operating earnings to $197mn aided by
significantly higher underwriting profit in its P&C insurance
business.
At $2.20 a share, the quarterly performance was a record for the
Cincinnati-based carrier and was higher than the $1.98 a share
recorded in the prior-year period and the $1.68 a share average
forecast of six analysts compiled by MarketWatch.
The company pointed to the impact of $0.28 a share incl