10-Q

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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, 2017

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 þ 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. Yes þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  þ                        Accelerated filer  ¨                        Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Smaller reporting company  ¨                        Emerging growth company  ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ

As of November 1, 2017, there were 88,112,753 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding, excluding 14.9 million shares owned by subsidiaries.

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
Part I — Financial Information
Item 1 — Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheet	2
Consolidated Statement of Earnings	3
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income	4
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity	5
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows	6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	35
Item 3 — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk	91
Item 4 — Controls and Procedures	91
Part II — Other Information
Item 2 — Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	91
Item 5 — Other Information	91
Item 6 — Exhibits	92
Signature	92

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, 2017		December 31, 2016
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,349	$	2,107
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available for sale at fair value (amortized cost — $36,412 and $33,735)	37,818		34,544
Fixed maturities, trading at fair value	350		359
Equity securities, available for sale at fair value (cost — $1,312 and $1,351)	1,579		1,502
Equity securities, trading at fair value	60		56
Mortgage loans	1,043		1,147
Policy loans	186		192
Equity index call options	629		492
Real estate and other investments	1,239		1,034
Total cash and investments	45,253		41,433
Recoverables from reinsurers	3,262		2,737
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	691		539
Agents’ balances and premiums receivable	1,173		997
Deferred policy acquisition costs	1,119		1,239
Assets of managed investment entities	4,767		4,765
Other receivables	1,545		908
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts)	628		600
Other assets	1,526		1,655
Goodwill	199		199
Total assets	$	60,163	$	55,072
Liabilities and Equity:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	9,563	$	8,563
Unearned premiums	2,567		2,171
Annuity benefits accumulated	32,671		29,907
Life, accident and health reserves	667		691
Payable to reinsurers	906		634
Liabilities of managed investment entities	4,506		4,549
Long-term debt	1,284		1,283
Variable annuity liabilities (separate accounts)	628		600
Other liabilities	1,992		1,755
Total liabilities	54,784		50,153
Shareholders’ equity:
Common Stock, no par value        — 200,000,000 shares authorized        — 88,092,794 and 86,924,399 shares outstanding	88		87
Capital surplus	1,167		1,111
Retained earnings	3,435		3,343
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	689		375
Total shareholders’ equity	5,379		4,916
Noncontrolling interests	—		3
Total equity	5,379		4,919
Total liabilities and equity	$	60,163	$	55,072

2

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 September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Revenues:
Property and casualty insurance net earned premiums	$	1,267		$	1,159		$	3,354		$	3,184
Life, accident and health net earned premiums	6			6			17			18
Net investment income	471			433			1,366			1,267
Realized gains (losses) on:
Securities (*)	(12		)	2			(1		)	(32		)
Subsidiaries	—			—			—			2
Income of managed investment entities:
Investment income	54			48			155			141
Gain on change in fair value of assets/liabilities	1			11			12			9
Other income	48			46			154			172
Total revenues	1,835			1,705			5,057			4,761
Costs and Expenses:
Property and casualty insurance:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	995			765			2,239			2,033
Commissions and other underwriting expenses	357			356			1,062			1,038
Annuity benefits	215			189			635			640
Life, accident and health benefits	6			8			21			26
Annuity and supplemental insurance acquisition expenses	55			54			156			131
Interest charges on borrowed money	21			19			65			56
Expenses of managed investment entities	45			38			137			109
Other expenses	112			98			285			258
Total costs and expenses	1,806			1,527			4,600			4,291
Earnings before income taxes	29			178			457			470
Provision for income taxes	18			65			146			190
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests	11			113			311			280
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			4			2			16
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders	$	11		$	109		$	309		$	264
Earnings Attributable to Shareholders per Common Share:
Basic	$	0.13		$	1.25		$	3.52		$	3.04
Diluted	$	0.13		$	1.23		$	3.44		$	2.98
Average number of Common Shares:
Basic	88.1			86.9			87.7			86.8
Diluted	90.0			88.5			89.7			88.4
Cash dividends per Common Share	$	0.3125		$	0.28		$	2.4375		$	0.84
________________________________________
(*) Consists of the following:
Realized gains before impairments	$	26		$	18		$	52		$	75
Losses on securities with impairment	(38		)	(16		)	(54		)	(106		)
Non-credit portion recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			1			(1		)
Impairment charges recognized in earnings	(38		)	(16		)	(53		)	(107		)
Total realized gains (losses) on securities	$	(12	)	$	2		$	(1	)	$	(32	)

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(In Millions)

	Three months ended September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
	2017		2016			2017		2016
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests	$	11	$	113		$	311	$	280
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period	59		89			299		427
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings	8		(1		)	3		20
Total net unrealized gains on securities	67		88			302		447
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	—		—			1		4
Foreign currency translation adjustments	7		(3		)	11		4
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments	—		—			—		1
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	74		85			314		456
Total comprehensive income, net of tax	85		198			625		736
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		5			2		23
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders	$	85	$	193		$	623	$	713

4

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 Shares		Common Stock and Capital Surplus			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Total			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2016	86,924,399		$	1,198		$	3,343		$	375	$	4,916		$	3		$	4,919
Net earnings	—		—			309			—		309			2			311
Other comprehensive income	—		—			—			314		314			—			314
Dividends on Common Stock	—		—			(214		)	—		(214		)	—			(214		)
Shares issued:
Exercise of stock options	870,022		29			—			—		29			—			29
Restricted stock awards	232,250		—			—			—		—			—			—
Other benefit plans	85,190		8			—			—		8			—			8
Dividend reinvestment plan	22,243		2			—			—		2			—			2
Stock-based compensation expense	—		18			—			—		18			—			18
Shares exchanged — benefit plans	(34,922	)	—			(3		)	—		(3		)	—			(3		)
Forfeitures of restricted stock	(6,388	)	—			—			—		—			—			—
Other	—		—			—			—		—			(5		)	(5		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	88,092,794		$	1,255		$	3,435		$	689	$	5,379		$	—		$	5,379
Balance at December 31, 2015	87,474,452		$	1,301		$	2,987		$	304	$	4,592		$	178		$	4,770
Net earnings	—		—			264			—		264			16			280
Other comprehensive income	—		—			—			449		449			7			456
Dividends on Common Stock	—		—			(73		)	—		(73		)	—			(73		)
Shares issued:
Exercise of stock options	753,095		26			—			—		26			—			26
Restricted stock awards	318,940		—			—			—		—			—			—
Other benefit plans	82,087		6			—			—		6			—			6
Dividend reinvestment plan	10,930		1			—			—		1			—			1
Stock-based compensation expense	—		22			—			—		22			—			22
Shares acquired and retired	(1,796,009	)	(27		)	(97		)	—		(124		)	—			(124		)
Shares exchanged — benefit plans	(28,059	)	—			(2		)	—		(2		)	—			(2		)
Forfeitures of restricted stock	(2,785	)	—			—			—		—			—			—
Other	—		—			—			—		—			(4		)	(4		)
Balance at September 30, 2016	86,812,651		$	1,329		$	3,079		$	753	$	5,161		$	197		$	5,358

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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,
	2017			2016
Operating Activities:
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests	$	311		$	280
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization	105			91
Annuity benefits	635			640
Realized gains on investing activities	(18		)	(6		)
Net sales of trading securities	5			73
Deferred annuity and life policy acquisition costs	(177		)	(172		)
Change in:
Reinsurance and other receivables	(1,467		)	(972		)
Other assets	(59		)	(193		)
Insurance claims and reserves	1,372			796
Payable to reinsurers	272			244
Other liabilities	—			230
Managed investment entities’ assets/liabilities	14			(235		)
Other operating activities, net	—			(30		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	993			746
Investing Activities:
Purchases of:
Fixed maturities	(7,163		)	(5,604		)
Equity securities	(73		)	(143		)
Mortgage loans	(149		)	(310		)
Equity index call options and other investments	(594		)	(490		)
Real estate, property and equipment	(46		)	(37		)
Proceeds from:
Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities	4,690			3,111
Repayments of mortgage loans	191			197
Sales of fixed maturities	179			496
Sales of equity securities	97			193
Sales and settlements of equity index call options and other investments	565			138
Sales of real estate, property and equipment	54			45
Managed investment entities:
Purchases of investments	(2,330		)	(1,405		)
Proceeds from sales and redemptions of investments	2,343			1,381
Other investing activities, net	6			(91		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,230		)	(2,519		)
Financing Activities:
Annuity receipts	3,432			3,474
Annuity surrenders, benefits and withdrawals	(1,725		)	(1,726		)
Net transfers from variable annuity assets	43			29
Additional long-term borrowings	345			302
Reductions of long-term debt	(355		)	—
Issuances of managed investment entities’ liabilities	1,926			1,028
Retirements of managed investment entities’ liabilities	(1,998		)	(747		)
Issuances of Common Stock	30			34
Repurchases of Common Stock	—			(124		)
Cash dividends paid on Common Stock	(212		)	(72		)
Other financing activities, net	(7		)	(6		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,479			2,192
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	242			419
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2,107			1,220
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	2,349		$	1,639

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

A.     Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation   The accompanying consolidated financial statements for American Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“AFG”) are unaudited; however, management believes that all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals unless otherwise disclosed herein) necessary for fair presentation have been made. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes necessary to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform to the current year’s presentation. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The results of operations of companies since their formation or acquisition are included in the consolidated financial statements. Events or transactions occurring subsequent to September 30, 2017, and prior to the filing of this Form 10-Q, have been evaluated for potential recognition or disclosure herein.

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Changes in circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimates.

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 in the first nine months of 2017.

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 (“AOCI”) 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 net investment income. Mortgage and policy loans are carried primarily at the aggregate unpaid balance.

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, which, among other things, will require all equity securities currently classified as “available for sale” to be reported at fair value, with holding gains and losses recognized in net income, instead of AOCI. AFG will be required to adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018. At the date of adoption, the net unrealized gain on equity securities included in AOCI will be reclassified to retained earnings in the Balance Sheet as the cumulative effect of an accounting change.

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) on securities) and the cost basis of that investment is reduced. If management can assert that

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

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: (i) the amount related to credit losses (recorded in earnings) and (ii) the amount related to all other factors (recorded in other comprehensive income). The credit-related portion of an other-than-temporary impairment is measured by comparing a security’s amortized cost to the present value of its current expected cash flows discounted at its effective yield prior to the impairment charge. Both components are shown in the statement of earnings. If management intends to sell an impaired security, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, an impairment charge to earnings is recorded to reduce the amortized cost of that security to fair value.

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

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

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

For derivatives that are designated and qualify as highly effective fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative, along with changes in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in current period earnings. AFG has entered into an interest rate swap that qualifies as a highly effective fair value hedge to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with fixed-rate long-term debt by economically converting certain fixed-rate debt obligations to floating-rate obligations. Since the terms of the swap match the terms of the hedged debt, changes in the fair value of the swap are offset by changes in the fair value of the hedged debt attributable to changes in interest rates. Accordingly, the net impact on AFG’s current period earnings is that the interest expense associated with the hedged debt is effectively recorded at the floating rate.

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

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

An AFG subsidiary cedes life insurance policies to a third party on a funds withheld basis whereby the subsidiary retains the assets (securities) associated with the reinsurance contract. Interest is credited to the reinsurer based on the actual investment performance of the retained assets. This reinsurance contract is considered to contain an embedded derivative (that must be adjusted to fair value) because the yield on the payable is based on a specific block of the ceding company’s assets, rather than the overall creditworthiness of the ceding company. AFG determined that changes in the fair value of the underlying portfolio of fixed maturity securities is an appropriate measure of the value of the embedded derivative. The securities related to this contract are classified as “trading.” The adjustment to fair value on the embedded derivative offsets the investment income recorded on the adjustment to fair value of the related trading portfolio.

8

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

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.

For the property and casualty companies, DPAC is limited based upon recoverability without any consideration for anticipated investment income and is charged against income ratably over the terms of the related policies. A premium deficiency is recognized if the sum of expected claims costs, claims adjustment expenses and unamortized acquisition costs exceed the related unearned premiums. A premium deficiency is first recognized by charging any unamortized acquisition costs to expense to the extent required to eliminate the deficiency. If the premium deficiency is greater than unamortized acquisition costs, a liability is accrued for the excess deficiency and reported with unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses.

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

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

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

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

Managed Investment EntitiesA company is considered the primary beneficiary of, and therefore must consolidate, a variable interest entity (“VIE”) based primarily on its ability to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact that entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of, or receive benefits from, the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

AFG manages, and has investments in, collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) that are VIEs (see Note H — “Managed Investment Entities”). 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) through its investment in the CLO debt tranches, it has exposure to CLO losses (limited to the amount AFG invested) and the right to receive CLO benefits that could potentially be significant to the CLOs.

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

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

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At September 30, 2017, assets and liabilities of managed investment entities included $383 million in assets and $316 million in liabilities of a temporary warehousing entity that was established in connection with the formation of a new CLO that closed in October 2017. At closing, all warehoused assets were transferred to the new CLO and the liabilities were repaid.

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses   The net liabilities stated for unpaid claims and for expenses of investigation and adjustment of unpaid claims represent management’s best estimate and are based upon (i) the accumulation of case estimates for losses reported prior to the close of the accounting period on direct business written; (ii) estimates received from ceding reinsurers and insurance pools and associations; (iii) estimates of unreported losses (including possible development on known claims) based on past experience; (iv) estimates based on experience of expenses for investigating and adjusting claims; and (v) the current state of the law and coverage litigation. Establishing reserves for asbestos, environmental and other mass tort claims involves considerably more judgment than other types of claims due to, among other things, inconsistent court decisions, an increase in bankruptcy filings as a result of asbestos-related liabilities, novel theories of coverage, and judicial interpretations that often expand theories of recovery and broaden the scope of coverage.

Loss reserve liabilities are subject to the impact of changes in claim amounts and frequency and other factors. Changes in estimates of the liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses are reflected in the statement of earnings in the period in which determined. Despite the variability inherent in such estimates, management believes that the liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are adequate.

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

For certain products, annuity benefits accumulated also includes reserves for accrued persistency and premium bonuses, guaranteed withdrawals and excess benefits expected to be paid on future deaths and annuitizations (“EDAR”). The liabilities for EDAR and guaranteed withdrawals are accrued for and modified using assumptions consistent with those used in determining DPAC and DPAC amortization, except that amounts are determined in relation to the present value of total expected assessments. Total expected assessments consist principally of estimated future investment margin, surrender, mortality, and other life and annuity policy charges, and unearned revenues once they are recognized as income.

Annuity benefits accumulated also includes amounts advanced from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati.

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

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

For long-duration contracts (such as traditional life and long-term care policies), loss recognition occurs when, based on current expectations as of the measurement date, existing contract liabilities plus the present value of future premiums (including reasonably expected rate increases) are not expected to cover the present value of future claims payments and related settlement and maintenance costs (excluding overhead) as well as unamortized acquisition costs. If a block of business is determined to be in loss recognition, a charge is recorded in earnings in an amount equal to the excess of the present value of expected future claims costs and unamortized acquisition costs over existing reserves plus the present value of expected future premiums (with no provision for adverse deviation). The charge is recorded first to reduce unamortized acquisition costs and then as an additional reserve (if unamortized acquisition costs have been reduced to zero).

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the fourth quarter of 2016, AFG adopted ASU 2016-09, which, among other things, requires excess tax benefits or deficiencies for share-based payments to be recorded through income tax expense in the statement of earnings instead of directly to capital surplus (as required under the previous guidance). In addition, under the new guidance, AFG elected to account for forfeitures of awards when they occur rather than accruing expense based on an estimate of expected forfeitures (as required under the previous guidance). The resulting cumulative effect of accounting change of less than $1 million was recorded directly to retained earnings on January 1, 2016.

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

Earnings Per Share   Although basic earnings per share only considers shares of common stock outstanding during the period, the calculation of diluted earnings per share includes the following adjustments to weighted average common shares related to

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stock-based compensation plans: third quarter of 2017 and 2016 — 1.9 million and 1.6 million; first nine months of 2017 and 2016 — 2.0 million and 1.6 million, respectively.

AFG’s weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the third quarter and first nine months of 2016 excludes 0.2 million and 0.6 million anti-dilutive potential common shares related to stock compensation plans, respectively. There were no anti-dilutive potential common shares in the third quarter or first nine months of 2017.

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, surrenders, benefits and withdrawals are also reflected as financing activities. All other activities are considered “operating.” Short-term investments having original maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents for purposes of the financial statements.

Effective October 1, 2016, AFG early adopted (on a retrospective basis) ASU 2016-15, which addresses the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented in the statement of cash flows. Among other things, this guidance requires proceeds received from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies to be classified as cash inflows from investing activities and allows premiums paid for policies to be reported as cash outflows either from investing activities or operating activities. AFG has elected to show all corporate-owned life insurance activity in investing activities. Prior to adoption of this guidance, AFG accounted for these transactions as operating activities. In addition, ASU 2016-15 clarifies when distributions received from investees accounted under the equity method should be accounted for as a cash inflow from operating activities or as a cash inflow from investing activities. AFG had previously accounted for all distributions from investments accounted for under the equity method as investing activities. The new guidance solely related to the presentation of certain transactions in the statement of cash flows. Accordingly, adoption of this guidance did not impact AFG’s results of operations or financial position.

Revenue Recognition Guidance Effective in 2018 In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, which requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is recognized when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation under the contract. The new guidance also updates the accounting for certain costs associated with obtaining and fulfilling contracts with customers and requires disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Revenue recognition for insurance contracts and financial instruments, which are AFG’s primary sources of revenue, is excluded from the scope of the new guidance. AFG will adopt the new guidance effective January 1, 2018. Because the new guidance does not apply to the vast majority of AFG’s business, management does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on AFG’s results of operations or financial position. Based on implementation efforts to date, management believes that the new standard would only have applied to 2% of AFG’s 2016 consolidated revenues.

B.     Acquisition of Business

Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest in National Interstate Corporation   In November 2016, AFG acquired the 49% of National Interstate Corporation (“NATL”) not previously owned by AFG’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Great American Insurance Company, for $315 million ($32.00 per share) in a merger transaction. In addition, NATL paid a one-time special cash dividend of $0.50 per share to its shareholders immediately prior to the merger closing. Because NATL was already a consolidated subsidiary of AFG prior to the merger, the acquisition was accounted for as an equity transaction.

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C.    Segments of Operations

AFG manages its business as four segments: (i) Property and casualty insurance, (ii) Annuity, (iii) Run-off long-term care and life and (iv) Other, which includes holding company costs.

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, professional liability, umbrella and excess liability, specialty coverage in targeted markets, customized programs for small to mid-sized businesses and workers’ compensation insurance, and (iii) Specialty financial, which includes risk management insurance programs for leasing and financing institutions (including collateral and lender-placed mortgage property insurance), surety and fidelity products and trade credit insurance. Premiums and underwriting profit included under Other specialty represent business assumed by AFG’s internal reinsurance program from the operations that make up AFG’s other Specialty sub-segments and amortization of deferred gains on retroactive reinsurance transactions related to the sales of businesses in prior years. AFG’s annuity business markets traditional fixed and fixed-indexed annuities in the retail, financial institutions and education markets. AFG’s reportable segments and their components were determined based primarily upon similar economic characteristics, products and services.

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The following tables (in millions) show AFG’s revenues and earnings before income taxes by segment and sub-segment.

	Three months ended September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016		2017			2016
Revenues
Property and casualty insurance:
Premiums earned:
Specialty
Property and transportation	$	527		$	493	$	1,226		$	1,197
Specialty casualty	568			497		1,613			1,496
Specialty financial	142			145		435			416
Other specialty	30			24		80			75
Total premiums earned	1,267			1,159		3,354			3,184
Net investment income	94			93		276			265
Other income (a)	1			3		21			46
Total property and casualty insurance	1,362			1,255		3,651			3,495
Annuity:
Net investment income	375			351		1,082			1,010
Other income	26			26		79			76
Total annuity	401			377		1,161			1,086
Run-off long-term care and life	12			13		35			37
Other	72			58		211			173
Total revenues before realized gains (losses)	1,847			1,703		5,058			4,791
Realized gains (losses) on securities	(12		)	2		(1		)	(32		)
Realized gains on subsidiaries	—			—		—			2
Total revenues	$	1,835		$	1,705	$	5,057		$	4,761

Earnings Before Income Taxes
Property and casualty insurance:
Underwriting:
Specialty
Property and transportation	$	6		$	44		$	70		$	91
Specialty casualty	2			13			46			65
Specialty financial	(3		)	19			42			64
Other specialty	4			2			3			7
Other lines (b)	(90		)	(36		)	(92		)	(101		)
Total underwriting	(81		)	42			69			126
Investment and other income, net (a)	87			79			271			269
Total property and casualty insurance	6			121			340			395
Annuity	102			107			283			236
Run-off long-term care and life	2			1			4			—
Other (c)	(69		)	(53		)	(169		)	(131		)
Total earnings before realized gains (losses) and income taxes	41			176			458			500
Realized gains (losses) on securities	(12		)	2			(1		)	(32		)
Realized gains on subsidiaries	—			—			—			2
Total earnings before income taxes	$	29		$	178		$	457		$	470

(a) Includes pretax income of $13 million (before noncontrolling interest) from the sale of a hotel in the first quarter of 2017 and pretax income of $32 million (before noncontrolling interest) from the sale of an apartment property in the second quarter of 2016.

(b) Includes special charges of $89 million and $36 million in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, to increase asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) reserves and a $65 million special charge related to the exit of certain lines of business with AFG’s Lloyd’s-based insurer, Neon, in the second quarter of 2016.

(c) Includes holding company interest and expenses, including losses on retirement of debt of $4 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $7 million in the second quarter of 2017, and special charges of $24 million and $5 million in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, to increase A&E reserves related to AFG’s former railroad and manufacturing operations.

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D.    Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards for measuring fair value are based on inputs used in estimating fair value. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (markets in which transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis). AFG’s Level 1 financial instruments consist primarily of publicly traded equity securities, highly liquid government bonds for which quoted market prices in active markets are available and short-term investments of managed investment entities.

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

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

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

AFG’s management is responsible for the valuation process and uses data from outside sources (including nationally recognized pricing services and broker/dealers) in establishing fair value. AFG’s internal investment professionals are a group of approximately 25 analysts whose primary responsibility is to manage AFG’s investment portfolio. These professionals monitor individual investments as well as overall industries and are active in the financial markets on a daily basis. The group is led by AFG’s chief investment officer, who reports directly to one of AFG’s Co-CEOs. Valuation techniques utilized by pricing services and prices obtained from external sources are reviewed by AFG’s internal investment professionals who are familiar with the securities being priced and the markets in which they trade to ensure the fair value determination is representative of an exit price. To validate the appropriateness of the prices obtained, these investment managers consider widely published indices (as benchmarks), recent trades, changes in interest rates, general economic conditions and the credit quality of the specific issuers. In addition, the Company communicates directly with the pricing services regarding the methods and assumptions used in pricing, including verifying, on a test basis, the inputs used by the service to value specific securities.

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Assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value in the financial statements are summarized below (in millions):

	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
September 30, 2017
Assets:
Available for sale (“AFS”) fixed maturities:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	120	$	129		$	8	$	257
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		6,845			152		6,997
Foreign government	—		144			—		144
Residential MBS	—		3,252			144		3,396
Commercial MBS	—		974			36		1,010
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)	—		6,860			536		7,396
Corporate and other	30		17,538			1,050		18,618
Total AFS fixed maturities	150		35,742			1,926		37,818
Trading fixed maturities	48		302			—		350
Equity securities — AFS and trading	1,397		79			163		1,639
Assets of managed investment entities (“MIE”)	368		4,378			21		4,767
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts) (*)	—		628			—		628
Equity index call options	—		629			—		629
Other assets — derivatives	—		1			—		1
Total assets accounted for at fair value	$	1,963	$	41,759		$	2,110	$	45,832
Liabilities:
Liabilities of managed investment entities	$	348	$	4,138		$	20	$	4,506
Derivatives in annuity benefits accumulated	—		—			2,293		2,293
Derivatives in long-term debt	—		—			—		—
Other liabilities — derivatives	—		31			—		31
Total liabilities accounted for at fair value	$	348	$	4,169		$	2,313	$	6,830
December 31, 2016
Assets:
Available for sale fixed maturities:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	133	$	174		$	8	$	315
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		6,641			140		6,781
Foreign government	—		136			—		136
Residential MBS	—		3,445			190		3,635
Commercial MBS	—		1,468			25		1,493
Asset-backed securities	—		5,475			484		5,959
Corporate and other	29		15,484			712		16,225
Total AFS fixed maturities	162		32,823			1,559		34,544
Trading fixed maturities	30		329			—		359
Equity securities — AFS and trading	1,305		79			174		1,558
Assets of managed investment entities	380		4,356			29		4,765
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts) (*)	—		600			—		600
Equity index call options	—		492			—		492
Other assets — derivatives	—		1			—		1
Total assets accounted for at fair value	$	1,877	$	38,680		$	1,762	$	42,319
Liabilities:
Liabilities of managed investment entities	$	363	$	4,158		$	28	$	4,549
Derivatives in annuity benefits accumulated	—		—			1,759		1,759
Derivatives in long-term debt	—		(1		)	—		(1		)
Other liabilities — derivatives	—		30			—		30
Total liabilities accounted for at fair value	$	363	$	4,187		$	1,787	$	6,337

(*) Variable annuity liabilities equal the fair value of variable annuity assets.

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Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for all periods presented were a result of increases or decreases in observable trade activity.

During the third quarter of 2017, there was one perpetual preferred stock with an aggregate fair value of $1 million that transferred between Level 2 and Level 1. During the first nine months of 2017, there were three preferred stocks with an aggregate fair value of $17 million that transferred from Level 2 to Level 1. During the third quarter of 2016, there was one common stock with a fair value of less than $1 million that transferred from Level 1 to Level 2. During the first nine months of 2016, there were six perpetual preferred stocks with a fair value of $35 million that transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 and five perpetual preferred stocks and one common stock with aggregate fair values of $12 million and less than $1 million, respectively, that transferred from Level 1 to Level 2.

Approximately 5% of the total assets carried at fair value at September 30, 2017, were Level 3 assets. Approximately 76% ($1.61 billion) of the Level 3 assets were priced using non-binding broker quotes, for which there is a lack of transparency as to the inputs used to determine fair value. Details as to the quantitative inputs are neither provided by the brokers nor otherwise reasonably obtainable by AFG. Since internally developed Level 3 asset fair values represent less than 10% of AFG’s Shareholders’ Equity, any justifiable changes in unobservable inputs used to determine internally developed fair values would not have a material impact on AFG’s financial position.

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 $2.29 billion at September 30, 2017. 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	0.2% – 2.4% over the risk free rate
Risk margin for uncertainty in cash flows	0.68% reduction in the discount rate
Surrenders	3% – 23% of indexed account value
Partial surrenders	2% – 10% of indexed account value
Annuitizations	0.1% – 1% of indexed account value
Deaths	1.5% – 8.0% of indexed account value
Budgeted option costs	2.4% – 3.7% of indexed account value

The range of adjustments for insurance subsidiary’s credit risk reflects credit spread variations across the yield curve. The range of projected surrender rates reflects the specific surrender charges and other features of AFG’s individual fixed-indexed annuity products with an expected range of 6% to 10% in the majority of future calendar years (3% to 23% over all periods). 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.

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Changes in balances of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value during the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 and 2016 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, 2017			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, 2017
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	8		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	143			—			—			—			(1		)	10		—			152
Residential MBS	153			2			1			—			(6		)	15		(21		)	144
Commercial MBS	45			1			—			—			(10		)	—		—			36
Asset-backed securities	498			(2		)	1			13			(26		)	163		(111		)	536
Corporate and other	953			(9		)	—			172			(59		)	—		(7		)	1,050
Total AFG fixed maturities	1,800			(8		)	2			185			(102		)	188		(139		)	1,926
Equity securities	168			(3		)	(4		)	2			—			—		—			163
Assets of MIE	23			(4		)	—			2			—			—		—			21
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,991		$	(15	)	$	(2	)	$	189		$	(102	)	$	188	$	(139	)	$	2,110
Embedded derivatives	$	(2,129	)	$	(127	)	$	—		$	(65	)	$	28		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(2,129	)	$	(127	)	$	—		$	(65	)	$	28		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)

				Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in
	Balance at June 30, 2016			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, 2016
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	8		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	91			—			1			—			(1		)	—		—			91
Residential MBS	231			(2		)	—			—			(8		)	—		(2		)	219
Commercial MBS	36			—			—			—			(2		)	—		—			34
Asset-backed securities	478			(1		)	4			—			(5		)	—		(9		)	467
Corporate and other	689			—			(3		)	37			(14		)	—		—			709
Total AFS fixed maturities	1,533			(3		)	2			37			(30		)	—		(11		)	1,528
Equity securities	166			5			5			10			(21		)	—		—			165
Assets of MIE	26			(2		)	—			—			—			—		—			24
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,725		$	—		$	7		$	47		$	(51	)	$	—	$	(11	)	$	1,717
Embedded derivatives	$	(1,557	)	$	(109	)	$	—		$	(53	)	$	31		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(1,557	)	$	(109	)	$	—		$	(53	)	$	31		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)

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

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

				Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in
	Balance at December 31, 2016			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, 2017
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	8		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	140			—			4		—			(2		)	10		—			152
Residential MBS	190			—			3		1			(37		)	35		(48		)	144
Commercial MBS	25			2			—		15			(10		)	4		—			36
Asset-backed securities	484			(2		)	3		117			(62		)	199		(203		)	536
Corporate and other	712			(4		)	8		460			(124		)	29		(31		)	1,050
Total AFS fixed maturities	1,559			(4		)	18		593			(235		)	277		(282		)	1,926
Equity securities	174			(19		)	9		22			(3		)	—		(20		)	163
Assets of MIE	29			(10		)	—		6			—			—		(4		)	21
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,762		$	(33	)	$	27	$	621		$	(238	)	$	277	$	(306	)	$	2,110
Embedded derivatives	$	(1,759	)	$	(386	)	$	—	$	(224	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(1,759	)	$	(386	)	$	—	$	(224	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)

				Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in
	Balance at December 31, 2015			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, 2016
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	15		$	(8	)	$	1	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	89			—			4		—			(2		)	—		—			91
Residential MBS	224			—			1		—			(21		)	33		(18		)	219
Commercial MBS	39			(1		)	—		—			(4		)	—		—			34
Asset-backed securities	470			(1		)	1		15			(24		)	41		(35		)	467
Corporate and other	633			—			24		131			(89		)	15		(5		)	709
Total AFS fixed maturities	1,470			(10		)	31		146			(140		)	89		(58		)	1,528
Equity securities	140			(12		)	21		22			(21		)	15		—			165
Assets of MIE	26			(6		)	—		4			—			—		—			24
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,636		$	(28	)	$	52	$	172		$	(161	)	$	104	$	(58	)	$	1,717
Embedded derivatives	$	(1,369	)	$	(188	)	$	—	$	(207	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(1,369	)	$	(188	)	$	—	$	(207	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)

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

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

Fair Value of Financial Instruments   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		Fair Value
	Value		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
September 30, 2017
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,349	$	2,349	$	2,349	$	—	$	—
Mortgage loans	1,043		1,040		—		—		1,040
Policy loans	186		186		—		—		186
Total financial assets not accounted for at fair value	$	3,578	$	3,575	$	2,349	$	—	$	1,226
Financial liabilities:
Annuity benefits accumulated (*)	$	32,464	$	31,857	$	—	$	—	$	31,857
Long-term debt	1,284		1,380		—		1,377		3
Total financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value	$	33,748	$	33,237	$	—	$	1,377	$	31,860
December 31, 2016
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,107	$	2,107	$	2,107	$	—	$	—
Mortgage loans	1,147		1,146		—		—		1,146
Policy loans	192		192		—		—		192
Total financial assets not accounted for at fair value	$	3,446	$	3,445	$	2,107	$	—	$	1,338
Financial liabilities:
Annuity benefits accumulated (*)	$	29,703	$	28,932	$	—	$	—	$	28,932
Long-term debt	1,284		1,356		—		1,353		3
Total financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value	$	30,987	$	30,288	$	—	$	1,353	$	28,935

(*) Excludes $207 million and $204 million of life contingent annuities in the payout phase at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

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

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

E.    Investments

Available for sale fixed maturities and equity securities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, consisted of the following (in millions):

	September 30, 2017											December 31, 2016
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized					Net Unrealized		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized					Net Unrealized			Fair Value
			Gains		Losses									Gains		Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	257	$	2	$	(2	)	$	—	$	257	$	315	$	3	$	(3	)	$	—		$	315
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	6,761		259		(23		)	236		6,997		6,650		200		(69		)	131			6,781
Foreign government	141		3		—			3		144		131		5		—			5			136
Residential MBS	3,062		341		(7		)	334		3,396		3,367		281		(13		)	268			3,635
Commercial MBS	967		44		(1		)	43		1,010		1,446		49		(2		)	47			1,493
Asset-backed securities	7,268		143		(15		)	128		7,396		5,962		43		(46		)	(3		)	5,959
Corporate and other	17,956		699		(37		)	662		18,618		15,864		473		(112		)	361			16,225
Total fixed maturities	$	36,412	$	1,491	$	(85	)	$	1,406	$	37,818	$	33,735	$	1,054	$	(245	)	$	809		$	34,544
Equity Securities:
Common stocks	$	830	$	251	$	(27	)	$	224	$	1,054	$	879	$	160	$	(23	)	$	137		$	1,016
Perpetual preferred stocks	482		44		(1		)	43		525		472		21		(7		)	14			486
Total equity securities	$	1,312	$	295	$	(28	)	$	267	$	1,579	$	1,351	$	181	$	(30	)	$	151		$	1,502

The non-credit related portion of other-than-temporary impairment charges is included in other comprehensive income. Cumulative non-credit charges taken for securities still owned at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $165 million and $189 million, respectively. Gross unrealized gains on such securities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $141 million and $130 million, respectively. Gross unrealized losses on such securities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $4 million and $3 million, respectively. These amounts represent the non-credit other-than-temporary impairment charges recorded in AOCI adjusted for subsequent changes in fair values and nearly all relate to residential MBS.

21

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

The following tables show gross unrealized losses (dollars 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

	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, 2017
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	—		$	97	100	%	$	(2	)	$	57	97	%
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	(18		)	1,099		98	%	(5		)	160		97	%
Residential MBS	(2		)	163		99	%	(5		)	189		97	%
Commercial MBS	(1		)	69		99	%	—			—		—	%
Asset-backed securities	(7		)	828		99	%	(8		)	245		97	%
Corporate and other	(24		)	1,744		99	%	(13		)	310		96	%
Total fixed maturities	$	(52	)	$	4,000	99	%	$	(33	)	$	961	97	%
Equity securities:
Common stocks	$	(27	)	$	141	84	%	$	—		$	—	—	%
Perpetual preferred stocks	—			23		100	%	(1		)	13		93	%
Total equity securities	$	(27	)	$	164	86	%	$	(1	)	$	13	93	%
December 31, 2016
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	(1	)	$	153	99	%	$	(2	)	$	8	80	%
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	(64		)	2,289		97	%	(5		)	44		90	%
Residential MBS	(7		)	502		99	%	(6		)	162		96	%
Commercial MBS	(2		)	121		98	%	—			—		—	%
Asset-backed securities	(29		)	1,737		98	%	(17		)	634		97	%
Corporate and other	(93		)	3,849		98	%	(19		)	312		94	%
Total fixed maturities	$	(196	)	$	8,651	98	%	$	(49	)	$	1,160	96	%
Equity securities:
Common stocks	$	(23	)	$	215	90	%	$	—		$	—	—	%
Perpetual preferred stocks	(6		)	135		96	%	(1		)	6		86	%
Total equity securities	$	(29	)	$	350	92	%	$	(1	)	$	6	86	%

At September 30, 2017, the gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities of $85 million relate to 735 securities. Investment grade securities (as determined by nationally recognized rating agencies) represented approximately 73% of the gross unrealized loss and 88% 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. In the first nine months of 2017, AFG recorded $1 million in other-than-temporary impairment charges related to its residential MBS.

In the first nine months of 2017, AFG recorded $15 million in other-than-temporary impairment charges related to corporate bonds and other fixed maturities.

AFG recorded $42 million in other-than-temporary impairment charges on common stocks in the first nine months of 2017. At September 30, 2017, the gross unrealized losses on common stocks of $27 million relate to 19 securities, none of which has been in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months.

22

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

AFG recorded $7 million in other-than-temporary impairment charges on preferred stocks in the first nine months of 2017. At September 30, 2017, the gross unrealized losses on preferred stocks of $1 million relate to 5 securities, 3 of which have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more and are rated investment grade.

Management believes AFG will recover its cost basis in the securities with unrealized losses and that AFG has the ability to hold the securities until they recover in value and had no intent to sell them at September 30, 2017.

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):

	2017			2016
Balance at June 30	$	145		$	157
Additional credit impairments on:
Previously impaired securities	—			—
Securities without prior impairments	3			—
Reductions due to sales or redemptions	(1		)	(2		)
Balance at September 30	$	147		$	155
Balance at January 1	$	153		$	160
Additional credit impairments on:
Previously impaired securities	1			2
Securities without prior impairments	3			—
Reductions due to sales or redemptions	(10		)	(7		)
Balance at September 30	$	147		$	155

The table below sets forth the scheduled maturities of available for sale fixed maturities as of September 30, 2017 (dollars in millions). Securities with sinking funds are reported at average maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain securities may be called or prepaid by the issuers.

	Amortized		Fair Value
	Cost		Amount		%
Maturity
One year or less	$	927	$	939	2	%
After one year through five years	6,521		6,787		18	%
After five years through ten years	13,074		13,527		36	%
After ten years	4,593		4,763		13	%
	25,115		26,016		69	%
ABS (average life of approximately 5 years)	7,268		7,396		19	%
MBS (average life of approximately 4-1/2 years)	4,029		4,406		12	%
Total	$	36,412	$	37,818	100	%

Certain risks are inherent in fixed maturity securities, including loss upon default, price volatility in reaction to changes in interest rates, and general market factors and risks associated with reinvestment of proceeds due to prepayments or redemptions in a period of declining interest rates.

There were no investments in individual issuers that exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

23

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

Net Unrealized Gain on Marketable Securities   In addition to adjusting fixed maturity securities and equity securities classified as “available for sale” to fair value, GAAP requires that deferred policy acquisition costs and certain other balance sheet amounts related to annuity, long-term care and life businesses be adjusted to the extent that unrealized gains and losses from securities would result in adjustments to those balances had the unrealized gains or losses actually been realized. The following table shows (in millions) the components of the net unrealized gain on securities that is included in AOCI in AFG’s Balance Sheet.

	Pretax			Deferred Tax			Net
September 30, 2017
Net unrealized gain on:
Fixed maturities — annuity segment (*)	$	1,131		$	(396	)	$	735
Fixed maturities — all other	275			(96		)	179
Total fixed maturities	1,406			(492		)	914
Equity securities	267			(94		)	173
Total investments	1,673			(586		)	1,087
Deferred policy acquisition costs — annuity segment	(465		)	163			(302		)
Annuity benefits accumulated	(141		)	49			(92		)
Unearned revenue	20			(7		)	13
Total net unrealized gain on marketable securities	$	1,087		$	(381	)	$	706
December 31, 2016
Net unrealized gain on:
Fixed maturities — annuity segment (*)	$	640		$	(224	)	$	416
Fixed maturities — all other	169			(59		)	110
Total fixed maturities	809			(283		)	526
Equity securities	151			(53		)	98
Total investments	960			(336		)	624
Deferred policy acquisition costs — annuity segment	(273		)	96			(177		)
Annuity benefits accumulated	(78		)	27			(51		)
Unearned revenue	13			(5		)	8
Total net unrealized gain on marketable securities	$	622		$	(218	)	$	404

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

Net Investment Income   The following table shows (in millions) investment income earned and investment expenses incurred.

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Investment income:
Fixed maturities	$	405		$	378		$	1,191		$	1,126
Equity securities	17			20			57			59
Equity in earnings of partnerships and similar investments	20			16			51			31
Other	33			23			80			64
Gross investment income	475			437			1,379			1,280
Investment expenses	(4		)	(4		)	(13		)	(13		)
Net investment income	$	471		$	433		$	1,366		$	1,267

24

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments are summarized as follows (in millions):

	Three months ended September 30, 2017												Three months ended September 30, 2016
	Realized gains (losses)												Realized gains (losses)
	Before Impairments			Impairments			Total			Change in Unrealized			Before Impairments			Impairments			Total			Change in Unrealized
Fixed maturities	$	9		$	(15	)	$	(6	)	$	133		$	5		$	(2	)	$	3		$	52
Equity securities	19			(29		)	(10		)	24			14			(16		)	(2		)	89
Mortgage loans and other investments	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Other (*)	(2		)	6			4			(53		)	(1		)	2			1			(5		)
Total pretax	26			(38		)	(12		)	104			18			(16		)	2			136
Tax effects	(9		)	13			4			(37		)	(7		)	5			(2		)	(48		)
Noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			—			1			1			(1		)
Net of tax and noncontrolling interests	$	17		$	(25	)	$	(8	)	$	67		$	11		$	(10	)	$	1		$	87
	Nine months ended September 30, 2017												Nine months ended September 30, 2016
	Realized gains (losses)												Realized gains (losses)
	Before Impairments			Impairments			Total			Change in Unrealized			Before Impairments			Impairments			Total			Change in Unrealized
Fixed maturities	$	25		$	(16	)	$	9		$	597		$	36		$	(37	)	$	(1	)	$	1,089
Equity securities	29			(49		)	(20		)	116			46			(83		)	(37		)	77
Mortgage loans and other investments	3			—			3			—			—			—			—			—
Other (*)	(5		)	12			7			(248		)	(7		)	13			6			(478		)
Total pretax	52			(53		)	(1		)	465			75			(107		)	(32		)	688
Tax effects	(18		)	18			—			(163		)	(27		)	38			11			(241		)
Noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			(1		)	3			2			(7		)
Net of tax and noncontrolling interests	$	34		$	(35	)	$	(1	)	$	302		$	47		$	(66	)	$	(19	)	$	440

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

Gross realized gains and losses (excluding impairment write-downs and mark-to-market of derivatives) on available for sale fixed maturity and equity security investment transactions consisted of the following (in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Fixed maturities:
Gross gains	$	32		$	44
Gross losses	(4		)	(8		)
Equity securities:
Gross gains	36			49
Gross losses	(6		)	(3		)

25

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

F.    Derivatives

As discussed under “Derivatives” in Note A — “Accounting Policies,” AFG uses derivatives in certain areas of its operations.

Derivatives That Do Not Qualify for Hedge Accounting   The following derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting under GAAP are included in AFG’s Balance Sheet at fair value (in millions):

		September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
Derivative	Balance Sheet Line	Asset		Liability		Asset		Liability
MBS with embedded derivatives	Fixed maturities	$	111	$	—	$	107	$	—
Public company warrants	Equity securities	3		—		4		—
Fixed-indexed annuities (embedded derivative)	Annuity benefits accumulated	—		2,293		—		1,759
Equity index call options	Equity index call options	629		—		492		—
Reinsurance contracts (embedded derivative)	Other liabilities	—		10		—		8
		$	743	$	2,303	$	603	$	1,767

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.

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

AFG’s fixed-indexed annuities 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 receives collateral from its counterparties to support its purchased call option assets. This collateral ($374 million at September 30, 2017 and $380 million at December 31, 2016) is included in other assets in AFG’s Balance Sheet with an offsetting liability to return the collateral, which is included in other liabilities. AFG’s strategy is designed so that the change in the fair value of the call option assets will generally offset the economic change in the liabilities from the index participation. Both the index-based component of the annuities and the related call options are considered derivatives. Fluctuations in interest rates and the stock market, among other factors, can cause volatility in the periodic measurement of fair value of the embedded derivative that management believes can be inconsistent with the long-term economics of these products.

As discussed under “Reinsurance” in Note A, certain reinsurance contracts are considered to contain embedded derivatives.

The following table summarizes the gain (loss) included in AFG’s Statement of Earnings for changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 and 2016 (in millions):

		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
Derivative	Statement of Earnings Line	2017			2016			2017			2016
MBS with embedded derivatives	Realized gains on securities	$	—		$	(4	)	$	(3	)	$	—
Public company warrants	Realized gains on securities	(1		)	1			(1		)	—
Fixed-indexed annuities (embedded derivative)	Annuity benefits	(127		)	(109		)	(386		)	(188		)
Equity index call options	Annuity benefits	116			105			338			81
Reinsurance contracts (embedded derivative)	Net investment income	—			—			(2		)	(6		)
		$	(12	)	$	(7	)	$	(54	)	$	(113	)

Derivatives Designated and Qualifying as Cash Flow Hedges  As of September 30, 2017, AFG has entered into eight interest rate swaps that are designated and qualify as highly effective cash flow hedges to mitigate interest rate risk related to certain floating-rate securities included in AFG’s portfolio of fixed maturity securities. The purpose of each of these swaps is to effectively convert a portion of AFG’s floating-rate fixed maturity securities to fixed rates by offsetting the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in short-term LIBOR.

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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Under the terms of the swaps, AFG receives fixed-rate interest payments in exchange for variable interest payments based on short-term LIBOR. The notional amounts of the interest rate swaps generally decline over each swap’s respective life (the swaps expire between August 2019 and June 2030) in anticipation of the expected decline in AFG’s portfolio of fixed maturity securities with floating interest rates based on short-term LIBOR. The total outstanding notional amount of AFG’s interest rate swaps was $1.35 billion at September 30, 2017 compared to $1.08 billion at December 31, 2016, reflecting a new swap with an aggregate notional amount at issuance of $400 million entered into in the third quarter of 2017, partially offset by the scheduled amortization discussed above. The fair value of the effective portion of the interest rate swaps in an asset position and included in other assets was $1 million at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The fair value of the effective portion of the interest rate swaps in a liability position and included in other liabilities was $21 million at September 30, 2017 and $22 million at December 31, 2016. The net unrealized gain or loss on cash flow hedges is included in AOCI, net of DPAC and deferred taxes. Amounts reclassified from AOCI (before DPAC and taxes) to net investment income were $1 million and $2 million in the third quarters and $4 million and $5 million in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively. There was no ineffectiveness recorded in net earnings during these periods. A collateral receivable supporting these swaps of $60 million at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is included in other assets in AFG’s Balance Sheet.

Derivative Designated and Qualifying as a Fair Value Hedge   In June 2015, AFG entered into an interest rate swap to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with its fixed-rate 9-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2019 by effectively converting the interest rate on those notes to a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 8.099% (9.4190% at September 30, 2017). Since the terms of the interest rate swap match the terms of the hedged debt, changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap are offset by changes in the fair value of the hedged debt attributable to changes in interest rates. The fair value of the interest rate swap (a liability of less than $1 million at September 30, 2017 and an asset of $1 million at December 31, 2016) and the offsetting adjustment to the carrying value of the 9-7/8% Senior Notes are both included in long-term debt on AFG’s Balance Sheet. Accordingly, the net impact on AFG’s current period earnings is that the interest expense associated with the hedged debt is effectively recorded at the floating rate. The net reduction in interest expense from the swap was less than $1 million and $1 million in the third quarters and $1 million and $3 million in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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G.    Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

A progression of deferred policy acquisition costs is presented below (in millions):

	P&C			Annuity and Run-off Long-term Care and Life
	Deferred			Deferred			Sales															Consolidated
	Costs			Costs			Inducements			PVFP			Subtotal			Unrealized (*)			Total			Total
Balance at June 30, 2017	$	258		$	1,167		$	103		$	42		$	1,312		$	(414	)	$	898		$	1,156
Additions	149			44			1			—			45			—			45			194
Amortization:
Periodic amortization	(142		)	(44		)	(4		)	(2		)	(50		)	—			(50		)	(192		)
Included in realized gains	—			4			—			—			4			—			4			4
Foreign currency translation	1			—			—			—			—			—			—			1
Change in unrealized	—			—			—			—			—			(44		)	(44		)	(44		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	266		$	1,171		$	100		$	40		$	1,311		$	(458	)	$	853		$	1,119
Balance at June 30, 2016	$	234		$	1,089		$	116		$	51		$	1,256		$	(609	)	$	647		$	881
Additions	132			48			1			—			49			—			49			181
Amortization:
Periodic amortization	(134		)	(42		)	(6		)	(3		)	(51		)	—			(51		)	(185		)
Included in realized gains	—			1			—			—			1			—			1			1
Foreign currency translation	(1		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			(1		)
Change in unrealized	—			—			—			—			—			(10		)	(10		)	(10		)
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	231		$	1,096		$	111		$	48		$	1,255		$	(619	)	$	636		$	867
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	238		$	1,110		$	110		$	46		$	1,266		$	(265	)	$	1,001		$	1,239
Additions	439			177			3			—			180			—			180			619
Amortization:
Periodic amortization	(413		)	(122		)	(14		)	(6		)	(142		)	—			(142		)	(555		)
Included in realized gains	—			6			1			—			7			—			7			7
Foreign currency translation	2			—			—			—			—			—			—			2
Change in unrealized	—			—			—			—			—			(193		)	(193		)	(193		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	266		$	1,171		$	100		$	40		$	1,311		$	(458	)	$	853		$	1,119
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	226		$	1,018		$	119		$	55		$	1,192		$	(234	)	$	958		$	1,184
Additions	403			172			8			—			180			—			180			583
Amortization:
Periodic amortization	(396		)	(99		)	(17		)	(7		)	(123		)	—			(123		)	(519		)
Included in realized gains	—			5			1			—			6			—			6			6
Foreign currency translation	(2		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			(2		)
Change in unrealized	—			—			—			—			—			(385		)	(385		)	(385		)
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	231		$	1,096		$	111		$	48		$	1,255		$	(619	)	$	636		$	867

(*) Unrealized adjustments to DPAC includes net unrealized gains/losses on securities and net unrealized gains/losses on cash flow hedges.

The present value of future profits (“PVFP”) amounts in the table above are net of $140 million and $134 million of accumulated amortization at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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H.    Managed Investment Entities

AFG is the investment manager and its subsidiaries have investments ranging from 15.0% to 60.9% of the most subordinate debt tranche of fifteen 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 2017, these entities issued securities in various senior and subordinate classes and invested the proceeds primarily in secured bank loans, which serve as collateral for the debt securities issued by each particular CLO. None of the collateral was purchased from AFG. AFG’s investments in the subordinate debt tranches of these entities receive residual income from the CLOs only after the CLOs pay expenses (including management fees to AFG) and interest on and returns of capital to senior levels of debt securities. There are no contractual requirements for AFG to provide additional funding for these entities. AFG has not provided and does not intend to provide any financial support to these entities.

AFG’s maximum exposure to economic loss on its CLOs is limited to its investment in the CLOs, which had an aggregate fair value of $261 million (including $197 million invested in the most subordinate tranches) at September 30, 2017, and $216 million at December 31, 2016.

In March 2017, AFG formed a new CLO, which issued $408 million face amount of liabilities (including $24 million face amount purchased by subsidiaries of AFG). During the first nine months of 2017, AFG subsidiaries also purchased $58 million face amount of senior debt and subordinate tranches of existing CLOs for $58 million. In May 2016, AFG formed a new CLO, which issued $406 million face amount of liabilities (including $36 million face amount purchased by subsidiaries of AFG). During the first nine months of 2016, AFG subsidiaries also purchased $19 million face amount of senior debt and subordinate tranches of existing CLOs for $15 million. During the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, AFG subsidiaries received $86 million and $69 million, respectively, in sale and redemption proceeds from its CLO investments. During the first nine months of 2017, two AFG CLOs were substantially liquidated, as permitted by the CLO indenture.

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 September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Investment in CLO tranches at end of period	$	261		$	245		$	261		$	245
Gains (losses) on change in fair value of assets/liabilities (a):
Assets	(8		)	60			(12		)	107
Liabilities	9			(49		)	24			(98		)
Management fees paid to AFG	5			4			14			12
CLO earnings (losses) attributable to AFG shareholders (b)	5			17			16			29

(a) Included in revenues in AFG’s Statement of Earnings.

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

The aggregate unpaid principal balance of the CLOs’ fixed maturity investments exceeded the fair value of the investments by $66 million and $75 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The aggregate unpaid principal balance of the CLOs’ debt exceeded its carrying value by $135 million and $159 million at those dates. The CLO assets include loans with an aggregate fair value of $5 million at September 30, 2017 and $1 million at December 31, 2016, for which the CLOs are not accruing interest because the loans are in default (aggregate unpaid principal balance of $19 million and $10 million at those dates, respectively).

I.    Goodwill and Other Intangibles

There were no changes in the goodwill balance of $199 million during the first nine months of 2017. Included in other assets in AFG’s Balance Sheet is $29 million at September 30, 2017 and $34 million at December 31, 2016 in amortizable intangible assets related to property and casualty insurance acquisitions. These amounts are net of accumulated amortization of $28 million and $25 million, respectively. Amortization of intangibles was $2 million in both the third quarters of 2017 and 2016 and $6 million in both the first nine months of 2017 and 2016.

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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J.    Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in millions):

	September 30, 2017							December 31, 2016
	Principal		Discount and Issue Costs			Carrying Value		Principal		Discount and Issue Costs			Carrying Value
Direct Senior Obligations of AFG:
9-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2019	$	350	$	(1	)	$	349	$	350	$	(1	)	$	349
4.50% Senior Notes due June 2047	350		(5		)	345		—		—			—
3.50% Senior Notes due August 2026	300		(3		)	297		300		(3		)	297
6-3/8% Senior Notes due June 2042	—		—			—		230		(7		)	223
5-3/4% Senior Notes due August 2042	—		—			—		125		(4		)	121
Other	3		—			3		3		—			3
	1,003		(9		)	994		1,008		(15		)	993
Direct Subordinated Obligations of AFG:
6-1/4% Subordinated Debentures due September 2054	150		(5		)	145		150		(5		)	145
6% Subordinated Debentures due November 2055	150		(5		)	145		150		(5		)	145
	300		(10		)	290		300		(10		)	290
	$	1,303	$	(19	)	$	1,284	$	1,308	$	(25	)	$	1,283

To achieve a desired balance between fixed and variable rate debt, AFG entered into an interest rate swap in June 2015, which effectively converts its 9-7/8% Senior Notes to a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 8.099% (9.4190% at September 30, 2017 and 9.0624% at December 31, 2016). The fair value of the interest rate swap (a liability of less than $1 million at September 30, 2017 and an asset of $1 million at December 31, 2016) and the offsetting adjustment to the carrying value of the notes are both included in the carrying value of the 9-7/8% Senior Notes in the table above.

Scheduled principal payments on debt for the balance of 2017, the subsequent five years and thereafter were as follows:

2017 — none; 2018 — none; 2019 — $350 million; 2020 — none; 2021 — none; 2022 — none and thereafter — $953 million.

In June 2017, AFG issued $350 million in 4.50% Senior Notes due in 2047 at a price of 99.46%. The net proceeds were used to redeem AFG’s $230 million outstanding principal amount of 6-3/8% Senior Notes due June 2042 at par value and to redeem AFG’s $125 million outstanding principal amount of 5-3/4% Senior Notes due August 2042 at par value in June 2017 and August 2017, respectively.

AFG can borrow up to $500 million under its revolving credit facility, which expires in June 2021. Amounts borrowed under this agreement bear interest at rates ranging from 1.00% to 1.875% (currently 1.375%) over LIBOR based on AFG’s credit rating. No amounts were borrowed under this facility at September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

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.

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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The progression of the components of accumulated other comprehensive income follows (in millions):

				Other Comprehensive Income
	AOCI Beginning Balance			Pretax			Tax			Net of tax			Attributable to noncontrolling interests			Attributable to shareholders			AOCI Ending Balance
Quarter ended September 30, 2017
Net unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period				$	92		$	(33	)	$	59		$	—		$	59
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (a)				12			(4		)	8			—			8
Total net unrealized gains on securities (b)	$	639		104			(37		)	67			—			67			$	706
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	(6		)	(1		)	1			—			—			—			(6		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(11		)	5			2			7			—			7			(4		)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments	(7		)	—			—			—			—			—			(7		)
Total	$	615		$	108		$	(34	)	$	74		$	—		$	74		$	689
Quarter ended September 30, 2016
Net unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period				$	138		$	(49	)	$	89		$	(1	)	$	88
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (a)				(2		)	1			(1		)	—			(1		)
Total net unrealized gains on securities	$	685		136			(48		)	88			(1		)	87			$	772
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	5			(1		)	1			—			—			—			5
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(15		)	(2		)	(1		)	(3		)	—			(3		)	(18		)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments	(6		)	—			—			—			—			—			(6		)
Total	$	669		$	133		$	(48	)	$	85		$	(1	)	$	84		$	753
Nine months ended September 30, 2017
Net unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period				$	461		$	(162	)	$	299		$	—		$	299
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (a)				4			(1		)	3			—			3
Total net unrealized gains on securities (b)	$	404		465			(163		)	302			—			302			$	706
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(7		)	1			—			1			—			1			(6		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(15		)	8			3			11			—			11			(4		)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments	(7		)	—			—			—			—			—			(7		)
Total	$	375		$	474		$	(160	)	$	314		$	—		$	314		$	689
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
Net unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period				$	656		$	(229	)	$	427		$	(6	)	$	421
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (a)				32			(12		)	20			(1		)	19
Total net unrealized gains on securities	$	332		688			(241		)	447			(7		)	440			$	772
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	1			6			(2		)	4			—			4			5
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(22		)	2			2			4			—			4			(18		)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments	(7		)	1			—			1			—			1			(6		)
Total	$	304		$	697		$	(241	)	$	456		$	(7	)	$	449		$	753

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(a) The reclassification adjustment out of net unrealized gains on securities affected the following lines in AFG’s Statement of Earnings:

OCI component	Affected line in the statement of earnings
Pretax	Realized gains (losses) on securities
Tax	Provision for income taxes
Attributable to noncontrolling interests	Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

(b) Includes net unrealized gains of $58 million at September 30, 2017 compared to $56 million at June 30, 2017 and $52 million at December 31, 2016 related to securities for which only the credit portion of an other-than-temporary impairment has been recorded in earnings.

Stock Incentive Plans   Under AFG’s stock incentive plans, employees of AFG and its subsidiaries are eligible to receive equity awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock awards. In the first nine months of 2017, AFG issued 232,250 shares of restricted Common Stock (fair value of $94.44 per share) under the Stock Incentive Plan. In addition, AFG issued 47,826 shares of Common Stock (fair value of $96.13 per share) in the first quarter of 2017 under the Equity Bonus Plan. AFG did not grant any stock options in the first nine months of 2017.

Total compensation expense related to stock incentive plans of AFG and its subsidiaries was $7 million and $7 million in the third quarters of 2017 and 2016 and $24 million and $21 million in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

L.    Income Taxes

The following is a reconciliation of income taxes at the statutory rate of 35% to the provision for income taxes as shown in AFG’s Statement of Earnings (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,										Nine months ended September 30,
	2017					2016					2017					2016
	Amount			% of EBT		Amount			% of EBT		Amount			% of EBT		Amount			% of EBT
Earnings before income taxes (“EBT”)	$	29				$	178				$	457				$	470
Income taxes at statutory rate	$	10		35	%	$	63		35	%	$	160		35	%	$	165		35	%
Effect of:
Stock-based compensation	(1		)	(3	%)	—			—	%	(14		)	(3	%)	—			—	%
Tax exempt interest	(5		)	(17	%)	(5		)	(3	%)	(17		)	(4	%)	(18		)	(4	%)
Dividends received deduction	(2		)	(7	%)	(1		)	(1	%)	(6		)	(1	%)	(5		)	(1	%)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan dividends paid deduction	—			—	%	—			—	%	(2		)	—	%	(1		)	—	%
Change in valuation allowance	16			55	%	7			4	%	16			4	%	40			9	%
Subsidiaries not in AFG’s tax return	—			—	%	2			1	%	—			—	%	4			1	%
Other	—			(1	%)	(1		)	1	%	9			1	%	5			—	%
Provision for income taxes as shown in the statement of earnings	$	18		62	%	$	65		37	%	$	146		32	%	$	190		40	%

AFG’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 reflects the impact of catastrophe losses in the Neon Lloyd’s insurance business for which no tax benefit is recognized. AFG maintains a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax benefits associated with losses related to Neon. Excluding the $53 million in catastrophe losses at Neon, AFG’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was 22%, which reflects the impact of a typical level of tax-favored investment income on lower earnings before income taxes. Excluding the $65 million charge in the second quarter of 2016 related to the exit of certain lines of business within Neon, AFG’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, was 36%. The favorable impact of stock-based compensation on AFG’s effective tax rate in the first nine months of 2017 reflects the high volume of employee stock option exercises during that period and the increase in the market price of AFG Common Stock.

Approximately $13 million of AFG’s net operating loss carryforwards (“NOL”) subject to separate return limitation year (“SRLY”) tax rules will expire unutilized at December 31, 2017. Since AFG maintains a full valuation allowance against its SRLY NOLs, the expiration of these loss carryforwards will be offset by a corresponding reduction in the valuation allowance and will have no overall impact on AFG’s income tax expense or results of operations.

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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During the first nine months of 2017, there were no material changes to AFG’s liability for uncertain tax positions.

M.     Contingencies

There have been no significant changes to the matters discussed and referred to in Note M — “Contingencies” of AFG’s 2016 Form 10-K, which covers property and casualty insurance reserves for claims related to environmental exposures, asbestos and other mass tort claims and environmental and occupational injury and disease claims of former subsidiary railroad and manufacturing operations, as well as contingencies related to the sale of substantially all of AFG’s run-off long-term care insurance business.

N.    Insurance

Property and Casualty Insurance Reserves The following table provides an analysis of changes in the liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses during the first nine months of 2017 and 2016 (in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Balance at beginning of year	$	8,563		$	8,127
Less reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance	2,302			2,201
Net liability at beginning of year	6,261			5,926
Provision for losses and LAE occurring in the current period	2,237			2,011
Net increase (decrease) in the provision for claims of prior years:
Special A&E charges	89			36
Neon exited lines charge	—			57
Other	(87		)	(71		)
Total losses and LAE incurred	2,239			2,033
Payments for losses and LAE of:
Current year	(530		)	(463		)
Prior years	(1,272		)	(1,206		)
Total payments	(1,802		)	(1,669		)
Foreign currency translation and other	32			(3		)
Net liability at end of period	6,730			6,287
Add back reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance	2,833			2,374
Gross unpaid losses and LAE included in the balance sheet at end of period	$	9,563		$	8,661

The net increase in the provision for claims of prior years during the first nine months of 2017 reflects (i) the $89 million special charge to increase asbestos and environmental reserves, (ii) higher than expected claim severity in the ocean marine business (within the Property and transportation sub-segment), (iii) higher than anticipated claim severity in the targeted markets and general liability businesses (all within the Specialty casualty sub-segment) and (iv) an adjustment to the deferred gain on the retroactive reinsurance transaction entered into in connection with the sale of businesses in 1998 (included in Other specialty sub-segment). This adverse development was partially offset by (i) lower than expected losses in the crop and equine businesses and lower than expected claim severity in the property and inland marine and transportation businesses (all within the Property and transportation sub-segment), (ii) lower than anticipated claim severity in the workers’ compensation businesses and at Neon (all within the Specialty casualty sub-segment) and (iii) lower than anticipated claim severity in the fidelity business and lower than expected claim frequency and severity in the surety business (both within the Specialty financial sub-segment).

The net increase in the provision for claims of prior years during the first nine months of 2016 reflects (i) the $36 million special charge to increase asbestos and environmental reserves, (ii) adverse reserve development at Neon, higher than anticipated severity in New York contractor claims and higher than anticipated claim severity in the general liability insurance (all within the Specialty casualty sub-segment), (iii) the $57 million special charge to increase loss reserves related to Neon’s exit of its UK and international medical malpractice and general liability lines of business and (iv) higher than anticipated claim frequency in the financial institutions business (within the Specialty financial sub-segment). This adverse development was partially offset by (i) lower than expected losses in the crop business and lower than expected claim severity in the property and inland marine and trucking businesses (all within the Property and transportation sub-segment), (ii) lower than anticipated claim

33

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED

severity in workers’ compensation business and directors and officers liability insurance and lower than expected claim frequency and severity in excess liability business (all within the Specialty casualty sub-segment) and (iii) lower than anticipated claim severity in the fidelity business and lower than expected claim frequency and severity in the surety business (all within the Specialty financial sub-segment).

Reinsurance   Subsequent to Hurricane Irma, AFG’s property and casualty operations purchased replacement reinsurance coverage for those layers of the catastrophe reinsurance program expected to be affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The following table presents (by type of coverage) the amount of each loss above the specified retention covered by treaty reinsurance programs in AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations (in millions) as of October 1, 2017:

			Reinsurance Coverage						AFG
	Primary		Coverage		AFG Participation (a)				Maximum
	Retention		Amount		%		$		Loss (b)
U.S.-based operations:
California Workers’ Compensation	$	2	$	148	1	%	$	1	$	3
Other Workers’ Compensation	3		37		—	%	—		3
Commercial Umbrella	1		49		13	%	6		7
Property — General	5		45		—	%	—		5
Property — Catastrophe	15		85		5	%	4		19
Neon Lloyd’s Syndicate	15		210		—	%	—		15
Riverfront Re Ltd. catastrophe bond (c)	100		200		5	%	10		N/A

(a) Includes the participation of AFG’s internal reinsurance program.

(b) Maximum loss for claims up to reinsurance coverage limit.

(c) Includes aggregate coverage. See description below.

In June 2017, AFG’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries entered into a reinsurance agreement to obtain supplemental catastrophe protection through a catastrophe bond structure with Riverfront Re Ltd. (“Riverfront”). The reinsurance agreement provides supplemental reinsurance coverage up to 95% of $200 million (fully collateralized) for catastrophe losses in excess of $100 million (per occurrence and annual aggregate) occurring between June 1, 2017 and December 31, 2020. In connection with the reinsurance agreement, Riverfront issued notes to unrelated investors for the full amount of coverage provided under the reinsurance agreement. Through September 30, 2017, AFG’s incurred catastrophe losses have not reached the level of attachment for the catastrophe bond structure. Riverfront is a variable interest entity in which AFG does not have a variable interest because the variability in Riverfront’s results will be absorbed entirely by the investors in Riverfront. Accordingly, Riverfront is not consolidated in AFG’s financial statements and the reinsurance agreement is accounted for as ceded reinsurance. AFG’s cost for this coverage is approximately $11 million per year.

O.    Subsequent Event

Wildfires struck northern California’s wine region in October 2017, which will result in fourth quarter 2017 catastrophe losses in AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment. Based on information available as of the filing of this Form 10-Q, management estimates a pretax loss from these events, net of reinsurance and inclusive of reinstatement premiums and other associated offsets, in the range of $20 million to $25 million. At the midpoint of that range, AFG’s earnings per share would be negatively impacted by approximately $0.18.

34

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	35	Results of Operations — Third Quarter	50
Overview	36	Segmented Statement of Earnings	50
Critical Accounting Policies	36	Property and Casualty Insurance	51
Liquidity and Capital Resources	37	Annuity	61
Ratios	37	Run-off Long-Term Care and Life	67
Condensed Consolidated Cash Flows	37	Holding Company, Other and Unallocated	68
Parent and Subsidiary Liquidity	38	Results of Operations — First Nine Months	71
Investments	40	Segmented Statement of Earnings	71
Uncertainties	44	Property and Casualty Insurance	72
Managed Investment Entities	44	Annuity	81
Results of Operations	48	Run-off Long-Term Care and Life	86
General	48	Holding Company, Other and Unallocated	87
		Recent Accounting Standards	89

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

Actual results and/or financial condition could differ materially from those contained in or implied by such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons including but not limited to:

• changes in financial, political and economic conditions, including changes in interest and inflation rates, currency fluctuations and extended economic recessions or expansions in the U.S. and/or abroad;

• performance of securities markets;

• 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;

• trends in persistency and mortality;

• competitive pressures, including as a result of the outcome of U.S. business tax reform efforts;

• the ability to obtain adequate rates and policy terms;

• changes in AFG’s credit ratings or the financial strength ratings assigned by major ratings agencies to AFG’s operating subsidiaries; and

• the impact of the conditions in the international financial markets and the global economy (including those associated with the United Kingdom’s expected withdrawal from the European Union, or “Brexit”) relating to AFG’s international operations.

The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date of this report. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.

35

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

OVERVIEW

Financial Condition

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

Results of Operations

Through the operations of its subsidiaries, AFG is engaged primarily in property and casualty insurance, focusing on specialized commercial products for businesses, and in the sale of fixed and fixed-indexed annuities in the retail, financial institutions and education markets.

Net earnings attributable to AFG’s shareholders for the thirdquarter and first nine months of 2017 were $11 million ($0.13 per share, diluted) and $309 million ($3.44 per share, diluted), respectively, compared to $109 million ($1.23 per share, diluted) and $264 million ($2.98 per share, diluted) reported in the same periods of 2016, reflecting:

• lower underwriting profit in the property and casualty insurance segment due primarily to higher catastrophe losses and higher special charges to increase asbestos and environmental reserves, partially offset by the impact of a second quarter 2016 charge related to the exit of certain lines of business within Neon Underwriting Ltd. (“Neon”), AFG’s Lloyd’s-based insurer,

• higher net investment income in the property and casualty insurance segment,

• realized losses on securities in the third quarter of 2017 compared to realized gains in the third quarter of 2016 and lower realized losses in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016,

• for the nine month period, higher earnings in the annuity segment, and

• the impact of the gain on the sale of an apartment property in the second quarter of 2016.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Significant accounting policies are summarized in Note A— “Accounting Policies” to the financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that can have a significant effect on amounts reported in the financial statements. As more information becomes known, these estimates and assumptions change and, thus, impact amounts reported in the future. The areas where management believes the degree of judgment required to determine amounts recorded in the financial statements is most significant are as follows:

• the establishment of insurance reserves, especially asbestos and environmental-related reserves,

• the recoverability of reinsurance,

• the 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 2016 Form 10-K.

36

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, 2017			December 31,
				2016			2015
Principal amount of long-term debt	$	1,303		$	1,308		$	1,020
Total capital	6,149			5,921			5,512
Ratio of debt to total capital:
Including subordinated debt	21.2		%	22.1		%	18.5		%
Excluding subordinated debt	16.3		%	17.0		%	13.1		%

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

AFG’s ratio of earnings to fixed charges, including annuity benefits as a fixed charge, was 1.62 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 1.85 for the year ended December 31, 2016. Excluding annuity benefits, this ratio was 6.45 and 8.62, 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.

Condensed Consolidated Cash FlowsAFG’s principal sources of cash include insurance premiums, income from its investment portfolio and proceeds from the maturities, redemptions and sales of investments. Insurance premiums in excess of acquisition expenses and operating costs are invested until they are needed to meet policyholder obligations or made available to the parent company through dividends to cover debt obligations and corporate expenses, and to provide returns to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. Cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities as detailed in AFG’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows are shown below (in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	993		$	746
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,230		)	(2,519		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,479			2,192
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	$	242		$	419

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities   AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations typically produce positive net operating cash flows as premiums collected and investment income exceed policy acquisition costs, claims payments and operating expenses. AFG’s net cash provided by operating activities is impacted by the level and timing of property and casualty premiums, claim and expense payments and recoveries from reinsurers. AFG’s annuity operations typically produce positive net operating cash flows as investment income exceeds acquisition costs and operating expenses. Interest credited on annuity policyholder funds is a non-cash increase in AFG’s annuity benefits accumulated liability and annuity premiums, benefits and withdrawals are considered financing activities due to the deposit-type nature of annuities. Cash flows provided by operating activities also includes the activity of AFG’s managed investment entities (collateralized loan obligations) other than those activities included in investing or financing activities. The changes in the assets and liabilities of the managed investment entities included in operating activities increased cash flows from operating activities by $14 million during the first nine months of 2017 and reduced cash flows from operating activities by $235 million in the first nine months of 2016, accounting for a $249 millionincrease in cash flows from operating activities in the 2017 period compared to the 2016 period. As discussed in Note A — “Accounting Policies — Managed Investment Entities” to the financial statements, AFG has no right to use the CLO assets and no obligation to pay the CLO liabilities and such assets and liabilities are shown separately in AFG’s Balance Sheet. Excluding the impact of the managed investment entities, net cash flows provided by operating activities were

37

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

$979 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $981 million in the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $2 million.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities   AFG’s investing activities consist primarily of the investment of funds provided by its property and casualty and annuity products. Net cash used in investing activities was $2.23 billion for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $2.52 billion in the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $289 million reflecting the timing of investing available cash. As discussed below, AFG’s annuity group had net cash flows from annuity policyholders of $1.75 billion in the first nine months of 2017 and $1.78 billion in the first nine months of 2016, which is the primary source of AFG’s cash used in investing activities. Settlements of equity index call options exceeded purchases by $201 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to purchases exceeding settlements by $124 million in the first nine months of 2016, accounting for a $325 million decrease in cash used in investing activities. In general, purchases of equity index call options have increased due to growth in the fixed-indexed annuity business while proceeds from settlements of equity options are impacted by the performance of the stock market during the term of the options. In addition to the investment of funds provided by the insurance operations, investing activities also include the purchase and disposal of managed investment entity investments, which are presented separately in AFG’s Balance Sheet. Net investment activity in the managed investment entities was a $13 millionsource of cash in the first nine months of 2017 compared to a $24 millionuse of cash in the 2016 period, accounting for a $37 milliondecrease in net cash used in investing activities in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same 2016 period. See Note A — “Accounting Policies — Managed Investment Entities” and Note H — “Managed Investment Entities” to the financial statements.

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities   AFG’s financing activities consist primarily of transactions with annuity policyholders, issuances and retirements of long-term debt, repurchases of common stock and dividend payments. Net cash provided by financing activities was $1.48 billion for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $2.19 billion in the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $713 million. Annuity receipts exceeded annuity surrenders, benefits, withdrawals and transfers by $1.75 billion in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $1.78 billion in the first nine months of 2016 accounting for a $27 million decrease in net cash provided by financing activities in the 2017 period compared to the 2016 period. In June 2017, AFG issued $350 million of 4.50% Senior Notes due 2047, the net proceeds of which contributed $345 million to net cash provided by financing activities in the first nine months of 2017 compared to net proceeds from additional long-term borrowings of $302 million in the first nine months of 2016. Redemptions of long-term debt were a $355 million use of cash in the first nine months of 2017 compared to no redemptions of long-term debt in 2016. There were no shares of AFG Common Stock repurchased during the first nine months of 2017 compared to $124 million repurchased in the first nine months of 2016, which accounted for a $124 millionincrease in net cash provided by financing activities in the 2017 period compared to the 2016 period. In May 2017, AFG paid a special cash dividend of $1.50 per share of American Financial Group Common Stock, which was in addition to its regular quarterly cash dividend. The aggregate amount of the special cash dividend was $132 million, which decreased net cash provided by financing activities. Financing activities also include issuances and retirements of managed investment entity liabilities, which are nonrecourse to AFG and presented separately in AFG’s Balance Sheet. Retirements of managed investment entity liabilities exceeded issuances by $72 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to issuances exceeding retirements by $281 million in the first nine months of 2016, accounting for a $353 milliondecrease in net cash provided by financing activities in the 2017 period compared to the 2016 period. See Note A — “Accounting Policies — Managed Investment Entities” and Note H — “Managed Investment Entities” to the financial statements.

Parent and Subsidiary Liquidity

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

In June 2016, AFG replaced its bank credit facility with a five-year, $500 million revolving credit line. Amounts borrowed under this agreement bear interest at rates ranging from 1.00% to 1.875% (currently 1.375%) over LIBOR based on AFG’s credit rating. There were no borrowings under this agreement, or under any other parent company short-term borrowing arrangements, during 2016 or the first nine months of 2017.

38

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

In June 2017, AFG issued $350 million of 4.50% Senior Notes due June 2047. Net proceeds from the offering were used to redeem AFG’s $230 million outstanding principal amount of 6-3/8% Senior Notes due June 2042, at par value in June 2017 and AFG’s $125 million outstanding principal amount of 5-3/4% Senior Notes due August 2042 at par value in August 2017.

In May 2017, AFG paid a special cash dividend of $1.50 per share of AFG Common Stock totaling $132 million.

In November 2016, AFG acquired the 49% of National Interstate Corporation (“NATL”) not previously owned by AFG’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Great American Insurance Company (“GAI”) for $315 million ($32.00 per share) in cash in a merger transaction. In addition, NATL paid a one-time special cash dividend of $0.50 per share to its shareholders immediately prior to the merger closing ($5 million was paid to noncontrolling shareholders).

In August 2016, AFG issued $300 million of 3.50% Senior Notes due 2026. AFG used the net proceeds from the offering to fund a portion of the acquisition of NATL mentioned above.

During 2016, AFG repurchased 1.9 million shares of its Common Stock for $133 million.

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

Subsidiary Liquidity   Great American Life Insurance Company (“GALIC”), a wholly-owned annuity subsidiary, is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (“FHLB”). The FHLB makes advances and provides other banking services to member institutions, which provides the annuity operations with an additional source of liquidity. These advances further the FHLB’s mission of improving access to housing by increasing liquidity in the residential mortgage-backed securities market. At September 30, 2017, GALIC had $935 million in outstanding advances from the FHLB (included in annuity benefits accumulated), bearing interest at rates ranging from 0.03% to 0.53% over LIBOR (average rate of 1.60% at September 30, 2017). While these advances must be repaid between 2018 and 2021 ($285 million in 2018, $500 million in 2020 and $150 million in 2021), GALIC has the option to prepay all or a portion of the advances. GALIC has invested the proceeds from the advances in fixed maturity securities with similar expected lives as the advances for the purpose of earning a spread over the interest payments due to the FHLB. At September 30, 2017, GALIC estimated that it had additional borrowing capacity of approximately $250 million from the FHLB.

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

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.

39

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

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, 2017, AFG could reduce the average crediting rate on approximately $24 billion of traditional fixed and fixed-indexed annuities without guaranteed withdrawal benefits by approximately 88 basis points (on a weighted average basis). Annuity policies are subject to GMIRs at policy issuance. The table below shows the breakdown of annuity reserves by GMIR. The current interest crediting rates on substantially all of AFG’s annuities with a GMIR of 3% or higher are at their minimum.

	% of Reserves
	September 30,	December 31,
GMIR	2017	2016	2015
1 — 1.99%	75%	72%	67%
2 — 2.99%	5%	6%	7%
3 — 3.99%	10%	12%	14%
4.00% and above	10%	10%	12%
Annuity benefits accumulated (in millions)	$32,671	$29,907	$26,622

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, 2017, contained $37.82 billion in fixed maturity securities and $1.58 billion in equity securities classified as available for sale and carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in a separate component of shareholders’ equity on an after-tax basis. In addition, $350 million in fixed maturities and $60 million in equity securities were classified as trading with changes in unrealized holding gains or losses included in net investment income.

Fair values for AFG’s portfolio are determined by AFG’s internal investment professionals using data from nationally recognized pricing services as well as non-binding broker quotes. Fair values of equity securities are generally based on published closing prices. For mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), which comprise approximately 12% 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 76% 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.

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

40

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

In general, the fair value of AFG’s fixed maturity investments is inversely correlated to changes in interest rates. The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of such fair values to reasonably likely changes in interest rates by illustrating the estimated effect on AFG’s fixed maturity portfolio and accumulated other comprehensive income that an immediate increase of 100 basis points in the interest rate yield curve would have at September 30, 2017 (dollars in millions). Effects of increases or decreases from the 100 basis points illustrated would be approximately proportional.

Fair value of fixed maturity portfolio	$	38,168
Percentage impact on fair value of 100 bps increase in interest rates	(5.0		%)
Pretax impact on fair value of fixed maturity portfolio	$	(1,908	)
Offsetting adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs and other balance sheet amounts	750
Estimated pretax impact on accumulated other comprehensive income	(1,158		)
Deferred income tax	405
Estimated after-tax impact on accumulated other comprehensive income	$	(753	)

Approximately 90% of the fixed maturities held by AFG at September 30, 2017, were rated “investment grade” (credit rating of AAA to BBB) by nationally recognized rating agencies. Investment grade securities generally bear lower yields and lower degrees of risk than those that are unrated and non-investment grade. Management believes that the high 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 in recent years, tighter lending standards 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, 2017, is shown in the table below (dollars in millions). Agency-backed securities are those issued by a U.S. government-backed agency; Alt-A mortgages are those with risk profiles between prime and subprime. The average life of the residential and commercial MBS is approximately 4-1/2 years and 5-1/2 years, respectively.

	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Fair Value as % of Cost		Unrealized Gain (Loss)		% Rated Investment Grade
Collateral type
Residential:
Agency-backed	$	218	$	218	100	%	$	—	100	%
Non-agency prime	1,283		1,452		113	%	169		28	%
Alt-A	1,049		1,167		111	%	118		15	%
Subprime	515		562		109	%	47		22	%
Commercial	967		1,010		104	%	43		95	%
	$	4,032	$	4,409	109	%	$	377	43	%

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) assigns creditworthiness designations on a scale of 1 to 6 with 1 being the highest quality and 6 being the lowest quality. The NAIC retains third-party investment management firms to assist in the determination of appropriate NAIC designations for MBS based not only on the probability of loss (which is the primary basis of ratings by the major ratings firms), but also on the severity of loss and statutory carrying value. At September 30, 2017, 96% (based on statutory carrying value of $3.97 billion) of AFG’s MBS had an NAIC designation of 1.

Municipal bonds represented approximately 18% of AFG’s fixed maturity portfolio at September 30, 2017. 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, 2017, approximately 76% of the municipal bond portfolio was held in revenue bonds, with the remaining 24% held in general obligation bonds. General obligation securities of California, Illinois and Michigan collectively represented approximately 1% of this portfolio. AFG does not own general obligation bonds issued by New Jersey, New York or Puerto Rico.

41

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Summarized information for the unrealized gains and losses recorded in AFG’s Balance Sheet at September 30, 2017, is shown in the following table (dollars in millions). Approximately $674 million of available for sale fixed maturity securities and $84 million of available for sale equity securities had no unrealized gains or losses at September 30, 2017.

	Securities With Unrealized Gains			Securities With Unrealized Losses
Available for Sale Fixed Maturities
Fair value of securities	$	32,183		$	4,961
Amortized cost of securities	$	30,692		$	5,046
Gross unrealized gain (loss)	$	1,491		$	(85	)
Fair value as % of amortized cost	105		%	98		%
Number of security positions	4,487			735
Number individually exceeding $2 million gain or loss	80			—
Concentration of gains (losses) by type or industry (exceeding 5% of unrealized):
Mortgage-backed securities	$	385		$	(8	)
States and municipalities	259			(23		)
Banks, savings and credit institutions	174			(5		)
Asset-backed securities	143			(15		)
Manufacturing	127			(8		)
Oil and gas extraction	22			(4		)
Percentage rated investment grade	91		%	88		%
Available for Sale Equity Securities
Fair value of securities	$	1,318		$	177
Cost of securities	$	1,023		$	205
Gross unrealized gain (loss)	$	295		$	(28	)
Fair value as % of cost	129		%	86		%
Number of security positions	176			24
Number individually exceeding $2 million gain or loss	34			7

The table below sets forth the scheduled maturities of AFG’s available for sale fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2017, based on their fair values. Securities with sinking funds are reported at average maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain securities may be called or prepaid by the issuers.

	Securities With Unrealized Gains		Securities With Unrealized Losses
Maturity
One year or less	2	%	2	%
After one year through five years	19	%	15	%
After five years through ten years	37	%	34	%
After ten years	12	%	18	%
	70	%	69	%
Asset-backed securities (average life of approximately 5 years)	18	%	22	%
Mortgage-backed securities (average life of approximately 4-1/2 years)	12	%	9	%
	100	%	100	%

42

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

The table below (dollars in millions) summarizes the unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities by dollar amount:

	Aggregate Fair Value		Aggregate Unrealized Gain (Loss)			Fair Value as % of Cost
Fixed Maturities at September 30, 2017
Securities with unrealized gains:
Exceeding $500,000 (887 securities)	$	12,972	$	970		108	%
$500,000 or less (3,600 securities)	19,211		521			103	%
	$	32,183	$	1,491		105	%
Securities with unrealized losses:
Exceeding $500,000 (39 securities)	$	649	$	(34	)	95	%
$500,000 or less (696 securities)	4,312		(51		)	99	%
	$	4,961	$	(85	)	98	%

The following table (dollars in millions) summarizes the unrealized losses for all securities with unrealized losses by issuer quality and the length of time those securities have been in an unrealized loss position: 

	Aggregate Fair Value		Aggregate Unrealized Loss			Fair Value as % of Cost
Securities with Unrealized Losses at September 30, 2017
Investment grade fixed maturities with losses for:
Less than one year (498 securities)	$	3,682	$	(45	)	99	%
One year or longer (116 securities)	663		(17		)	98	%
	$	4,345	$	(62	)	99	%
Non-investment grade fixed maturities with losses for:
Less than one year (71 securities)	$	318	$	(7	)	98	%
One year or longer (50 securities)	298		(16		)	95	%
	$	616	$	(23	)	96	%
Common stocks with losses for:
Less than one year (19 securities)	$	141	$	(27	)	84	%
One year or longer (none)	—		—			—	%
	$	141	$	(27	)	84	%
Perpetual preferred stocks with losses for:
Less than one year (2 securities)	$	23	$	—		100	%
One year or longer (3 securities)	13		(1		)	93	%
	$	36	$	(1	)	97	%

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 2016 Form 10-K under Management’s Discussion and Analysis — “Investments.”

Based on its analysis, management believes AFG will recover its cost basis in the securities with unrealized losses and that AFG has the ability to hold the securities until they recover in value and had no intent to sell them at September 30, 2017. 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. For information on AFG’s realized gains

43

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

(losses) on securities, including charges for other-than-temporary impairment, see “Results of Operations — Consolidated Realized Gains (Losses) on Securities.”

Uncertainties   Management believes that the areas posing the greatest risk of material loss are the adequacy of its insurance reserves and contingencies arising out of its former railroad and manufacturing operations. See “Special asbestos and environmental reserve charges” under “Results of Operations — Property and Casualty Insurance Segment — Net prior year reserve development” for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 and Management’s Discussion and Analysis — “Uncertainties — Asbestos and Environmental-related (“A&E”) Insurance Reserves” in AFG’s 2016 Form 10-K.

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 A — “Accounting Policies— Managed Investment Entities” and Note H— “Managed Investment Entities” to the financial statements. The effect of consolidating these entities is shown in the tables below (in millions). The “Before CLO Consolidation” columns include AFG’s investment and earnings in the CLOs on an unconsolidated basis.

44

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, 2017
Assets:
Cash and investments	$	45,514	$	—	$	(261	)	(a)	$	45,253
Assets of managed investment entities	—		4,767		—				4,767
Other assets	10,143		—		—			(a)	10,143
Total assets	$	55,657	$	4,767	$	(261	)		$	60,163
Liabilities:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums	$	12,130	$	—	$	—			$	12,130
Annuity, life, accident and health benefits and reserves	33,338		—		—				33,338
Liabilities of managed investment entities	—		4,700		(194		)	(a)	4,506
Long-term debt and other liabilities	4,810		—		—				4,810
Total liabilities	50,278		4,700		(194		)		54,784
Shareholders’ equity:
Common Stock and Capital surplus	1,255		67		(67		)		1,255
Retained earnings	3,435		—		—				3,435
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	689		—		—				689
Total shareholders’ equity	5,379		67		(67		)		5,379
Noncontrolling interests	—		—		—				—
Total equity	5,379		67		(67		)		5,379
Total liabilities and equity	$	55,657	$	4,767	$	(261	)		$	60,163
December 31, 2016
Assets:
Cash and investments	$	41,649	$	—	$	(216	)	(a)	$	41,433
Assets of managed investment entities	—		4,765		—				4,765
Other assets	8,874		—		—			(a)	8,874
Total assets	$	50,523	$	4,765	$	(216	)		$	55,072
Liabilities:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums	$	10,734	$	—	$	—			$	10,734
Annuity, life, accident and health benefits and reserves	30,598		—		—				30,598
Liabilities of managed investment entities	—		4,760		(211		)	(a)	4,549
Long-term debt and other liabilities	4,272		—		—				4,272
Total liabilities	45,604		4,760		(211		)		50,153
Shareholders’ equity:
Common Stock and Capital surplus	1,198		5		(5		)		1,198
Retained earnings	3,343		—		—				3,343
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	375		—		—				375
Total shareholders’ equity	4,916		5		(5		)		4,916
Noncontrolling interests	3		—		—				3
Total equity	4,919		5		(5		)		4,919
Total liabilities and equity	$	50,523	$	4,765	$	(216	)		$	55,072

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

45

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
Three months ended September 30, 2017
Revenues:
Insurance net earned premiums	$	1,273		$	—	$	—			$	1,273
Net investment income	476			—		(5		)	(b)	471
Realized losses on securities	(12		)	—		—				(12		)
Income of managed investment entities:
Investment income	—			54		—				54
Gain on change in fair value of assets/liabilities	—			1		—			(b)	1
Other income	53			—		(5		)	(c)	48
Total revenues	1,790			55		(10		)		1,835
Costs and Expenses:
Insurance benefits and expenses	1,628			—		—				1,628
Expenses of managed investment entities	—			55		(10		)	(b)(c)	45
Interest charges on borrowed money and other expenses	133			—		—				133
Total costs and expenses	1,761			55		(10		)		1,806
Earnings before income taxes	29			—		—				29
Provision for income taxes	18			—		—				18
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests	11			—		—				11
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—		—				—
Net earnings attributable to shareholders	$	11		$	—	$	—			$	11
Three months ended September 30, 2016
Revenues:
Insurance net earned premiums	$	1,165		$	—	$	—			$	1,165
Net investment income	450			—		(17		)	(b)	433
Realized gains on securities	2			—		—				2
Income of managed investment entities:
Investment income	—			48		—				48
Gain on change in fair value of assets/liabilities	—			—		11			(b)	11
Other income	50			—		(4		)	(c)	46
Total revenues	1,667			48		(10		)		1,705
Costs and Expenses:
Insurance benefits and expenses	1,372			—		—				1,372
Expenses of managed investment entities	—			48		(10		)	(b)(c)	38
Interest charges on borrowed money and other expenses	117			—		—				117
Total costs and expenses	1,489			48		(10		)		1,527
Earnings before income taxes	178			—		—				178
Provision for income taxes	65			—		—				65
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests	113			—		—				113
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	4			—		—				4
Net earnings attributable to shareholders	$	109		$	—	$	—			$	109

(a) Includes income of $5 million and $17 million in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, representing the change in fair value of AFG’s CLO investments plus $5 million and $4 million in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, in CLO management fees earned.

(b) Elimination of the change in fair value of AFG’s investments in the CLOs, including $5 million and $6 million in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, in distributions recorded as interest expense by the CLOs.

(c) Elimination of management fees earned by AFG.

46

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, 2017
Revenues:
Insurance net earned premiums	$	3,371		$	—	$	—			$	3,371
Net investment income	1,382			—		(16		)	(b)	1,366
Realized losses on securities	(1		)	—		—				(1		)
Income of managed investment entities:
Investment income	—			155		—				155
Gain on change in fair value of assets/liabilities	—			22		(10		)	(b)	12
Other income	168			—		(14		)	(c)	154
Total revenues	4,920			177		(40		)		5,057
Costs and Expenses:
Insurance benefits and expenses	4,113			—		—				4,113
Expenses of managed investment entities	—			177		(40		)	(b)(c)	137
Interest charges on borrowed money and other expenses	350			—		—				350
Total costs and expenses	4,463			177		(40		)		4,600
Earnings before income taxes	457			—		—				457
Provision for income taxes	146			—		—				146
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests	311			—		—				311
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	2			—		—				2
Net earnings attributable to shareholders	$	309		$	—	$	—			$	309
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
Revenues:
Insurance net earned premiums	$	3,202		$	—	$	—			$	3,202
Net investment income	1,296			—		(29		)	(b)	1,267
Realized gains (losses) on:
Securities	(32		)	—		—				(32		)
Subsidiaries	2			—		—				2
Income of managed investment entities:
Investment income	—			141		—				141
Gain on change in fair value of assets/liabilities	—			2		7			(b)	9
Other income	184			—		(12		)	(c)	172
Total revenues	4,652			143		(34		)		4,761
Costs and Expenses:
Insurance benefits and expenses	3,868			—		—				3,868
Expenses of managed investment entities	—			142		(33		)	(b)(c)	109
Interest charges on borrowed money and other expenses	314			—		—				314
Total costs and expenses	4,182			142		(33		)		4,291
Earnings before income taxes	470			1		(1		)		470
Provision for income taxes	190			—		—				190
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests	280			1		(1		)		280
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	16			—		—				16
Net earnings attributable to shareholders	$	264		$	1	$	(1	)		$	264

(a) Includes income of $16 million and $29 million in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively, representing the change in fair value of AFG’s CLO investments plus $14 million and $12 million in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively, in CLO management fees earned.

(b) Elimination of the change in fair value of AFG’s investments in the CLOs, including $26 million and $21 million in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively, in distributions recorded as interest expense by the CLOs.

(c) Elimination of management fees earned by AFG.

47

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General AFG’s net earnings attributable to shareholders, determined in accordance with GAAP, include certain items that may not be indicative of its ongoing core operations. For example, core net operating earnings excludes realized gains (losses) on securities because such gains and losses are influenced significantly by financial markets, interest rates and the timing of sales. Similarly, significant gains and losses from the sale of real estate are excluded from core earnings as they are influenced by the timing of sales and realized gains (losses) on subsidiaries are excluded because such gains and losses are largely the result of the changing business strategy and market opportunities. In addition, special charges related to coverage that AFG no longer writes, such as the Neon exited lines charge in the second quarter of 2016 and for asbestos and environmental exposures are excluded from core earnings. The following table (in millions, except per share amounts) identifies non-core items and reconciles net earnings attributable to shareholders to core net operating earnings, a non-GAAP financial measure. AFG believes core net operating earnings is a useful tool for investors and analysts in analyzing ongoing operating trends and for management to evaluate financial performance against historical results because it believes this provides a more comparable measure of its continuing business.

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Components of net earnings attributable to shareholders:
Core operating earnings before income taxes	$	158		$	217		$	582		$	574
Pretax non-core items:
Realized gains (losses) on securities	(12		)	2			(1		)	(32		)
Realized gain on subsidiaries	—			—			—			2
Gain on sale of apartment property	—			—			—			32
Special A&E charges	(113		)	(41		)	(113		)	(41		)
Neon exited lines charge	—			—			—			(65		)
Loss on retirement of debt	(4		)	—			(11		)	—
Earnings before income taxes	29			178			457			470
Provision (credit) for income taxes:
Core operating earnings	63			79			189			202
Non-core items	(45		)	(14		)	(43		)	(12		)
Total provision for income taxes	18			65			146			190
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests	11			113			311			280
Less net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Core operating earnings	—			4			2			14
Non-core items	—			—			—			2
Total net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			4			2			16
Net earnings attributable to shareholders	$	11		$	109		$	309		$	264
Net earnings:
Core net operating earnings	$	95		$	134		$	391		$	358
Non-core items	(84		)	(25		)	(82		)	(94		)
Net earnings attributable to shareholders	$	11		$	109		$	309		$	264
Diluted per share amounts:
Core net operating earnings	$	1.06		$	1.51		$	4.35		$	4.04
Realized gains (losses) on securities	(0.08		)	0.02			(0.01		)	(0.21		)
Realized gain on subsidiaries	—			—			—			0.01
Gain on sale of apartment property	—			—			—			0.17
Special A&E charges	(0.82		)	(0.30		)	(0.82		)	(0.30		)
Neon exited lines charge	—			—			—			(0.73		)
Loss on retirement of debt	(0.03		)	—			(0.08		)	—
Net earnings attributable to shareholders	$	0.13		$	1.23		$	3.44		$	2.98

Net earnings attributable to shareholders decreased$98 million in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 due primarily to lower core net operating earnings, higher special A&E charges recorded in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016 and net realized losses on securities in the 2017 period compared to net realized gains in

48

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

the 2016 period. Core net operating earnings decreased$39 million in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 reflecting lower underwriting profit in the property and casualty insurance segment due primarily to catastrophe losses from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and two earthquakes in Mexico.

Net earnings attributable to shareholders increased$45 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 due primarily to lower net realized losses on securities in the 2017 period compared to the 2016 period, a charge related to the exit of certain lines of business within Neon in the second quarter of 2016 and higher core net operating earnings. These results were partially offset by higher special A&E charges recorded in the 2017 period compared to the 2016 period, the impact of the gain on the sale of an apartment property in the second quarter of 2016 and losses on the retirement of debt in the 2017 period. Core net operating earnings increased$33 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 reflecting higher earnings in the annuity segment and higher net investment income in the property and casualty insurance segment, partially offset by lower underwriting profit in the property and casualty insurance segment due primarily to catastrophe losses from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and two earthquakes in Mexico.

49

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — QUARTERS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016

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

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 tables for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 identify such items by segment and reconcile net earnings attributable to shareholders to core net operating earnings, a non-GAAP financial measure that AFG believes is a useful tool for investors and analysts in analyzing ongoing operating trends (in millions):

								Other
	P&C			Annuity		Run-off long-term care and life		Consol. MIEs			Holding Co., other and unallocated			Total			Non-core reclass			GAAP Total
Three months ended September 30, 2017
Revenues:
Property and casualty insurance net earned premiums	$	1,267		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	1,267		$	—		$	1,267
Life, accident and health net earned premiums	—			—		6		—			—			6			—			6
Net investment income	94			375		6		(5		)	1			471			—			471
Realized losses on securities	—			—		—		—			—			—			(12		)	(12		)
Income of MIEs:
Investment income	—			—		—		54			—			54			—			54
Gain on change in fair value of assets/liabilities	—			—		—		1			—			1			—			1
Other income	1			26		—		(5		)	26			48			—			48
Total revenues	1,362			401		12		45			27			1,847			(12		)	1,835
Costs and Expenses:
Property and casualty insurance:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	906			—		—		—			—			906			89			995
Commissions and other underwriting expenses	353			—		—		—			4			357			—			357
Annuity benefits	—			215		—		—			—			215			—			215
Life, accident and health benefits	—			—		6		—			—			6			—			6
Annuity and supplemental insurance acquisition expenses	—			54		1		—			—			55			—			55
Interest charges on borrowed money	—			—		—		—			21			21			—			21
Expenses of MIEs	—			—		—		45			—			45			—			45
Other expenses	8			30		3		—			43			84			28			112
Total costs and expenses	1,267			299		10		45			68			1,689			117			1,806
Earnings before income taxes	95			102		2		—			(41		)	158			(129		)	29
Provision for income taxes	43			34		1		—			(15		)	63			(45		)	18
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests	52			68		1		—			(26		)	95			(84		)	11
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—		—		—			—			—			—			—
Core Net Operating Earnings	52			68		1		—			(26		)	95
Non-core earnings attributable to shareholders (a):
Realized losses on securities, net of tax	—			—		—		—			(8		)	(8		)	8			—
Special A&E charges, net of tax	(58		)	—		—		—			(16		)	(74		)	74			—
Loss on retirement of debt, net of tax	—			—		—		—			(2		)	(2		)	2			—
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders	$	(6	)	$	68	$	1	$	—		$	(52	)	$	11		$	—		$	11

50

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

								Other
	P&C			Annuity		Run-off long-term care and life		Consol. MIEs			Holding Co., other and unallocated			Total			Non-core reclass			GAAP Total
Three months ended September 30, 2016
Revenues:
Property and casualty insurance net earned premiums	$	1,159		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	1,159		$	—		$	1,159
Life, accident and health net earned premiums	—			—		6		—			—			6			—			6
Net investment income	93			351		5		(17		)	1			433			—			433
Realized gains on securities	—			—		—		—			—			—			2			2
Income of MIEs:
Investment income	—			—		—		48			—			48			—			48
Gain on change in fair value of assets/liabilities	—			—		—		11			—			11			—			11
Other income	3			26		2		(4		)	19			46			—			46
Total revenues	1,255			377		13		38			20			1,703			2			1,705
Costs and Expenses:
Property and casualty insurance:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	729			—		—		—			—			729			36			765
Commissions and other underwriting expenses	352			—		—		—			4			356			—			356
Annuity benefits	—			189		—		—			—			189			—			189
Life, accident and health benefits	—			—		8		—			—			8			—			8
Annuity and supplemental insurance acquisition expenses	—			53		1		—			—			54			—			54
Interest charges on borrowed money	—			—		—		—			19			19			—			19
Expenses of MIEs	—			—		—		38			—			38			—			38
Other expenses	17			28		3		—			45			93			5			98
Total costs and expenses	1,098			270		12		38			68			1,486			41			1,527
Earnings before income taxes	157			107		1		—			(48		)	217			(39		)	178
Provision for income taxes	59			38		—		—			(18		)	79			(14		)	65
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests	98			69		1		—			(30		)	138			(25		)	113
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	4			—		—		—			—			4			—			4
Core Net Operating Earnings	94			69		1		—			(30		)	134
Non-core earnings attributable to shareholders (a):
Realized gains on securities, net of tax and noncontrolling interests	—			—		—		—			1			1			(1		)	—
Special A&E charges, net of tax	(23		)	—		—		—			(3		)	(26		)	26			—
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders	$	71		$	69	$	1	$	—		$	(32	)	$	109		$	—		$	109

(a) See the reconciliation of core earnings to GAAP net earnings under “Results of Operations — General” for details on the tax and noncontrolling interest impacts of these reconciling items.

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

AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations contributed $6 million in GAAP pretax earnings in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $121 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of $115 million (95%). Property and casualty core pretax earnings were $95 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $157 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of $62 million (39%). The decrease in GAAP and core pretax earnings reflects lower underwriting results due primarily to higher catastrophe losses from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and two earthquakes in Mexico in the thirdquarter of 2017. The

51

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

decrease in GAAP pretax earnings also reflects higher special A&E charges in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to the thirdquarter of 2016.

The following table details AFG’s earnings before income taxes from its property and casualty insurance operations for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			% Change
Gross written premiums	$	2,104		$	1,899		11	%
Reinsurance premiums ceded	(671		)	(631		)	6	%
Net written premiums	1,433			1,268			13	%
Change in unearned premiums	(166		)	(109		)	52	%
Net earned premiums	1,267			1,159			9	%
Loss and loss adjustment expenses (*)	906			729			24	%
Commissions and other underwriting expenses	353			352			—	%
Core underwriting gain	8			78			(90	%)
Net investment income	94			93			1	%
Other income and expenses, net	(7		)	(14		)	(50	%)
Core earnings before income taxes	95			157			(39	%)
Pretax non-core special A&E charges	(89		)	(36		)	147	%
GAAP earnings before income taxes	$	6		$	121		(95	%)
(*)   Excludes pretax non-core special A&E charges of $89 million and $36 million in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Combined Ratios:
Specialty lines							Change
Loss and LAE ratio	71.4		%	62.9		%	8.5	%
Underwriting expense ratio	27.9		%	30.3		%	(2.4	%)
Combined ratio	99.3		%	93.2		%	6.1	%
Aggregate — including exited lines
Loss and LAE ratio	78.5		%	66.0		%	12.5	%
Underwriting expense ratio	27.9		%	30.3		%	(2.4	%)
Combined ratio	106.4		%	96.3		%	10.1	%

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

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

52

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Gross Written Premiums

Gross written premiums (“GWP”) for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment were $2.10 billion for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $1.90 billion for the thirdquarter of 2016, an increase of $205 million (11%). Detail of AFG’s property and casualty gross written premiums is shown below (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017				2016
	GWP		%		GWP		%		% Change
Property and transportation	$	1,073	51	%	$	991	52	%	8	%
Specialty casualty	850		40	%	722		38	%	18	%
Specialty financial	181		9	%	186		10	%	(3	%)
	$	2,104	100	%	$	1,899	100	%	11	%

Reinsurance Premiums Ceded

Reinsurance premiums ceded (“Ceded”) for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment were 32% of gross written premiums for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to 33% for the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of 1 percentage point. Detail of AFG’s property and casualty reinsurance premiums ceded is shown below (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017					2016					Change in
	Ceded			% of GWP		Ceded			% of GWP		% of GWP
Property and transportation	$	(449	)	42	%	$	(406	)	41	%	1	%
Specialty casualty	(226		)	27	%	(218		)	30	%	(3	%)
Specialty financial	(31		)	17	%	(37		)	20	%	(3	%)
Other specialty	35					30
	$	(671	)	32	%	$	(631	)	33	%	(1	%)

Net Written Premiums

Net written premiums (“NWP”) for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment were $1.43 billion for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $1.27 billion for the thirdquarter of 2016, an increase of $165 million (13%). Detail of AFG’s property and casualty net written premiums is shown below (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017				2016
	NWP		%		NWP		%		% Change
Property and transportation	$	624	44	%	$	585	46	%	7	%
Specialty casualty	624		44	%	504		40	%	24	%
Specialty financial	150		10	%	149		12	%	1	%
Other specialty	35		2	%	30		2	%	17	%
	$	1,433	100	%	$	1,268	100	%	13	%

53

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Net Earned Premiums

Net earned premiums (“NEP”) for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment were $1.27 billion for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $1.16 billion for the thirdquarter of 2016, an increase of $108 million (9%). Detail of AFG’s property and casualty net earned premiums is shown below (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017				2016
	NEP		%		NEP		%		% Change
Property and transportation	$	527	42	%	$	493	43	%	7	%
Specialty casualty	568		45	%	497		43	%	14	%
Specialty financial	142		11	%	145		12	%	(2	%)
Other specialty	30		2	%	24		2	%	25	%
	$	1,267	100	%	$	1,159	100	%	9	%

The $205 million (11%) increase in gross written premiums for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to the thirdquarter of 2016 reflects growth in the Property and transportation and Specialty casualty sub-segments. Overall average renewal rates increased approximately 1% in the thirdquarter of 2017.

Property and transportation Gross written premiums increased$82 million (8%) in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to the thirdquarter of 2016. This increase was the result of higher gross written premiums in the agricultural and transportation businesses. This growth was partially offset by lower premiums resulting from an exit from the customs bond business, which was part of the ocean marine operations. Average renewal rates increased approximately 2% for this group in the thirdquarter of 2017. Reinsurance premiums ceded as a percentage of gross written premiums increased1 percentage point, reflecting the impact of reinstatement premiums resulting from reinsured hurricane losses.

Specialty casualty Gross written premiums increased$128 million (18%) in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to the thirdquarter of 2016. New accounts written in the targeted markets businesses were the primary driver of the increase. Additionally, higher gross written premiums in the workers’ compensation businesses, primarily the result of rate increases in the state of Florida, and higher premiums in the executive liability and excess and surplus businesses and Neon, contributed to the year-over-year growth. Average renewal rates increased approximately 1% for this group in the thirdquarter of 2017. Reinsurance premiums ceded as a percentage of gross written premiums decreased3 percentage points for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to the thirdquarter of 2016, reflecting higher cessions in the prior year period as a result of the timing of reinsurance agreements at Neon.

Specialty financial Gross written premiums decreased$5 million (3%) in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to the thirdquarter of 2016 due primarily to lower gross written premiums in the financial institutions business, partially offset by higher premiums in the surety business. Average renewal rates for this group decreased approximately 1% in the thirdquarter of 2017. Reinsurance premiums ceded as a percentage of gross written premiums decreased3 percentage points for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to the thirdquarter of 2016, reflecting lower premiums in the financial institutions business, which were largely ceded, partially offset by the impact of reinstatement premiums resulting from reinsured hurricane losses.

Other specialty The amounts shown as reinsurance premiums ceded represent business assumed by AFG’s internal reinsurance program from the operations that make up AFG’s other Specialty property and casualty insurance sub-segments.

54

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Combined Ratio

The table below (dollars in millions) details the components of the combined ratio for AFG’s property and casualty segment:

	Three months ended September 30,						Three months ended September 30,
	2017		2016		Change		2017			2016
Property and transportation
Loss and LAE ratio	77.3	%	68.8	%	8.5	%
Underwriting expense ratio	21.6	%	22.3	%	(0.7	%)
Combined ratio	98.9	%	91.1	%	7.8	%
Underwriting profit							$	6		$	44
Specialty casualty
Loss and LAE ratio	70.7	%	66.5	%	4.2	%
Underwriting expense ratio	28.8	%	30.9	%	(2.1	%)
Combined ratio	99.5	%	97.4	%	2.1	%
Underwriting profit							$	2		$	13
Specialty financial
Loss and LAE ratio	56.0	%	31.6	%	24.4	%
Underwriting expense ratio	46.2	%	54.8	%	(8.6	%)
Combined ratio	102.2	%	86.4	%	15.8	%
Underwriting profit (loss)							$	(3	)	$	19
Total Specialty
Loss and LAE ratio	71.4	%	62.9	%	8.5	%
Underwriting expense ratio	27.9	%	30.3	%	(2.4	%)
Combined ratio	99.3	%	93.2	%	6.1	%
Underwriting profit							$	9		$	78
Aggregate — including exited lines
Loss and LAE ratio	78.5	%	66.0	%	12.5	%
Underwriting expense ratio	27.9	%	30.3	%	(2.4	%)
Combined ratio	106.4	%	96.3	%	10.1	%
Underwriting profit (loss)							$	(81	)	$	42

The Specialty property and casualty insurance operations generated an underwriting profit of $9 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $78 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of $69 million (88%). The lower underwriting profit in the thirdquarter of 2017 reflects lower underwriting profit in each of the Specialty property and casualty insurance sub-segments due primarily to significantly higher catastrophe losses. Overall catastrophe losses were $107 million (8.4 points on the combined ratio) for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $14 million (1.2 points) for the thirdquarter of 2016. In connection with catastrophe losses incurred in the thirdquarter of 2017, AFG reduced profit-based commissions payable to agents by $8 million in the Specialty financial sub-segment and paid $6 million in net reinstatement premiums, resulting in a total pretax loss from catastrophes of $105 million for the quarter.

Property and transportation Underwriting profit for this group was $6 million for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $44 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of $38 million (86%). Lower underwriting profits in the crop, property and inland marine and ocean marine businesses were the primary drivers of these lower results. The comparable 2016 quarter included strong profitability in the crop business. Catastrophe losses were $23 million (4.4 points on the combined ratio) and related reinstatement premiums paid were $2 million for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to catastrophe losses of $7 million (1.6 points) for the thirdquarter of 2016.

Specialty casualty Underwriting profit for this group was $2 million for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $13 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of $11 million (85%). Improved underwriting results in the excess and surplus lines, targeted markets, workers’ compensation and professional liability businesses were more than offset by lower underwriting profitability at Neon, due primarily to catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses were $54 million (9.5 points on the combined

55

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

ratio) and related net reinstatement premiums paid were $2 million for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to catastrophe losses of $2 million (0.3 points) for the thirdquarter of 2016.

Specialty financial This group reported an underwriting loss of $3 million for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to an underwriting profit of $19 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of $22 million (116%) due primarily to catastrophe losses in the lender-placed mortgage property insurance business. Catastrophe losses were $29 million (20.4 points on the combined ratio) for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $5 million (3.3 points) for the thirdquarter of 2016. In connection with catastrophe losses incurred in the thirdquarter of 2017, the Specialty financial sub-segment reduced profit-based commissions payable to agents by $8 million (5.6 points favorable on the combined ratio) and paid $2 million in reinstatement premiums.

Other specialty This group reported an underwriting profit of $4 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $2 million in the thirdquarter of 2016. This increase is due primarily to favorable prior year reserve development in the thirdquarter of 2017 in the business assumed by AFG’s internal reinsurance program from the operations that make up AFG’s other Specialty sub-segments.

Aggregate As discussed below in more detail under “Net prior year reserve development,” AFG recorded special charges to increase property and casualty A&E reserves by $89 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 and $36 million in the thirdquarter of 2016.

56

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

AFG’s overall loss and LAE ratio was 78.5% for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to 66.0% for the thirdquarter of 2016, an increase of 12.5 percentage points. The components of AFG’s property and casualty losses and LAE amounts and ratio are detailed below (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	Amount						Ratio				Change in
	2017			2016			2017		2016		Ratio
Property and transportation
Current year, excluding catastrophe losses	$	392		$	337		74.4	%	68.4	%	6.0	%
Prior accident years development	(8		)	(5		)	(1.5	%)	(1.2	%)	(0.3	%)
Current year catastrophe losses	23			7			4.4	%	1.6	%	2.8	%
Property and transportation losses and LAE and ratio	$	407		$	339		77.3	%	68.8	%	8.5	%
Specialty casualty
Current year, excluding catastrophe losses	$	371		$	330		65.2	%	66.5	%	(1.3	%)
Prior accident years development	(23		)	(2		)	(4.0	%)	(0.3	%)	(3.7	%)
Current year catastrophe losses	54			2			9.5	%	0.3	%	9.2	%
Specialty casualty losses and LAE and ratio	$	402		$	330		70.7	%	66.5	%	4.2	%
Specialty financial
Current year, excluding catastrophe losses	$	55		$	46		38.7	%	32.2	%	6.5	%
Prior accident years development	(5		)	(6		)	(3.1	%)	(3.9	%)	0.8	%
Current year catastrophe losses	29			5			20.4	%	3.3	%	17.1	%
Specialty financial losses and LAE and ratio	$	79		$	45		56.0	%	31.6	%	24.4	%
Total Specialty
Current year, excluding catastrophe losses	$	836		$	729		65.9	%	62.8	%	3.1	%
Prior accident years development	(38		)	(14		)	(2.9	%)	(1.1	%)	(1.8	%)
Current year catastrophe losses	107			14			8.4	%	1.2	%	7.2	%
Total Specialty losses and LAE and ratio	$	905		$	729		71.4	%	62.9	%	8.5	%
Aggregate — including exited lines
Current year, excluding catastrophe losses	$	836		$	729		65.9	%	62.8	%	3.1	%
Prior accident years development	52			22			4.2	%	2.0	%	2.2	%
Current year catastrophe losses	107			14			8.4	%	1.2	%	7.2	%
Aggregate losses and LAE and ratio	$	995		$	765		78.5	%	66.0	%	12.5	%

Current accident year losses and LAE, excluding catastrophe losses

The current accident year loss and LAE ratio, excluding catastrophe losses for AFG’s Specialty property and casualty insurance operations was 65.9% for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to 62.8% for the thirdquarter of 2016, an increase of 3.1 percentage points.

Property and transportation   The 6.0 percentage point increase in the loss and LAE ratio for the current year, excluding catastrophe losses reflects an increase in the loss and LAE ratio in the crop business for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to the thirdquarter of 2016.

Specialty casualty   The 1.3 percentage point decrease in the loss and LAE ratio for the current year, excluding catastrophe losses reflects a decrease in the loss and LAE ratio at Neon, partially offset by an increase in the loss and LAE ratio in the public sector business.

57

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Specialty financial The 6.5 percentage point increase in the loss and LAE ratio for the current year, excluding catastrophe losses reflects an increase in the loss and LAE ratio of the financial institutions business.

Net prior year reserve development

AFG’s Specialty property and casualty insurance operations recorded net favorable reserve development related to prior accident years of $38 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $14 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, an increase of $24 million (171%).

Property and transportation Net favorable reserve development of $8 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 reflects lower than anticipated claim severity in the transportation businesses and lower than expected losses in the crop and equine businesses. Net favorable reserve development of $5 million in the thirdquarter of 2016 reflects lower than expected claim severity in the trucking business.

Specialty casualty Net favorable reserve development of $23 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 reflects lower than anticipated claim severity in the workers’ compensation businesses and at Neon, partially offset by higher than anticipated claim severity in the general liability business. Net favorable reserve development of $2 million in the thirdquarter of 2016 reflects lower than anticipated claim severity and frequency in the workers’ compensation businesses and lower than anticipated claim severity in directors and officers liability insurance, partially offset by higher than anticipated severity in New York contractor claims, adverse reserve development at Neon and higher than anticipated claim severity in general liability insurance.

Specialty financial Net favorable reserve development of $5 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 reflects lower than anticipated claim severity in the fidelity and trade credit businesses. Net favorable reserve development of $6 million in the thirdquarter of 2016 reflects lower than anticipated claim severity in the fidelity business and lower than expected claim frequency and severity in the surety business.

Other specialty In addition to the development discussed above, total Specialty prior year reserve development includes net favorable reserve development of $2 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 and $1 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, reflecting amortization of the deferred gain on the retroactive reinsurance transaction entered into in connection with the sale of businesses in 1998 and 2001 and reserve development associated with AFG’s internal reinsurance program.

Special asbestos and environmental reserve charges   During the third quarter of 2017, AFG completed a comprehensive external study of its asbestos and environmental exposures relating to the run-off operations of its property and casualty insurance segment and its exposures related to former railroad and manufacturing operations and sites. In addition to its ongoing internal monitoring of asbestos and environmental exposures, AFG has periodically conducted comprehensive external studies of its asbestos and environmental reserves with the aid of specialty actuarial, engineering and consulting firms and outside counsel, generally every two years, with an in-depth internal review during the intervening years.

As a result of the 2017 external study, AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment recorded an $89 million pretax special charge to increase its asbestos reserves by $53 million (net of reinsurance) and its environmental reserves by $36 million (net of reinsurance). Over the past few years, the focus of AFG’s asbestos claims litigation has shifted to smaller companies and companies with ancillary exposures. AFG’s insureds with these exposures have been the driver of the property and casualty segment’s asbestos reserve increases in recent years. AFG is seeing modestly increasing estimates for indemnity and defense compared to prior studies. Overall, the rate of new asbestos cases received is down modestly, however, increasing life expectancies in the U.S. have allowed more time for the impacts of asbestos exposure to emerge. AFG’s comprehensive external study incorporates, among other factors, the increase in projected industry ultimate losses attributable to asbestos exposures, as well as revised estimates for future claims emergence, which has resulted in an increase in AFG’s provision for future asbestos claims.

The increase in property and casualty environmental reserves was primarily associated with updated estimates of site investigation costs with respect to existing sites and newly identified sites. AFG is seeing increased legal defense costs in environmental claims generally, as well as a number of claims and sites where the estimated investigation and remediation costs have increased. Certain individual claims are taking a longer time to settle than originally estimated, causing AFG to increase its reserves to reflect related increased costs. As in past years, there were no new or emerging broad industry trends that were identified in this study.

58

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

At September 30, 2017, the property and casualty insurance segment’s insurance reserves include A&E reserves of $408 million, net of reinsurance recoverables. At September 30, 2017, the property and casualty insurance segment’s three-year survival ratios compare favorably with industry survival ratios published by S&P Global Market Intelligence (as of December 31, 2016) as detailed in the following table:

	Property and Casualty Insurance Reserves
	Three-Year Survival Ratio (% Times Paid Losses)
	Asbestos	Environmental	Total A&E
AFG (9/30/2017)	17.5	11.8	14.6
Industry (12/31/2016)	6.2	7.1	6.4

In addition, the 2017 external study encompassed reserves for asbestos and environmental exposures of AFG’s former railroad and manufacturing operations. For a discussion of the $24 million pretax special charge recorded for those operations, see “Results of Operations — Holding Company, Other and Unallocated,” for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

As a result of the 2016 internal review, AFG recorded a $41 million pretax special charge to increase its property and casualty segment’s A&E reserves by $36 million and the reserves of its former railroad and manufacturing operations by $5 million. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis — “Uncertainties — Asbestos and Environmental-related (“A&E”) Insurance Reserves” and Management’s Discussion and Analysis — “Results of Operations — Holding Company, Other and Unallocated” in AFG’s 2016 Form 10-K.

Aggregate Aggregate net prior accident years reserve development for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment includes the special A&E charges mentioned above and adverse reserve development of $1 million in the third quarter of 2017 related to business outside of the Specialty group that AFG no longer writes.

Catastrophe losses

AFG generally seeks to reduce its exposure to catastrophes through individual risk selection, including minimizing coastal and known fault-line exposures, and the purchase of reinsurance. Based on data available at December 31, 2016, AFG’s exposure to a catastrophic earthquake or windstorm that industry models indicate should statistically occur once in every 100, 250 or 500 years as a percentage of AFG’s Shareholders’ Equity is shown below:

	Impact of modeled loss on AFG’s
Industry Model	Shareholders’ Equity
100-year event	Less than 1%
250-year event	Less than 2%
500-year event	Less than 4%

Catastrophe losses of $107 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 resulted primarily from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and two earthquakes in Mexico. AFG maintains comprehensive catastrophe reinsurance coverage, including a $15 million per occurrence net retention for its U.S.-based property and casualty insurance operations and a separate $15 million per occurrence retention for Neon. Subsequent to Hurricane Irma, AFG’s operating units purchased replacement reinsurance coverage for those layers of the catastrophe reinsurance program affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations further maintain supplemental fully collateralized reinsurance coverage up to 95% of $200 million for catastrophe losses in excess of $100 million of traditional catastrophe reinsurance through a catastrophe bond.

Catastrophe losses of $14 million in the thirdquarter of 2016 resulted primarily from flooding in Louisiana and multiple storms in the southern United States.

59

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Commissions and Other Underwriting Expenses

AFG’s property and casualty commissions and other underwriting expenses (“U/W Exp”) were $353 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $352 million for the thirdquarter of 2016, an increase of $1 million. AFG’s underwriting expense ratio, calculated as commissions and other underwriting expenses divided by net premiums earned, was 27.9% for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to 30.3% for the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of 2.4 percentage points. Detail of AFG’s property and casualty commissions and other underwriting expenses and underwriting expense ratios is shown below (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017				2016				Change in
	U/W Exp		% of NEP		U/W Exp		% of NEP		% of NEP
Property and transportation	$	114	21.6	%	$	110	22.3	%	(0.7	%)
Specialty casualty	164		28.8	%	154		30.9	%	(2.1	%)
Specialty financial	66		46.2	%	81		54.8	%	(8.6	%)
Other specialty	9		32.5	%	7		36.3	%	(3.8	%)
	$	353	27.9	%	$	352	30.3	%	(2.4	%)

AFG’s overall expense ratio decreased2.4 percentage points in the thirdquarter of 2017 as compared to the thirdquarter of 2016.

Property and transportation   Commissions and other underwriting expenses as a percentage of net earned premiums decreased0.7 percentage points in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to the thirdquarter of 2016 reflecting a change in the mix of business.

Specialty casualty   Commissions and other underwriting expenses as a percentage of net earned premiums decreased2.1 percentage points in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to the thirdquarter of 2016 reflecting the impact of higher premiums on the ratio.

Specialty financial   Commissions and other underwriting expenses as a percentage of net earned premiums decreased8.6 percentage points in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to the thirdquarter of 2016 reflecting lower profitability-based commissions paid to agents in the financial institutions business, including an $8 million commission expense reduction due to hurricane losses.

Property and Casualty Net Investment Income

Net investment income in AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations was $94 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $93 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, an increase of $1 million (1%). 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 average invested assets and overall yield earned on investments held by AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations are provided below (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
Net investment income	$	94		$	93		$	1		1	%
Average invested assets (at amortized cost)	$	9,851		$	9,647		$	204		2	%
Yield (net investment income as a % of average invested assets)	3.82		%	3.86		%	(0.04		%)
Tax equivalent yield (*)	4.26		%	4.34		%	(0.08		%)

(*)   Adjusts the yield on equity securities and tax-exempt bonds to the fully taxable equivalent yield.

The increase in average invested assets and net investment income in the property and casualty insurance segment for the thirdquarter of 2017 as compared to the thirdquarter of 2016 is due primarily to growth in the property and casualty insurance segment. The property and casualty insurance segment’s overall yield on investments (net investment income as a percentage of average invested assets) was 3.82% for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to 3.86% for the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of 0.04 percentage points, reflecting the impact of lower yields available in the financial markets and lower income from certain investments that are required to be carried at fair value through earnings, partially offset by the growth in average investments.

60

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Property and Casualty Other Income and Expenses, Net

Other income and expenses, net for AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations was a net expense of $7 million for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $14 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of $7 million (50%). The table below details the items included in other income and expenses, net for AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations (in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Other income	$	1		$	3
Other expenses
Amortization of intangibles	2			2
NATL merger expenses	—			2
Other	6			13
Total other expenses	8			17
Other income and expenses, net	$	(7	)	$	(14	)

Annuity Segment — Results of Operations

AFG’s annuity operations contributed $102 million in pretax earnings in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $107 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of $5 million (5%). AFG’s annuity segment results for the thirdquarter of 2017 as compared to the thirdquarter of 2016 reflect an 11% increase in average annuity investments (at amortized cost), partially offset by lower investment yields due to the run-off of higher yielding investments. While both periods reflect the positive impact of a higher stock market and the negative impact of lower than anticipated interest rates on the fair value accounting for fixed-indexed annuities, the lower than anticipated interest rates in the 2017quarter had a higher unfavorable impact compared to the 2016quarter.

The following table details AFG’s earnings before income taxes from its annuity operations for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017		2016		% Change
Revenues:
Net investment income	$	375	$	351	7	%
Other income:
Guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees	15		14		7	%
Policy charges and other miscellaneous income	11		12		(8	%)
Total revenues	401		377		6	%
Costs and Expenses:
Annuity benefits (*)	215		189		14	%
Acquisition expenses	54		53		2	%
Other expenses	30		28		7	%
Total costs and expenses	299		270		11	%
Earnings before income taxes	$	102	$	107	(5	%)

Detail of annuity earnings before income taxes (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017			2016		% Change
Earnings before income taxes — before the impact of derivatives related to FIAs	$	106		$	106	—	%
Impact of derivatives related to FIAs	(4		)	1		(500	%)
Earnings before income taxes	$	102		$	107	(5	%)

61

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

(*) Annuity benefits consisted of the following (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			% Change
Interest credited — fixed	$	160		$	145		10	%
Interest credited — fixed component of variable annuities	1			1			—	%
Other annuity benefits:
Change in expected death and annuitization reserve	5			5			—	%
Amortization of sales inducements	4			6			(33	%)
Change in guaranteed withdrawal benefit reserve	18			18			—	%
Change in other benefit reserves	16			10			60	%
Total other annuity benefits	43			39			10	%
Total before impact of derivatives related to FIAs	204			185			10	%
Derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities:
Embedded derivative mark-to-market	127			109			17	%
Equity option mark-to-market	(116		)	(105		)	10	%
Impact of derivatives related to FIAs	11			4			175	%
Total annuity benefits	$	215		$	189		14	%

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

Net Spread on Fixed Annuities (excludes variable annuity earnings)

The table below (dollars in millions) details the components of these spreads for AFG’s fixed annuity operations (including fixed-indexed annuities):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			% Change
Average fixed annuity investments (at amortized cost)	$	31,713		$	28,548		11	%
Average fixed annuity benefits accumulated	32,029			28,538			12	%
As % of fixed annuity benefits accumulated (except as noted):
Net investment income (as % of fixed annuity investments)	4.70		%	4.88		%
Interest credited — fixed	(2.01		%)	(2.03		%)
Net interest spread	2.69		%	2.85		%
Policy charges and other miscellaneous income	0.10		%	0.14		%
Other annuity benefit expenses, net of guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees	(0.33		%)	(0.36		%)
Acquisition expenses	(0.65		%)	(0.72		%)
Other expenses	(0.36		%)	(0.39		%)
Change in fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities	(0.14		%)	(0.05		%)
Net spread earned on fixed annuities	1.31		%	1.47		%

62

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

The table below illustrates the impact of fair value accounting for derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities on the annuity segment’s net spread earned on fixed annuities:

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017		2016
Net spread earned on fixed annuities — before impact of derivatives related to FIAs	1.36	%	1.46	%
Impact of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities:
Change in fair value of derivatives	(0.14	%)	(0.05	%)
Related impact on amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (*)	0.09	%	0.06	%
Related impact on amortization of deferred sales inducements (*)	—	%	—	%
Net spread earned on fixed annuities	1.31	%	1.47	%

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

Annuity Net Investment Income

Net investment income for the thirdquarter of 2017 was $375 million compared to $351 million for the thirdquarter of 2016, an increase of $24 million (7%). This increase reflects the growth in AFG’s annuity business, partially offset by the impact of lower investment yields and lower investment income from certain investments that are required to be carried at fair value through earnings. The overall yield earned on investments in AFG’s fixed annuity operations, calculated as net investment income divided by average investment balances (at amortized cost), decreased by 0.18 percentage points to 4.70% from 4.88% in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the thirdquarter of 2016. This decline in net investment yield reflects (i) the investment of new premium dollars at lower yields as compared to the existing investment portfolio and (ii) the impact of the reinvestment of proceeds from maturity and redemption of higher yielding investments at the lower yields available in the financial markets. During the first nine months of 2017, $3.6 billion in annuity segment investments with an average yield of 5.24% were redeemed or sold while the investments purchased during 2017 (with new premium dollars and the redemption/sale proceeds) had an average yield at purchase of 3.93%.

Annuity Interest Credited — Fixed

Interest credited — fixed for the thirdquarter of 2017 was $160 million compared to $145 million for the thirdquarter of 2016, an increase of $15 million (10%). The impact of growth in the annuity business was partially offset by lower interest crediting rates on new premiums as compared to the crediting rates on policyholder funds surrendered or withdrawn. The average interest rate credited to policyholders, calculated as interest credited divided by average fixed annuity benefits accumulated, decreased0.02 percentage points to 2.01% in the thirdquarter of 2017 from 2.03% in the thirdquarter of 2016.

Annuity Net Interest Spread

AFG’s net interest spread decreased0.16 percentage points to 2.69% from 2.85% in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 due primarily to the impact of lower investment yields, partially offset by lower crediting rates. Features included in current annuity product offerings allow AFG to achieve its desired profitability at a lower net interest spread than historical product offerings. As a result, AFG expects its net interest spread to narrow in the future.

Annuity Policy Charges and Other Miscellaneous Income

Annuity policy charges and other miscellaneous income, which consist primarily of surrender charges, amortization of deferred upfront policy charges (unearned revenue) and income from sales of real estate were $11 million for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $12 million for the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of $1 million (8%). As a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated, annuity policy charges and other miscellaneous income decreased0.04 percentage points to 0.10% from 0.14% in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to the thirdquarter of 2016.

63

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Other Annuity Benefits, Net of Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit Fees

Other annuity benefits, net of guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees, for the third quarter of 2017 were $28 million compared to $25 million for the third quarter of 2016, an increase of $3 million (12%). As a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated, these net expenses decreased0.03 percentage points to 0.33% from 0.36% in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to thirdquarter of 2016. In addition to interest credited to policyholders’ accounts and the change in fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities, annuity benefits expense also includes the following expenses (in millions, net of guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Change in expected death and annuitization reserve	$	5		$	5
Amortization of sales inducements	4			6
Change in guaranteed withdrawal benefit reserve	18			18
Change in other benefit reserves	16			10
Other annuity benefits	43			39
Offset guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees	(15		)	(14		)
Other annuity benefits, net	$	28		$	25

As discussed under “Annuity Benefits Accumulated” in Note A — “Accounting Policies” to the financial statements, guaranteed withdrawal benefit reserves are accrued for and modified using assumptions similar to those used in establishing and amortizing deferred policy acquisition costs. The guaranteed withdrawal benefit reserve related to FIAs can be inversely impacted by the calculated FIA embedded derivative reserve as the value to policyholders of the guaranteed withdrawal benefits decreases when the benefit of stock market participation increases.

Annuity Acquisition Expenses

AFG’s amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DPAC”) and commission expenses as a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated was 0.65% for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to 0.72% for the thirdquarter of 2016 and has generally ranged between 0.75% and 0.85%. Variances from the general range relate primarily to the impact of (i) material changes in interest rates or the stock market on AFG’s fixed-indexed annuity business, and (ii) differences in actual experience from actuarially projected estimates and assumptions. For example, the negative impact of lower than anticipated interest rates during the third quarter of 2017 on the fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities (discussed below) resulted in a partially offsetting deceleration of the amortization of DPAC.

The table below illustrates the estimated impact of fair value accounting for derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities on annuity acquisition expenses as a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated:

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017		2016
Before the impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs on the amortization of DPAC	0.74	%	0.78	%
Impact of changes in fair value of derivatives related to FIAs on amortization of DPAC (*)	(0.09	%)	(0.06	%)
Annuity acquisition expenses as a % of fixed annuity benefits accumulated	0.65	%	0.72	%

(*) An estimate of the acceleration/deceleration of the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs resulting from fair value accounting for derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities.

Annuity Other Expenses

Annuity other expenses were $30 million for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $28 million for the thirdquarter of 2016, an increase of $2 million (7%). Annuity other expenses represent primarily general and administrative expenses, as well as selling and issuance expenses that are not deferred. As a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated, these expenses were 0.36% for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to 0.39% for the third quarter of 2016.

Change in Fair Value of Derivatives Related to Fixed-Indexed Annuities

AFG’s fixed-indexed annuities 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 the change in the fair value of the call option assets will

64

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

generally offset the economic change in the liabilities from the index participation. Both the index-based component of the annuities and the related call options are considered derivatives that must be adjusted for changes in fair value through earnings each period. The fair values of these derivatives are impacted by actual and expected stock market performance and interest rates as well as other factors. For a list of other factors impacting the fair value of the index-based component of AFG’s annuity benefits accumulated, see Note D — “Fair Value Measurements” to the financial statements. The net change in fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities increased annuity benefits by $11 million and $4 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively. During the thirdquarter of 2017, the negative impact of lower than anticipated interest rates on the fair value of these derivatives was partially offset by the positive impact of strong stock market performance. During the thirdquarter of 2016, slightly lower than anticipated interest rates had a negative impact on the fair value of these derivatives that was partially offset by a moderate increase in the stock market. As a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated, this net expense increased0.09 percentage points to 0.14% in the thirdquarter of 2017 from 0.05% in the thirdquarter of 2016.

Fluctuations in interest rates and the stock market, among other factors, can cause volatility in the periodic measurement of fair value of the embedded derivative that management believes can be inconsistent with the long-term economics of these products. The table below illustrates the impact of fair value accounting for derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities on the annuity segment’s earnings before income taxes (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			% Change
Earnings before income taxes — before change in fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities	$	106		$	106		—	%
Change in fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities	(11		)	(4		)	175	%
Related impact on amortization of DPAC (*)	7			5			40	%
Earnings before income taxes	$	102		$	107		(5	%)

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

As illustrated in the table above, the change in fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities, including the related impact on amortization of DPAC, decreased the annuity segment’s earnings before income taxes by $4 million in the third quarter of 2017 and increased the annuity segment’s earnings before income taxes by $1 million in the thirdquarter of 2016.

Annuity Net Spread Earned on Fixed Annuities

AFG’s net spread earned on fixed annuities decreased0.16 percentage points to 1.31% from 1.47% in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 due primarily to the net impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives and related DPAC amortization offset discussed above and by the 0.16 percentage points decrease in AFG’s net interest spread.

Annuity Benefits Accumulated

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

65

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

For certain products, annuity benefits accumulated also includes reserves for accrued persistency and premium bonuses, excess benefits expected to be paid on future deaths and annuitizations (“EDAR”) and guaranteed withdrawal benefits. Annuity benefits accumulated also includes amounts advanced from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati. The following table is a progression of AFG’s annuity benefits accumulated liability for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Beginning fixed annuity reserves	$	31,704		$	28,222
Fixed annuity premiums (receipts)	869			932
Surrenders, benefits and other withdrawals	(540		)	(586		)
Interest and other annuity benefit expenses:
Interest credited	160			145
Embedded derivative mark-to-market	127			109
Change in other benefit reserves	34			31
Ending fixed annuity reserves	$	32,354		$	28,853
Reconciliation to annuity benefits accumulated per balance sheet:
Ending fixed annuity reserves (from above)	$	32,354		$	28,853
Impact of unrealized investment related gains	138			180
Fixed component of variable annuities	179			189
Annuity benefits accumulated per balance sheet	$	32,671		$	29,222

Statutory Annuity Premiums

AFG’s annuity operations generated statutory premiums of $876 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $941 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of $65 million (7%). The following table summarizes AFG’s annuity sales (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017		2016		% Change
Financial institutions single premium annuities — indexed	$	360	$	435	(17	%)
Financial institutions single premium annuities — fixed	82		97		(15	%)
Retail single premium annuities — indexed	367		340		8	%
Retail single premium annuities — fixed	19		18		6	%
Education market — fixed and indexed annuities	41		42		(2	%)
Total fixed annuity premiums	869		932		(7	%)
Variable annuities	7		9		(22	%)
Total annuity premiums	$	876	$	941	(7	%)

Management attributes the 7% decrease to AFG’s adherence to pricing discipline in a relatively low and decreasing interest rate environment during the year, as well as from aggressive pricing by certain of AFG’s competitors.

AFG continues to implement product and process changes needed to comply with the Department of Labor (“DOL”) Fiduciary Rule. Although the DOL Fiduciary Rule became effective on June 9, 2017, the DOL delayed certain requirements until January 1, 2018. As a result, insurance-only agents are able to continue selling fixed-indexed annuities through the end of 2017, provided the agent acts in the customer’s best interest, makes no misleading statements and receives only reasonable compensation. The DOL recently released a proposal to delay full implementation until July 1, 2019. There is uncertainty as to whether the rule will take effect in its current form on that date.

AFG believes the biggest impact of the rule will be on insurance-only licensed agents whose qualified sales represented approximately 10% of its third quarter 2017 annuity premiums. AFG’s management continues to believe that full implementation is likely to cause some short-term disruption in annuity premiums. Nonetheless, management does not believe the new rule will have a material impact on AFG’s results of operations.

66

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Annuity Earnings before Income Taxes Reconciliation

The following table reconciles the net spread earned on AFG’s fixed annuities to overall annuity pretax earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Earnings on fixed annuity benefits accumulated	$	105		$	105
Earnings impact of investments in excess of fixed annuity benefits accumulated (*)	(4		)	—
Variable annuity earnings	1			2
Earnings before income taxes	$	102		$	107

(*) Net investment income (as a % of investments) of 4.70% and 4.88% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, multiplied by the difference between average fixed annuity investments (at amortized cost) and average fixed annuity benefits accumulated in each period.

Run-off Long-Term Care and Life Segment — Results of OperationsThe following table details AFG’s earnings before income taxes from its run-off long-term care and life operations for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017		2016		% Change
Revenues:
Net earned premiums:
Long-term care	$	—	$	—	—	%
Life operations	6		6		—	%
Net investment income	6		5		20	%
Other income	—		2		(100	%)
Total revenues	12		13		(8	%)
Costs and Expenses:
Life, accident and health benefits:
Long-term care	1		2		(50	%)
Life operations	5		6		(17	%)
Acquisition expenses	1		1		—	%
Other expenses	3		3		—	%
Total costs and expenses	10		12		(17	%)
Earnings before income taxes	$	2	$	1	100	%

The $1 millionincrease in earnings before income taxes reflects the impact of improved life claims experience in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to the thirdquarter of 2016.

67

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Holding Company, Other and Unallocated — Results of Operations AFG’s net GAAP pretax loss outside of its insurance operations (excluding realized gains and losses) totaled $69 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $53 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, an increase of $16 million (30%). AFG’s net core pretax loss outside of its insurance operations (excluding realized gains and losses) totaled $41 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $48 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of $7 million (15%).

The following table details AFG’s GAAP and core loss before income taxes from operations outside of its insurance operations for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			% Change
Revenues:
Net investment income	$	1		$	1		—	%
Other income — P&C fees	17			14			21	%
Other income	9			5			80	%
Total revenues	27			20			35	%
Costs and Expenses:
Property and casualty insurance — commissions and other underwriting expenses	4			4			—	%
Interest charges on borrowed money	21			19			11	%
Other expense — expenses associated with P&C fees	13			10			30	%
Other expenses (*)	30			35			(14	%)
Total costs and expenses	68			68			—	%
Core loss before income taxes, excluding realized gains and losses	(41		)	(48		)	(15	%)
Pretax non-core special A&E charges	(24		)	(5		)	380	%
Pretax non-core loss on retirement of debt	(4		)	—			—	%
GAAP loss before income taxes, excluding realized gains and losses	$	(69	)	$	(53	)	30	%

(*) Excludes pretax non-core special A&E charges of $24 million and $5 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, and a pretax non-core loss on retirement of debt of $4 million in the thirdquarter of 2017.

Holding Company and Other — Net Investment Income

AFG recorded net investment income on investments held outside of its insurance operations of $1 million in both the thirdquarter of 2017 and the thirdquarter of 2016.

Holding Company and Other — P&C Fees and Related Expenses

Summit, a workers’ compensation insurance business, collects fees from a small group of unaffiliated insurers for providing underwriting, policy administration and claims services. In addition, certain of AFG’s property and casualty businesses collect fees from customers for ancillary services such as workplace safety programs and premium financing. In the thirdquarter of 2017, AFG collected $17 million in fees for these services compared to $14 million in the thirdquarter of 2016. Management views this fee income, net of the $13 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 and $10 million in the thirdquarter of 2016 in expenses incurred to generate such fees, as a reduction in the cost of underwriting its property and casualty insurance policies. Consistent with internal management reporting, these fees and the related expenses are netted and recorded as a reduction of commissions and other underwriting expenses in AFG’s segmented results.

Holding Company and Other — Other Income

Other income in the table above includes $5 million and $4 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, in management fees paid to AFG by the AFG-managed CLOs (AFG’s consolidated managed investment entities). The management fees are eliminated in consolidation — see the other income line in the Consolidate MIEs column under “Results of Operations — Segmented Statement of Earnings.” Results for the thirdquarter of 2017 include $2 million in income related to the sale of real estate.

68

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Holding Company and Other — Interest Charges on Borrowed Money

AFG’s holding companies and other operations outside of its insurance operations recorded interest expense of $21 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $19 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, an increase of $2 million (11%). This increase reflects higher average indebtedness, partially offset by a lower weighted average interest rate on outstanding debt. The following table details the principal amount of AFG’s long-term debt balances as of September 30, 2017 compared to July 1, 2016 (dollars in millions):

	September 30, 2017			July 1, 2016
Direct obligations of AFG:
9-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2019	$	350		$	350
3.50% Senior Notes due August 2026	300			—
6-3/8% Senior Notes due June 2042	—			230
5-3/4% Senior Notes due August 2042	—			125
4.50% Senior Notes due June 2047	350			—
6-1/4% Subordinated Debentures due September 2054	150			150
6% Subordinated Debentures due November 2055	150			150
Other	3			3
Total principal amount of Holding Company Debt	$	1,303		$	1,008
Weighted Average Interest Rate	6.1		%	7.4		%

The increase in average indebtedness for the thirdquarter of 2017 as compared to the thirdquarter of 2016 reflects the following financing transactions completed by AFG between July 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017:

• Issued $300 million of 3.50% Senior Notes on August 22, 2016

• Issued $350 million of 4.50% Senior Notes on June 2, 2017

• Redeemed $230 million of 6-3/8% Senior Notes on June 26, 2017

• Redeemed $125 million of 5-3/4% Senior Notes on August 25, 2017

The redemption of the 6-3/8% and 5-3/4% Senior Notes and the issuance of the 4.50% Senior Notes in 2017 will result in annual pretax interest savings to AFG of $6 million.

Holding Company and Other — Special A&E Charges

As a result of the 2017 comprehensive external study and the 2016 internal review of A&E exposures discussed under “Special asbestos and environmental reserve charges” under “Results of Operations — Property and Casualty Insurance Segment — Net prior year reserve development,” AFG’s holding companies and other operations outside of its insurance operations recorded pretax special charges of $24 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $5 million in the third quarter of 2016 to increase liabilities related to the A&E exposures of AFG’s former railroad and manufacturing operations. The $24 million charge in 2017 is due primarily to relatively small movements across several sites that primarily reflect changes in the scope and costs of investigation. In addition, AFG has seen a small increase in claims arising from exposure to deleterious substances other than asbestos, which has caused it to increase its estimated future liability. The $5 million charge in 2016 is due primarily to relatively small movements across several sites related to changes in the scope and costs of investigation.

Holding Company and Other — Loss on Retirement of Debt

AFG wrote off unamortized debt issuance costs of $4 million related to the redemption of its $125 million outstanding 5-3/4% Senior Notes due 2042 at par value on August 25, 2017.

Holding Company and Other — Other Expenses

Excluding the non-core special A&E charges and the non-core loss on retirement of debt discussed above, AFG’s holding companies and other operations outside of its insurance operations recorded other expenses of $30 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $35 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of $5 million (14%). This decrease reflects the impact of a $5 million donation to the University of Cincinnati College of Business in the thirdquarter of 2016.

69

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Consolidated Realized Gains (Losses) on Securities AFG’s consolidated realized gains (losses) on securities, which are not allocated to segments, were losses of $12 million in the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to gains of $2 million in the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of $14 million (700%). Realized gains (losses) on securities consisted of the following (in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Realized gains (losses) before impairments:
Disposals	$	29		$	22
Change in the fair value of derivatives	(1		)	(3		)
Adjustments to annuity deferred policy acquisition costs and related items	(2		)	(1		)
	26			18
Impairment charges:
Securities	(44		)	(18		)
Adjustments to annuity deferred policy acquisition costs and related items	6			2
	(38		)	(16		)
Realized gains (losses) on securities	$	(12	)	$	2

AFG’s impairment charges on securities for the thirdquarter of 2017 consist of $29 million on equity securities and $15 million on fixed maturities compared to $16 million on equity securities and $2 million on fixed maturities in the thirdquarter of 2016. Approximately $14 million in impairment charges in the thirdquarter of 2017 relate to investments in pharmaceutical companies, $10 million relates to an investment in a media company and the remainder relates primarily to investments in various industrial entities. Approximately $11 million of the impairment charges recorded in the thirdquarter of 2016 are related to financial institutions and $6 million relates to a company in the forest products industry.

Consolidated Income Taxes   AFG’s consolidated provision for income taxes was $18 million for the thirdquarter of 2017 compared to $65 million for the thirdquarter of 2016, a decrease of $47 million (72%). See NoteL — “Income Taxes” to the financial statements for an analysis of items affecting AFG’s effective tax rate.

Consolidated Noncontrolling Interests   AFG’s consolidated net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests was $4 million for the thirdquarter of 2016. The following table details net earnings in consolidated subsidiaries attributable to holders other than AFG (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,
	2017		2016		% Change
National Interstate	$	—	$	4	(100	%)
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	—	$	4	(100	%)

70

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016

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

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 tables for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 identify such items by segment and reconcile net earnings attributable to shareholders to core net operating earnings, a non-GAAP financial measure that AFG believes is a useful tool for investors and analysts in analyzing ongoing operating trends (in millions):

								Other
	P&C			Annuity		Run-off long-term care and life		Consol. MIEs			Holding Co., other and unallocated			Total			Non-core reclass			GAAP Total
Nine months ended September 30, 2017
Revenues:
Property and casualty insurance net earned premiums	$	3,354		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	3,354		$	—		$	3,354
Life, accident and health net earned premiums	—			—		17		—			—			17			—			17
Net investment income	276			1,082		16		(16		)	8			1,366			—			1,366
Realized losses on securities	—			—		—		—			—			—			(1		)	(1		)
Income of MIEs:
Investment income	—			—		—		155			—			155			—			155
Gain on change in fair value of assets/liabilities	—			—		—		12			—			12			—			12
Other income	21			79		2		(14		)	66			154			—			154
Total revenues	3,651			1,161		35		137			74			5,058			(1		)	5,057
Costs and Expenses:
Property and casualty insurance:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,150			—		—		—			—			2,150			89			2,239
Commissions and other underwriting expenses	1,046			—		—		—			16			1,062			—			1,062
Annuity benefits	—			635		—		—			—			635			—			635
Life, accident and health benefits	—			—		21		—			—			21			—			21
Annuity and supplemental insurance acquisition expenses	—			153		3		—			—			156			—			156
Interest charges on borrowed money	—			—		—		—			65			65			—			65
Expenses of MIEs	—			—		—		137			—			137			—			137
Other expenses	26			90		7		—			127			250			35			285
Total costs and expenses	3,222			878		31		137			208			4,476			124			4,600
Earnings before income taxes	429			283		4		—			(134		)	582			(125		)	457
Provision for income taxes	150			96		1		—			(58		)	189			(43		)	146
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests	279			187		3		—			(76		)	393			(82		)	311
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	2			—		—		—			—			2			—			2
Core Net Operating Earnings	277			187		3		—			(76		)	391
Non-core earnings attributable to shareholders (a):
Realized losses on securities, net of tax	—			—		—		—			(1		)	(1		)	1			—
Special A&E charges, net of tax	(58		)	—		—		—			(16		)	(74		)	74			—
Loss on retirement of debt, net of tax	—			—		—		—			(7		)	(7		)	7			—
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders	$	219		$	187	$	3	$	—		$	(100	)	$	309		$	—		$	309

71

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

								Other
	P&C			Annuity		Run-off long-term care and life		Consol. MIEs			Holding Co., other and unallocated			Total			Non-core reclass			GAAP Total
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
Revenues:
Property and casualty insurance net earned premiums	$	3,184		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	3,184		$	—		$	3,184
Life, accident and health net earned premiums	—			—		18		—			—			18			—			18
Net investment income	265			1,010		15		(29		)	6			1,267			—			1,267
Realized gains (losses) on:
Securities	—			—		—		—			—			—			(32		)	(32		)
Subsidiaries	—			—		—		—			—			—			2			2
Income of MIEs:
Investment income	—			—		—		141			—			141			—			141
Gain on change in fair value of assets/liabilities	—			—		—		9			—			9			—			9
Other income	14			76		4		(12		)	58			140			32			172
Total revenues	3,463			1,086		37		109			64			4,759			2			4,761
Costs and Expenses:
Property and casualty insurance:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	1,940			—		—		—			—			1,940			93			2,033
Commissions and other underwriting expenses	1,017			—		—		—			13			1,030			8			1,038
Annuity benefits	—			640		—		—			—			640			—			640
Life, accident and health benefits	—			—		26		—			—			26			—			26
Annuity and supplemental insurance acquisition expenses	—			127		4		—			—			131			—			131
Interest charges on borrowed money	—			—		—		—			56			56			—			56
Expenses of MIEs	—			—		—		109			—			109			—			109
Other expenses	42			83		7		—			121			253			5			258
Total costs and expenses	2,999			850		37		109			190			4,185			106			4,291
Earnings before income taxes	464			236		—		—			(126		)	574			(104		)	470
Provision for income taxes	164			83		—		—			(45		)	202			(12		)	190
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests	300			153		—		—			(81		)	372			(92		)	280
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	14			—		—		—			—			14			2			16
Core Net Operating Earnings	286			153		—		—			(81		)	358
Non-core earnings attributable to shareholders (a):
Realized losses on securities, net of tax and noncontrolling interests	—			—		—		—			(19		)	(19		)	19			—
Realized gain on subsidiaries, net of tax	—			—		1		—			—			1			(1		)	—
Gain on sale of apartment property, net of tax and noncontrolling interests	15			—		—		—			—			15			(15		)	—
Special A&E charges, net of tax	(23		)	—		—		—			(3		)	(26		)	26			—
Neon exited lines charge	(65		)	—		—		—			—			(65		)	65			—
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders	$	213		$	153	$	1	$	—		$	(103	)	$	264		$	—		$	264

(a) See the reconciliation of core earnings to GAAP net earnings under “Results of Operations — General” for details on the tax and noncontrolling interest impacts of these reconciling items.

Property and Casualty Insurance Segment — Results of Operations   AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations contributed $340 million in GAAP pretax earnings in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $395 million in the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $55 million (14%). Property and casualty core pretax earnings were $429 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $464 million in the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $35 million (8%). The decrease in GAAP pretax earnings reflects special A&E charges of $89 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $36 million in

72

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

the comparable 2016 period, lower core pretax earnings and a $32 million pretax non-core gain on the sale of an apartment property in the second quarter of 2016, partially offset by a pretax non-core charge of $65 million in the second quarter of 2016 related to the exit of certain lines of business within Neon. The decrease in GAAP and core pretax earnings reflects lower underwriting results due primarily to catastrophe losses from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and two earthquakes in Mexico.

The following table details AFG’s GAAP and core earnings before income taxes from its property and casualty insurance operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			% Change
Gross written premiums	$	4,931		$	4,540		9	%
Reinsurance premiums ceded	(1,341		)	(1,237		)	8	%
Net written premiums	3,590			3,303			9	%
Change in unearned premiums	(236		)	(119		)	98	%
Net earned premiums	3,354			3,184			5	%
Loss and loss adjustment expenses (a)	2,150			1,940			11	%
Commissions and other underwriting expenses (b)	1,046			1,017			3	%
Core underwriting gain	158			227			(30	%)
Net investment income	276			265			4	%
Other income and expenses, net (c)	(5		)	(28		)	(82	%)
Core earnings before income taxes	429			464			(8	%)
Pretax non-core special A&E charges	(89		)	(36		)	147	%
Pretax non-core Neon exited lines charge	—			(65		)	(100	%)
Pretax non-core gain on sale of apartment property	—			32			(100	%)
GAAP earnings before income taxes	$	340		$	395		(14	%)
(a)   Excludes pretax non-core special A&E charges of $89 million and $36 million in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, and a non-core charge of $57 million related to the exit of certain lines of business within Neon in the second quarter of 2016.
(b)   Excludes a non-core charge of $8 million related to the exit of certain lines of business within Neon in the second quarter of 2016.
(c)   Excludes a pretax non-core gain of $32 million on the sale of an apartment property in the second quarter of 2016.
Combined Ratios:
Specialty lines							Change
Loss and LAE ratio	64.0		%	61.0		%	3.0	%
Underwriting expense ratio	31.2		%	31.9		%	(0.7	%)
Combined ratio	95.2		%	92.9		%	2.3	%
Aggregate — including exited lines
Loss and LAE ratio	66.7		%	63.8		%	2.9	%
Underwriting expense ratio	31.2		%	32.2		%	(1.0	%)
Combined ratio	97.9		%	96.0		%	1.9	%

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

73

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Gross Written Premiums

Gross written premiums (“GWP”) for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment were $4.93 billion for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $4.54 billion for the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $391 million (9%). Detail of AFG’s property and casualty gross written premiums is shown below (dollars in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017				2016
	GWP		%		GWP		%		% Change
Property and transportation	$	2,062	42	%	$	1,927	43	%	7	%
Specialty casualty	2,350		48	%	2,108		46	%	11	%
Specialty financial	519		10	%	505		11	%	3	%
	$	4,931	100	%	$	4,540	100	%	9	%

Reinsurance Premiums Ceded

Reinsurance premiums ceded (“Ceded”) for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment were 27% of gross written premiums for both the first nine months of 2017 and the first nine months of 2016. Detail of AFG’s property and casualty reinsurance premiums ceded is shown below (dollars in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017					2016					Change in
	Ceded			% of GWP		Ceded			% of GWP		% of GWP
Property and transportation	$	(721	)	35	%	$	(649	)	34	%	1	%
Specialty casualty	(625		)	27	%	(582		)	28	%	(1	%)
Specialty financial	(79		)	15	%	(87		)	17	%	(2	%)
Other specialty	84					81
	$	(1,341	)	27	%	$	(1,237	)	27	%	—	%

Net Written Premiums

Net written premiums (“NWP”) for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment were $3.59 billion for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $3.30 billion for the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $287 million (9%). Detail of AFG’s property and casualty net written premiums is shown below (dollars in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017				2016
	NWP		%		NWP		%		% Change
Property and transportation	$	1,341	37	%	$	1,278	39	%	5	%
Specialty casualty	1,725		48	%	1,526		46	%	13	%
Specialty financial	440		12	%	418		13	%	5	%
Other specialty	84		3	%	81		2	%	4	%
	$	3,590	100	%	$	3,303	100	%	9	%

Net Earned Premiums

Net earned premiums (“NEP”) for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment were $3.35 billion for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $3.18 billion for the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $170 million (5%). Detail of AFG’s property and casualty net earned premiums is shown below (dollars in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017				2016
	NEP		%		NEP		%		% Change
Property and transportation	$	1,226	37	%	$	1,197	38	%	2	%
Specialty casualty	1,613		48	%	1,496		47	%	8	%
Specialty financial	435		13	%	416		13	%	5	%
Other specialty	80		2	%	75		2	%	7	%
	$	3,354	100	%	$	3,184	100	%	5	%

74

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

The $391 million (9%) increase in gross written premiums for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016 reflects growth in each of the Specialty property and casualty insurance sub-segments. Overall average renewal rates increased 1% in the first nine months of 2017.

Property and transportation Gross written premiums increased$135 million (7%) in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016. This increase was the result of higher gross written premiums in the agricultural and transportation businesses, and the Singapore branch. This growth was partially offset by lower premiums resulting from an exit from the customs bond business, which was part of the ocean marine operations. Average renewal rates increased approximately 3% for this group in the first nine months of 2017. Reinsurance premiums ceded as a percentage of gross written premiums increased1 percentage point for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016, reflecting a change in the mix of business and the impact of reinstatement premiums resulting from reinsured hurricane losses.

Specialty casualty Gross written premiums increased$242 million (11%) in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016. New accounts written in the targeted markets businesses were the primary driver of the increase. Additionally, higher gross written premiums in the workers’ compensation businesses, primarily the result of rate increases in the state of Florida, coupled with growth in the executive liability businesses and Neon, contributed to the growth in gross written premiums in 2017. Average renewal rates increased approximately 1% for this group in the first nine months of 2017. Reinsurance premiums ceded as a percentage of gross written premiums decreased1 percentage point for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016, reflecting a change in the mix of business.

Specialty financial Gross written premiums increased$14 million (3%) in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016 due primarily to growth in the fidelity and surety businesses, partially offset by lower premiums in the financial institutions business. Average renewal rates for this group decreased approximately 2% in the first nine months of 2017. Reinsurance premiums ceded as a percentage of gross written premiums decreased2 percentage points for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016, reflecting lower premiums in the financial institutions business, which were largely ceded.

Other specialty The amounts shown as reinsurance premiums ceded represent business assumed by AFG’s internal reinsurance program from the operations that make up AFG’s other Specialty property and casualty insurance sub-segments.

75

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Combined Ratio

The table below (dollars in millions) details the components of the combined ratio for AFG’s property and casualty segment:

	Nine months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2017		2016		Change		2017		2016
Property and transportation
Loss and LAE ratio	69.1	%	66.4	%	2.7	%
Underwriting expense ratio	25.2	%	26.0	%	(0.8	%)
Combined ratio	94.3	%	92.4	%	1.9	%
Underwriting profit							$	70	$	91
Specialty casualty
Loss and LAE ratio	66.4	%	65.0	%	1.4	%
Underwriting expense ratio	30.7	%	30.7	%	—	%
Combined ratio	97.1	%	95.7	%	1.4	%
Underwriting profit							$	46	$	65
Specialty financial
Loss and LAE ratio	41.4	%	31.8	%	9.6	%
Underwriting expense ratio	49.0	%	52.7	%	(3.7	%)
Combined ratio	90.4	%	84.5	%	5.9	%
Underwriting profit							$	42	$	64
Total Specialty
Loss and LAE ratio	64.0	%	61.0	%	3.0	%
Underwriting expense ratio	31.2	%	31.9	%	(0.7	%)
Combined ratio	95.2	%	92.9	%	2.3	%
Underwriting profit							$	161	$	227
Aggregate — including exited lines
Loss and LAE ratio	66.7	%	63.8	%	2.9	%
Underwriting expense ratio	31.2	%	32.2	%	(1.0	%)
Combined ratio	97.9	%	96.0	%	1.9	%
Underwriting profit							$	69	$	126

The Specialty property and casualty insurance operations generated an underwriting profit of $161 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $227 million for the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $66 million (29%) with each of the Specialty property and casualty insurance sub-segments reporting lower year-over-year underwriting profit, due primarily to significantly higher catastrophe losses. Overall catastrophe losses were $132 million (3.9 points on the combined ratio) for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $43 million (1.3 points) for the first nine months of 2016. In connection with catastrophe losses incurred in the third quarter of 2017, AFG reduced profit-based commissions payable to agents by $8 million in the Specialty financial sub-segment and paid $6 million in net reinstatement premiums, resulting in a total pretax loss from catastrophes of $130 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Property and transportation Underwriting profit for this group was $70 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $91 million for the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $21 million (23%). Lower underwriting profits in the crop and ocean marine businesses were the primary drivers of these lower results. The comparable 2016 period included strong profitability in the crop business. Catastrophe losses were $39 million (3.2 points on the combined ratio) and related reinstatement premiums were $2 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to catastrophe losses of $25 million (2.1 points) for the first nine months of 2016.

Specialty casualty Underwriting profit for this group was $46 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $65 million for the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $19 million (29%). Higher underwriting profitability in the excess and surplus lines businesses was more than offset by lower underwriting profitability in the executive liability, workers’ compensation and general liability businesses, due primarily to lower favorable prior year reserve development. Catastrophe losses were $57 million (3.5 points on the combined ratio) and related net reinstatement premiums were $2 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to catastrophe losses of $6 million (0.4 points) for the first nine months of 2016.

76

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Specialty financial Underwriting profit for this group was $42 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $64 million for the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $22 million (34%). Higher underwriting profitability in the surety business was more than offset by lower underwriting profitability in the financial institutions business due primarily to higher catastrophe losses. Catastrophe losses were $35 million (8.0 points on the combined ratio) for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $9 million (2.2 points) for the first nine months of 2016. In connection with catastrophe losses incurred in the third quarter of 2017, the Specialty financial sub-segment reduced profit-based commissions payable to agents by $8 million (1.8 points on the combined ratio) and paid $2 million in reinstatement premiums.

Other specialty This group reported an underwriting profit of $3 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $7 million in the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $4 million(57%). The decrease is due primarily to a $6 million charge to adjust the deferred gain on the retroactive reinsurance transaction entered into in connection with the sale of businesses in 1998.

Aggregate See “Special asbestos and environmental reserve charges” under “Results of Operations — Property and Casualty Insurance Segment — Net prior year reserve development” for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 for a discussion of the $89 million and $36 million pretax non-core special A&E charges recorded in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively. As discussed below in more detail under “Net prior year reserve development,” AFG recorded a $65 million non-core charge in the second quarter of 2016 related to the exit of certain lines of business within Neon, AFG’s Lloyd’s-based insurer.

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

AFG’s overall loss and LAE ratio was 66.7% for the first nine months of 2017 compared to 63.8% for the first nine months of 2016, an increase of 2.9 percentage points. The components of AFG’s property and casualty losses and LAE amounts and ratio are detailed below (dollars in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	Amount						Ratio				Change in
	2017			2016			2017		2016		Ratio
Property and transportation
Current year, excluding catastrophe losses	$	844		$	804		68.9	%	67.1	%	1.8	%
Prior accident years development	(36		)	(34		)	(3.0	%)	(2.8	%)	(0.2	%)
Current year catastrophe losses	39			25			3.2	%	2.1	%	1.1	%
Property and transportation losses and LAE and ratio	$	847		$	795		69.1	%	66.4	%	2.7	%
Specialty casualty
Current year, excluding catastrophe losses	$	1,049		$	982		65.0	%	65.7	%	(0.7	%)
Prior accident years development	(34		)	(16		)	(2.1	%)	(1.1	%)	(1.0	%)
Current year catastrophe losses	57			6			3.5	%	0.4	%	3.1	%
Specialty casualty losses and LAE and ratio	$	1,072		$	972		66.4	%	65.0	%	1.4	%
Specialty financial
Current year, excluding catastrophe losses	$	167		$	140		38.4	%	33.6	%	4.8	%
Prior accident years development	(22		)	(17		)	(5.0	%)	(4.0	%)	(1.0	%)
Current year catastrophe losses	35			9			8.0	%	2.2	%	5.8	%
Specialty financial losses and LAE and ratio	$	180		$	132		41.4	%	31.8	%	9.6	%
Total Specialty
Current year, excluding catastrophe losses	$	2,105		$	1,968		62.7	%	61.8	%	0.9	%
Prior accident years development	(90		)	(71		)	(2.6	%)	(2.1	%)	(0.5	%)
Current year catastrophe losses	132			43			3.9	%	1.3	%	2.6	%
Total Specialty losses and LAE and ratio	$	2,147		$	1,940		64.0	%	61.0	%	3.0	%
Aggregate — including exited lines
Current year, excluding catastrophe losses	$	2,105		$	1,968		62.7	%	61.8	%	0.9	%
Prior accident years development	2			22			0.1	%	0.7	%	(0.6	%)
Current year catastrophe losses	132			43			3.9	%	1.3	%	2.6	%
Aggregate losses and LAE and ratio	$	2,239		$	2,033		66.7	%	63.8	%	2.9	%

77

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Current accident year losses and LAE, excluding catastrophe losses

The current accident year loss and LAE ratio, excluding catastrophe losses for AFG’s Specialty property and casualty insurance operations was 62.7% for the first nine months of 2017 compared to 61.8% for the first nine months of 2016, an increase of 0.9 percentage points.

Property and transportation   The 1.8 percentage point increase in the loss and LAE ratio for the current year, excluding catastrophe losses reflects an increase in the loss and LAE ratio of the crop business in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016.

Specialty casualty   The 0.7 percentage point decrease in the loss and LAE ratio for the current year, excluding catastrophe losses reflects a decrease in the loss and LAE ratio at Neon, partially offset by an increase in the loss and LAE ratio in the public sector business.

Specialty financial   The 4.8 percentage point increase in the loss and LAE ratio for the current year, excluding catastrophe losses reflects an increase in the loss and LAE ratio of the financial institutions business.

Net prior year reserve development

AFG’s Specialty property and casualty insurance operations recorded net favorable reserve development related to prior accident years of $90 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $71 million in the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $19 million (27%).

Property and transportation Net favorable reserve development of $36 million in the first nine months of 2017 reflects lower than expected losses in the crop and equine businesses and lower than expected claim severity in the property and inland marine and transportation businesses, partially offset by higher than expected claim severity in the ocean marine business. Net favorable reserve development of $34 million in the first nine months of 2016 reflects lower than expected losses in the crop operations and lower than expected claim severity in the property and inland marine and trucking businesses.

Specialty casualty Net favorable reserve development of $34 million in the first nine months of 2017 reflects lower than anticipated claim severity in the workers’ compensation businesses and at Neon, partially offset by higher than anticipated claim severity in the targeted markets and general liability businesses. Net favorable reserve development of $16 million in the first nine months of 2016 reflects lower than anticipated claim severity in workers’ compensation business and directors and officers liability insurance and lower than expected claim frequency and severity in excess liability business, partially offset by adverse reserve development at Neon, higher than anticipated severity in New York contractor claims and higher than anticipated claim severity in general liability insurance.

Specialty financial Net favorable reserve development of $22 million in the first nine months of 2017 reflects lower than anticipated claim severity in the fidelity business and lower than expected claim frequency and severity in the surety business. Net favorable reserve development of $17 million in the first nine months of 2016 reflects lower than anticipated claim severity in the fidelity business and lower than expected claim frequency and severity in the surety business, partially offset by higher than anticipated claim frequency in the financial institutions business.

Other specialty In addition to the development discussed above, total Specialty prior year reserve development includes net adverse reserve development of $2 million in the first nine months of 2017 and favorable reserve development of $4 million in the first nine months of 2016. The adverse reserve development in the first nine months of 2017 reflects a $6 million charge to adjust the deferred gain on the retroactive reinsurance transaction entered into in connection with the sale of businesses in 1998, partially offset by the amortization of deferred gains on retroactive reinsurance and favorable reserve development associated with AFG’s internal reinsurance program. Favorable reserve development in the first nine months of 2016 reflects amortization of deferred gains on retroactive reinsurance.

Special asbestos and environmental reserve charges See “Special asbestos and environmental reserve charges” under “Results of Operations — Property and Casualty Insurance Segment — Net prior year reserve development” for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 for a discussion of the $89 million and $36 million special A&E charges recorded in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Neon exited lines charge During the second quarter of 2016, AFG’s specialist Lloyd’s market insurer completed a strategic review of its business under a new leadership team and re-launched as Neon Underwriting Ltd. (“Neon”). As part of its strategic

78

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

review, Neon sold and/or exited certain historical lines of business including its UK and international medical malpractice and general liability classes. As a result of Neon’s claims review of its exited lines of business, AFG recorded a charge of approximately $65 million including $57 million to increase loss reserves primarily related to its medical malpractice and general liability lines. Consistent with the treatment of other items that are not indicative of AFG’s ongoing operations (both favorable and unfavorable), this charge was treated as non-core because it resulted from a special strategic review of lines of business that Neon no longer writes.

Aggregate Aggregate net prior accident years reserve development for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment includes the special A&E charges and Neon exited lines charge mentioned above and adverse reserve development of $3 million in the first nine months of 2017 related to business outside the Specialty group that AFG no longer writes.

Catastrophe losses

AFG generally seeks to reduce its exposure to catastrophes through individual risk selection, including minimizing coastal and known fault-line exposures, and the purchase of reinsurance. Catastrophe losses of $132 million in the first nine months of 2017 resulted primarily from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, two earthquakes in Mexico and storms and tornadoes in several regions of the United States. Catastrophe losses of $43 million in the first nine months of 2016 resulted primarily from winter storms in the first quarter of 2016, April storms in Texas in the second quarter of 2016 and flooding in Louisiana and multiple storms in the southern United States in the third quarter of 2016.

Commissions and Other Underwriting Expenses

AFG’s property and casualty commissions and other underwriting expenses (“U/W Exp”) were $1.05 billion in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $1.03 billion for the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $21 million (2%). AFG’s underwriting expense ratio was 31.2% for the first nine months of 2017 compared to 32.2% for the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of 1.0 percentage point. Detail of AFG’s property and casualty commissions and other underwriting expenses and underwriting expense ratios is shown below (dollars in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017				2016				Change in
	U/W Exp		% of NEP		U/W Exp		% of NEP		% of NEP
Property and transportation	$	309	25.2	%	$	311	26.0	%	(0.8	%)
Specialty casualty	495		30.7	%	459		30.7	%	—	%
Specialty financial	213		49.0	%	220		52.7	%	(3.7	%)
Other specialty	29		35.4	%	27		36.9	%	(1.5	%)
Total Specialty	1,046		31.2	%	1,017		31.9	%	(0.7	%)
Neon exited lines charge	—				8
Total Aggregate	$	1,046	31.2	%	$	1,025	32.2	%	(1.0	%)

AFG’s overall expense ratio decreased 1.0 percentage points in the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the first nine months of 2016.

Property and transportation   Commissions and other underwriting expenses as a percentage of net earned premiums decreased0.8 percentage points in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016 reflecting an increase in ceding commissions received from reinsurers in the crop business.

Specialty casualty   Commissions and other underwriting expenses as a percentage of net earned premiums were flat in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016.

Specialty financial   Commissions and other underwriting expenses as a percentage of net earned premiums decreased3.7 percentage points in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016 reflecting lower profitability-based commissions paid to agents in the financial institutions business, including an $8 million commission expense reduction due to hurricane losses.

Aggregate   Aggregate commissions and other underwriting expenses for AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment includes $8 million of restructuring charges recorded as part of the $65 million non-core charge related to the exit of certain lines of business within Neon, AFG’s Lloyd’s-based insurer, recorded in the second quarter of 2016. See “Neon exited lines

79

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

charge” under “Results of Operations — Property and Casualty Insurance Segment — Net prior year reserve development” for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Property and Casualty Net Investment Income

Net investment income in AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations was $276 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $265 million in the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $11 million (4%). 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 average invested assets and overall yield earned on investments held by AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations are provided below (dollars in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			Change			% Change
Net investment income	$	276		$	265		$	11		4	%
Average invested assets (at amortized cost)	$	9,853		$	9,507		$	346		4	%
Yield (net investment income as a % of average invested assets)	3.73		%	3.72		%	0.01		%
Tax equivalent yield (*)	4.20		%	4.22		%	(0.02		%)

(*) Adjusts the yield on equity securities and tax-exempt bonds to the fully taxable equivalent yield.

The increase in average invested assets and net investment income in the property and casualty insurance segment for the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the first nine months of 2016 is due primarily to growth in the property and casualty insurance segment. The property and casualty insurance segment’s overall yield on investments (net investment income as a percentage of average invested assets) was 3.73% for the first nine months of 2017 compared to 3.72% for the first nine months of 2016, an increase of 0.01 percentage points reflecting an increase in equity in the earnings of limited partnerships and similar investments, partially offset by the impact of lower yields available in the financial markets and lower income from certain investments that are required to be carried at fair value through earnings.

Property and Casualty Other Income and Expenses, Net

GAAP other income and expenses, net for AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations was a net expense of $5 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to net income of $4 million for the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $9 million (225%). Core other income and expenses, net for AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations was a net expense of $5 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $28 million for the first nine months of 2016, an improvement of $23 million (82%). The table below details the items included in GAAP and core other income and expenses, net for AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations (in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Other income
Income from the sale of real estate (*)	$	16		$	—
Other	5			14
Total other income	21			14
Other expenses
Amortization of intangibles	6			6
NATL merger expenses	—			5
Other	20			31
Total other expense	26			42
Core other income and expenses, net	(5		)	(28		)
Pretax non-core gain on sale of apartment property	—			32
GAAP other income and expenses, net	$	(5	)	$	4

(*) Excludes a pretax non-core gain of $32 million on the sale of an apartment property in the second quarter of 2016.

Other income for AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations includes a $4 million death benefit on a life insurance policy received in the second quarter of 2016.

80

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Annuity Segment — Results of Operations

AFG’s annuity operations contributed $283 million in pretax earnings in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $236 million in the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $47 million (20%). AFG’s annuity segment results for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016 reflect an 11% increase in average annuity investments (at amortized cost), higher equity in the earnings of limited partnerships and similar investments and the unfavorable impact of significantly lower than anticipated interest rates on the fair value accounting for fixed-indexed annuities in the 2016 period, partially offset by lower investment yields due to the run-off of higher yielding investments. While both periods reflect the positive impact of a higher stock market and the negative impact of lower than anticipated interest rates on the fair value accounting for fixed-indexed annuities, the decrease in interest rates in the first nine months of 2016 had a significantly higher unfavorable impact compared to the 2017 period.

The following table details AFG’s earnings before income taxes from its annuity operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in millions).

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017		2016		% Change
Revenues:
Net investment income	$	1,082	$	1,010	7	%
Other income:
Guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees	43		39		10	%
Policy charges and other miscellaneous income	36		37		(3	%)
Total revenues	1,161		1,086		7	%
Costs and Expenses:
Annuity benefits (*)	635		640		(1	%)
Acquisition expenses	153		127		20	%
Other expenses	90		83		8	%
Total costs and expenses	878		850		3	%
Earnings before income taxes	$	283	$	236	20	%

Detail of annuity earnings before income taxes (dollars in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			% Change
Earnings before income taxes — before the impact of derivatives related to FIAs	$	305		$	292		4	%
Impact of derivatives related to FIAs	(22		)	(56		)	(61	%)
Earnings before income taxes	$	283		$	236		20	%

(*) Annuity benefits consisted of the following (dollars in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			% Change
Interest credited — fixed	$	469		$	426		10	%
Interest credited — fixed component of variable annuities	4			4			—	%
Other annuity benefits:
Change in expected death and annuitization reserve	13			14			(7	%)
Amortization of sales inducements	14			17			(18	%)
Change in guaranteed withdrawal benefit reserve	51			49			4	%
Change in other benefit reserves	36			23			57	%
Total other annuity benefits	114			103			11	%
Total before impact of derivatives related to FIAs	587			533			10	%
Derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities:
Embedded derivative mark-to-market	386			188			105	%
Equity option mark-to-market	(338		)	(81		)	317	%
Impact of derivatives related to FIAs	48			107			(55	%)
Total annuity benefits	$	635		$	640		(1	%)

81

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Net Spread on Fixed Annuities (excludes variable annuity earnings)

The table below (dollars in millions) details the components of the spreads for AFG’s fixed annuity operations (including fixed-indexed annuities):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			% Change
Average fixed annuity investments (at amortized cost)	$	30,919		$	27,899		11	%
Average fixed annuity benefits accumulated	31,141			27,778			12	%
As % of fixed annuity benefits accumulated (except as noted):
Net investment income (as % of fixed annuity investments)	4.64		%	4.79		%
Interest credited — fixed	(2.01		%)	(2.04		%)
Net interest spread	2.63		%	2.75		%
Policy charges and other miscellaneous income	0.12		%	0.14		%
Other annuity benefit expenses, net of guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees	(0.31		%)	(0.31		%)
Acquisition expenses	(0.63		%)	(0.58		%)
Other expenses	(0.38		%)	(0.39		%)
Change in fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities	(0.20		%)	(0.51		%)
Net spread earned on fixed annuities	1.23		%	1.10		%

The table below illustrates the impact of fair value accounting for derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities on the annuity segment’s net spread earned on fixed annuities:

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017		2016
Net spread earned on fixed annuities — before impact of derivatives related to FIAs	1.32	%	1.37	%
Impact of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities:
Change in fair value of derivatives	(0.20	%)	(0.51	%)
Related impact on amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (*)	0.11	%	0.23	%
Related impact on amortization of deferred sales inducements (*)	—	%	0.01	%
Net spread earned on fixed annuities	1.23	%	1.10	%

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

Annuity Net Investment Income

Net investment income for the first nine months of 2017 was $1.08 billion compared to $1.01 billion for the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $72 million (7%). This increase reflects the growth in AFG’s annuity business and higher equity in the earnings of limited partnerships and similar investments, partially offset by the impact of lower investment yields. The overall yield earned on investments in AFG’s annuity operations, calculated as net investment income divided by average investment balances (at amortized cost), declined by 0.15 percentage points to 4.64% from 4.79% for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016. This decline in net investment yield reflects the investment of new premium dollars at lower yields as compared to the existing investment portfolio and the impact of the reinvestment of proceeds from maturity and redemption of higher yielding investments at the lower yields available in the financial markets, partially offset by higher equity in the earnings of limited partnerships and similar investments. During the first nine months of 2017, $3.6 billion in annuity segment investments with an average yield of 5.24% were redeemed or sold while the investments purchased during 2017 (with new premium dollars and the redemption/sale proceeds) had an average yield at purchase of 3.93%.

Annuity Interest Credited — Fixed

Interest credited — fixed for the first nine months of 2017 was $469 million compared to $426 million for the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $43 million (10%). The impact of growth in the annuity business was partially offset by lower interest crediting rates on new premiums as compared to the crediting rates on policyholder funds surrendered or withdrawn. The average interest rate credited to policyholders, calculated as interest credited divided by average fixed annuity benefits

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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

accumulated, decreased0.03 percentage points to 2.01% from 2.04% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016.

Annuity Net Interest Spread

AFG’s net interest spread decreased0.12 percentage points to 2.63% from 2.75% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 due primarily to lower fixed maturity investment yields, partially offset by the impact of lower crediting rates and higher equity in the earnings of limited partnerships and similar investments. Features included in current annuity offerings allow AFG to achieve its desired profitability at a lower net interest spread than historical product offerings. As a result, AFG expects its net interest spread to narrow in the future.

Annuity Policy Charges and Other Miscellaneous Income

Annuity policy charges and other miscellaneous income, which consist primarily of surrender charges, amortization of deferred upfront policy charges (unearned revenue) and income from sales of real estate, were $36 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $37 million for the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $1 million (3%). As a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated, annuity policy charges and other miscellaneous income decreased0.02 percentage points to 0.12% from 0.14% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016.

Other Annuity Benefits, Net of Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit Fees

Other annuity benefits, net of guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees, for the first nine months of 2017 were $71 million compared to $64 million for the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $7 million (11%). As a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated, these net expenses were 0.31% in both the first nine months of 2017 and the first nine months of 2016. In addition to interest credited to policyholders’ accounts and the change in fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities, annuity benefits expense also includes the following expenses (in millions, net of guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Change in expected death and annuitization reserve	$	13		$	14
Amortization of sales inducements	14			17
Change in guaranteed withdrawal benefit reserve	51			49
Change in other benefit reserves	36			23
Other annuity benefits	114			103
Offset guaranteed withdrawal benefit fees	(43		)	(39		)
Other annuity benefits, net	$	71		$	64

As discussed under “Annuity Benefits Accumulated” in Note A — “Accounting Policies” to the financial statements, guaranteed withdrawal benefit reserves are accrued for and modified using assumptions similar to those used in establishing and amortizing deferred policy acquisition costs. The guaranteed withdrawal benefit reserve related to FIAs can be inversely impacted by the calculated FIA embedded derivative reserve as the value to policyholders of the guaranteed withdrawal benefits decreases when the benefit of stock market participation increases.

Annuity Acquisition Expenses

AFG’s amortization of DPAC and commission expenses as a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated was 0.63% for the first nine months of 2017 compared to 0.58% for the first nine months of 2016 and has generally ranged between 0.75% and 0.85%. Variances from the general range relate primarily to the impact of (i) material changes in interest rates or the stock market on AFG’s fixed-indexed annuity business, and (ii) differences in actual experience from actuarially projected estimates and assumptions. For example, the negative impact of lower than anticipated interest rates during the first nine months of 2017 and the impact of significantly lower than anticipated interest rates during the first nine months of 2016 on the fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities (discussed below) resulted in a partially offsetting deceleration of the amortization of DPAC.

83

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

The table below illustrates the estimated impact of fair value accounting for derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities on annuity acquisition expenses as a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated:

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017		2016
Before the impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives related to FIAs on the amortization of DPAC	0.74	%	0.81	%
Impact of changes in fair value of derivatives related to FIAs on amortization of DPAC (*)	(0.11	%)	(0.23	%)
Annuity acquisition expenses as a % of fixed annuity benefits accumulated	0.63	%	0.58	%

(*) An estimate of the acceleration/deceleration of the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs resulting from fair value accounting for derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities.

Annuity Other Expenses

Annuity other expenses were $90 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $83 million for the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $7 million (8%). Annuity other expenses represent primarily general and administrative expenses, as well as selling and issuance expenses that are not deferred. The increase in annuity other expenses reflects primarily growth in the business and an increase in the number of sales personnel focused on new initiatives and increased market share within existing financial institutions and retail marketing organizations in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016. As a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated, these expenses were 0.38% for the first nine months of 2017 and 0.39% for the first nine months of 2016.

Change in Fair Value of Derivatives Related to Fixed-Indexed Annuities

AFG’s fixed-indexed annuities 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 the change in the fair value of the call option assets will generally offset the economic change in the liabilities from the index participation. Both the index-based component of the annuities and the related call options are considered derivatives that must be adjusted for changes in fair value through earnings each period. The fair values of these derivatives are impacted by actual and expected stock market performance and interest rates as well as other factors. For a list of other factors impacting the fair value of the index-based component of AFG’s annuity benefits accumulated, see Note D — “Fair Value Measurements” to the financial statements. The net change in fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities increased annuity benefits by $48 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $107 million in the first nine months of 2016. During the first nine months of 2017, the negative impact of lower than anticipated interest rates on the fair value of these derivatives was partially offset by the positive impact of strong stock market performance. During the first nine months of 2016, significantly lower than anticipated interest rates had an unfavorable impact on the fair value of these derivatives that was partially offset by the impact of an increase in the stock market. As a percentage of average fixed annuity benefits accumulated, this net expense decreased0.31 percentage points to 0.20% from 0.51% for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016.

Fluctuations in interest rates and the stock market, among other factors, can cause volatility in the periodic measurement of fair value of the embedded derivative that management believes can be inconsistent with the long-term economics of these products. The table below illustrates the impact of fair value accounting for derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities on the annuity segment’s earnings before income taxes (dollars in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			% Change
Earnings before income taxes — before change in fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities	$	305		$	292		4	%
Change in fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities	(48		)	(107		)	(55	%)
Related impact on amortization of DPAC (*)	26			51			(49	%)
Earnings before income taxes	$	283		$	236		20	%

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

As illustrated in the table above, the change in fair value of derivatives related to fixed-indexed annuities, including the related impact on amortization of DPAC decreased the annuity segment’s earnings before income taxes by $22 million in the first nine months of 2017 and $56 million in the first nine months of 2016.

84

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Annuity Net Spread Earned on Fixed Annuities

AFG’s net spread earned on fixed annuities increased0.13 percentage points to 1.23% from 1.10% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 due primarily to the net impact of changes in the fair value of derivatives and related DPAC amortization offset discussed above, partially offset by the 0.12 percentage decrease in AFG’s net interest spread.

Annuity Benefits Accumulated

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

For certain products, annuity benefits accumulated also includes reserves for accrued persistency and premium bonuses, excess benefits expected to be paid on future deaths and annuitizations (“EDAR”) and guaranteed withdrawal benefits. Annuity benefits accumulated also includes amounts advanced from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati. The following table is a progression of AFG’s annuity benefits accumulated liability for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Beginning fixed annuity reserves	$	29,647		$	26,371
Fixed annuity premiums (receipts)	3,410			3,295
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	—			150
Surrenders, benefits and other withdrawals	(1,650		)	(1,665		)
Interest and other annuity benefit expenses:
Interest credited	469			426
Embedded derivative mark-to-market	386			188
Change in other benefit reserves	92			88
Ending fixed annuity reserves	$	32,354		$	28,853
Reconciliation to annuity benefits accumulated per balance sheet:
Ending fixed annuity reserves (from above)	$	32,354		$	28,853
Impact of unrealized investment gains	138			180
Fixed component of variable annuities	179			189
Annuity benefits accumulated per balance sheet	$	32,671		$	29,222

Statutory Annuity Premiums

AFG’s annuity operations generated statutory premiums of $3.43 billion in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $3.32 billion in the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $108 million (3%). The following table summarizes AFG’s annuity sales (dollars in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017		2016		% Change
Financial institutions single premium annuities — indexed	$	1,347	$	1,476	(9	%)
Financial institutions single premium annuities — fixed	559		316		77	%
Retail single premium annuities — indexed	1,310		1,299		1	%
Retail single premium annuities — fixed	61		60		2	%
Education market — fixed and indexed annuities	133		144		(8	%)
Total fixed annuity premiums	3,410		3,295		3	%
Variable annuities	22		29		(24	%)
Total annuity premiums	$	3,432	$	3,324	3	%

Management believes the 3%increase in annuity premiums in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016 is consistent with overall growth in the annuity industry, as sales of traditional fixed and fixed-indexed annuities have increased while sales of variable annuities have decreased. In addition, the increase reflects new products, additional staffing, and increased market share within existing financial institutions. Annuity sales slowed in the third quarter of 2017 as a result of

85

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

AFG’s adherence to pricing discipline in a relatively low and decreasing interest rate environment during the year, as well as from aggressive pricing by certain of AFG’s competitors.

Annuity Earnings before Income Taxes Reconciliation

The following table reconciles the net spread earned on AFG’s fixed annuities to overall annuity pretax earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Earnings on fixed annuity benefits accumulated	$	288		$	230
Earnings impact of investments in excess of fixed annuity benefits accumulated (*)	(8		)	4
Variable annuity earnings	3			2
Earnings before income taxes	$	283		$	236

(*) Net investment income (as a % of investments) of 4.64% and 4.79% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, multiplied by the difference between average fixed annuity investments (at amortized cost) and average fixed annuity benefits accumulated in each period.

Run-off Long-Term Care and Life Segment — Results of OperationsThe following table details AFG’s GAAP and core earnings before income taxes from its run-off long-term care and life operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017		2016		% Change
Revenues:
Net earned premiums:
Long-term care	$	2	$	2	—	%
Life operations	15		16		(6	%)
Net investment income	16		15		7	%
Other income	2		4		(50	%)
Total revenues	35		37		(5	%)
Costs and Expenses:
Life, accident and health benefits:
Long-term care	4		5		(20	%)
Life operations	17		21		(19	%)
Acquisition expenses	3		4		(25	%)
Other expenses	7		7		—	%
Total costs and expenses	31		37		(16	%)
Core earnings before income taxes	4		—		—	%
Pretax non-core realized gain on subsidiaries	—		2		(100	%)
GAAP earnings before income taxes	$	4	$	2	100	%

The $4 millionincrease in core earnings before income taxes reflects the impact of improved life claims experience in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016.

86

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Holding Company, Other and Unallocated — Results of Operations AFG’s net GAAP pretax loss outside of its insurance operations (excluding realized gains and losses) totaled $169 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $131 million in the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $38 million (29%). AFG’s net core pretax loss outside of its insurance operations (excluding realized gain and losses) totaled $134 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $126 million in the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $8 million (6%).

The following table details AFG’s GAAP and core loss before income taxes from operations outside of its insurance operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			% Change
Revenues:
Net investment income	$	8		$	6		33	%
Other income — P&C fees	46			43			7	%
Other income	20			15			33	%
Total revenues	74			64			16	%
Costs and Expenses:
Property and casualty insurance — commissions and other underwriting expenses	16			13			23	%
Interest charges on borrowed money	65			56			16	%
Other expense — expenses associated with P&C fees	30			30			—	%
Other expenses (*)	97			91			7	%
Total costs and expenses	208			190			9	%
Core loss before income taxes, excluding realized gains and losses	(134		)	(126		)	6	%
Pretax non-core special A&E charges	(24		)	(5		)	380	%
Pretax non-core loss on retirement of debt	(11		)	—			—	%
GAAP loss before income taxes, excluding realized gains and losses	$	(169	)	$	(131	)	29	%

(*) Excludes pretax non-core special A&E charges of $24 million and $5 million in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, and a pretax non-core loss on retirement of debt of $11 million in the 2017 period.

Holding Company and Other — Net Investment Income

AFG recorded net investment income on investments held outside of its insurance operations of $8 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $6 million in the first nine months of 2016.

Holding Company and Other — P&C Fees and Related Expenses

Summit, a workers’ compensation insurance business, collects fees from a small group of unaffiliated insurers for providing underwriting, policy administration and claims services. In addition, certain of AFG’s property and casualty businesses collect fees from customers for ancillary services such as workplace safety programs and premium financing. In the first nine months of 2017, AFG collected $46 million in fees for these services, compared to $43 million in the first nine months of 2016. Management views this fee income, net of the $30 million in both the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, in expenses incurred to generate such fees, as a reduction in the cost of underwriting its property and casualty insurance policies. Consistent with internal management reporting, these fees and the related expenses are netted and recorded as a reduction of commissions and other underwriting expenses in AFG’s segmented results.

Holding Company and Other — Other Income

Other income in the table above includes $14 million and $12 million in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively, in management fees paid to AFG by the AFG-managed CLOs (AFG’s consolidated managed investment entities). The management fees are eliminated in consolidation — see the other income line in the Consolidate MIEs column under “Results of Operations — Segmented Statement of Earnings.” Excluding amounts eliminated in consolidation, AFG recorded other income outside of its insurance operations of $6 million in the first nine months of 2017 and $3 million the first nine months of 2016. Results for the first nine months of 2017 include $2 million in income related to the sale of real estate.

87

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Holding Company and Other — Interest Charges on Borrowed Money

AFG’s holding companies and other operations outside of its insurance operations recorded interest expense of $65 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $56 million in the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $9 million (16%). This increase reflects higher average indebtedness, partially offset by a lower weighted average interest rate on outstanding debt.

The increase in average indebtedness for the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the first nine months of 2016 reflects the following financing transactions completed by AFG between January 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017:

• Issued $300 million of 3.50% Senior Notes on August 22, 2016

• Issued $350 million of 4.50% Senior Notes on June 2, 2017

• Redeemed $230 million of 6-3/8% Senior Notes on June 26, 2017

• Redeemed $125 million of 5-3/4% Senior Notes on August 25, 2017

The redemption of the 6-3/8% and 5-3/4% Senior Notes and the issuance of the 4.50% Senior Notes in 2017 will result in annual pretax interest savings to AFG of $6 million.

Holding Company and Other — Special A&E Charges

See “Holding Company and Other — Special A&E Charges” under “Results of Operations — Holding Company, Other and Unallocated” for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 for a discussion of the $24 million and $5 million in non-core special A&E charges recorded in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Holding Company and Other — Loss on Retirement of Debt

AFG wrote off unamortized debt issuance costs of $7 million related to the redemption of its $230 million outstanding 6-3/8% Senior Notes due 2042 at par value on June 26, 2017 and $4 million related to the redemption of its $125 million outstanding 5-3/4% Senior Notes due 2042 at par value on August 25, 2017.

Holding Company and Other — Other Expenses

Excluding the non-core special A&E charges and the non-core loss on retirement of debt discussed above, AFG’s holding companies and other operations outside of its insurance operations recorded other expenses of $97 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $91 million in the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $6 million (7%). This increase reflects the impact of higher holding company expenses related to employee benefit plans that are tied to stock market performance for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016, partially offset by a $5 million donation to the University of Cincinnati College of Business in the third quarter of 2016.

Consolidated Realized Gains (Losses) on Securities AFG’s consolidated realized gains (losses) on securities, which are not allocated to segments, were losses of $1 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $32 million in the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $31 million (97%). Realized gains (losses) on securities consisted of the following (in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Realized gains (losses) before impairments:
Disposals	$	61		$	82
Change in the fair value of derivatives	(4		)	—
Adjustments to annuity deferred policy acquisition costs and related items	(5		)	(7		)
	52			75
Impairment charges:
Securities	(65		)	(120		)
Adjustments to annuity deferred policy acquisition costs and related items	12			13
	(53		)	(107		)
Realized gains (losses) on securities	$	(1	)	$	(32	)

AFG’s impairment charges on securities for the first nine months of 2017 consist of $49 million on equity securities and $16 million on fixed maturities compared to $83 million on equity securities and $37 million on fixed maturities in the first nine months of 2016. Approximately $24 million in impairment charges in the first nine months of 2017 relate to investments in pharmaceutical companies, $10 million relates to an investment in a media company and the remainder relates primarily to investments in various industrial entities. Approximately $68 million of the impairment charges recorded in the first nine months of 2016 are related to financial institutions and $19 million are on energy-related investments.

88

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

Consolidated Realized Gain on Subsidiaries   The $2 million pretax realized gain on subsidiaries in the first nine months of 2016 represents an adjustment to the pretax realized loss on the sale of substantially all of AFG’s run-off long-term care insurance business that was recorded in 2015.

Consolidated Income Taxes   AFG’s consolidated provision for income taxes was $146 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $190 million for the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $44 million (23%). See NoteL — “Income Taxes” to the financial statements for an analysis of items affecting AFG’s effective tax rate.

Consolidated Noncontrolling Interests   AFG’s consolidated net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests was $2 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $16 million for the first nine months of 2016. The following table details net earnings in consolidated subsidiaries attributable to holders other than AFG (dollars in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017		2016		% Change
National Interstate	$	—	$	12	(100	%)
Other	2		4		(50	%)
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	2	$	16	(88	%)

Other noncontrolling interests includes $2 million related to the gain on the sale of a hotel property in the first quarter of 2017 and $4 million related to the gain on the sale of an apartment property in the second quarter of 2016. Both properties were owned by an 80%-owned subsidiary of GAI.

RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which, among other things, requires equity investments that are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, clarifies that the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available for sale securities should be evaluated with other deferred tax assets and modifies disclosure requirements for financial instruments. AFG will be required to adopt the updated guidance effective January 1, 2018 (early adoption is not permitted). Although recording changes in the fair value of investments in equity securities in net income will result in more volatility in AFG’s Statement of Earnings, it is not expected to have a material effect on the carrying value of AFG’s investments or on overall shareholders’ equity as AFG’s investments in equity securities are currently carried at fair value through accumulated other comprehensive income. At the date of adoption, the net unrealized gain on equity securities included in AOCI will be reclassified to retained earnings in the Balance Sheet as the cumulative effect of an accounting change.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which requires entities that lease assets for terms longer than one year to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases on the balance sheet based on the present value of cash flows. Qualitative and quantitative disclosures of the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases will also be required. Although the guidance allows for early adoption, AFG expects to adopt the updated guidance effective January 1, 2019 (when it is required). The guidance will require the earliest comparative period presented to include the measurement and recognition of existing leases with an adjustment to shareholders’ equity as if the updated guidance had always been applied. Although the guidance will result in higher assets and higher liabilities from the recognition of assets and liabilities related to operating leases, it does not change the manner in which lease expense is recognized in the statement of earnings. Although management is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance, AFG does not expect it to have a material effect on its results of operations or financial position.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which provides a new credit loss model for determining credit-related impairments for financial instruments measured at amortized cost (e.g. mortgage loans or reinsurance recoverables) and requires an entity to estimate the credit losses expected over the life of an exposure or pool of exposures. The estimate of expected credit losses considers historical information, current information, as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts, including estimates of prepayments. The expected credit losses, and subsequent increases or decreases in such losses, will be recorded immediately through realized gains (losses) as an allowance that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, with the net carrying value of the financial asset presented on the balance sheet at the amount expected to be collected. The updated guidance also amends the current other-than-temporary impairment model for available for sale debt securities by requiring the recognition of impairments relating to credit losses through an allowance account and limits the amount of credit loss to the difference

89

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

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

between a security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. Subsequent increases or decreases in expected credit losses will be recorded immediately in the income statement through realized gains (losses). AFG will be required to adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2020. AFG cannot estimate the impact that the updated guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity until the updated guidance is adopted.

90

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

ITEM 3

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

As of September 30, 2017, there were no material changes to the information provided in Item 7A — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk of AFG’s 2016 Form 10-K.

ITEM 4

Controls and Procedures

AFG’s management, with participation of its Co-Chief Executive Officers and its Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated AFG’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, AFG’s Co-CEOs and CFO concluded that the controls and procedures are effective. There have been no changes in AFG’s internal control over financial reporting during the third fiscal quarter of 2017 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 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, AFG’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 2

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities   AFG did not repurchase any shares of its Common Stock during the first nine months of 2017. There are 4,132,838 remaining shares that may be repurchased under the Plans authorized by AFG’s Board of Directors in December 2014 and February 2016.

AFG acquired 32,509 shares of its Common Stock (at an average of $93.35 per share) in the first six months of 2017, 2,175 shares (at an average of $103.97 per share) in August 2017 and 238 shares (at $102.57 per share) in September 2017 in connection with its stock incentive plans.

ITEM 5

Other Information

Disclosure of Certain Activities Under Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934   Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Section 13(r)”), requires a registrant to disclose in its annual or quarterly reports whether it or an affiliate knowingly engaged in certain activities, transactions or dealings related to Iran during the period covered by the report. Many of the activities, transactions and dealings that are required to be reported under Section 13(r) were previously subject to U.S. sanctions or prohibited by applicable local law. On January 16, 2016, the United States and the European Union eased sanctions against Iran pursuant to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and many of the reportable activities, transactions and dealings under Section 13(r) are no longer subject to U.S. sanctions and no longer prohibited by applicable local law.

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

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company is not aware of any additional premium with respect to underwriting insurance or reinsurance activities reportable under Section 13(r). Should any such risks have entered into the

91

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

stream of commerce covered by these insurance or reinsurance activities, the Company believes that the premiums associated with such business would be immaterial.

ITEM 6

Exhibits

Number	Exhibit Description
12	Computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges.
31(a)	Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31(b)	Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31(c)	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32	Certification of 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, 2017, 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 Cash Flows
	(vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Signature

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

	American Financial Group, Inc.
November 3, 2017	By:	/s/ Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
		Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

92

EX-12

Exhibit 12

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(Dollars in Millions)

	Nine months ended September 30, 2017			Year ended December 31, 2016
Earnings before income taxes	$	457		$	787
Undistributed equity in earnings of investees	(10		)	(25		)
Fixed charges:
Interest on annuities	635			800
Interest expense	64			76
Debt discount, expense and other fixed charges	1			1
Portion of rentals representing interest	17			23
EARNINGS	$	1,164		$	1,662
Fixed charges:
Interest on annuities	$	635		$	800
Interest expense	64			76
Debt discount, expense and other fixed charges	1			1
Portion of rentals representing interest	17			23
FIXED CHARGES	$	717		$	900
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges	1.62			1.85
Earnings in Excess of Fixed Charges	$	447		$	762

E-1

EX-31.A

Exhibit 31(a)

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

SARBANES-OXLEY SECTION 302(a) CERTIFICATIONS

I, Carl H. Lindner III, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of American Financial Group, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

November 3, 2017	By:	/s/ Carl H. Lindner III
		Carl H. Lindner III
		Co-Chief Executive Officer

E-2

EX-31.B

Exhibit 31(b)

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

SARBANES-OXLEY SECTION 302(a) CERTIFICATIONS

I, S. Craig Lindner, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of American Financial Group, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

November 3, 2017	By:	/s/ S. Craig Lindner
		S. Craig Lindner
		Co-Chief Executive Officer

E-3

EX-31.C

Exhibit 31(c)

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

SARBANES-OXLEY SECTION 302(a) CERTIFICATIONS

I, Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of American Financial Group, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

November 3, 2017	By:	/s/ Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
		Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

E-4

EX-32

Exhibit 32

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Quarterly Report of American Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2017 (the “Report”), the undersigned officers of the Company, certify, pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of their knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

November 3, 2017	By:	/s/ S. Craig Lindner
Date		S. Craig Lindner
		Co-Chief Executive Officer
November 3, 2017	By:	/s/ Carl H. Lindner III
Date		Carl H. Lindner III
		Co-Chief Executive Officer
November 3, 2017	By:	/s/ Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
Date		Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement will be retained by the Registrant and

furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

E-5

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Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Nov. 01, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001042046
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		88,112,753

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Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,349	$ 2,107
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available for sale at fair value (amortized cost — $36,412 and $33,735)	37,818	34,544
Fixed maturities, trading at fair value	350	359
Equity securities, available for sale at fair value (cost — $1,312 and $1,351)	1,579	1,502
Equity securities, trading at fair value	60	56
Mortgage loans	1,043	1,147
Policy loans	186	192
Equity index call options	629	492
Real estate and other investments	1,239	1,034
Total cash and investments	45,253	41,433
Recoverables from reinsurers	3,262	2,737
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	691	539
Agents’ balances and premiums receivable	1,173	997
Deferred policy acquisition costs	1,119	1,239
Assets of managed investment entities	4,767	4,765
Other receivables	1,545	908
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts)	628	600
Other assets	1,526	1,655
Goodwill	199	199
Total assets	60,163	55,072
Liabilities and Equity:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	9,563	8,563
Unearned premiums	2,567	2,171
Annuity benefits accumulated	32,671	29,907
Life, accident and health reserves	667	691
Payable to reinsurers	906	634
Liabilities of managed investment entities	4,506	4,549
Long-term debt	1,284	1,283
Variable annuity liabilities (separate accounts)	628	600
Other liabilities	1,992	1,755
Total liabilities	54,784	50,153
Shareholders’ equity:
Common Stock, no par value — 200,000,000 shares authorized — 88,092,794 and 86,924,399 shares outstanding	88	87
Capital surplus	1,167	1,111
Retained earnings	3,435	3,343
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	689	375
Total shareholders’ equity	5,379	4,916
Noncontrolling interests	0	3
Total equity	5,379	4,919
Total liabilities and equity	$ 60,163	$ 55,072

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Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available for sale at amortized cost	$ 36,412	$ 33,735
Equity securities, available for sale at cost	$ 1,312	$ 1,351
Common Stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Common Stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, shares outstanding	88,092,794	86,924,399

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Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Revenues:
Property and casualty insurance net earned premiums	$ 1,267	$ 1,159	$ 3,354	$ 3,184
Life, accident and health net earned premiums	6	6	17	18
Net investment income	471	433	1,366	1,267
Realized gains (losses) on:
Securities	(12)	2	(1)	(32)
Subsidiaries	0	0	0	2
Income of managed investment entities:
Investment income	54	48	155	141
Gain on change in fair value of assets/liabilities	1	11	12	9
Other income	48	46	154	172
Total revenues	1,835	1,705	5,057	4,761
Costs and Expenses:
Property and casualty insurance: Losses and loss adjustment expenses	995	765	2,239	2,033
Property and casualty insurance: Commissions and other underwriting expenses	357	356	1,062	1,038
Annuity benefits	215	189	635	640
Life, accident and health benefits	6	8	21	26
Annuity and supplemental insurance acquisition expenses	55	54	156	131
Interest charges on borrowed money	21	19	65	56
Expenses of managed investment entities	45	38	137	109
Other expenses	112	98	285	258
Total costs and expenses	1,806	1,527	4,600	4,291
Earnings before income taxes	29	178	457	470
Provision for income taxes	18	65	146	190
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests	11	113	311	280
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	4	2	16
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders	$ 11	$ 109	$ 309	$ 264
Earnings Attributable to Shareholders per Common Share:
Basic (USD per share)	$ 0.13	$ 1.25	$ 3.52	$ 3.04
Diluted (USD per share)	$ 0.13	$ 1.23	$ 3.44	$ 2.98
Average number of Common Shares:
Basic (shares)	88.1	86.9	87.7	86.8
Diluted (shares)	90.0	88.5	89.7	88.4
Cash dividends per Common Share (USD per share)	$ 0.3125	$ 0.28	$ 2.4375	$ 0.84
Supplemental disclosure of Realized gains on securities:
Realized gains before impairments	$ 26	$ 18	$ 52	$ 75
Losses on securities with impairment	(38)	(16)	(54)	(106)
Non-credit portion recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	1	(1)
Impairment charges recognized in earnings	(38)	(16)	(53)	(107)
Total realized gains (losses) on securities	$ (12)	$ 2	$ (1)	$ (32)

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Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests	$ 11	$ 113	$ 311	$ 280
Net unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period	59	89	299	427
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings	8	(1)	3	20
Total net unrealized gains on securities	67	88	302	447
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	0	0	1	4
Foreign currency translation adjustments	7	(3)	11	4
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments	0	0	0	1
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	74	85	314	456
Total comprehensive income, net of tax	85	198	625	736
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	5	2	23
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders	$ 85	$ 193	$ 623	$ 713

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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Total	Common Shares	Common Stock and Capital Surplus	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015			87,474,452
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 4,770	$ 4,592		$ 1,301	$ 2,987	$ 304	$ 178
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	280	264			264		16
Other comprehensive income (loss)	456	449				449	7
Dividends on Common Stock	(73)	(73)			(73)
Shares issued:
Exercise of stock options, shares			753,095
Exercise of stock options	26	26		26
Restricted stock awards, shares			318,940
Restricted stock awards	0	0		0
Other benefit plans, shares			82,087
Other benefit plans	6	6		6
Dividend reinvestment plan, shares			10,930
Dividend reinvestment plan	1	1		1
Stock-based compensation expense	22	22		22
Shares acquired and retired, shares			(1,796,009)
Shares acquired and retired	(124)	(124)		(27)	(97)
Shares exchanged — benefit plans, shares			(28,059)
Shares exchanged — benefit plans	(2)	(2)		0	(2)
Forfeitures of restricted stock, shares			(2,785)
Forfeitures of restricted stock	0	0		0
Other	(4)						(4)
Ending Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2016			86,812,651
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 5,358	5,161		1,329	3,079	753	197
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016	86,924,399		86,924,399
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 4,919	4,916		1,198	3,343	375	3
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	311	309			309		2
Other comprehensive income (loss)	314	314				314	0
Dividends on Common Stock	(214)	(214)			(214)
Shares issued:
Exercise of stock options, shares			870,022
Exercise of stock options	29	29		29
Restricted stock awards, shares			232,250
Restricted stock awards	0	0		0
Other benefit plans, shares			85,190
Other benefit plans	8	8		8
Dividend reinvestment plan, shares			22,243
Dividend reinvestment plan	2	2		2
Stock-based compensation expense	18	18		18
Shares exchanged — benefit plans, shares			(34,922)
Shares exchanged — benefit plans	(3)	(3)		0	(3)
Forfeitures of restricted stock, shares			(6,388)
Forfeitures of restricted stock	0	0		0
Other	$ (5)						(5)
Ending Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2017	88,092,794		88,092,794
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 5,379	$ 5,379		$ 1,255	$ 3,435	$ 689	$ 0

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Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Operating Activities:
Net earnings, including noncontrolling interests	$ 311	$ 280
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization	105	91
Annuity benefits	635	640
Realized gains on investing activities	(18)	(6)
Net sales of trading securities	5	73
Deferred annuity and life policy acquisition costs	(177)	(172)
Change in:
Reinsurance and other receivables	(1,467)	(972)
Other assets	(59)	(193)
Insurance claims and reserves	1,372	796
Payable to reinsurers	272	244
Other liabilities	0	230
Managed investment entities’ assets/liabilities	14	(235)
Other operating activities, net	0	(30)
Net cash provided by operating activities	993	746
Investing Activities:
Purchases of fixed maturities	(7,163)	(5,604)
Purchases of equity securities	(73)	(143)
Purchases of mortgage loans	(149)	(310)
Purchases of equity index call options and other investments	(594)	(490)
Purchases of real estate, property and equipment	(46)	(37)
Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of fixed maturities	4,690	3,111
Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans	191	197
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities	179	496
Proceeds from sales of equity securities	97	193
Proceeds from sales and settlements of equity index call options and other investments	565	138
Proceeds from sales of real estate, property and equipment	54	45
Managed investment entities:
Purchases of investments	(2,330)	(1,405)
Proceeds from sales and redemptions of investments	2,343	1,381
Other investing activities, net	6	(91)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,230)	(2,519)
Financing Activities:
Annuity receipts	3,432	3,474
Annuity surrenders, benefits and withdrawals	(1,725)	(1,726)
Net transfers from variable annuity assets	43	29
Additional long-term borrowings	345	302
Reductions of long-term debt	(355)	0
Issuances of managed investment entities’ liabilities	1,926	1,028
Retirements of managed investment entities’ liabilities	(1,998)	(747)
Issuances of Common Stock	30	34
Repurchases of Common Stock	0	(124)
Cash dividends paid on Common Stock	(212)	(72)
Other financing activities, net	(7)	(6)
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,479	2,192
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	242	419
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2,107	1,220
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 2,349	$ 1,639

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Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Accounting Policies

Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation   The accompanying consolidated financial statements for American Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“AFG”) are unaudited; however, management believes that all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals unless otherwise disclosed herein) necessary for fair presentation have been made. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes necessary to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform to the current year’s presentation. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The results of operations of companies since their formation or acquisition are included in the consolidated financial statements. Events or transactions occurring subsequent to September 30, 2017, and prior to the filing of this Form 10-Q, have been evaluated for potential recognition or disclosure herein.

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Changes in circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimates.

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 in the first nine months of 2017.

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 (“AOCI”) 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 net investment income. Mortgage and policy loans are carried primarily at the aggregate unpaid balance.

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, which, among other things, will require all equity securities currently classified as “available for sale” to be reported at fair value, with holding gains and losses recognized in net income, instead of AOCI. AFG will be required to adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018. At the date of adoption, the net unrealized gain on equity securities included in AOCI will be reclassified to retained earnings in the Balance Sheet as the cumulative effect of an accounting change.

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) on securities) and the cost basis of that investment is reduced. If management can assert that it does not intend to sell an impaired fixed 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: (i) the amount related to credit losses (recorded in earnings) and (ii) the amount related to all other factors (recorded in other comprehensive income). The credit-related portion of an other-than-temporary impairment is measured by comparing a security’s amortized cost to the present value of its current expected cash flows discounted at its effective yield prior to the impairment charge. Both components are shown in the statement of earnings. If management intends to sell an impaired security, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, an impairment charge to earnings is recorded to reduce the amortized cost of that security to fair value.

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

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

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

For derivatives that are designated and qualify as highly effective fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative, along with changes in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in current period earnings. AFG has entered into an interest rate swap that qualifies as a highly effective fair value hedge to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with fixed-rate long-term debt by economically converting certain fixed-rate debt obligations to floating-rate obligations. Since the terms of the swap match the terms of the hedged debt, changes in the fair value of the swap are offset by changes in the fair value of the hedged debt attributable to changes in interest rates. Accordingly, the net impact on AFG’s current period earnings is that the interest expense associated with the hedged debt is effectively recorded at the floating rate.

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

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

An AFG subsidiary cedes life insurance policies to a third party on a funds withheld basis whereby the subsidiary retains the assets (securities) associated with the reinsurance contract. Interest is credited to the reinsurer based on the actual investment performance of the retained assets. This reinsurance contract is considered to contain an embedded derivative (that must be adjusted to fair value) because the yield on the payable is based on a specific block of the ceding company’s assets, rather than the overall creditworthiness of the ceding company. AFG determined that changes in the fair value of the underlying portfolio of fixed maturity securities is an appropriate measure of the value of the embedded derivative. The securities related to this contract are classified as “trading.” The adjustment to fair value on the embedded derivative offsets the investment income recorded on the adjustment to fair value of the related trading portfolio.

Deferred 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.

For the property and casualty companies, DPAC is limited based upon recoverability without any consideration for anticipated investment income and is charged against income ratably over the terms of the related policies. A premium deficiency is recognized if the sum of expected claims costs, claims adjustment expenses and unamortized acquisition costs exceed the related unearned premiums. A premium deficiency is first recognized by charging any unamortized acquisition costs to expense to the extent required to eliminate the deficiency. If the premium deficiency is greater than unamortized acquisition costs, a liability is accrued for the excess deficiency and reported with unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses.

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

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

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

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

Managed Investment EntitiesA company is considered the primary beneficiary of, and therefore must consolidate, a variable interest entity (“VIE”) based primarily on its ability to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact that entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of, or receive benefits from, the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

AFG manages, and has investments in, collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) that are VIEs (see Note H — “Managed Investment Entities”). 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) through its investment in the CLO debt tranches, it has exposure to CLO losses (limited to the amount AFG invested) and the right to receive CLO benefits that could potentially be significant to the CLOs.

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

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

At September 30, 2017, assets and liabilities of managed investment entities included $383 million in assets and $316 million in liabilities of a temporary warehousing entity that was established in connection with the formation of a new CLO that closed in October 2017. At closing, all warehoused assets were transferred to the new CLO and the liabilities were repaid.

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses   The net liabilities stated for unpaid claims and for expenses of investigation and adjustment of unpaid claims represent management’s best estimate and are based upon (i) the accumulation of case estimates for losses reported prior to the close of the accounting period on direct business written; (ii) estimates received from ceding reinsurers and insurance pools and associations; (iii) estimates of unreported losses (including possible development on known claims) based on past experience; (iv) estimates based on experience of expenses for investigating and adjusting claims; and (v) the current state of the law and coverage litigation. Establishing reserves for asbestos, environmental and other mass tort claims involves considerably more judgment than other types of claims due to, among other things, inconsistent court decisions, an increase in bankruptcy filings as a result of asbestos-related liabilities, novel theories of coverage, and judicial interpretations that often expand theories of recovery and broaden the scope of coverage.

Loss reserve liabilities are subject to the impact of changes in claim amounts and frequency and other factors. Changes in estimates of the liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses are reflected in the statement of earnings in the period in which determined. Despite the variability inherent in such estimates, management believes that the liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are adequate.

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

For certain products, annuity benefits accumulated also includes reserves for accrued persistency and premium bonuses, guaranteed withdrawals and excess benefits expected to be paid on future deaths and annuitizations (“EDAR”). The liabilities for EDAR and guaranteed withdrawals are accrued for and modified using assumptions consistent with those used in determining DPAC and DPAC amortization, except that amounts are determined in relation to the present value of total expected assessments. Total expected assessments consist principally of estimated future investment margin, surrender, mortality, and other life and annuity policy charges, and unearned revenues once they are recognized as income.

Annuity benefits accumulated also includes amounts advanced from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati.

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

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

For long-duration contracts (such as traditional life and long-term care policies), loss recognition occurs when, based on current expectations as of the measurement date, existing contract liabilities plus the present value of future premiums (including reasonably expected rate increases) are not expected to cover the present value of future claims payments and related settlement and maintenance costs (excluding overhead) as well as unamortized acquisition costs. If a block of business is determined to be in loss recognition, a charge is recorded in earnings in an amount equal to the excess of the present value of expected future claims costs and unamortized acquisition costs over existing reserves plus the present value of expected future premiums (with no provision for adverse deviation). The charge is recorded first to reduce unamortized acquisition costs and then as an additional reserve (if unamortized acquisition costs have been reduced to zero).

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the fourth quarter of 2016, AFG adopted ASU 2016-09, which, among other things, requires excess tax benefits or deficiencies for share-based payments to be recorded through income tax expense in the statement of earnings instead of directly to capital surplus (as required under the previous guidance). In addition, under the new guidance, AFG elected to account for forfeitures of awards when they occur rather than accruing expense based on an estimate of expected forfeitures (as required under the previous guidance). The resulting cumulative effect of accounting change of less than $1 million was recorded directly to retained earnings on January 1, 2016.

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

Earnings Per Share   Although basic earnings per share only considers shares of common stock outstanding during the period, the calculation of diluted earnings per share includes the following adjustments to weighted average common shares related to stock-based compensation plans: third quarter of 2017 and 2016 — 1.9 million and 1.6 million; first nine months of 2017 and 2016 — 2.0 million and 1.6 million, respectively.

AFG’s weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the third quarter and first nine months of 2016 excludes 0.2 million and 0.6 million anti-dilutive potential common shares related to stock compensation plans, respectively. There were no anti-dilutive potential common shares in the third quarter or first nine months of 2017.

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, surrenders, benefits and withdrawals are also reflected as financing activities. All other activities are considered “operating.” Short-term investments having original maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents for purposes of the financial statements.

Effective October 1, 2016, AFG early adopted (on a retrospective basis) ASU 2016-15, which addresses the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented in the statement of cash flows. Among other things, this guidance requires proceeds received from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies to be classified as cash inflows from investing activities and allows premiums paid for policies to be reported as cash outflows either from investing activities or operating activities. AFG has elected to show all corporate-owned life insurance activity in investing activities. Prior to adoption of this guidance, AFG accounted for these transactions as operating activities. In addition, ASU 2016-15 clarifies when distributions received from investees accounted under the equity method should be accounted for as a cash inflow from operating activities or as a cash inflow from investing activities. AFG had previously accounted for all distributions from investments accounted for under the equity method as investing activities. The new guidance solely related to the presentation of certain transactions in the statement of cash flows. Accordingly, adoption of this guidance did not impact AFG’s results of operations or financial position.

Revenue Recognition Guidance Effective in 2018 In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, which requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is recognized when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation under the contract. The new guidance also updates the accounting for certain costs associated with obtaining and fulfilling contracts with customers and requires disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Revenue recognition for insurance contracts and financial instruments, which are AFG’s primary sources of revenue, is excluded from the scope of the new guidance. AFG will adopt the new guidance effective January 1, 2018. Because the new guidance does not apply to the vast majority of AFG’s business, management does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on AFG’s results of operations or financial position. Based on implementation efforts to date, management believes that the new standard would only have applied to 2% of AFG’s 2016 consolidated revenues.

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Acquisition of Business

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisition of Business

Acquisition of Business

Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest in National Interstate Corporation   In November 2016, AFG acquired the 49% of National Interstate Corporation (“NATL”) not previously owned by AFG’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Great American Insurance Company, for $315 million ($32.00 per share) in a merger transaction. In addition, NATL paid a one-time special cash dividend of $0.50 per share to its shareholders immediately prior to the merger closing. Because NATL was already a consolidated subsidiary of AFG prior to the merger, the acquisition was accounted for as an equity transaction.

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Segments of Operations

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segments of Operations

Segments of Operations

AFG manages its business as four segments: (i) Property and casualty insurance, (ii) Annuity, (iii) Run-off long-term care and life and (iv) Other, which includes holding company costs.

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, professional liability, umbrella and excess liability, specialty coverage in targeted markets, customized programs for small to mid-sized businesses and workers’ compensation insurance, and (iii) Specialty financial, which includes risk management insurance programs for leasing and financing institutions (including collateral and lender-placed mortgage property insurance), surety and fidelity products and trade credit insurance. Premiums and underwriting profit included under Other specialty represent business assumed by AFG’s internal reinsurance program from the operations that make up AFG’s other Specialty sub-segments and amortization of deferred gains on retroactive reinsurance transactions related to the sales of businesses in prior years. AFG’s annuity business markets traditional fixed and fixed-indexed annuities in the retail, financial institutions and education markets. 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 earnings before income taxes by segment and sub-segment.

	Three months ended September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016		2017			2016
Revenues
Property and casualty insurance:
Premiums earned:
Specialty
Property and transportation	$	527		$	493	$	1,226		$	1,197
Specialty casualty	568			497		1,613			1,496
Specialty financial	142			145		435			416
Other specialty	30			24		80			75
Total premiums earned	1,267			1,159		3,354			3,184
Net investment income	94			93		276			265
Other income (a)	1			3		21			46
Total property and casualty insurance	1,362			1,255		3,651			3,495
Annuity:
Net investment income	375			351		1,082			1,010
Other income	26			26		79			76
Total annuity	401			377		1,161			1,086
Run-off long-term care and life	12			13		35			37
Other	72			58		211			173
Total revenues before realized gains (losses)	1,847			1,703		5,058			4,791
Realized gains (losses) on securities	(12		)	2		(1		)	(32		)
Realized gains on subsidiaries	—			—		—			2
Total revenues	$	1,835		$	1,705	$	5,057		$	4,761

Earnings Before Income Taxes
Property and casualty insurance:
Underwriting:
Specialty
Property and transportation	$	6		$	44		$	70		$	91
Specialty casualty	2			13			46			65
Specialty financial	(3		)	19			42			64
Other specialty	4			2			3			7
Other lines (b)	(90		)	(36		)	(92		)	(101		)
Total underwriting	(81		)	42			69			126
Investment and other income, net (a)	87			79			271			269
Total property and casualty insurance	6			121			340			395
Annuity	102			107			283			236
Run-off long-term care and life	2			1			4			—
Other (c)	(69		)	(53		)	(169		)	(131		)
Total earnings before realized gains (losses) and income taxes	41			176			458			500
Realized gains (losses) on securities	(12		)	2			(1		)	(32		)
Realized gains on subsidiaries	—			—			—			2
Total earnings before income taxes	$	29		$	178		$	457		$	470

(a) Includes pretax income of $13 million (before noncontrolling interest) from the sale of a hotel in the first quarter of 2017 and pretax income of $32 million (before noncontrolling interest) from the sale of an apartment property in the second quarter of 2016.

(b) Includes special charges of $89 million and $36 million in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, to increase asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) reserves and a $65 million special charge related to the exit of certain lines of business with AFG’s Lloyd’s-based insurer, Neon, in the second quarter of 2016.

(c) Includes holding company interest and expenses, including losses on retirement of debt of $4 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $7 million in the second quarter of 2017, and special charges of $24 million and $5 million in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, to increase A&E reserves related to AFG’s former railroad and manufacturing operations.

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Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards for measuring fair value are based on inputs used in estimating fair value. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (markets in which transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis). AFG’s Level 1 financial instruments consist primarily of publicly traded equity securities, highly liquid government bonds for which quoted market prices in active markets are available and short-term investments of managed investment entities.

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

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

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

AFG’s management is responsible for the valuation process and uses data from outside sources (including nationally recognized pricing services and broker/dealers) in establishing fair value. AFG’s internal investment professionals are a group of approximately 25 analysts whose primary responsibility is to manage AFG’s investment portfolio. These professionals monitor individual investments as well as overall industries and are active in the financial markets on a daily basis. The group is led by AFG’s chief investment officer, who reports directly to one of AFG’s Co-CEOs. Valuation techniques utilized by pricing services and prices obtained from external sources are reviewed by AFG’s internal investment professionals who are familiar with the securities being priced and the markets in which they trade to ensure the fair value determination is representative of an exit price. To validate the appropriateness of the prices obtained, these investment managers consider widely published indices (as benchmarks), recent trades, changes in interest rates, general economic conditions and the credit quality of the specific issuers. In addition, the Company communicates directly with the pricing services regarding the methods and assumptions used in pricing, including verifying, on a test basis, the inputs used by the service to value specific securities.

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, 2017
Assets:
Available for sale (“AFS”) fixed maturities:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	120	$	129		$	8	$	257
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		6,845			152		6,997
Foreign government	—		144			—		144
Residential MBS	—		3,252			144		3,396
Commercial MBS	—		974			36		1,010
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)	—		6,860			536		7,396
Corporate and other	30		17,538			1,050		18,618
Total AFS fixed maturities	150		35,742			1,926		37,818
Trading fixed maturities	48		302			—		350
Equity securities — AFS and trading	1,397		79			163		1,639
Assets of managed investment entities (“MIE”)	368		4,378			21		4,767
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts) (*)	—		628			—		628
Equity index call options	—		629			—		629
Other assets — derivatives	—		1			—		1
Total assets accounted for at fair value	$	1,963	$	41,759		$	2,110	$	45,832
Liabilities:
Liabilities of managed investment entities	$	348	$	4,138		$	20	$	4,506
Derivatives in annuity benefits accumulated	—		—			2,293		2,293
Derivatives in long-term debt	—		—			—		—
Other liabilities — derivatives	—		31			—		31
Total liabilities accounted for at fair value	$	348	$	4,169		$	2,313	$	6,830
December 31, 2016
Assets:
Available for sale fixed maturities:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	133	$	174		$	8	$	315
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		6,641			140		6,781
Foreign government	—		136			—		136
Residential MBS	—		3,445			190		3,635
Commercial MBS	—		1,468			25		1,493
Asset-backed securities	—		5,475			484		5,959
Corporate and other	29		15,484			712		16,225
Total AFS fixed maturities	162		32,823			1,559		34,544
Trading fixed maturities	30		329			—		359
Equity securities — AFS and trading	1,305		79			174		1,558
Assets of managed investment entities	380		4,356			29		4,765
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts) (*)	—		600			—		600
Equity index call options	—		492			—		492
Other assets — derivatives	—		1			—		1
Total assets accounted for at fair value	$	1,877	$	38,680		$	1,762	$	42,319
Liabilities:
Liabilities of managed investment entities	$	363	$	4,158		$	28	$	4,549
Derivatives in annuity benefits accumulated	—		—			1,759		1,759
Derivatives in long-term debt	—		(1		)	—		(1		)
Other liabilities — derivatives	—		30			—		30
Total liabilities accounted for at fair value	$	363	$	4,187		$	1,787	$	6,337

(*) Variable annuity liabilities equal the fair value of variable annuity assets.

Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for all periods presented were a result of increases or decreases in observable trade activity.

During the third quarter of 2017, there was one perpetual preferred stock with an aggregate fair value of $1 million that transferred between Level 2 and Level 1. During the first nine months of 2017, there were three preferred stocks with an aggregate fair value of $17 million that transferred from Level 2 to Level 1. During the third quarter of 2016, there was one common stock with a fair value of less than $1 million that transferred from Level 1 to Level 2. During the first nine months of 2016, there were six perpetual preferred stocks with a fair value of $35 million that transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 and five perpetual preferred stocks and one common stock with aggregate fair values of $12 million and less than $1 million, respectively, that transferred from Level 1 to Level 2.

Approximately 5% of the total assets carried at fair value at September 30, 2017, were Level 3 assets. Approximately 76% ($1.61 billion) of the Level 3 assets were priced using non-binding broker quotes, for which there is a lack of transparency as to the inputs used to determine fair value. Details as to the quantitative inputs are neither provided by the brokers nor otherwise reasonably obtainable by AFG. Since internally developed Level 3 asset fair values represent less than 10% of AFG’s Shareholders’ Equity, any justifiable changes in unobservable inputs used to determine internally developed fair values would not have a material impact on AFG’s financial position.

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 $2.29 billion at September 30, 2017. 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	0.2% – 2.4% over the risk free rate
Risk margin for uncertainty in cash flows	0.68% reduction in the discount rate
Surrenders	3% – 23% of indexed account value
Partial surrenders	2% – 10% of indexed account value
Annuitizations	0.1% – 1% of indexed account value
Deaths	1.5% – 8.0% of indexed account value
Budgeted option costs	2.4% – 3.7% of indexed account value

The range of adjustments for insurance subsidiary’s credit risk reflects credit spread variations across the yield curve. The range of projected surrender rates reflects the specific surrender charges and other features of AFG’s individual fixed-indexed annuity products with an expected range of 6% to 10% in the majority of future calendar years (3% to 23% over all periods). 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.

Changes in balances of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value during the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 and 2016 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, 2017			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, 2017
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	8		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	143			—			—			—			(1		)	10		—			152
Residential MBS	153			2			1			—			(6		)	15		(21		)	144
Commercial MBS	45			1			—			—			(10		)	—		—			36
Asset-backed securities	498			(2		)	1			13			(26		)	163		(111		)	536
Corporate and other	953			(9		)	—			172			(59		)	—		(7		)	1,050
Total AFG fixed maturities	1,800			(8		)	2			185			(102		)	188		(139		)	1,926
Equity securities	168			(3		)	(4		)	2			—			—		—			163
Assets of MIE	23			(4		)	—			2			—			—		—			21
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,991		$	(15	)	$	(2	)	$	189		$	(102	)	$	188	$	(139	)	$	2,110
Embedded derivatives	$	(2,129	)	$	(127	)	$	—		$	(65	)	$	28		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(2,129	)	$	(127	)	$	—		$	(65	)	$	28		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)

				Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in
	Balance at June 30, 2016			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, 2016
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	8		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	91			—			1			—			(1		)	—		—			91
Residential MBS	231			(2		)	—			—			(8		)	—		(2		)	219
Commercial MBS	36			—			—			—			(2		)	—		—			34
Asset-backed securities	478			(1		)	4			—			(5		)	—		(9		)	467
Corporate and other	689			—			(3		)	37			(14		)	—		—			709
Total AFS fixed maturities	1,533			(3		)	2			37			(30		)	—		(11		)	1,528
Equity securities	166			5			5			10			(21		)	—		—			165
Assets of MIE	26			(2		)	—			—			—			—		—			24
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,725		$	—		$	7		$	47		$	(51	)	$	—	$	(11	)	$	1,717
Embedded derivatives	$	(1,557	)	$	(109	)	$	—		$	(53	)	$	31		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(1,557	)	$	(109	)	$	—		$	(53	)	$	31		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)

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

				Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in
	Balance at December 31, 2016			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, 2017
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	8		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	140			—			4		—			(2		)	10		—			152
Residential MBS	190			—			3		1			(37		)	35		(48		)	144
Commercial MBS	25			2			—		15			(10		)	4		—			36
Asset-backed securities	484			(2		)	3		117			(62		)	199		(203		)	536
Corporate and other	712			(4		)	8		460			(124		)	29		(31		)	1,050
Total AFS fixed maturities	1,559			(4		)	18		593			(235		)	277		(282		)	1,926
Equity securities	174			(19		)	9		22			(3		)	—		(20		)	163
Assets of MIE	29			(10		)	—		6			—			—		(4		)	21
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,762		$	(33	)	$	27	$	621		$	(238	)	$	277	$	(306	)	$	2,110
Embedded derivatives	$	(1,759	)	$	(386	)	$	—	$	(224	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(1,759	)	$	(386	)	$	—	$	(224	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)

				Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in
	Balance at December 31, 2015			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, 2016
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	15		$	(8	)	$	1	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	89			—			4		—			(2		)	—		—			91
Residential MBS	224			—			1		—			(21		)	33		(18		)	219
Commercial MBS	39			(1		)	—		—			(4		)	—		—			34
Asset-backed securities	470			(1		)	1		15			(24		)	41		(35		)	467
Corporate and other	633			—			24		131			(89		)	15		(5		)	709
Total AFS fixed maturities	1,470			(10		)	31		146			(140		)	89		(58		)	1,528
Equity securities	140			(12		)	21		22			(21		)	15		—			165
Assets of MIE	26			(6		)	—		4			—			—		—			24
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,636		$	(28	)	$	52	$	172		$	(161	)	$	104	$	(58	)	$	1,717
Embedded derivatives	$	(1,369	)	$	(188	)	$	—	$	(207	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(1,369	)	$	(188	)	$	—	$	(207	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)

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

Fair Value of Financial Instruments   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		Fair Value
	Value		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
September 30, 2017
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,349	$	2,349	$	2,349	$	—	$	—
Mortgage loans	1,043		1,040		—		—		1,040
Policy loans	186		186		—		—		186
Total financial assets not accounted for at fair value	$	3,578	$	3,575	$	2,349	$	—	$	1,226
Financial liabilities:
Annuity benefits accumulated (*)	$	32,464	$	31,857	$	—	$	—	$	31,857
Long-term debt	1,284		1,380		—		1,377		3
Total financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value	$	33,748	$	33,237	$	—	$	1,377	$	31,860
December 31, 2016
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,107	$	2,107	$	2,107	$	—	$	—
Mortgage loans	1,147		1,146		—		—		1,146
Policy loans	192		192		—		—		192
Total financial assets not accounted for at fair value	$	3,446	$	3,445	$	2,107	$	—	$	1,338
Financial liabilities:
Annuity benefits accumulated (*)	$	29,703	$	28,932	$	—	$	—	$	28,932
Long-term debt	1,284		1,356		—		1,353		3
Total financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value	$	30,987	$	30,288	$	—	$	1,353	$	28,935

(*) Excludes $207 million and $204 million of life contingent annuities in the payout phase at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

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

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Investments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments

Investments

Available for sale fixed maturities and equity securities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, consisted of the following (in millions):

	September 30, 2017											December 31, 2016
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized					Net Unrealized		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized					Net Unrealized			Fair Value
			Gains		Losses									Gains		Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	257	$	2	$	(2	)	$	—	$	257	$	315	$	3	$	(3	)	$	—		$	315
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	6,761		259		(23		)	236		6,997		6,650		200		(69		)	131			6,781
Foreign government	141		3		—			3		144		131		5		—			5			136
Residential MBS	3,062		341		(7		)	334		3,396		3,367		281		(13		)	268			3,635
Commercial MBS	967		44		(1		)	43		1,010		1,446		49		(2		)	47			1,493
Asset-backed securities	7,268		143		(15		)	128		7,396		5,962		43		(46		)	(3		)	5,959
Corporate and other	17,956		699		(37		)	662		18,618		15,864		473		(112		)	361			16,225
Total fixed maturities	$	36,412	$	1,491	$	(85	)	$	1,406	$	37,818	$	33,735	$	1,054	$	(245	)	$	809		$	34,544
Equity Securities:
Common stocks	$	830	$	251	$	(27	)	$	224	$	1,054	$	879	$	160	$	(23	)	$	137		$	1,016
Perpetual preferred stocks	482		44		(1		)	43		525		472		21		(7		)	14			486
Total equity securities	$	1,312	$	295	$	(28	)	$	267	$	1,579	$	1,351	$	181	$	(30	)	$	151		$	1,502

The non-credit related portion of other-than-temporary impairment charges is included in other comprehensive income. Cumulative non-credit charges taken for securities still owned at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $165 million and $189 million, respectively. Gross unrealized gains on such securities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $141 million and $130 million, respectively. Gross unrealized losses on such securities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $4 million and $3 million, respectively. These amounts represent the non-credit other-than-temporary impairment charges recorded in AOCI adjusted for subsequent changes in fair values and nearly all relate to residential MBS.

The following tables show gross unrealized losses (dollars 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

	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, 2017
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	—		$	97	100	%	$	(2	)	$	57	97	%
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	(18		)	1,099		98	%	(5		)	160		97	%
Residential MBS	(2		)	163		99	%	(5		)	189		97	%
Commercial MBS	(1		)	69		99	%	—			—		—	%
Asset-backed securities	(7		)	828		99	%	(8		)	245		97	%
Corporate and other	(24		)	1,744		99	%	(13		)	310		96	%
Total fixed maturities	$	(52	)	$	4,000	99	%	$	(33	)	$	961	97	%
Equity securities:
Common stocks	$	(27	)	$	141	84	%	$	—		$	—	—	%
Perpetual preferred stocks	—			23		100	%	(1		)	13		93	%
Total equity securities	$	(27	)	$	164	86	%	$	(1	)	$	13	93	%
December 31, 2016
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	(1	)	$	153	99	%	$	(2	)	$	8	80	%
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	(64		)	2,289		97	%	(5		)	44		90	%
Residential MBS	(7		)	502		99	%	(6		)	162		96	%
Commercial MBS	(2		)	121		98	%	—			—		—	%
Asset-backed securities	(29		)	1,737		98	%	(17		)	634		97	%
Corporate and other	(93		)	3,849		98	%	(19		)	312		94	%
Total fixed maturities	$	(196	)	$	8,651	98	%	$	(49	)	$	1,160	96	%
Equity securities:
Common stocks	$	(23	)	$	215	90	%	$	—		$	—	—	%
Perpetual preferred stocks	(6		)	135		96	%	(1		)	6		86	%
Total equity securities	$	(29	)	$	350	92	%	$	(1	)	$	6	86	%

At September 30, 2017, the gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities of $85 million relate to 735 securities. Investment grade securities (as determined by nationally recognized rating agencies) represented approximately 73% of the gross unrealized loss and 88% 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. In the first nine months of 2017, AFG recorded $1 million in other-than-temporary impairment charges related to its residential MBS.

In the first nine months of 2017, AFG recorded $15 million in other-than-temporary impairment charges related to corporate bonds and other fixed maturities.

AFG recorded $42 million in other-than-temporary impairment charges on common stocks in the first nine months of 2017. At September 30, 2017, the gross unrealized losses on common stocks of $27 million relate to 19 securities, none of which has been in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months.

AFG recorded $7 million in other-than-temporary impairment charges on preferred stocks in the first nine months of 2017. At September 30, 2017, the gross unrealized losses on preferred stocks of $1 million relate to 5 securities, 3 of which have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more and are rated investment grade.

Management believes AFG will recover its cost basis in the securities with unrealized losses and that AFG has the ability to hold the securities until they recover in value and had no intent to sell them at September 30, 2017.

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):

	2017			2016
Balance at June 30	$	145		$	157
Additional credit impairments on:
Previously impaired securities	—			—
Securities without prior impairments	3			—
Reductions due to sales or redemptions	(1		)	(2		)
Balance at September 30	$	147		$	155
Balance at January 1	$	153		$	160
Additional credit impairments on:
Previously impaired securities	1			2
Securities without prior impairments	3			—
Reductions due to sales or redemptions	(10		)	(7		)
Balance at September 30	$	147		$	155

The table below sets forth the scheduled maturities of available for sale fixed maturities as of September 30, 2017 (dollars in millions). Securities with sinking funds are reported at average maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain securities may be called or prepaid by the issuers.

	Amortized		Fair Value
	Cost		Amount		%
Maturity
One year or less	$	927	$	939	2	%
After one year through five years	6,521		6,787		18	%
After five years through ten years	13,074		13,527		36	%
After ten years	4,593		4,763		13	%
	25,115		26,016		69	%
ABS (average life of approximately 5 years)	7,268		7,396		19	%
MBS (average life of approximately 4-1/2 years)	4,029		4,406		12	%
Total	$	36,412	$	37,818	100	%

Certain risks are inherent in fixed maturity securities, including loss upon default, price volatility in reaction to changes in interest rates, and general market factors and risks associated with reinvestment of proceeds due to prepayments or redemptions in a period of declining interest rates.

There were no investments in individual issuers that exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

Net Unrealized Gain on Marketable Securities   In addition to adjusting fixed maturity securities and equity securities classified as “available for sale” to fair value, GAAP requires that deferred policy acquisition costs and certain other balance sheet amounts related to annuity, long-term care and life businesses be adjusted to the extent that unrealized gains and losses from securities would result in adjustments to those balances had the unrealized gains or losses actually been realized. The following table shows (in millions) the components of the net unrealized gain on securities that is included in AOCI in AFG’s Balance Sheet.

	Pretax			Deferred Tax			Net
September 30, 2017
Net unrealized gain on:
Fixed maturities — annuity segment (*)	$	1,131		$	(396	)	$	735
Fixed maturities — all other	275			(96		)	179
Total fixed maturities	1,406			(492		)	914
Equity securities	267			(94		)	173
Total investments	1,673			(586		)	1,087
Deferred policy acquisition costs — annuity segment	(465		)	163			(302		)
Annuity benefits accumulated	(141		)	49			(92		)
Unearned revenue	20			(7		)	13
Total net unrealized gain on marketable securities	$	1,087		$	(381	)	$	706
December 31, 2016
Net unrealized gain on:
Fixed maturities — annuity segment (*)	$	640		$	(224	)	$	416
Fixed maturities — all other	169			(59		)	110
Total fixed maturities	809			(283		)	526
Equity securities	151			(53		)	98
Total investments	960			(336		)	624
Deferred policy acquisition costs — annuity segment	(273		)	96			(177		)
Annuity benefits accumulated	(78		)	27			(51		)
Unearned revenue	13			(5		)	8
Total net unrealized gain on marketable securities	$	622		$	(218	)	$	404

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

Net Investment Income   The following table shows (in millions) investment income earned and investment expenses incurred.

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Investment income:
Fixed maturities	$	405		$	378		$	1,191		$	1,126
Equity securities	17			20			57			59
Equity in earnings of partnerships and similar investments	20			16			51			31
Other	33			23			80			64
Gross investment income	475			437			1,379			1,280
Investment expenses	(4		)	(4		)	(13		)	(13		)
Net investment income	$	471		$	433		$	1,366		$	1,267

Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments are summarized as follows (in millions):

	Three months ended September 30, 2017												Three months ended September 30, 2016
	Realized gains (losses)												Realized gains (losses)
	Before Impairments			Impairments			Total			Change in Unrealized			Before Impairments			Impairments			Total			Change in Unrealized
Fixed maturities	$	9		$	(15	)	$	(6	)	$	133		$	5		$	(2	)	$	3		$	52
Equity securities	19			(29		)	(10		)	24			14			(16		)	(2		)	89
Mortgage loans and other investments	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Other (*)	(2		)	6			4			(53		)	(1		)	2			1			(5		)
Total pretax	26			(38		)	(12		)	104			18			(16		)	2			136
Tax effects	(9		)	13			4			(37		)	(7		)	5			(2		)	(48		)
Noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			—			1			1			(1		)
Net of tax and noncontrolling interests	$	17		$	(25	)	$	(8	)	$	67		$	11		$	(10	)	$	1		$	87
	Nine months ended September 30, 2017												Nine months ended September 30, 2016
	Realized gains (losses)												Realized gains (losses)
	Before Impairments			Impairments			Total			Change in Unrealized			Before Impairments			Impairments			Total			Change in Unrealized
Fixed maturities	$	25		$	(16	)	$	9		$	597		$	36		$	(37	)	$	(1	)	$	1,089
Equity securities	29			(49		)	(20		)	116			46			(83		)	(37		)	77
Mortgage loans and other investments	3			—			3			—			—			—			—			—
Other (*)	(5		)	12			7			(248		)	(7		)	13			6			(478		)
Total pretax	52			(53		)	(1		)	465			75			(107		)	(32		)	688
Tax effects	(18		)	18			—			(163		)	(27		)	38			11			(241		)
Noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			(1		)	3			2			(7		)
Net of tax and noncontrolling interests	$	34		$	(35	)	$	(1	)	$	302		$	47		$	(66	)	$	(19	)	$	440

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

Gross realized gains and losses (excluding impairment write-downs and mark-to-market of derivatives) on available for sale fixed maturity and equity security investment transactions consisted of the following (in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Fixed maturities:
Gross gains	$	32		$	44
Gross losses	(4		)	(8		)
Equity securities:
Gross gains	36			49
Gross losses	(6		)	(3		)

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Derivatives

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivatives

Derivatives

As discussed under “Derivatives” in Note A — “Accounting Policies,” AFG uses derivatives in certain areas of its operations.

Derivatives That Do Not Qualify for Hedge Accounting   The following derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting under GAAP are included in AFG’s Balance Sheet at fair value (in millions):

		September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
Derivative	Balance Sheet Line	Asset		Liability		Asset		Liability
MBS with embedded derivatives	Fixed maturities	$	111	$	—	$	107	$	—
Public company warrants	Equity securities	3		—		4		—
Fixed-indexed annuities (embedded derivative)	Annuity benefits accumulated	—		2,293		—		1,759
Equity index call options	Equity index call options	629		—		492		—
Reinsurance contracts (embedded derivative)	Other liabilities	—		10		—		8
		$	743	$	2,303	$	603	$	1,767

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.

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

AFG’s fixed-indexed annuities 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 receives collateral from its counterparties to support its purchased call option assets. This collateral ($374 million at September 30, 2017 and $380 million at December 31, 2016) is included in other assets in AFG’s Balance Sheet with an offsetting liability to return the collateral, which is included in other liabilities. AFG’s strategy is designed so that the change in the fair value of the call option assets will generally offset the economic change in the liabilities from the index participation. Both the index-based component of the annuities and the related call options are considered derivatives. Fluctuations in interest rates and the stock market, among other factors, can cause volatility in the periodic measurement of fair value of the embedded derivative that management believes can be inconsistent with the long-term economics of these products.

As discussed under “Reinsurance” in Note A, certain reinsurance contracts are considered to contain embedded derivatives.

The following table summarizes the gain (loss) included in AFG’s Statement of Earnings for changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 and 2016 (in millions):

		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
Derivative	Statement of Earnings Line	2017			2016			2017			2016
MBS with embedded derivatives	Realized gains on securities	$	—		$	(4	)	$	(3	)	$	—
Public company warrants	Realized gains on securities	(1		)	1			(1		)	—
Fixed-indexed annuities (embedded derivative)	Annuity benefits	(127		)	(109		)	(386		)	(188		)
Equity index call options	Annuity benefits	116			105			338			81
Reinsurance contracts (embedded derivative)	Net investment income	—			—			(2		)	(6		)
		$	(12	)	$	(7	)	$	(54	)	$	(113	)

Derivatives Designated and Qualifying as Cash Flow Hedges  As of September 30, 2017, AFG has entered into eight interest rate swaps that are designated and qualify as highly effective cash flow hedges to mitigate interest rate risk related to certain floating-rate securities included in AFG’s portfolio of fixed maturity securities. The purpose of each of these swaps is to effectively convert a portion of AFG’s floating-rate fixed maturity securities to fixed rates by offsetting the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in short-term LIBOR.

Under the terms of the swaps, AFG receives fixed-rate interest payments in exchange for variable interest payments based on short-term LIBOR. The notional amounts of the interest rate swaps generally decline over each swap’s respective life (the swaps expire between August 2019 and June 2030) in anticipation of the expected decline in AFG’s portfolio of fixed maturity securities with floating interest rates based on short-term LIBOR. The total outstanding notional amount of AFG’s interest rate swaps was $1.35 billion at September 30, 2017 compared to $1.08 billion at December 31, 2016, reflecting a new swap with an aggregate notional amount at issuance of $400 million entered into in the third quarter of 2017, partially offset by the scheduled amortization discussed above. The fair value of the effective portion of the interest rate swaps in an asset position and included in other assets was $1 million at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The fair value of the effective portion of the interest rate swaps in a liability position and included in other liabilities was $21 million at September 30, 2017 and $22 million at December 31, 2016. The net unrealized gain or loss on cash flow hedges is included in AOCI, net of DPAC and deferred taxes. Amounts reclassified from AOCI (before DPAC and taxes) to net investment income were $1 million and $2 million in the third quarters and $4 million and $5 million in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively. There was no ineffectiveness recorded in net earnings during these periods. A collateral receivable supporting these swaps of $60 million at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is included in other assets in AFG’s Balance Sheet.

Derivative Designated and Qualifying as a Fair Value Hedge   In June 2015, AFG entered into an interest rate swap to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with its fixed-rate 9-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2019 by effectively converting the interest rate on those notes to a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 8.099% (9.4190% at September 30, 2017). Since the terms of the interest rate swap match the terms of the hedged debt, changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap are offset by changes in the fair value of the hedged debt attributable to changes in interest rates. The fair value of the interest rate swap (a liability of less than $1 million at September 30, 2017 and an asset of $1 million at December 31, 2016) and the offsetting adjustment to the carrying value of the 9-7/8% Senior Notes are both included in long-term debt on AFG’s Balance Sheet. Accordingly, the net impact on AFG’s current period earnings is that the interest expense associated with the hedged debt is effectively recorded at the floating rate. The net reduction in interest expense from the swap was less than $1 million and $1 million in the third quarters and $1 million and $3 million in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

A progression of deferred policy acquisition costs is presented below (in millions):

	P&C			Annuity and Run-off Long-term Care and Life
	Deferred			Deferred			Sales															Consolidated
	Costs			Costs			Inducements			PVFP			Subtotal			Unrealized (*)			Total			Total
Balance at June 30, 2017	$	258		$	1,167		$	103		$	42		$	1,312		$	(414	)	$	898		$	1,156
Additions	149			44			1			—			45			—			45			194
Amortization:
Periodic amortization	(142		)	(44		)	(4		)	(2		)	(50		)	—			(50		)	(192		)
Included in realized gains	—			4			—			—			4			—			4			4
Foreign currency translation	1			—			—			—			—			—			—			1
Change in unrealized	—			—			—			—			—			(44		)	(44		)	(44		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	266		$	1,171		$	100		$	40		$	1,311		$	(458	)	$	853		$	1,119
Balance at June 30, 2016	$	234		$	1,089		$	116		$	51		$	1,256		$	(609	)	$	647		$	881
Additions	132			48			1			—			49			—			49			181
Amortization:
Periodic amortization	(134		)	(42		)	(6		)	(3		)	(51		)	—			(51		)	(185		)
Included in realized gains	—			1			—			—			1			—			1			1
Foreign currency translation	(1		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			(1		)
Change in unrealized	—			—			—			—			—			(10		)	(10		)	(10		)
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	231		$	1,096		$	111		$	48		$	1,255		$	(619	)	$	636		$	867
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	238		$	1,110		$	110		$	46		$	1,266		$	(265	)	$	1,001		$	1,239
Additions	439			177			3			—			180			—			180			619
Amortization:
Periodic amortization	(413		)	(122		)	(14		)	(6		)	(142		)	—			(142		)	(555		)
Included in realized gains	—			6			1			—			7			—			7			7
Foreign currency translation	2			—			—			—			—			—			—			2
Change in unrealized	—			—			—			—			—			(193		)	(193		)	(193		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	266		$	1,171		$	100		$	40		$	1,311		$	(458	)	$	853		$	1,119
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	226		$	1,018		$	119		$	55		$	1,192		$	(234	)	$	958		$	1,184
Additions	403			172			8			—			180			—			180			583
Amortization:
Periodic amortization	(396		)	(99		)	(17		)	(7		)	(123		)	—			(123		)	(519		)
Included in realized gains	—			5			1			—			6			—			6			6
Foreign currency translation	(2		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			(2		)
Change in unrealized	—			—			—			—			—			(385		)	(385		)	(385		)
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	231		$	1,096		$	111		$	48		$	1,255		$	(619	)	$	636		$	867

(*) Unrealized adjustments to DPAC includes net unrealized gains/losses on securities and net unrealized gains/losses on cash flow hedges.

The present value of future profits (“PVFP”) amounts in the table above are net of $140 million and $134 million of accumulated amortization at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

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Managed Investment Entities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Does Not Hold Majority Voting Interest, Disclosures [Abstract]

Managed Investment Entities

Managed Investment Entities

AFG is the investment manager and its subsidiaries have investments ranging from 15.0% to 60.9% of the most subordinate debt tranche of fifteen 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 2017, these entities issued securities in various senior and subordinate classes and invested the proceeds primarily in secured bank loans, which serve as collateral for the debt securities issued by each particular CLO. None of the collateral was purchased from AFG. AFG’s investments in the subordinate debt tranches of these entities receive residual income from the CLOs only after the CLOs pay expenses (including management fees to AFG) and interest on and returns of capital to senior levels of debt securities. There are no contractual requirements for AFG to provide additional funding for these entities. AFG has not provided and does not intend to provide any financial support to these entities.

AFG’s maximum exposure to economic loss on its CLOs is limited to its investment in the CLOs, which had an aggregate fair value of $261 million (including $197 million invested in the most subordinate tranches) at September 30, 2017, and $216 million at December 31, 2016.

In March 2017, AFG formed a new CLO, which issued $408 million face amount of liabilities (including $24 million face amount purchased by subsidiaries of AFG). During the first nine months of 2017, AFG subsidiaries also purchased $58 million face amount of senior debt and subordinate tranches of existing CLOs for $58 million. In May 2016, AFG formed a new CLO, which issued $406 million face amount of liabilities (including $36 million face amount purchased by subsidiaries of AFG). During the first nine months of 2016, AFG subsidiaries also purchased $19 million face amount of senior debt and subordinate tranches of existing CLOs for $15 million. During the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, AFG subsidiaries received $86 million and $69 million, respectively, in sale and redemption proceeds from its CLO investments. During the first nine months of 2017, two AFG CLOs were substantially liquidated, as permitted by the CLO indenture.

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 September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Investment in CLO tranches at end of period	$	261		$	245		$	261		$	245
Gains (losses) on change in fair value of assets/liabilities (a):
Assets	(8		)	60			(12		)	107
Liabilities	9			(49		)	24			(98		)
Management fees paid to AFG	5			4			14			12
CLO earnings (losses) attributable to AFG shareholders (b)	5			17			16			29

(a) Included in revenues in AFG’s Statement of Earnings.

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

The aggregate unpaid principal balance of the CLOs’ fixed maturity investments exceeded the fair value of the investments by $66 million and $75 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The aggregate unpaid principal balance of the CLOs’ debt exceeded its carrying value by $135 million and $159 million at those dates. The CLO assets include loans with an aggregate fair value of $5 million at September 30, 2017 and $1 million at December 31, 2016, for which the CLOs are not accruing interest because the loans are in default (aggregate unpaid principal balance of $19 million and $10 million at those dates, respectively).

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Goodwill and Other Intangibles

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

There were no changes in the goodwill balance of $199 million during the first nine months of 2017. Included in other assets in AFG’s Balance Sheet is $29 million at September 30, 2017 and $34 million at December 31, 2016 in amortizable intangible assets related to property and casualty insurance acquisitions. These amounts are net of accumulated amortization of $28 million and $25 million, respectively. Amortization of intangibles was $2 million in both the third quarters of 2017 and 2016 and $6 million in both the first nine months of 2017 and 2016.

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Long-Term Debt

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in millions):

	September 30, 2017							December 31, 2016
	Principal		Discount and Issue Costs			Carrying Value		Principal		Discount and Issue Costs			Carrying Value
Direct Senior Obligations of AFG:
9-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2019	$	350	$	(1	)	$	349	$	350	$	(1	)	$	349
4.50% Senior Notes due June 2047	350		(5		)	345		—		—			—
3.50% Senior Notes due August 2026	300		(3		)	297		300		(3		)	297
6-3/8% Senior Notes due June 2042	—		—			—		230		(7		)	223
5-3/4% Senior Notes due August 2042	—		—			—		125		(4		)	121
Other	3		—			3		3		—			3
	1,003		(9		)	994		1,008		(15		)	993
Direct Subordinated Obligations of AFG:
6-1/4% Subordinated Debentures due September 2054	150		(5		)	145		150		(5		)	145
6% Subordinated Debentures due November 2055	150		(5		)	145		150		(5		)	145
	300		(10		)	290		300		(10		)	290
	$	1,303	$	(19	)	$	1,284	$	1,308	$	(25	)	$	1,283

To achieve a desired balance between fixed and variable rate debt, AFG entered into an interest rate swap in June 2015, which effectively converts its 9-7/8% Senior Notes to a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 8.099% (9.4190% at September 30, 2017 and 9.0624% at December 31, 2016). The fair value of the interest rate swap (a liability of less than $1 million at September 30, 2017 and an asset of $1 million at December 31, 2016) and the offsetting adjustment to the carrying value of the notes are both included in the carrying value of the 9-7/8% Senior Notes in the table above.

Scheduled principal payments on debt for the balance of 2017, the subsequent five years and thereafter were as follows:

2017 — none; 2018 — none; 2019 — $350 million; 2020 — none; 2021 — none; 2022 — none and thereafter — $953 million.

In June 2017, AFG issued $350 million in 4.50% Senior Notes due in 2047 at a price of 99.46%. The net proceeds were used to redeem AFG’s $230 million outstanding principal amount of 6-3/8% Senior Notes due June 2042 at par value and to redeem AFG’s $125 million outstanding principal amount of 5-3/4% Senior Notes due August 2042 at par value in June 2017 and August 2017, respectively.

AFG can borrow up to $500 million under its revolving credit facility, which expires in June 2021. Amounts borrowed under this agreement bear interest at rates ranging from 1.00% to 1.875% (currently 1.375%) over LIBOR based on AFG’s credit rating. No amounts were borrowed under this facility at September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

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Shareholders' Equity

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Shareholders' Equity

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			Net of tax			Attributable to noncontrolling interests			Attributable to shareholders			AOCI Ending Balance
Quarter ended September 30, 2017
Net unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period				$	92		$	(33	)	$	59		$	—		$	59
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (a)				12			(4		)	8			—			8
Total net unrealized gains on securities (b)	$	639		104			(37		)	67			—			67			$	706
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	(6		)	(1		)	1			—			—			—			(6		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(11		)	5			2			7			—			7			(4		)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments	(7		)	—			—			—			—			—			(7		)
Total	$	615		$	108		$	(34	)	$	74		$	—		$	74		$	689
Quarter ended September 30, 2016
Net unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period				$	138		$	(49	)	$	89		$	(1	)	$	88
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (a)				(2		)	1			(1		)	—			(1		)
Total net unrealized gains on securities	$	685		136			(48		)	88			(1		)	87			$	772
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	5			(1		)	1			—			—			—			5
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(15		)	(2		)	(1		)	(3		)	—			(3		)	(18		)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments	(6		)	—			—			—			—			—			(6		)
Total	$	669		$	133		$	(48	)	$	85		$	(1	)	$	84		$	753
Nine months ended September 30, 2017
Net unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period				$	461		$	(162	)	$	299		$	—		$	299
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (a)				4			(1		)	3			—			3
Total net unrealized gains on securities (b)	$	404		465			(163		)	302			—			302			$	706
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(7		)	1			—			1			—			1			(6		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(15		)	8			3			11			—			11			(4		)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments	(7		)	—			—			—			—			—			(7		)
Total	$	375		$	474		$	(160	)	$	314		$	—		$	314		$	689
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
Net unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period				$	656		$	(229	)	$	427		$	(6	)	$	421
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (a)				32			(12		)	20			(1		)	19
Total net unrealized gains on securities	$	332		688			(241		)	447			(7		)	440			$	772
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	1			6			(2		)	4			—			4			5
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(22		)	2			2			4			—			4			(18		)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments	(7		)	1			—			1			—			1			(6		)
Total	$	304		$	697		$	(241	)	$	456		$	(7	)	$	449		$	753

(a) The reclassification adjustment out of net unrealized gains on securities affected the following lines in AFG’s Statement of Earnings:

OCI component	Affected line in the statement of earnings
Pretax	Realized gains (losses) on securities
Tax	Provision for income taxes
Attributable to noncontrolling interests	Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

(b) Includes net unrealized gains of $58 million at September 30, 2017 compared to $56 million at June 30, 2017 and $52 million at December 31, 2016 related to securities for which only the credit portion of an other-than-temporary impairment has been recorded in earnings.

Stock Incentive Plans   Under AFG’s stock incentive plans, employees of AFG and its subsidiaries are eligible to receive equity awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock awards. In the first nine months of 2017, AFG issued 232,250 shares of restricted Common Stock (fair value of $94.44 per share) under the Stock Incentive Plan. In addition, AFG issued 47,826 shares of Common Stock (fair value of $96.13 per share) in the first quarter of 2017 under the Equity Bonus Plan. AFG did not grant any stock options in the first nine months of 2017.

Total compensation expense related to stock incentive plans of AFG and its subsidiaries was $7 million and $7 million in the third quarters of 2017 and 2016 and $24 million and $21 million in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The following is a reconciliation of income taxes at the statutory rate of 35% to the provision for income taxes as shown in AFG’s Statement of Earnings (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,										Nine months ended September 30,
	2017					2016					2017					2016
	Amount			% of EBT		Amount			% of EBT		Amount			% of EBT		Amount			% of EBT
Earnings before income taxes (“EBT”)	$	29				$	178				$	457				$	470
Income taxes at statutory rate	$	10		35	%	$	63		35	%	$	160		35	%	$	165		35	%
Effect of:
Stock-based compensation	(1		)	(3	%)	—			—	%	(14		)	(3	%)	—			—	%
Tax exempt interest	(5		)	(17	%)	(5		)	(3	%)	(17		)	(4	%)	(18		)	(4	%)
Dividends received deduction	(2		)	(7	%)	(1		)	(1	%)	(6		)	(1	%)	(5		)	(1	%)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan dividends paid deduction	—			—	%	—			—	%	(2		)	—	%	(1		)	—	%
Change in valuation allowance	16			55	%	7			4	%	16			4	%	40			9	%
Subsidiaries not in AFG’s tax return	—			—	%	2			1	%	—			—	%	4			1	%
Other	—			(1	%)	(1		)	1	%	9			1	%	5			—	%
Provision for income taxes as shown in the statement of earnings	$	18		62	%	$	65		37	%	$	146		32	%	$	190		40	%

AFG’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 reflects the impact of catastrophe losses in the Neon Lloyd’s insurance business for which no tax benefit is recognized. AFG maintains a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax benefits associated with losses related to Neon. Excluding the $53 million in catastrophe losses at Neon, AFG’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was 22%, which reflects the impact of a typical level of tax-favored investment income on lower earnings before income taxes. Excluding the $65 million charge in the second quarter of 2016 related to the exit of certain lines of business within Neon, AFG’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, was 36%. The favorable impact of stock-based compensation on AFG’s effective tax rate in the first nine months of 2017 reflects the high volume of employee stock option exercises during that period and the increase in the market price of AFG Common Stock.

Approximately $13 million of AFG’s net operating loss carryforwards (“NOL”) subject to separate return limitation year (“SRLY”) tax rules will expire unutilized at December 31, 2017. Since AFG maintains a full valuation allowance against its SRLY NOLs, the expiration of these loss carryforwards will be offset by a corresponding reduction in the valuation allowance and will have no overall impact on AFG’s income tax expense or results of operations.

During the first nine months of 2017, there were no material changes to AFG’s liability for uncertain tax positions.

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Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies

Contingencies

There have been no significant changes to the matters discussed and referred to in Note M — “Contingencies” of AFG’s 2016 Form 10-K, which covers property and casualty insurance reserves for claims related to environmental exposures, asbestos and other mass tort claims and environmental and occupational injury and disease claims of former subsidiary railroad and manufacturing operations, as well as contingencies related to the sale of substantially all of AFG’s run-off long-term care insurance business.

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Insurance

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Insurance [Abstract]

Insurance

Insurance

Property and Casualty Insurance Reserves The following table provides an analysis of changes in the liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses during the first nine months of 2017 and 2016 (in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Balance at beginning of year	$	8,563		$	8,127
Less reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance	2,302			2,201
Net liability at beginning of year	6,261			5,926
Provision for losses and LAE occurring in the current period	2,237			2,011
Net increase (decrease) in the provision for claims of prior years:
Special A&E charges	89			36
Neon exited lines charge	—			57
Other	(87		)	(71		)
Total losses and LAE incurred	2,239			2,033
Payments for losses and LAE of:
Current year	(530		)	(463		)
Prior years	(1,272		)	(1,206		)
Total payments	(1,802		)	(1,669		)
Foreign currency translation and other	32			(3		)
Net liability at end of period	6,730			6,287
Add back reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance	2,833			2,374
Gross unpaid losses and LAE included in the balance sheet at end of period	$	9,563		$	8,661

The net increase in the provision for claims of prior years during the first nine months of 2017 reflects (i) the $89 million special charge to increase asbestos and environmental reserves, (ii) higher than expected claim severity in the ocean marine business (within the Property and transportation sub-segment), (iii) higher than anticipated claim severity in the targeted markets and general liability businesses (all within the Specialty casualty sub-segment) and (iv) an adjustment to the deferred gain on the retroactive reinsurance transaction entered into in connection with the sale of businesses in 1998 (included in Other specialty sub-segment). This adverse development was partially offset by (i) lower than expected losses in the crop and equine businesses and lower than expected claim severity in the property and inland marine and transportation businesses (all within the Property and transportation sub-segment), (ii) lower than anticipated claim severity in the workers’ compensation businesses and at Neon (all within the Specialty casualty sub-segment) and (iii) lower than anticipated claim severity in the fidelity business and lower than expected claim frequency and severity in the surety business (both within the Specialty financial sub-segment).

The net increase in the provision for claims of prior years during the first nine months of 2016 reflects (i) the $36 million special charge to increase asbestos and environmental reserves, (ii) adverse reserve development at Neon, higher than anticipated severity in New York contractor claims and higher than anticipated claim severity in the general liability insurance (all within the Specialty casualty sub-segment), (iii) the $57 million special charge to increase loss reserves related to Neon’s exit of its UK and international medical malpractice and general liability lines of business and (iv) higher than anticipated claim frequency in the financial institutions business (within the Specialty financial sub-segment). This adverse development was partially offset by (i) lower than expected losses in the crop business and lower than expected claim severity in the property and inland marine and trucking businesses (all within the Property and transportation sub-segment), (ii) lower than anticipated claim severity in workers’ compensation business and directors and officers liability insurance and lower than expected claim frequency and severity in excess liability business (all within the Specialty casualty sub-segment) and (iii) lower than anticipated claim severity in the fidelity business and lower than expected claim frequency and severity in the surety business (all within the Specialty financial sub-segment).

Reinsurance   Subsequent to Hurricane Irma, AFG’s property and casualty operations purchased replacement reinsurance coverage for those layers of the catastrophe reinsurance program expected to be affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The following table presents (by type of coverage) the amount of each loss above the specified retention covered by treaty reinsurance programs in AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations (in millions) as of October 1, 2017:

			Reinsurance Coverage						AFG
	Primary		Coverage		AFG Participation (a)				Maximum
	Retention		Amount		%		$		Loss (b)
U.S.-based operations:
California Workers’ Compensation	$	2	$	148	1	%	$	1	$	3
Other Workers’ Compensation	3		37		—	%	—		3
Commercial Umbrella	1		49		13	%	6		7
Property — General	5		45		—	%	—		5
Property — Catastrophe	15		85		5	%	4		19
Neon Lloyd’s Syndicate	15		210		—	%	—		15
Riverfront Re Ltd. catastrophe bond (c)	100		200		5	%	10		N/A

(a) Includes the participation of AFG’s internal reinsurance program.

(b) Maximum loss for claims up to reinsurance coverage limit.

(c) Includes aggregate coverage. See description below.

In June 2017, AFG’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries entered into a reinsurance agreement to obtain supplemental catastrophe protection through a catastrophe bond structure with Riverfront Re Ltd. (“Riverfront”). The reinsurance agreement provides supplemental reinsurance coverage up to 95% of $200 million (fully collateralized) for catastrophe losses in excess of $100 million (per occurrence and annual aggregate) occurring between June 1, 2017 and December 31, 2020. In connection with the reinsurance agreement, Riverfront issued notes to unrelated investors for the full amount of coverage provided under the reinsurance agreement. Through September 30, 2017, AFG’s incurred catastrophe losses have not reached the level of attachment for the catastrophe bond structure. Riverfront is a variable interest entity in which AFG does not have a variable interest because the variability in Riverfront’s results will be absorbed entirely by the investors in Riverfront. Accordingly, Riverfront is not consolidated in AFG’s financial statements and the reinsurance agreement is accounted for as ceded reinsurance. AFG’s cost for this coverage is approximately $11 million per year.

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Subsequent Event

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Wildfires struck northern California’s wine region in October 2017, which will result in fourth quarter 2017 catastrophe losses in AFG’s property and casualty insurance segment. Based on information available as of the filing of this Form 10-Q, management estimates a pretax loss from these events, net of reinsurance and inclusive of reinstatement premiums and other associated offsets, in the range of $20 million to $25 million. At the midpoint of that range, AFG’s earnings per share would be negatively impacted by approximately $0.18.

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Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation   The accompanying consolidated financial statements for American Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“AFG”) are unaudited; however, management believes that all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals unless otherwise disclosed herein) necessary for fair presentation have been made. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes necessary to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform to the current year’s presentation. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The results of operations of companies since their formation or acquisition are included in the consolidated financial statements. Events or transactions occurring subsequent to September 30, 2017, and prior to the filing of this Form 10-Q, have been evaluated for potential recognition or disclosure herein.

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Changes in circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimates.

Fair Value Measurements

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 in the first nine months of 2017.

Investments

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 (“AOCI”) 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 net investment income. Mortgage and policy loans are carried primarily at the aggregate unpaid balance.

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, which, among other things, will require all equity securities currently classified as “available for sale” to be reported at fair value, with holding gains and losses recognized in net income, instead of AOCI. AFG will be required to adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018. At the date of adoption, the net unrealized gain on equity securities included in AOCI will be reclassified to retained earnings in the Balance Sheet as the cumulative effect of an accounting change.

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) on securities) and the cost basis of that investment is reduced. If management can assert that it does not intend to sell an impaired fixed 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: (i) the amount related to credit losses (recorded in earnings) and (ii) the amount related to all other factors (recorded in other comprehensive income). The credit-related portion of an other-than-temporary impairment is measured by comparing a security’s amortized cost to the present value of its current expected cash flows discounted at its effective yield prior to the impairment charge. Both components are shown in the statement of earnings. If management intends to sell an impaired security, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, an impairment charge to earnings is recorded to reduce the amortized cost of that security to fair value.

Derivatives

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

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

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

For derivatives that are designated and qualify as highly effective fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative, along with changes in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in current period earnings. AFG has entered into an interest rate swap that qualifies as a highly effective fair value hedge to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with fixed-rate long-term debt by economically converting certain fixed-rate debt obligations to floating-rate obligations. Since the terms of the swap match the terms of the hedged debt, changes in the fair value of the swap are offset by changes in the fair value of the hedged debt attributable to changes in interest rates. Accordingly, the net impact on AFG’s current period earnings is that the interest expense associated with the hedged debt is effectively recorded at the floating rate.

Goodwill

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

Reinsurance

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

An AFG subsidiary cedes life insurance policies to a third party on a funds withheld basis whereby the subsidiary retains the assets (securities) associated with the reinsurance contract. Interest is credited to the reinsurer based on the actual investment performance of the retained assets. This reinsurance contract is considered to contain an embedded derivative (that must be adjusted to fair value) because the yield on the payable is based on a specific block of the ceding company’s assets, rather than the overall creditworthiness of the ceding company. AFG determined that changes in the fair value of the underlying portfolio of fixed maturity securities is an appropriate measure of the value of the embedded derivative. The securities related to this contract are classified as “trading.” The adjustment to fair value on the embedded derivative offsets the investment income recorded on the adjustment to fair value of the related trading portfolio.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (DPAC)

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.

For the property and casualty companies, DPAC is limited based upon recoverability without any consideration for anticipated investment income and is charged against income ratably over the terms of the related policies. A premium deficiency is recognized if the sum of expected claims costs, claims adjustment expenses and unamortized acquisition costs exceed the related unearned premiums. A premium deficiency is first recognized by charging any unamortized acquisition costs to expense to the extent required to eliminate the deficiency. If the premium deficiency is greater than unamortized acquisition costs, a liability is accrued for the excess deficiency and reported with unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses.

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

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

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

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

Managed Investment Entities

Managed Investment EntitiesA company is considered the primary beneficiary of, and therefore must consolidate, a variable interest entity (“VIE”) based primarily on its ability to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact that entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of, or receive benefits from, the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

AFG manages, and has investments in, collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) that are VIEs (see Note H — “Managed Investment Entities”). 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) through its investment in the CLO debt tranches, it has exposure to CLO losses (limited to the amount AFG invested) and the right to receive CLO benefits that could potentially be significant to the CLOs.

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

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

At September 30, 2017, assets and liabilities of managed investment entities included $383 million in assets and $316 million in liabilities of a temporary warehousing entity that was established in connection with the formation of a new CLO that closed in October 2017. At closing, all warehoused assets were transferred to the new CLO and the liabilities were repaid.

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses   The net liabilities stated for unpaid claims and for expenses of investigation and adjustment of unpaid claims represent management’s best estimate and are based upon (i) the accumulation of case estimates for losses reported prior to the close of the accounting period on direct business written; (ii) estimates received from ceding reinsurers and insurance pools and associations; (iii) estimates of unreported losses (including possible development on known claims) based on past experience; (iv) estimates based on experience of expenses for investigating and adjusting claims; and (v) the current state of the law and coverage litigation. Establishing reserves for asbestos, environmental and other mass tort claims involves considerably more judgment than other types of claims due to, among other things, inconsistent court decisions, an increase in bankruptcy filings as a result of asbestos-related liabilities, novel theories of coverage, and judicial interpretations that often expand theories of recovery and broaden the scope of coverage.

Loss reserve liabilities are subject to the impact of changes in claim amounts and frequency and other factors. Changes in estimates of the liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses are reflected in the statement of earnings in the period in which determined. Despite the variability inherent in such estimates, management believes that the liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are adequate.

Annuity Benefits Accumulated

Annuity 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 policy charges are credited to other income.

For certain products, annuity benefits accumulated also includes reserves for accrued persistency and premium bonuses, guaranteed withdrawals and excess benefits expected to be paid on future deaths and annuitizations (“EDAR”). The liabilities for EDAR and guaranteed withdrawals are accrued for and modified using assumptions consistent with those used in determining DPAC and DPAC amortization, except that amounts are determined in relation to the present value of total expected assessments. Total expected assessments consist principally of estimated future investment margin, surrender, mortality, and other life and annuity policy charges, and unearned revenues once they are recognized as income.

Annuity benefits accumulated also includes amounts advanced from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati.

Unearned Revenue

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

Life, Accident and Health Reserves

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

For long-duration contracts (such as traditional life and long-term care policies), loss recognition occurs when, based on current expectations as of the measurement date, existing contract liabilities plus the present value of future premiums (including reasonably expected rate increases) are not expected to cover the present value of future claims payments and related settlement and maintenance costs (excluding overhead) as well as unamortized acquisition costs. If a block of business is determined to be in loss recognition, a charge is recorded in earnings in an amount equal to the excess of the present value of expected future claims costs and unamortized acquisition costs over existing reserves plus the present value of expected future premiums (with no provision for adverse deviation). The charge is recorded first to reduce unamortized acquisition costs and then as an additional reserve (if unamortized acquisition costs have been reduced to zero).

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

Debt Issuance Costs

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

Variable Annuity Assets and Liabilities

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

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

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

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

Stock-Based Compensation

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.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, AFG adopted ASU 2016-09, which, among other things, requires excess tax benefits or deficiencies for share-based payments to be recorded through income tax expense in the statement of earnings instead of directly to capital surplus (as required under the previous guidance). In addition, under the new guidance, AFG elected to account for forfeitures of awards when they occur rather than accruing expense based on an estimate of expected forfeitures (as required under the previous guidance). The resulting cumulative effect of accounting change of less than $1 million was recorded directly to retained earnings on January 1, 2016.

Benefit Plans

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

Earnings Per Share   Although basic earnings per share only considers shares of common stock outstanding during the period, the calculation of diluted earnings per share includes the following adjustments to weighted average common shares related to stock-based compensation plans: third quarter of 2017 and 2016 — 1.9 million and 1.6 million; first nine months of 2017 and 2016 — 2.0 million and 1.6 million, respectively.

AFG’s weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the third quarter and first nine months of 2016 excludes 0.2 million and 0.6 million anti-dilutive potential common shares related to stock compensation plans, respectively. There were no anti-dilutive potential common shares in the third quarter or first nine months of 2017.

Statement of Cash Flows

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, surrenders, benefits and withdrawals are also reflected as financing activities. All other activities are considered “operating.” Short-term investments having original maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents for purposes of the financial statements.

Effective October 1, 2016, AFG early adopted (on a retrospective basis) ASU 2016-15, which addresses the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented in the statement of cash flows. Among other things, this guidance requires proceeds received from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies to be classified as cash inflows from investing activities and allows premiums paid for policies to be reported as cash outflows either from investing activities or operating activities. AFG has elected to show all corporate-owned life insurance activity in investing activities. Prior to adoption of this guidance, AFG accounted for these transactions as operating activities. In addition, ASU 2016-15 clarifies when distributions received from investees accounted under the equity method should be accounted for as a cash inflow from operating activities or as a cash inflow from investing activities. AFG had previously accounted for all distributions from investments accounted for under the equity method as investing activities. The new guidance solely related to the presentation of certain transactions in the statement of cash flows. Accordingly, adoption of this guidance did not impact AFG’s results of operations or financial position.

Revenue Recognition Guidance Effective in 2018

Revenue Recognition Guidance Effective in 2018 In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, which requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is recognized when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation under the contract. The new guidance also updates the accounting for certain costs associated with obtaining and fulfilling contracts with customers and requires disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Revenue recognition for insurance contracts and financial instruments, which are AFG’s primary sources of revenue, is excluded from the scope of the new guidance. AFG will adopt the new guidance effective January 1, 2018. Because the new guidance does not apply to the vast majority of AFG’s business, management does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on AFG’s results of operations or financial position. Based on implementation efforts to date, management believes that the new standard would only have applied to 2% of AFG’s 2016 consolidated revenues.

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Segments of Operations (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Information, by Segment

The following tables (in millions) show AFG’s revenues and earnings before income taxes by segment and sub-segment.

	Three months ended September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016		2017			2016
Revenues
Property and casualty insurance:
Premiums earned:
Specialty
Property and transportation	$	527		$	493	$	1,226		$	1,197
Specialty casualty	568			497		1,613			1,496
Specialty financial	142			145		435			416
Other specialty	30			24		80			75
Total premiums earned	1,267			1,159		3,354			3,184
Net investment income	94			93		276			265
Other income (a)	1			3		21			46
Total property and casualty insurance	1,362			1,255		3,651			3,495
Annuity:
Net investment income	375			351		1,082			1,010
Other income	26			26		79			76
Total annuity	401			377		1,161			1,086
Run-off long-term care and life	12			13		35			37
Other	72			58		211			173
Total revenues before realized gains (losses)	1,847			1,703		5,058			4,791
Realized gains (losses) on securities	(12		)	2		(1		)	(32		)
Realized gains on subsidiaries	—			—		—			2
Total revenues	$	1,835		$	1,705	$	5,057		$	4,761

Earnings Before Income Taxes
Property and casualty insurance:
Underwriting:
Specialty
Property and transportation	$	6		$	44		$	70		$	91
Specialty casualty	2			13			46			65
Specialty financial	(3		)	19			42			64
Other specialty	4			2			3			7
Other lines (b)	(90		)	(36		)	(92		)	(101		)
Total underwriting	(81		)	42			69			126
Investment and other income, net (a)	87			79			271			269
Total property and casualty insurance	6			121			340			395
Annuity	102			107			283			236
Run-off long-term care and life	2			1			4			—
Other (c)	(69		)	(53		)	(169		)	(131		)
Total earnings before realized gains (losses) and income taxes	41			176			458			500
Realized gains (losses) on securities	(12		)	2			(1		)	(32		)
Realized gains on subsidiaries	—			—			—			2
Total earnings before income taxes	$	29		$	178		$	457		$	470

(a) Includes pretax income of $13 million (before noncontrolling interest) from the sale of a hotel in the first quarter of 2017 and pretax income of $32 million (before noncontrolling interest) from the sale of an apartment property in the second quarter of 2016.

(b) Includes special charges of $89 million and $36 million in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, to increase asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) reserves and a $65 million special charge related to the exit of certain lines of business with AFG’s Lloyd’s-based insurer, Neon, in the second quarter of 2016.

(c) Includes holding company interest and expenses, including losses on retirement of debt of $4 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $7 million in the second quarter of 2017, and special charges of $24 million and $5 million in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, to increase A&E reserves related to AFG’s former railroad and manufacturing operations.

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value

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, 2017
Assets:
Available for sale (“AFS”) fixed maturities:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	120	$	129		$	8	$	257
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		6,845			152		6,997
Foreign government	—		144			—		144
Residential MBS	—		3,252			144		3,396
Commercial MBS	—		974			36		1,010
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)	—		6,860			536		7,396
Corporate and other	30		17,538			1,050		18,618
Total AFS fixed maturities	150		35,742			1,926		37,818
Trading fixed maturities	48		302			—		350
Equity securities — AFS and trading	1,397		79			163		1,639
Assets of managed investment entities (“MIE”)	368		4,378			21		4,767
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts) (*)	—		628			—		628
Equity index call options	—		629			—		629
Other assets — derivatives	—		1			—		1
Total assets accounted for at fair value	$	1,963	$	41,759		$	2,110	$	45,832
Liabilities:
Liabilities of managed investment entities	$	348	$	4,138		$	20	$	4,506
Derivatives in annuity benefits accumulated	—		—			2,293		2,293
Derivatives in long-term debt	—		—			—		—
Other liabilities — derivatives	—		31			—		31
Total liabilities accounted for at fair value	$	348	$	4,169		$	2,313	$	6,830
December 31, 2016
Assets:
Available for sale fixed maturities:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	133	$	174		$	8	$	315
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		6,641			140		6,781
Foreign government	—		136			—		136
Residential MBS	—		3,445			190		3,635
Commercial MBS	—		1,468			25		1,493
Asset-backed securities	—		5,475			484		5,959
Corporate and other	29		15,484			712		16,225
Total AFS fixed maturities	162		32,823			1,559		34,544
Trading fixed maturities	30		329			—		359
Equity securities — AFS and trading	1,305		79			174		1,558
Assets of managed investment entities	380		4,356			29		4,765
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts) (*)	—		600			—		600
Equity index call options	—		492			—		492
Other assets — derivatives	—		1			—		1
Total assets accounted for at fair value	$	1,877	$	38,680		$	1,762	$	42,319
Liabilities:
Liabilities of managed investment entities	$	363	$	4,158		$	28	$	4,549
Derivatives in annuity benefits accumulated	—		—			1,759		1,759
Derivatives in long-term debt	—		(1		)	—		(1		)
Other liabilities — derivatives	—		30			—		30
Total liabilities accounted for at fair value	$	363	$	4,187		$	1,787	$	6,337

(*) Variable annuity liabilities equal the fair value of variable annuity assets.

Unobservable inputs used by management in determining fair value of embedded derivatives

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	0.2% – 2.4% over the risk free rate
Risk margin for uncertainty in cash flows	0.68% reduction in the discount rate
Surrenders	3% – 23% of indexed account value
Partial surrenders	2% – 10% of indexed account value
Annuitizations	0.1% – 1% of indexed account value
Deaths	1.5% – 8.0% of indexed account value
Budgeted option costs	2.4% – 3.7% of indexed account value

Changes in balances of Level 3 financial assets

Changes in balances of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value during the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 and 2016 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, 2017			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, 2017
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	8		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	143			—			—			—			(1		)	10		—			152
Residential MBS	153			2			1			—			(6		)	15		(21		)	144
Commercial MBS	45			1			—			—			(10		)	—		—			36
Asset-backed securities	498			(2		)	1			13			(26		)	163		(111		)	536
Corporate and other	953			(9		)	—			172			(59		)	—		(7		)	1,050
Total AFG fixed maturities	1,800			(8		)	2			185			(102		)	188		(139		)	1,926
Equity securities	168			(3		)	(4		)	2			—			—		—			163
Assets of MIE	23			(4		)	—			2			—			—		—			21
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,991		$	(15	)	$	(2	)	$	189		$	(102	)	$	188	$	(139	)	$	2,110
Embedded derivatives	$	(2,129	)	$	(127	)	$	—		$	(65	)	$	28		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(2,129	)	$	(127	)	$	—		$	(65	)	$	28		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)

				Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in
	Balance at June 30, 2016			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, 2016
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	8		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	91			—			1			—			(1		)	—		—			91
Residential MBS	231			(2		)	—			—			(8		)	—		(2		)	219
Commercial MBS	36			—			—			—			(2		)	—		—			34
Asset-backed securities	478			(1		)	4			—			(5		)	—		(9		)	467
Corporate and other	689			—			(3		)	37			(14		)	—		—			709
Total AFS fixed maturities	1,533			(3		)	2			37			(30		)	—		(11		)	1,528
Equity securities	166			5			5			10			(21		)	—		—			165
Assets of MIE	26			(2		)	—			—			—			—		—			24
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,725		$	—		$	7		$	47		$	(51	)	$	—	$	(11	)	$	1,717
Embedded derivatives	$	(1,557	)	$	(109	)	$	—		$	(53	)	$	31		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(1,557	)	$	(109	)	$	—		$	(53	)	$	31		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)

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

				Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in
	Balance at December 31, 2016			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, 2017
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	8		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	140			—			4		—			(2		)	10		—			152
Residential MBS	190			—			3		1			(37		)	35		(48		)	144
Commercial MBS	25			2			—		15			(10		)	4		—			36
Asset-backed securities	484			(2		)	3		117			(62		)	199		(203		)	536
Corporate and other	712			(4		)	8		460			(124		)	29		(31		)	1,050
Total AFS fixed maturities	1,559			(4		)	18		593			(235		)	277		(282		)	1,926
Equity securities	174			(19		)	9		22			(3		)	—		(20		)	163
Assets of MIE	29			(10		)	—		6			—			—		(4		)	21
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,762		$	(33	)	$	27	$	621		$	(238	)	$	277	$	(306	)	$	2,110
Embedded derivatives	$	(1,759	)	$	(386	)	$	—	$	(224	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(1,759	)	$	(386	)	$	—	$	(224	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)

				Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in
	Balance at December 31, 2015			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, 2016
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	15		$	(8	)	$	1	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	89			—			4		—			(2		)	—		—			91
Residential MBS	224			—			1		—			(21		)	33		(18		)	219
Commercial MBS	39			(1		)	—		—			(4		)	—		—			34
Asset-backed securities	470			(1		)	1		15			(24		)	41		(35		)	467
Corporate and other	633			—			24		131			(89		)	15		(5		)	709
Total AFS fixed maturities	1,470			(10		)	31		146			(140		)	89		(58		)	1,528
Equity securities	140			(12		)	21		22			(21		)	15		—			165
Assets of MIE	26			(6		)	—		4			—			—		—			24
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,636		$	(28	)	$	52	$	172		$	(161	)	$	104	$	(58	)	$	1,717
Embedded derivatives	$	(1,369	)	$	(188	)	$	—	$	(207	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(1,369	)	$	(188	)	$	—	$	(207	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)

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

Changes in balances of Level 3 financial liabilities

Changes in balances of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value during the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 and 2016 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, 2017			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, 2017
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	8		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	143			—			—			—			(1		)	10		—			152
Residential MBS	153			2			1			—			(6		)	15		(21		)	144
Commercial MBS	45			1			—			—			(10		)	—		—			36
Asset-backed securities	498			(2		)	1			13			(26		)	163		(111		)	536
Corporate and other	953			(9		)	—			172			(59		)	—		(7		)	1,050
Total AFG fixed maturities	1,800			(8		)	2			185			(102		)	188		(139		)	1,926
Equity securities	168			(3		)	(4		)	2			—			—		—			163
Assets of MIE	23			(4		)	—			2			—			—		—			21
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,991		$	(15	)	$	(2	)	$	189		$	(102	)	$	188	$	(139	)	$	2,110
Embedded derivatives	$	(2,129	)	$	(127	)	$	—		$	(65	)	$	28		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(2,129	)	$	(127	)	$	—		$	(65	)	$	28		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)

				Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in
	Balance at June 30, 2016			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, 2016
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	8		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	91			—			1			—			(1		)	—		—			91
Residential MBS	231			(2		)	—			—			(8		)	—		(2		)	219
Commercial MBS	36			—			—			—			(2		)	—		—			34
Asset-backed securities	478			(1		)	4			—			(5		)	—		(9		)	467
Corporate and other	689			—			(3		)	37			(14		)	—		—			709
Total AFS fixed maturities	1,533			(3		)	2			37			(30		)	—		(11		)	1,528
Equity securities	166			5			5			10			(21		)	—		—			165
Assets of MIE	26			(2		)	—			—			—			—		—			24
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,725		$	—		$	7		$	47		$	(51	)	$	—	$	(11	)	$	1,717
Embedded derivatives	$	(1,557	)	$	(109	)	$	—		$	(53	)	$	31		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(1,557	)	$	(109	)	$	—		$	(53	)	$	31		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)

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

				Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in
	Balance at December 31, 2016			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, 2017
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	8		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	140			—			4		—			(2		)	10		—			152
Residential MBS	190			—			3		1			(37		)	35		(48		)	144
Commercial MBS	25			2			—		15			(10		)	4		—			36
Asset-backed securities	484			(2		)	3		117			(62		)	199		(203		)	536
Corporate and other	712			(4		)	8		460			(124		)	29		(31		)	1,050
Total AFS fixed maturities	1,559			(4		)	18		593			(235		)	277		(282		)	1,926
Equity securities	174			(19		)	9		22			(3		)	—		(20		)	163
Assets of MIE	29			(10		)	—		6			—			—		(4		)	21
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,762		$	(33	)	$	27	$	621		$	(238	)	$	277	$	(306	)	$	2,110
Embedded derivatives	$	(1,759	)	$	(386	)	$	—	$	(224	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(1,759	)	$	(386	)	$	—	$	(224	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(2,293	)

				Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in
	Balance at December 31, 2015			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, 2016
AFS fixed maturities:
U.S. government agency	$	15		$	(8	)	$	1	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	8
State and municipal	89			—			4		—			(2		)	—		—			91
Residential MBS	224			—			1		—			(21		)	33		(18		)	219
Commercial MBS	39			(1		)	—		—			(4		)	—		—			34
Asset-backed securities	470			(1		)	1		15			(24		)	41		(35		)	467
Corporate and other	633			—			24		131			(89		)	15		(5		)	709
Total AFS fixed maturities	1,470			(10		)	31		146			(140		)	89		(58		)	1,528
Equity securities	140			(12		)	21		22			(21		)	15		—			165
Assets of MIE	26			(6		)	—		4			—			—		—			24
Total Level 3 assets	$	1,636		$	(28	)	$	52	$	172		$	(161	)	$	104	$	(58	)	$	1,717
Embedded derivatives	$	(1,369	)	$	(188	)	$	—	$	(207	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)
Total Level 3 liabilities (*)	$	(1,369	)	$	(188	)	$	—	$	(207	)	$	76		$	—	$	—		$	(1,688	)

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

Fair value of financial instruments

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		Fair Value
	Value		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
September 30, 2017
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,349	$	2,349	$	2,349	$	—	$	—
Mortgage loans	1,043		1,040		—		—		1,040
Policy loans	186		186		—		—		186
Total financial assets not accounted for at fair value	$	3,578	$	3,575	$	2,349	$	—	$	1,226
Financial liabilities:
Annuity benefits accumulated (*)	$	32,464	$	31,857	$	—	$	—	$	31,857
Long-term debt	1,284		1,380		—		1,377		3
Total financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value	$	33,748	$	33,237	$	—	$	1,377	$	31,860
December 31, 2016
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,107	$	2,107	$	2,107	$	—	$	—
Mortgage loans	1,147		1,146		—		—		1,146
Policy loans	192		192		—		—		192
Total financial assets not accounted for at fair value	$	3,446	$	3,445	$	2,107	$	—	$	1,338
Financial liabilities:
Annuity benefits accumulated (*)	$	29,703	$	28,932	$	—	$	—	$	28,932
Long-term debt	1,284		1,356		—		1,353		3
Total financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value	$	30,987	$	30,288	$	—	$	1,353	$	28,935

(*) Excludes $207 million and $204 million of life contingent annuities in the payout phase at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

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Investments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Available for sale fixed maturities and equity securities

Available for sale fixed maturities and equity securities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, consisted of the following (in millions):

	September 30, 2017											December 31, 2016
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized					Net Unrealized		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized					Net Unrealized			Fair Value
			Gains		Losses									Gains		Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	257	$	2	$	(2	)	$	—	$	257	$	315	$	3	$	(3	)	$	—		$	315
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	6,761		259		(23		)	236		6,997		6,650		200		(69		)	131			6,781
Foreign government	141		3		—			3		144		131		5		—			5			136
Residential MBS	3,062		341		(7		)	334		3,396		3,367		281		(13		)	268			3,635
Commercial MBS	967		44		(1		)	43		1,010		1,446		49		(2		)	47			1,493
Asset-backed securities	7,268		143		(15		)	128		7,396		5,962		43		(46		)	(3		)	5,959
Corporate and other	17,956		699		(37		)	662		18,618		15,864		473		(112		)	361			16,225
Total fixed maturities	$	36,412	$	1,491	$	(85	)	$	1,406	$	37,818	$	33,735	$	1,054	$	(245	)	$	809		$	34,544
Equity Securities:
Common stocks	$	830	$	251	$	(27	)	$	224	$	1,054	$	879	$	160	$	(23	)	$	137		$	1,016
Perpetual preferred stocks	482		44		(1		)	43		525		472		21		(7		)	14			486
Total equity securities	$	1,312	$	295	$	(28	)	$	267	$	1,579	$	1,351	$	181	$	(30	)	$	151		$	1,502

Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position

The following tables show gross unrealized losses (dollars 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

	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, 2017
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	—		$	97	100	%	$	(2	)	$	57	97	%
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	(18		)	1,099		98	%	(5		)	160		97	%
Residential MBS	(2		)	163		99	%	(5		)	189		97	%
Commercial MBS	(1		)	69		99	%	—			—		—	%
Asset-backed securities	(7		)	828		99	%	(8		)	245		97	%
Corporate and other	(24		)	1,744		99	%	(13		)	310		96	%
Total fixed maturities	$	(52	)	$	4,000	99	%	$	(33	)	$	961	97	%
Equity securities:
Common stocks	$	(27	)	$	141	84	%	$	—		$	—	—	%
Perpetual preferred stocks	—			23		100	%	(1		)	13		93	%
Total equity securities	$	(27	)	$	164	86	%	$	(1	)	$	13	93	%
December 31, 2016
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Government and government agencies	$	(1	)	$	153	99	%	$	(2	)	$	8	80	%
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	(64		)	2,289		97	%	(5		)	44		90	%
Residential MBS	(7		)	502		99	%	(6		)	162		96	%
Commercial MBS	(2		)	121		98	%	—			—		—	%
Asset-backed securities	(29		)	1,737		98	%	(17		)	634		97	%
Corporate and other	(93		)	3,849		98	%	(19		)	312		94	%
Total fixed maturities	$	(196	)	$	8,651	98	%	$	(49	)	$	1,160	96	%
Equity securities:
Common stocks	$	(23	)	$	215	90	%	$	—		$	—	—	%
Perpetual preferred stocks	(6		)	135		96	%	(1		)	6		86	%
Total equity securities	$	(29	)	$	350	92	%	$	(1	)	$	6	86	%

Roll forward of cumulative credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities

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):

	2017			2016
Balance at June 30	$	145		$	157
Additional credit impairments on:
Previously impaired securities	—			—
Securities without prior impairments	3			—
Reductions due to sales or redemptions	(1		)	(2		)
Balance at September 30	$	147		$	155
Balance at January 1	$	153		$	160
Additional credit impairments on:
Previously impaired securities	1			2
Securities without prior impairments	3			—
Reductions due to sales or redemptions	(10		)	(7		)
Balance at September 30	$	147		$	155

Available for sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity date

The table below sets forth the scheduled maturities of available for sale fixed maturities as of September 30, 2017 (dollars in millions). Securities with sinking funds are reported at average maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain securities may be called or prepaid by the issuers.

	Amortized		Fair Value
	Cost		Amount		%
Maturity
One year or less	$	927	$	939	2	%
After one year through five years	6,521		6,787		18	%
After five years through ten years	13,074		13,527		36	%
After ten years	4,593		4,763		13	%
	25,115		26,016		69	%
ABS (average life of approximately 5 years)	7,268		7,396		19	%
MBS (average life of approximately 4-1/2 years)	4,029		4,406		12	%
Total	$	36,412	$	37,818	100	%

Components of the net unrealized gain on securities, included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table shows (in millions) the components of the net unrealized gain on securities that is included in AOCI in AFG’s Balance Sheet.

	Pretax			Deferred Tax			Net
September 30, 2017
Net unrealized gain on:
Fixed maturities — annuity segment (*)	$	1,131		$	(396	)	$	735
Fixed maturities — all other	275			(96		)	179
Total fixed maturities	1,406			(492		)	914
Equity securities	267			(94		)	173
Total investments	1,673			(586		)	1,087
Deferred policy acquisition costs — annuity segment	(465		)	163			(302		)
Annuity benefits accumulated	(141		)	49			(92		)
Unearned revenue	20			(7		)	13
Total net unrealized gain on marketable securities	$	1,087		$	(381	)	$	706
December 31, 2016
Net unrealized gain on:
Fixed maturities — annuity segment (*)	$	640		$	(224	)	$	416
Fixed maturities — all other	169			(59		)	110
Total fixed maturities	809			(283		)	526
Equity securities	151			(53		)	98
Total investments	960			(336		)	624
Deferred policy acquisition costs — annuity segment	(273		)	96			(177		)
Annuity benefits accumulated	(78		)	27			(51		)
Unearned revenue	13			(5		)	8
Total net unrealized gain on marketable securities	$	622		$	(218	)	$	404

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

Net investment income earned and investment expenses incurred

The following table shows (in millions) investment income earned and investment expenses incurred.

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Investment income:
Fixed maturities	$	405		$	378		$	1,191		$	1,126
Equity securities	17			20			57			59
Equity in earnings of partnerships and similar investments	20			16			51			31
Other	33			23			80			64
Gross investment income	475			437			1,379			1,280
Investment expenses	(4		)	(4		)	(13		)	(13		)
Net investment income	$	471		$	433		$	1,366		$	1,267

Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments

Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments are summarized as follows (in millions):

	Three months ended September 30, 2017												Three months ended September 30, 2016
	Realized gains (losses)												Realized gains (losses)
	Before Impairments			Impairments			Total			Change in Unrealized			Before Impairments			Impairments			Total			Change in Unrealized
Fixed maturities	$	9		$	(15	)	$	(6	)	$	133		$	5		$	(2	)	$	3		$	52
Equity securities	19			(29		)	(10		)	24			14			(16		)	(2		)	89
Mortgage loans and other investments	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Other (*)	(2		)	6			4			(53		)	(1		)	2			1			(5		)
Total pretax	26			(38		)	(12		)	104			18			(16		)	2			136
Tax effects	(9		)	13			4			(37		)	(7		)	5			(2		)	(48		)
Noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			—			1			1			(1		)
Net of tax and noncontrolling interests	$	17		$	(25	)	$	(8	)	$	67		$	11		$	(10	)	$	1		$	87
	Nine months ended September 30, 2017												Nine months ended September 30, 2016
	Realized gains (losses)												Realized gains (losses)
	Before Impairments			Impairments			Total			Change in Unrealized			Before Impairments			Impairments			Total			Change in Unrealized
Fixed maturities	$	25		$	(16	)	$	9		$	597		$	36		$	(37	)	$	(1	)	$	1,089
Equity securities	29			(49		)	(20		)	116			46			(83		)	(37		)	77
Mortgage loans and other investments	3			—			3			—			—			—			—			—
Other (*)	(5		)	12			7			(248		)	(7		)	13			6			(478		)
Total pretax	52			(53		)	(1		)	465			75			(107		)	(32		)	688
Tax effects	(18		)	18			—			(163		)	(27		)	38			11			(241		)
Noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			—			(1		)	3			2			(7		)
Net of tax and noncontrolling interests	$	34		$	(35	)	$	(1	)	$	302		$	47		$	(66	)	$	(19	)	$	440

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

Gross realized gains and losses on available for sale fixed maturity and equity security investments

Gross realized gains and losses (excluding impairment write-downs and mark-to-market of derivatives) on available for sale fixed maturity and equity security investment transactions consisted of the following (in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Fixed maturities:
Gross gains	$	32		$	44
Gross losses	(4		)	(8		)
Equity securities:
Gross gains	36			49
Gross losses	(6		)	(3		)

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Derivatives (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivatives included in Balance Sheet at fair value

The following derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting under GAAP are included in AFG’s Balance Sheet at fair value (in millions):

		September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
Derivative	Balance Sheet Line	Asset		Liability		Asset		Liability
MBS with embedded derivatives	Fixed maturities	$	111	$	—	$	107	$	—
Public company warrants	Equity securities	3		—		4		—
Fixed-indexed annuities (embedded derivative)	Annuity benefits accumulated	—		2,293		—		1,759
Equity index call options	Equity index call options	629		—		492		—
Reinsurance contracts (embedded derivative)	Other liabilities	—		10		—		8
		$	743	$	2,303	$	603	$	1,767

Summary of gain (loss) included in the Statement of Earnings for changes in the fair value of derivatives

The following table summarizes the gain (loss) included in AFG’s Statement of Earnings for changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 and 2016 (in millions):

		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
Derivative	Statement of Earnings Line	2017			2016			2017			2016
MBS with embedded derivatives	Realized gains on securities	$	—		$	(4	)	$	(3	)	$	—
Public company warrants	Realized gains on securities	(1		)	1			(1		)	—
Fixed-indexed annuities (embedded derivative)	Annuity benefits	(127		)	(109		)	(386		)	(188		)
Equity index call options	Annuity benefits	116			105			338			81
Reinsurance contracts (embedded derivative)	Net investment income	—			—			(2		)	(6		)
		$	(12	)	$	(7	)	$	(54	)	$	(113	)

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Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Details

A progression of deferred policy acquisition costs is presented below (in millions):

	P&C			Annuity and Run-off Long-term Care and Life
	Deferred			Deferred			Sales															Consolidated
	Costs			Costs			Inducements			PVFP			Subtotal			Unrealized (*)			Total			Total
Balance at June 30, 2017	$	258		$	1,167		$	103		$	42		$	1,312		$	(414	)	$	898		$	1,156
Additions	149			44			1			—			45			—			45			194
Amortization:
Periodic amortization	(142		)	(44		)	(4		)	(2		)	(50		)	—			(50		)	(192		)
Included in realized gains	—			4			—			—			4			—			4			4
Foreign currency translation	1			—			—			—			—			—			—			1
Change in unrealized	—			—			—			—			—			(44		)	(44		)	(44		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	266		$	1,171		$	100		$	40		$	1,311		$	(458	)	$	853		$	1,119
Balance at June 30, 2016	$	234		$	1,089		$	116		$	51		$	1,256		$	(609	)	$	647		$	881
Additions	132			48			1			—			49			—			49			181
Amortization:
Periodic amortization	(134		)	(42		)	(6		)	(3		)	(51		)	—			(51		)	(185		)
Included in realized gains	—			1			—			—			1			—			1			1
Foreign currency translation	(1		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			(1		)
Change in unrealized	—			—			—			—			—			(10		)	(10		)	(10		)
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	231		$	1,096		$	111		$	48		$	1,255		$	(619	)	$	636		$	867
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	238		$	1,110		$	110		$	46		$	1,266		$	(265	)	$	1,001		$	1,239
Additions	439			177			3			—			180			—			180			619
Amortization:
Periodic amortization	(413		)	(122		)	(14		)	(6		)	(142		)	—			(142		)	(555		)
Included in realized gains	—			6			1			—			7			—			7			7
Foreign currency translation	2			—			—			—			—			—			—			2
Change in unrealized	—			—			—			—			—			(193		)	(193		)	(193		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	266		$	1,171		$	100		$	40		$	1,311		$	(458	)	$	853		$	1,119
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	226		$	1,018		$	119		$	55		$	1,192		$	(234	)	$	958		$	1,184
Additions	403			172			8			—			180			—			180			583
Amortization:
Periodic amortization	(396		)	(99		)	(17		)	(7		)	(123		)	—			(123		)	(519		)
Included in realized gains	—			5			1			—			6			—			6			6
Foreign currency translation	(2		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			(2		)
Change in unrealized	—			—			—			—			—			(385		)	(385		)	(385		)
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	231		$	1,096		$	111		$	48		$	1,255		$	(619	)	$	636		$	867

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Managed Investment Entities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Does Not Hold Majority Voting Interest, Disclosures [Abstract]

Selected financial information related to collateralized loan obligations

Selected financial information related to the CLOs is shown below (in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Investment in CLO tranches at end of period	$	261		$	245		$	261		$	245
Gains (losses) on change in fair value of assets/liabilities (a):
Assets	(8		)	60			(12		)	107
Liabilities	9			(49		)	24			(98		)
Management fees paid to AFG	5			4			14			12
CLO earnings (losses) attributable to AFG shareholders (b)	5			17			16			29

(a) Included in revenues in AFG’s Statement of Earnings.

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

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Long-Term Debt (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of long-term debt instruments

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in millions):

	September 30, 2017							December 31, 2016
	Principal		Discount and Issue Costs			Carrying Value		Principal		Discount and Issue Costs			Carrying Value
Direct Senior Obligations of AFG:
9-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2019	$	350	$	(1	)	$	349	$	350	$	(1	)	$	349
4.50% Senior Notes due June 2047	350		(5		)	345		—		—			—
3.50% Senior Notes due August 2026	300		(3		)	297		300		(3		)	297
6-3/8% Senior Notes due June 2042	—		—			—		230		(7		)	223
5-3/4% Senior Notes due August 2042	—		—			—		125		(4		)	121
Other	3		—			3		3		—			3
	1,003		(9		)	994		1,008		(15		)	993
Direct Subordinated Obligations of AFG:
6-1/4% Subordinated Debentures due September 2054	150		(5		)	145		150		(5		)	145
6% Subordinated Debentures due November 2055	150		(5		)	145		150		(5		)	145
	300		(10		)	290		300		(10		)	290
	$	1,303	$	(19	)	$	1,284	$	1,308	$	(25	)	$	1,283

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Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

The progression of the components of accumulated other comprehensive income follows (in millions):

				Other Comprehensive Income
	AOCI Beginning Balance			Pretax			Tax			Net of tax			Attributable to noncontrolling interests			Attributable to shareholders			AOCI Ending Balance
Quarter ended September 30, 2017
Net unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period				$	92		$	(33	)	$	59		$	—		$	59
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (a)				12			(4		)	8			—			8
Total net unrealized gains on securities (b)	$	639		104			(37		)	67			—			67			$	706
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	(6		)	(1		)	1			—			—			—			(6		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(11		)	5			2			7			—			7			(4		)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments	(7		)	—			—			—			—			—			(7		)
Total	$	615		$	108		$	(34	)	$	74		$	—		$	74		$	689
Quarter ended September 30, 2016
Net unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period				$	138		$	(49	)	$	89		$	(1	)	$	88
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (a)				(2		)	1			(1		)	—			(1		)
Total net unrealized gains on securities	$	685		136			(48		)	88			(1		)	87			$	772
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	5			(1		)	1			—			—			—			5
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(15		)	(2		)	(1		)	(3		)	—			(3		)	(18		)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments	(6		)	—			—			—			—			—			(6		)
Total	$	669		$	133		$	(48	)	$	85		$	(1	)	$	84		$	753
Nine months ended September 30, 2017
Net unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period				$	461		$	(162	)	$	299		$	—		$	299
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (a)				4			(1		)	3			—			3
Total net unrealized gains on securities (b)	$	404		465			(163		)	302			—			302			$	706
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(7		)	1			—			1			—			1			(6		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(15		)	8			3			11			—			11			(4		)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments	(7		)	—			—			—			—			—			(7		)
Total	$	375		$	474		$	(160	)	$	314		$	—		$	314		$	689
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
Net unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period				$	656		$	(229	)	$	427		$	(6	)	$	421
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net earnings (a)				32			(12		)	20			(1		)	19
Total net unrealized gains on securities	$	332		688			(241		)	447			(7		)	440			$	772
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	1			6			(2		)	4			—			4			5
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(22		)	2			2			4			—			4			(18		)
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments	(7		)	1			—			1			—			1			(6		)
Total	$	304		$	697		$	(241	)	$	456		$	(7	)	$	449		$	753

(a) The reclassification adjustment out of net unrealized gains on securities affected the following lines in AFG’s Statement of Earnings:

OCI component	Affected line in the statement of earnings
Pretax	Realized gains (losses) on securities
Tax	Provision for income taxes
Attributable to noncontrolling interests	Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

(b) Includes net unrealized gains of $58 million at September 30, 2017 compared to $56 million at June 30, 2017 and $52 million at December 31, 2016 related to securities for which only the credit portion of an other-than-temporary impairment has been recorded in earnings.

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Income Taxes (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Reconciliation of income taxes at the statutory rate and income taxes shown in the Statement of Earnings

The following is a reconciliation of income taxes at the statutory rate of 35% to the provision for income taxes as shown in AFG’s Statement of Earnings (dollars in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,										Nine months ended September 30,
	2017					2016					2017					2016
	Amount			% of EBT		Amount			% of EBT		Amount			% of EBT		Amount			% of EBT
Earnings before income taxes (“EBT”)	$	29				$	178				$	457				$	470
Income taxes at statutory rate	$	10		35	%	$	63		35	%	$	160		35	%	$	165		35	%
Effect of:
Stock-based compensation	(1		)	(3	%)	—			—	%	(14		)	(3	%)	—			—	%
Tax exempt interest	(5		)	(17	%)	(5		)	(3	%)	(17		)	(4	%)	(18		)	(4	%)
Dividends received deduction	(2		)	(7	%)	(1		)	(1	%)	(6		)	(1	%)	(5		)	(1	%)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan dividends paid deduction	—			—	%	—			—	%	(2		)	—	%	(1		)	—	%
Change in valuation allowance	16			55	%	7			4	%	16			4	%	40			9	%
Subsidiaries not in AFG’s tax return	—			—	%	2			1	%	—			—	%	4			1	%
Other	—			(1	%)	(1		)	1	%	9			1	%	5			—	%
Provision for income taxes as shown in the statement of earnings	$	18		62	%	$	65		37	%	$	146		32	%	$	190		40	%

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Insurance (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Insurance [Abstract]

Reconciliation of beginning and ending liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

The following table provides an analysis of changes in the liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses during the first nine months of 2017 and 2016 (in millions):

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Balance at beginning of year	$	8,563		$	8,127
Less reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance	2,302			2,201
Net liability at beginning of year	6,261			5,926
Provision for losses and LAE occurring in the current period	2,237			2,011
Net increase (decrease) in the provision for claims of prior years:
Special A&E charges	89			36
Neon exited lines charge	—			57
Other	(87		)	(71		)
Total losses and LAE incurred	2,239			2,033
Payments for losses and LAE of:
Current year	(530		)	(463		)
Prior years	(1,272		)	(1,206		)
Total payments	(1,802		)	(1,669		)
Foreign currency translation and other	32			(3		)
Net liability at end of period	6,730			6,287
Add back reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance	2,833			2,374
Gross unpaid losses and LAE included in the balance sheet at end of period	$	9,563		$	8,661

Reinsurance retention policy

The following table presents (by type of coverage) the amount of each loss above the specified retention covered by treaty reinsurance programs in AFG’s property and casualty insurance operations (in millions) as of October 1, 2017:

			Reinsurance Coverage						AFG
	Primary		Coverage		AFG Participation (a)				Maximum
	Retention		Amount		%		$		Loss (b)
U.S.-based operations:
California Workers’ Compensation	$	2	$	148	1	%	$	1	$	3
Other Workers’ Compensation	3		37		—	%	—		3
Commercial Umbrella	1		49		13	%	6		7
Property — General	5		45		—	%	—		5
Property — Catastrophe	15		85		5	%	4		19
Neon Lloyd’s Syndicate	15		210		—	%	—		15
Riverfront Re Ltd. catastrophe bond (c)	100		200		5	%	10		N/A

(a) Includes the participation of AFG’s internal reinsurance program.

(b) Maximum loss for claims up to reinsurance coverage limit.

(c) Includes aggregate coverage. See description below.

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Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Assets of managed investment entities	$ 4,767		$ 4,767		$ 4,765
Liabilities of managed investment entities	$ 4,506		$ 4,506		$ 4,549
Weighted average common shares adjustment related to stock-based compensation (shares)	1,900,000	1,600,000	2,000,000	1,600,000
Anti-dilutive potential common shares related to stock-based compensation plans (shares)	0	200,000	0	600,000
Maturities of short term investments			3 months
Retained Earnings | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting change						$ 1
New collateralized loan obligation temporary warehousing entities
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Assets of managed investment entities	$ 383		$ 383
Liabilities of managed investment entities	$ 316		$ 316

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Accounting Policies - Narrative on Revenue Recognition Guidance (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Expected effect on consolidated revenues under new revenue recognition guidance effective in 2018	2.00%

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Acquisition of Business - Narrative on Acquisition of Subsidiary (Details) - National Interstate $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Nov. 10, 2016 USD ($) $ / shares
Business Acquisition
Percentage ownership of National Interstate by noncontrolling owners prior to acquisition	49.00%
Payments to acquire additional interest in subsidiaries | $	$ 315
Acquisition price per share (USD per share)	$ 32.00
Cash dividend paid (USD per share)	$ 0.50

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Segments of Operations - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) segment	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of segments | segment						4
Property and Casualty Insurance | Real Estate Investment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax income from the sale of real estate properties			$ 13		$ 32
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Special charges to increase asbestos and environmental reserves	$ 24			$ 5
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost due to the retirement of debt	4	$ 7
Other lines | Property and Casualty Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Special charges to increase asbestos and environmental reserves	$ 89			$ 36		$ 89	$ 36
Special charges related to the exit of certain lines of business within subsidiaries					$ 65

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Segments of Operations - Revenues by segment and sub-segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums earned		$ 1,267	$ 1,159	$ 3,354	$ 3,184
Net investment income		471	433	1,366	1,267
Other income		48	46	154	172
Revenues before realized gains (losses)		1,847	1,703	5,058	4,791
Realized gains (losses) on securities		(12)	2	(1)	(32)
Realized gains on subsidiaries		0	0	0	2
Total revenues		1,835	1,705	5,057	4,761
Property and Casualty Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums earned		1,267	1,159	3,354	3,184
Net investment income		94	93	276	265
Other income	[1]	1	3	21	46
Revenues before realized gains (losses)		1,362	1,255	3,651	3,495
Annuity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net investment income		375	351	1,082	1,010
Other income		26	26	79	76
Revenues before realized gains (losses)		401	377	1,161	1,086
Run-off Long-term Care and Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues before realized gains (losses)		12	13	35	37
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues before realized gains (losses)		72	58	211	173
Specialty Property and transportation | Property and Casualty Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums earned		527	493	1,226	1,197
Specialty casualty | Property and Casualty Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums earned		568	497	1,613	1,496
Specialty financial | Property and Casualty Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums earned		142	145	435	416
Other specialty | Property and Casualty Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums earned		$ 30	$ 24	$ 80	$ 75

[1] Includes pretax income of $13 million (before noncontrolling interest) from the sale of a hotel in the first quarter of 2017 and pretax income of $32 million (before noncontrolling interest) from the sale of an apartment property in the second quarter of 2016.

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Segments of Operations - Earnings before income taxes by segment and sub-segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before realized gains (losses) and income taxes		$ 41	$ 176	$ 458	$ 500
Realized gains (losses) on securities		(12)	2	(1)	(32)
Realized gains on subsidiaries		0	0	0	2
Earnings before income taxes		29	178	457	470
Property and Casualty Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and casualty insurance underwriting		(81)	42	69	126
Investment and other income, net	[1]	87	79	271	269
Earnings before realized gains (losses) and income taxes		6	121	340	395
Annuity
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before realized gains (losses) and income taxes		102	107	283	236
Run-off Long-term Care and Life
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before realized gains (losses) and income taxes		2	1	4	0
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before realized gains (losses) and income taxes	[2]	(69)	(53)	(169)	(131)
Specialty Property and transportation | Property and Casualty Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and casualty insurance underwriting		6	44	70	91
Specialty casualty | Property and Casualty Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and casualty insurance underwriting		2	13	46	65
Specialty financial | Property and Casualty Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and casualty insurance underwriting		(3)	19	42	64
Other specialty | Property and Casualty Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and casualty insurance underwriting		4	2	3	7
Other lines | Property and Casualty Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and casualty insurance underwriting	[3]	$ (90)	$ (36)	$ (92)	$ (101)

[1] Includes pretax income of $13 million (before noncontrolling interest) from the sale of a hotel in the first quarter of 2017 and pretax income of $32 million (before noncontrolling interest) from the sale of an apartment property in the second quarter of 2016.

[2] Includes holding company interest and expenses, including losses on retirement of debt of $4 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $7 million in the second quarter of 2017, and special charges of $24 million and $5 million in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, to increase A&E reserves related to AFG’s former railroad and manufacturing operations.

[3] Includes special charges of $89 million and $36 million in the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, to increase asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) reserves and a $65 million special charge related to the exit of certain lines of business with AFG’s Lloyd’s-based insurer, Neon, in the second quarter of 2016.

XML

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) stock	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) stock	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) stock professional	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) stock	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
AFG's internal investment professionals | professional			25
Level 3 assets as a percentage of total assets measured at fair value			5.00%
Percentage of level 3 assets that were priced using non-binding broker quotes			76.00%
Level 3 assets that were priced using non-binding broker quotes			$ 1,610
Life contingent annuities	$ 207		$ 207		$ 204
Maximum
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of internally developed Level 3 asset fair values to Shareholders' equity (are less than)			10.00%
Fixed-indexed annuties (embedded derivative), majority of future years | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Unobservable input surrenders used in Level 3 fair value determination			6.00%
Fixed-indexed annuties (embedded derivative), majority of future years | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Unobservable input surrenders used in Level 3 fair value determination			10.00%
Fixed-indexed annuities (embedded derivative)
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Fair value of derivatives in annuity benefits accumulated measured using a discounted cash flow approach	$ 2,290		$ 2,290
Fixed-indexed annuities (embedded derivative) | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Unobservable input surrenders used in Level 3 fair value determination			3.00%
Fixed-indexed annuities (embedded derivative) | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Unobservable input surrenders used in Level 3 fair value determination			23.00%
Common stocks
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of stocks transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 | stock		1		1
Fair value of assets transferred from Level 1 to Level 2, during the third quarter		$ 1
Fair Value of assets transferred from Level 1 to Level 2, during the first nine months		1		$ 1
Perpetual preferred stocks
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of stocks transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 | stock	1		3	6
Fair value of assets transferred from Level 2 to Level 1, during the third quarter	$ 1
Fair Value of assets transferred from Level 2 to Level 1, during the first nine months	$ 17	35	$ 17	$ 35
Number of stocks transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 | stock				5
Fair Value of assets transferred from Level 1 to Level 2, during the first nine months		$ 12		$ 12

XML

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value in the financial statements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		$ 37,818	$ 34,544
Trading fixed maturities		350	359
Assets of managed investment entities (“MIE”)		4,767	4,765
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts)	[1]	628	600
Derivatives included in other investments and other assets		629	492
Total assets accounted for at fair value		45,832	42,319
Liabilities:
Liabilities of managed investment entities		4,506	4,549
Total liabilities accounted for at fair value		6,830	6,337
Annuity benefits accumulated
Liabilities:
Derivatives included in annuity benefits accumulated, long-term debt, and other liabilities		2,293	1,759
Derivatives in long-term debt
Liabilities:
Derivatives included in annuity benefits accumulated, long-term debt, and other liabilities		0	(1)
Other liabilities — derivatives
Liabilities:
Derivatives included in annuity benefits accumulated, long-term debt, and other liabilities		31	30
Fixed maturities
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		37,818	34,544
Trading fixed maturities		350	359
U.S. Government and government agencies
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		257	315
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		6,997	6,781
Foreign government
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		144	136
Residential MBS
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		3,396	3,635
Commercial MBS
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		1,010	1,493
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		7,396	5,959
Corporate and other
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		18,618	16,225
Equity securities
Assets:
Equity securities — AFS and trading		1,639	1,558
Other assets — derivatives
Assets:
Derivatives included in other investments and other assets		1	1
Level 1
Assets:
Assets of managed investment entities (“MIE”)		368	380
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts)	[1]	0	0
Total assets accounted for at fair value		1,963	1,877
Liabilities:
Liabilities of managed investment entities		348	363
Total liabilities accounted for at fair value		348	363
Level 1 | Annuity benefits accumulated
Liabilities:
Derivatives included in annuity benefits accumulated, long-term debt, and other liabilities		0	0
Level 1 | Derivatives in long-term debt
Liabilities:
Derivatives included in annuity benefits accumulated, long-term debt, and other liabilities		0	0
Level 1 | Other liabilities — derivatives
Liabilities:
Derivatives included in annuity benefits accumulated, long-term debt, and other liabilities		0	0
Level 1 | Fixed maturities
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		150	162
Trading fixed maturities		48	30
Level 1 | U.S. Government and government agencies
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		120	133
Level 1 | States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		0	0
Level 1 | Foreign government
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		0	0
Level 1 | Residential MBS
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		0	0
Level 1 | Commercial MBS
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		0	0
Level 1 | Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		0	0
Level 1 | Corporate and other
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		30	29
Level 1 | Equity securities
Assets:
Equity securities — AFS and trading		1,397	1,305
Level 1 | Other assets — derivatives
Assets:
Derivatives included in other investments and other assets		0	0
Level 2
Assets:
Assets of managed investment entities (“MIE”)		4,378	4,356
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts)	[1]	628	600
Total assets accounted for at fair value		41,759	38,680
Liabilities:
Liabilities of managed investment entities		4,138	4,158
Total liabilities accounted for at fair value		4,169	4,187
Level 2 | Annuity benefits accumulated
Liabilities:
Derivatives included in annuity benefits accumulated, long-term debt, and other liabilities		0	0
Level 2 | Derivatives in long-term debt
Liabilities:
Derivatives included in annuity benefits accumulated, long-term debt, and other liabilities		0	(1)
Level 2 | Other liabilities — derivatives
Liabilities:
Derivatives included in annuity benefits accumulated, long-term debt, and other liabilities		31	30
Level 2 | Fixed maturities
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		35,742	32,823
Trading fixed maturities		302	329
Level 2 | U.S. Government and government agencies
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		129	174
Level 2 | States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		6,845	6,641
Level 2 | Foreign government
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		144	136
Level 2 | Residential MBS
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		3,252	3,445
Level 2 | Commercial MBS
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		974	1,468
Level 2 | Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		6,860	5,475
Level 2 | Corporate and other
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		17,538	15,484
Level 2 | Equity securities
Assets:
Equity securities — AFS and trading		79	79
Level 2 | Other assets — derivatives
Assets:
Derivatives included in other investments and other assets		1	1
Level 3
Assets:
Assets of managed investment entities (“MIE”)		21	29
Variable annuity assets (separate accounts)	[1]	0	0
Total assets accounted for at fair value		2,110	1,762
Liabilities:
Liabilities of managed investment entities		20	28
Total liabilities accounted for at fair value		2,313	1,787
Level 3 | Annuity benefits accumulated
Liabilities:
Derivatives included in annuity benefits accumulated, long-term debt, and other liabilities		2,293	1,759
Level 3 | Derivatives in long-term debt
Liabilities:
Derivatives included in annuity benefits accumulated, long-term debt, and other liabilities		0	0
Level 3 | Other liabilities — derivatives
Liabilities:
Derivatives included in annuity benefits accumulated, long-term debt, and other liabilities		0	0
Level 3 | Fixed maturities
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		1,926	1,559
Trading fixed maturities		0	0
Level 3 | U.S. Government and government agencies
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		8	8
Level 3 | States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		152	140
Level 3 | Foreign government
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		0	0
Level 3 | Residential MBS
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		144	190
Level 3 | Commercial MBS
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		36	25
Level 3 | Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		536	484
Level 3 | Corporate and other
Assets:
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities		1,050	712
Level 3 | Equity securities
Assets:
Equity securities — AFS and trading		163	174
Level 3 | Other assets — derivatives
Assets:
Derivatives included in other investments and other assets		0	0
Equity index call options | Equity index call options
Assets:
Derivatives included in other investments and other assets		629	492
Equity index call options | Level 1 | Equity index call options
Assets:
Derivatives included in other investments and other assets		0	0
Equity index call options | Level 2 | Equity index call options
Assets:
Derivatives included in other investments and other assets		629	492
Equity index call options | Level 3 | Equity index call options
Assets:
Derivatives included in other investments and other assets		$ 0	$ 0

[1] Variable annuity liabilities equal the fair value of variable annuity assets.

XML

Fair Value Measurements - Unobservable inputs used in determining fair value of embedded derivatives (Details) - Embedded derivatives	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Unobservable inputs used by management in determining fair value of embedded derivatives
Risk margin for uncertainty in cash flows	0.68%
Minimum
Unobservable inputs used by management in determining fair value of embedded derivatives
Adjustment for insurance subsidiary's credit risk	0.20%
Surrenders	3.00%
Partial surrenders	2.00%
Annuitizations	0.10%
Deaths	1.50%
Budgeted option costs	2.40%
Maximum
Unobservable inputs used by management in determining fair value of embedded derivatives
Adjustment for insurance subsidiary's credit risk	2.40%
Surrenders	23.00%
Partial surrenders	10.00%
Annuitizations	1.00%
Deaths	8.00%
Budgeted option costs	3.70%

XML

Fair Value Measurements - Changes in balances of Level 3 financial assets carried at fair value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Financial assets, Beginning Balance	$ 1,991	$ 1,725	$ 1,762	$ 1,636
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in Net income	(15)	0	(33)	(28)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(2)	7	27	52
Purchases and issuances	189	47	621	172
Sales and settlements	(102)	(51)	(238)	(161)
Transfer into Level 3	188	0	277	104
Transfer out of Level 3	(139)	(11)	(306)	(58)
Financial assets, Ending Balance	2,110	1,717	2,110	1,717
Fixed maturities
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Financial assets, Beginning Balance	1,800	1,533	1,559	1,470
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in Net income	(8)	(3)	(4)	(10)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	2	2	18	31
Purchases and issuances	185	37	593	146
Sales and settlements	(102)	(30)	(235)	(140)
Transfer into Level 3	188	0	277	89
Transfer out of Level 3	(139)	(11)	(282)	(58)
Financial assets, Ending Balance	1,926	1,528	1,926	1,528
U.S. government agency
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Financial assets, Beginning Balance	8	8	8	15
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in Net income	0	0	0	(8)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	1
Purchases and issuances	0	0	0	0
Sales and settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfer into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Transfer out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Financial assets, Ending Balance	8	8	8	8
State and municipal
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Financial assets, Beginning Balance	143	91	140	89
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in Net income	0	0	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	1	4	4
Purchases and issuances	0	0	0	0
Sales and settlements	(1)	(1)	(2)	(2)
Transfer into Level 3	10	0	10	0
Transfer out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Financial assets, Ending Balance	152	91	152	91
Residential MBS
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Financial assets, Beginning Balance	153	231	190	224
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in Net income	2	(2)	0	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	1	0	3	1
Purchases and issuances	0	0	1	0
Sales and settlements	(6)	(8)	(37)	(21)
Transfer into Level 3	15	0	35	33
Transfer out of Level 3	(21)	(2)	(48)	(18)
Financial assets, Ending Balance	144	219	144	219
Commercial MBS
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Financial assets, Beginning Balance	45	36	25	39
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in Net income	1	0	2	(1)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Purchases and issuances	0	0	15	0
Sales and settlements	(10)	(2)	(10)	(4)
Transfer into Level 3	0	0	4	0
Transfer out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Financial assets, Ending Balance	36	34	36	34
Asset-backed securities
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Financial assets, Beginning Balance	498	478	484	470
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in Net income	(2)	(1)	(2)	(1)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	1	4	3	1
Purchases and issuances	13	0	117	15
Sales and settlements	(26)	(5)	(62)	(24)
Transfer into Level 3	163	0	199	41
Transfer out of Level 3	(111)	(9)	(203)	(35)
Financial assets, Ending Balance	536	467	536	467
Corporate and other
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Financial assets, Beginning Balance	953	689	712	633
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in Net income	(9)	0	(4)	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	(3)	8	24
Purchases and issuances	172	37	460	131
Sales and settlements	(59)	(14)	(124)	(89)
Transfer into Level 3	0	0	29	15
Transfer out of Level 3	(7)	0	(31)	(5)
Financial assets, Ending Balance	1,050	709	1,050	709
Equity securities
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Financial assets, Beginning Balance	168	166	174	140
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in Net income	(3)	5	(19)	(12)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(4)	5	9	21
Purchases and issuances	2	10	22	22
Sales and settlements	0	(21)	(3)	(21)
Transfer into Level 3	0	0	0	15
Transfer out of Level 3	0	0	(20)	0
Financial assets, Ending Balance	163	165	163	165
Assets of MIE
Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Financial assets, Beginning Balance	23	26	29	26
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in Net income	(4)	(2)	(10)	(6)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Purchases and issuances	2	0	6	4
Sales and settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfer into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Transfer out of Level 3	0	0	(4)	0
Financial assets, Ending Balance	$ 21	$ 24	$ 21	$ 24

XML

Fair Value Measurements - Changes in balances of Level 3 financial liabilities carried at fair value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Financial liabilities, Beginning Balance		$ (2,129)	$ (1,557)	$ (1,759)	$ (1,369)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in Net income		(127)	(109)	(386)	(188)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)		0	0	0	0
Purchases and issuances		(65)	(53)	(224)	(207)
Sales and settlements		28	31	76	76
Transfer into Level 3		0	0	0	0
Transfer out of Level 3		0	0	0	0
Financial liabilities, Ending Balance	[1],[2]	(2,293)	(1,688)	(2,293)	(1,688)
Embedded derivatives
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Financial liabilities, Beginning Balance		(2,129)	(1,557)	(1,759)	(1,369)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in Net income		(127)	(109)	(386)	(188)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)		0	0	0	0
Purchases and issuances		(65)	(53)	(224)	(207)
Sales and settlements		28	31	76	76
Transfer into Level 3		0	0	0	0
Transfer out of Level 3		0	0	0	0
Financial liabilities, Ending Balance		$ (2,293)	$ (1,688)	$ (2,293)	$ (1,688)

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

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

XML

Fair Value Measurements - The carrying value and fair value of financial instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial assets:
Mortgage loans		$ 1,043	$ 1,147
Policy loans		186	192
Financial liabilities:
Long-term debt		1,284	1,283
Level 1
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		2,349	2,107
Mortgage loans		0	0
Policy loans		0	0
Total financial assets not accounted for at fair value		2,349	2,107
Financial liabilities:
Annuity benefits accumulated	[1]	0	0
Long-term debt		0	0
Total financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value		0	0
Level 2
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		0	0
Mortgage loans		0	0
Policy loans		0	0
Total financial assets not accounted for at fair value		0	0
Financial liabilities:
Annuity benefits accumulated	[1]	0	0
Long-term debt		1,377	1,353
Total financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value		1,377	1,353
Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		0	0
Mortgage loans		1,040	1,146
Policy loans		186	192
Total financial assets not accounted for at fair value		1,226	1,338
Financial liabilities:
Annuity benefits accumulated	[1]	31,857	28,932
Long-term debt		3	3
Total financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value		31,860	28,935
Carrying Value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		2,349	2,107
Mortgage loans		1,043	1,147
Policy loans		186	192
Total financial assets not accounted for at fair value		3,578	3,446
Financial liabilities:
Annuity benefits accumulated	[1]	32,464	29,703
Long-term debt		1,284	1,284
Total financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value		33,748	30,987
Fair Value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		2,349	2,107
Mortgage loans		1,040	1,146
Policy loans		186	192
Total financial assets not accounted for at fair value		3,575	3,445
Financial liabilities:
Annuity benefits accumulated	[1]	31,857	28,932
Long-term debt		1,380	1,356
Total financial liabilities not accounted for at fair value		$ 33,237	$ 30,288

[1] Excludes $207 million and $204 million of life contingent annuities in the payout phase at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

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Investments - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) security	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Investment [Line Items]
Percentage (based on amount of unrealized loss) of available for sale fixed maturities that are in an unrealized loss position and rated investment grade			73.00%
Percentage (based on fair value) of available for sale fixed maturities that are in an unrealized loss position and rated investment grade			88.00%
Other than temporary impairment charges	$ 38	$ 16	$ 53	$ 107
Fixed maturities — all other
Investment [Line Items]
Other than temporary impairment charges			1
Residential MBS
Investment [Line Items]
Non-credit related portion of other-than-temporary impairment charges taken for securities still owned	165		165		$ 189
Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities	(7)		(7)		(13)
Other than temporary impairment charges			1
Securities with non-credit other-than-temporary impairment charges
Investment [Line Items]
Gross unrealized gains	141		141		130
Gross unrealized losses	(4)		(4)		(3)
Fixed maturities
Investment [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities	(85)		$ (85)		(245)
Number of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position | security			735
Other than temporary impairment charges	15	$ 2	$ 16	$ 37
Corporate bonds
Investment [Line Items]
Other than temporary impairment charges			$ 15
Common stocks
Investment [Line Items]
Number of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position | security			19
Other than temporary impairment charges			$ 42
Gross unrealized losses on equity securities	(27)		$ (27)		(23)
Preferred stocks
Investment [Line Items]
Number of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position | security			5
Other than temporary impairment charges			$ 7
Gross unrealized losses on equity securities	$ (1)		$ (1)		$ (7)
Number of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer | Common stocks
Investment [Line Items]
Number of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position | security			0
Number of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer | Preferred stocks
Investment [Line Items]
Number of available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position | security			3

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Investments - Available for sale fixed maturities and equity securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Amortized Cost	$ 36,412	$ 33,735
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities	37,818	34,544
Equity securities, Available for sale, Amortized Cost	1,312	1,351
Equity securities, Available for sale, Fair Value	1,579	1,502
Total fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Amortized Cost	36,412	33,735
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Gains	1,491	1,054
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Losses	(85)	(245)
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Net Unrealized, Gains (Losses)	1,406	809
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities	37,818	34,544
U.S. Government and government agencies
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Amortized Cost	257	315
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Gains	2	3
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Losses	(2)	(3)
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Net Unrealized, Gains (Losses)	0	0
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities	257	315
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Amortized Cost	6,761	6,650
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Gains	259	200
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Losses	(23)	(69)
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Net Unrealized, Gains (Losses)	236	131
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities	6,997	6,781
Foreign government
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Amortized Cost	141	131
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Gains	3	5
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Losses	0	0
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Net Unrealized, Gains (Losses)	3	5
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities	144	136
Residential MBS
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Amortized Cost	3,062	3,367
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Gains	341	281
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Losses	(7)	(13)
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Net Unrealized, Gains (Losses)	334	268
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities	3,396	3,635
Commercial MBS
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Amortized Cost	967	1,446
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Gains	44	49
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Losses	(1)	(2)
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Net Unrealized, Gains (Losses)	43	47
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities	1,010	1,493
Asset-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Amortized Cost	7,268	5,962
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Gains	143	43
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Losses	(15)	(46)
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Net Unrealized, Gains (Losses)	128	(3)
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities	7,396	5,959
Corporate and other
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Amortized Cost	17,956	15,864
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Gains	699	473
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Losses	(37)	(112)
Fixed maturities, Available for sale, Net Unrealized, Gains (Losses)	662	361
Available for sale (AFS) fixed maturities	18,618	16,225
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Equity securities, Available for sale, Amortized Cost	1,312	1,351
Equity securities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Gains	295	181
Equity securities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Losses	(28)	(30)
Equity securities, Available for sale, Net Unrealized, Gains (Losses)	267	151
Equity securities, Available for sale, Fair Value	1,579	1,502
Common stocks
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Equity securities, Available for sale, Amortized Cost	830	879
Equity securities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Gains	251	160
Equity securities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Losses	(27)	(23)
Equity securities, Available for sale, Net Unrealized, Gains (Losses)	224	137
Equity securities, Available for sale, Fair Value	1,054	1,016
Perpetual preferred stocks
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Equity securities, Available for sale, Amortized Cost	482	472
Equity securities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Gains	44	21
Equity securities, Available for sale, Gross Unrealized, Losses	(1)	(7)
Equity securities, Available for sale, Net Unrealized, Gains (Losses)	43	14
Equity securities, Available for sale, Fair Value	$ 525	$ 486

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Investments - Gross unrealized losses on securities by investment category and length of time that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Total fixed maturities
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position
Unrealized Loss - Less than twelve months	$ (52)	$ (196)
Fair Value - Less than twelve months	$ 4,000	$ 8,651
Fair Value as % of Cost - Less than twelve months	99.00%	98.00%
Unrealized Loss - Twelve months or more	$ (33)	$ (49)
Fair Value - Twelve months or more	$ 961	$ 1,160
Fair Value as % of Cost - Twelve months or more	97.00%	96.00%
U.S. Government and government agencies
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position
Unrealized Loss - Less than twelve months	$ 0	$ (1)
Fair Value - Less than twelve months	$ 97	$ 153
Fair Value as % of Cost - Less than twelve months	100.00%	99.00%
Unrealized Loss - Twelve months or more	$ (2)	$ (2)
Fair Value - Twelve months or more	$ 57	$ 8
Fair Value as % of Cost - Twelve months or more	97.00%	80.00%
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position
Unrealized Loss - Less than twelve months	$ (18)	$ (64)
Fair Value - Less than twelve months	$ 1,099	$ 2,289
Fair Value as % of Cost - Less than twelve months	98.00%	97.00%
Unrealized Loss - Twelve months or more	$ (5)	$ (5)
Fair Value - Twelve months or more	$ 160	$ 44
Fair Value as % of Cost - Twelve months or more	97.00%	90.00%
Residential MBS
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position
Unrealized Loss - Less than twelve months	$ (2)	$ (7)
Fair Value - Less than twelve months	$ 163	$ 502
Fair Value as % of Cost - Less than twelve months	99.00%	99.00%
Unrealized Loss - Twelve months or more	$ (5)	$ (6)
Fair Value - Twelve months or more	$ 189	$ 162
Fair Value as % of Cost - Twelve months or more	97.00%	96.00%
Commercial MBS
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position
Unrealized Loss - Less than twelve months	$ (1)	$ (2)
Fair Value - Less than twelve months	$ 69	$ 121
Fair Value as % of Cost - Less than twelve months	99.00%	98.00%
Unrealized Loss - Twelve months or more	$ 0	$ 0
Fair Value - Twelve months or more	$ 0	$ 0
Fair Value as % of Cost - Twelve months or more	0.00%	0.00%
Asset-backed securities
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position
Unrealized Loss - Less than twelve months	$ (7)	$ (29)
Fair Value - Less than twelve months	$ 828	$ 1,737
Fair Value as % of Cost - Less than twelve months	99.00%	98.00%
Unrealized Loss - Twelve months or more	$ (8)	$ (17)
Fair Value - Twelve months or more	$ 245	$ 634
Fair Value as % of Cost - Twelve months or more	97.00%	97.00%
Corporate and other
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position
Unrealized Loss - Less than twelve months	$ (24)	$ (93)
Fair Value - Less than twelve months	$ 1,744	$ 3,849
Fair Value as % of Cost - Less than twelve months	99.00%	98.00%
Unrealized Loss - Twelve months or more	$ (13)	$ (19)
Fair Value - Twelve months or more	$ 310	$ 312
Fair Value as % of Cost - Twelve months or more	96.00%	94.00%
Total equity securities
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position
Unrealized Loss - Less than twelve months	$ (27)	$ (29)
Fair Value - Less than twelve months	$ 164	$ 350
Fair Value as % of Cost - Less than twelve months	86.00%	92.00%
Unrealized Loss - Twelve months or more	$ (1)	$ (1)
Fair Value - Twelve months or more	$ 13	$ 6
Fair Value as % of Cost - Twelve months or more	93.00%	86.00%
Common stocks
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position
Unrealized Loss - Less than twelve months	$ (27)	$ (23)
Fair Value - Less than twelve months	$ 141	$ 215
Fair Value as % of Cost - Less than twelve months	84.00%	90.00%
Unrealized Loss - Twelve months or more	$ 0	$ 0
Fair Value - Twelve months or more	$ 0	$ 0
Fair Value as % of Cost - Twelve months or more	0.00%	0.00%
Perpetual preferred stocks
Available for sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position
Unrealized Loss - Less than twelve months	$ 0	$ (6)
Fair Value - Less than twelve months	$ 23	$ 135
Fair Value as % of Cost - Less than twelve months	100.00%	96.00%
Unrealized Loss - Twelve months or more	$ (1)	$ (1)
Fair Value - Twelve months or more	$ 13	$ 6
Fair Value as % of Cost - Twelve months or more	93.00%	86.00%

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Investments - Credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturities for which the non-credit portion of an impairment has been recognized in OCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 145	$ 157	$ 153	$ 160
Additional credit impairments on:
Previously impaired securities	0	0	1	2
Securities without prior impairments	3	0	3	0
Reductions due to sales or redemptions	(1)	(2)	(10)	(7)
Ending Balance	$ 147	$ 155	$ 147	$ 155

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Investments - Scheduled maturities of available for sale fixed maturities (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Fair Value Percent, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Average life of ABS	5 years
Average life of MBS	4 years 6 months
Fixed maturities
Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
One year or less	$ 927
After one year through five years	6,521
After five years through ten years	13,074
After ten years	4,593
Fixed maturities amortized cost, Subtotal	25,115
ABS (average life of approximately 5 years)	7,268
MBS (average life of approximately 4-1/2 years)	4,029
Amortized Cost	36,412
Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
One year or less	939
After one year through five years	6,787
After five years through ten years	13,527
After ten years	4,763
Fixed maturities fair value, Subtotal	26,016
ABS (average life of approximately 5 years)	7,396
MBS (average life of approximately 4-1/2 years)	4,406
Fair Value	$ 37,818
Fair Value Percent, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
One year or less	2.00%
After one year through five years	18.00%
After five years through ten years	36.00%
After ten years	13.00%
Fixed maturities fair value, Subtotal, Percent	69.00%
ABS (average life of approximately 5 years)	19.00%
MBS (average life of approximately 4-1/2 years)	12.00%
Fair value, Total, Percent	100.00%

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Investments - Components of the net unrealized gain on securities that is included in AOCI in the Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Unrealized gain on:
Pretax		$ 1,087	$ 622
Deferred Tax		(381)	(218)
Net		706	404
Total investments
Unrealized gain on:
Pretax		1,673	960
Deferred Tax		(586)	(336)
Net		1,087	624
Total fixed maturities
Unrealized gain on:
Pretax		1,406	809
Deferred Tax		(492)	(283)
Net		914	526
Fixed maturities — annuity segment
Unrealized gain on:
Pretax	[1]	1,131	640
Deferred Tax	[1]	(396)	(224)
Net	[1]	735	416
Fixed maturities — all other
Unrealized gain on:
Pretax		275	169
Deferred Tax		(96)	(59)
Net		179	110
Equity securities
Unrealized gain on:
Pretax		267	151
Deferred Tax		(94)	(53)
Net		173	98
Deferred policy acquisition costs — annuity segment
Unrealized gain on:
Pretax		(465)	(273)
Deferred Tax		163	96
Net		(302)	(177)
Annuity benefits accumulated
Unrealized gain on:
Pretax		(141)	(78)
Deferred Tax		49	27
Net		(92)	(51)
Unearned revenue
Unrealized gain on:
Pretax		20	13
Deferred Tax		(7)	(5)
Net		$ 13	$ 8

[1] Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity investments supporting AFG’s annuity benefits accumulated.

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Investments - Schedule of sources of net investment income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	$ 475	$ 437	$ 1,379	$ 1,280
Investment expenses	(4)	(4)	(13)	(13)
Net investment income	471	433	1,366	1,267
Fixed maturities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	405	378	1,191	1,126
Equity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	17	20	57	59
Equity in earnings of partnerships and similar investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	20	16	51	31
Other
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	$ 33	$ 23	$ 80	$ 64

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Investments - Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments
Realized before impairments	$ 26	$ 18	$ 52	$ 75
Realized — impairments	(38)	(16)	(53)	(107)
Realized gains (losses) on securities	(12)	2	(1)	(32)
Net of tax and noncontrolling interests
Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments
Realized before impairments	17	11	34	47
Realized — impairments	(25)	(10)	(35)	(66)
Realized gains (losses) on securities	(8)	1	(1)	(19)
Change in unrealized	67	87	302	440
Total pretax
Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments
Realized before impairments	26	18	52	75
Realized — impairments	(38)	(16)	(53)	(107)
Realized gains (losses) on securities	(12)	2	(1)	(32)
Change in unrealized	104	136	465	688
Fixed maturities
Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments
Realized before impairments	9	5	25	36
Realized — impairments	(15)	(2)	(16)	(37)
Realized gains (losses) on securities	(6)	3	9	(1)
Change in unrealized	133	52	597	1,089
Equity securities
Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments
Realized before impairments	19	14	29	46
Realized — impairments	(29)	(16)	(49)	(83)
Realized gains (losses) on securities	(10)	(2)	(20)	(37)
Change in unrealized	24	89	116	77
Mortgage loans and other investments
Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments
Realized before impairments	0	0	3	0
Realized — impairments	0	0	0	0
Realized gains (losses) on securities	0	0	3	0
Change in unrealized	0	0	0	0
Other, Including DPAC and reserves on annuities and long-term care
Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments
Realized before impairments	(2)	(1)	(5)	(7)
Realized — impairments	6	2	12	13
Realized gains (losses) on securities	4	1	7	6
Change in unrealized	(53)	(5)	(248)	(478)
Tax effects
Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments
Realized before impairments	(9)	(7)	(18)	(27)
Realized — impairments	13	5	18	38
Realized gains (losses) on securities	4	(2)	0	11
Change in unrealized	(37)	(48)	(163)	(241)
Noncontrolling interests
Realized gains (losses) and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to fixed maturity and equity security investments
Realized before impairments	0	0	0	(1)
Realized — impairments	0	1	0	3
Realized gains (losses) on securities	0	1	0	2
Change in unrealized	$ 0	$ (1)	$ 0	$ (7)

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Investments - Gross realized gains and losses on available for sale fixed maturity and equity security investment transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fixed maturities
Gross realized gains and losses on the sale of available for sale fixed maturity and equity security investments
Gross gains	$ 32	$ 44
Gross losses	(4)	(8)
Equity securities
Gross realized gains and losses on the sale of available for sale fixed maturity and equity security investments
Gross gains	36	49
Gross losses	$ (6)	$ (3)

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Derivatives - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) swap	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) swap	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Carrying value of collateral received to support purchased call options	$ 374,000,000		$ 374,000,000		$ 380,000,000
Cash Flow Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Number of interest rate swaps designated and qualifying as a cash flow hedges | swap	8		8
Notional amount of derivative instrument outstanding	$ 1,350,000,000		$ 1,350,000,000		1,080,000,000
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into net investment income	1,000,000	$ 2,000,000	4,000,000	$ 5,000,000
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedge ineffectiveness recorded in Net Earnings	0	0	0	0
Collateral receivable supporting interest rate swaps	60,000,000		60,000,000		60,000,000
Other assets | Cash Flow Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net derivatives, at fair value	1,000,000		1,000,000		1,000,000
Other liabilities | Cash Flow Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net derivatives, at fair value	$ (21,000,000)		$ (21,000,000)		$ (22,000,000)
Senior Notes | 9-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2019
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Stated interest rate, percentage	9.875%		9.875%
AFG
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest rate description of fair value hedge activity			three-month LIBOR plus 8.099%
AFG | Fair Value Hedge | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Effective interest rate, percentage	9.419%		9.419%		9.0624%
The net reduction in interest expense from interest rate swaps		$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000	$ 3,000,000
AFG | Maximum | Fair Value Hedge | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
The net reduction in interest expense from interest rate swaps	$ 1,000,000
AFG | Long-term debt | Fair Value Hedge | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net derivatives, at fair value					$ 1,000,000
AFG | Long-term debt | Maximum | Fair Value Hedge | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net derivatives, at fair value	$ (1,000,000)		$ (1,000,000)
AFG | Senior Notes | 9-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2019
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Stated interest rate, percentage	9.875%		9.875%		9.875%
AFG | LIBOR | Fair Value Hedge | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	8.099%		8.099%
New interest rate swaps entered into during the period | Cash Flow Hedges | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative instrument outstanding	$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000
Number of interest rate swaps entered into during the period | swap	1

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Derivatives - Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting under GAAP included in the Balance Sheet at fair value (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives included in AFG' s Balance Sheet at fair value
Derivative asset, at fair value	$ 743	$ 603
Derivative liability, at fair value	2,303	1,767
MBS with embedded derivatives | Fixed maturities
Derivatives included in AFG' s Balance Sheet at fair value
Derivative asset, at fair value	111	107
Public company warrants | Equity securities
Derivatives included in AFG' s Balance Sheet at fair value
Derivative asset, at fair value	3	4
Fixed-indexed annuities (embedded derivative) | Annuity benefits accumulated
Derivatives included in AFG' s Balance Sheet at fair value
Derivative liability, at fair value	2,293	1,759
Equity index call options | Equity index call options
Derivatives included in AFG' s Balance Sheet at fair value
Derivative asset, at fair value	629	492
Reinsurance contracts (embedded derivative) | Other liabilities
Derivatives included in AFG' s Balance Sheet at fair value
Derivative liability, at fair value	$ 10	$ 8

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Derivatives - Gain (loss) included in the Statement of Earnings for changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Derivative	$ (12)	$ (7)	$ (54)	$ (113)
MBS with embedded derivatives | Realized gains on securities
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Derivative	0	(4)	(3)	0
Public company warrants | Realized gains on securities
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Derivative	(1)	1	(1)	0
Fixed-indexed annuities (embedded derivative) | Annuity benefits
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Derivative	(127)	(109)	(386)	(188)
Equity index call options | Annuity benefits
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Derivative	116	105	338	81
Reinsurance contracts (embedded derivative) | Net investment income
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Derivative	$ 0	$ 0	$ (2)	$ (6)

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Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Accumulated amortization of present value of future profits	$ 140	$ 134

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Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs - Progression of deferred policy acquisition costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits [Roll Forward]
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, beginning balance	$ 1,156	$ 881	$ 1,239	$ 1,184
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, additions	194	181	619	583
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, periodic amortization	(192)	(185)	(555)	(519)
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, change included in realized gains	4	1	7	6
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, foreign currency translation	1	(1)	2	(2)
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, change in unrealized	(44)	(10)	(193)	(385)
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, ending balance	1,119	867	1,119	867
P&C
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Deferred policy acquisition costs, beginning balance	258	234	238	226
Deferred policy acquisition costs, additions	149	132	439	403
Deferred policy acquisition costs, periodic amortization	(142)	(134)	(413)	(396)
Deferred policy acquisition costs, foreign currency translation	1	(1)	2	(2)
Deferred policy acquisition costs, ending balance	266	231	266	231
Annuity and Run-off Long-term Care and Life
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Deferred policy acquisition costs, beginning balance	1,167	1,089	1,110	1,018
Deferred policy acquisition costs, additions	44	48	177	172
Deferred policy acquisition costs, periodic amortization	(44)	(42)	(122)	(99)
Deferred policy acquisition costs, change included in realized gains	4	1	6	5
Deferred policy acquisition costs, ending balance	1,171	1,096	1,171	1,096
Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward]
Deferred sales inducements, beginning balance	103	116	110	119
Deferred sales inducements, additions	1	1	3	8
Deferred sales inducements, periodic amortization	(4)	(6)	(14)	(17)
Deferred sales inducements, change included in realized gains	0	0	1	1
Deferred sales inducements, ending balance	100	111	100	111
Movement in Present Value of Future Insurance Profits [Roll Forward]
Present value of future profits, beginning balance	42	51	46	55
Present value of future profits, periodic amortization	(2)	(3)	(6)	(7)
Present value of future profits, ending balance	40	48	40	48
Movement in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Related to Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits [Roll Forward]
Unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning balance	(414)	(609)	(265)	(234)
Unrealized investment gains (losses), change in unrealized	(44)	(10)	(193)	(385)
Unrealized investment gains (losses), ending balance	(458)	(619)	(458)	(619)
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits [Roll Forward]
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, beginning balance	898	647	1,001	958
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, additions	45	49	180	180
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, periodic amortization	(50)	(51)	(142)	(123)
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, change included in realized gains	4	1	7	6
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, change in unrealized	(44)	(10)	(193)	(385)
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, ending balance	853	636	853	636
Excluding Unrealized Gains | Annuity and Run-off Long-term Care and Life
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits [Roll Forward]
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, beginning balance	1,312	1,256	1,266	1,192
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, change in unrealized	0	0	0	0
Deferred policy acquisition costs and present value of future profits, ending balance	$ 1,311	$ 1,255	$ 1,311	$ 1,255

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Managed Investment Entities - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	May 31, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) collateralizedloanobligation	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Percentage of investment of most subordinate debt tranche, Minimum			15.00%
Percentage of investment of most subordinate debt tranche, Maximum			60.90%
Number of collateralized loan obligation entities | collateralizedloanobligation			15
Face amount of managed investment entities liabilities purchased by subsidiaries after issuance date			$ 58	$ 19
Amount paid by subsidiaries to purchase managed investment entities liabilities after issuance date			58	15
Proceeds received by subsidiaries related to sales and redemptions of managed investment entities liabilities			$ 86	69
Number of collateralized loan obligation entities substantially liquidated, during the period | collateralizedloanobligation			2
Difference between aggregate unpaid principal balance and fair value of CLOs' fixed maturity investments			$ 66		$ 75
Difference between aggregate unpaid principal balance and carrying value of CLOs' debt			135		159
Carrying amount of CLO loans in default			5		1
Aggregate unpaid principal balance of CLO loans in default			19		10
Variable interest entity, primary beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value of investment in collateralized loan obligations			261	$ 245	$ 216
New Collateralized Loan Obligation Entities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Face value of liabilities issued by managed investment entities on issuance date	$ 408	$ 406
Face amount of managed investment entities liabilities purchased by subsidiaries at issuance date	$ 24	$ 36
Subordinated Debt Obligations | Variable interest entity, primary beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value of investment in collateralized loan obligations			$ 197

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Managed Investment Entities - Selected financial information related to CLOs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Gains (losses) on change in fair value of assets/liabilities:
Assets	[1]	$ (8)	$ 60	$ (12)	$ 107
Liabilities	[1]	9	(49)	24	(98)
Management fees paid to AFG		5	4	14	12
CLO earnings (losses) attributable to AFG shareholders	[2]	5	17	16	29
Variable interest entity, primary beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in CLO tranches at end of period		$ 261	$ 245	$ 261	$ 245	$ 216

[1] Included in revenues in AFG’s Statement of Earnings.

[2] Included in earnings before income taxes in AFG’s Statement of Earnings.

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Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in the goodwill balance during the period			$ 0
Goodwill	$ 199,000,000		199,000,000		$ 199,000,000
Amortizable intangible assets related to property and casualty insurance acquisitions	29,000,000		29,000,000		34,000,000
Accumulated amortization	28,000,000		28,000,000		$ 25,000,000
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 2,000,000	$ 2,000,000	$ 6,000,000	$ 6,000,000

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Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Aug. 25, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Scheduled principal payments on debt in 2017		$ 0
Scheduled principal payments on debt in 2018		0
Scheduled principal payments on debt in 2019		350,000,000
Scheduled principal payments on debt in 2020		0
Scheduled principal payments on debt in 2021		0
Scheduled principal payments on debt in 2022		0
Scheduled principal payments on debt after 2022		953,000,000
AFG
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Revolving credit line		500,000,000
Amount borrowed under revolving credit facility		$ 0		$ 0
Interest rate description of fair value hedge activity		three-month LIBOR plus 8.099%
Interest rate description for revolving credit facility		1.00% to 1.875% (currently 1.375%) over LIBOR
LIBOR | AFG
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Interest rate on revolving debt facility	1.375%
LIBOR | AFG | Minimum
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Interest rate on revolving debt facility	1.00%
LIBOR | AFG | Maximum
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Interest rate on revolving debt facility	1.875%
Interest rate swaps | Fair Value Hedge | Designated as Hedging Instrument | AFG
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate, percentage		9.419%		9.0624%
Interest rate swaps | Fair Value Hedge | Designated as Hedging Instrument | LIBOR | AFG
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate		8.099%
Long-term debt | Interest rate swaps | Fair Value Hedge | Designated as Hedging Instrument | AFG
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net derivatives, at fair value				$ 1,000,000
Long-term debt | Interest rate swaps | Fair Value Hedge | Designated as Hedging Instrument | AFG | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net derivatives, at fair value		$ (1,000,000)
Senior Notes | 9-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2019
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Stated interest rate, percentage		9.875%
Senior Notes | 9-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2019 | AFG
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Stated interest rate, percentage		9.875%		9.875%
Senior Notes | 4.50% Senior Notes due June 2047 | AFG
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Senior Notes, aggregate principal amount	$ 350,000,000
Stated interest rate, percentage	4.50%	4.50%
Senior Notes, issuance price as a percentage of par value	99.46%
Senior Notes | 3.50% Senior Notes due August 2026 | AFG
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Stated interest rate, percentage		3.50%
Senior Notes | 6-3/8% Senior Notes due June 2042 | AFG
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Stated interest rate, percentage		6.375%
Senior Notes, amount of the original debt instrument that was redeemed	$ 230,000,000
Senior Notes | 5-3/4% Senior Notes due August 2042 | AFG
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Stated interest rate, percentage		5.75%
Senior Notes, amount of the original debt instrument that was redeemed			$ 125,000,000
Subordinated Debentures | 6-1/4% Subordinated Debentures due September 2054 | AFG
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Stated interest rate, percentage		6.25%
Subordinated Debentures | 6% Subordinated Debentures due November 2055 | AFG
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Stated interest rate, percentage		6.00%

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Long-Term Debt - Schedule of long-term debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Carrying value of long-term debt
Principal	$ 1,303	$ 1,308
Discount and Issue Costs	(19)	(25)
Carrying Value	1,284	1,283
Senior Notes | AFG
Summary of Carrying value of long-term debt
Principal	1,003	1,008
Discount and Issue Costs	(9)	(15)
Carrying Value	994	993
Senior Notes | 9-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2019 | AFG
Summary of Carrying value of long-term debt
Principal	350	350
Discount and Issue Costs	(1)	(1)
Carrying Value	349	349
Senior Notes | 4.50% Senior Notes due June 2047 | AFG
Summary of Carrying value of long-term debt
Principal	350	0
Discount and Issue Costs	(5)	0
Carrying Value	345	0
Senior Notes | 3.50% Senior Notes due August 2026 | AFG
Summary of Carrying value of long-term debt
Principal	300	300
Discount and Issue Costs	(3)	(3)
Carrying Value	297	297
Senior Notes | 6-3/8% Senior Notes due June 2042 | AFG
Summary of Carrying value of long-term debt
Principal	0	230
Discount and Issue Costs	0	(7)
Carrying Value	0	223
Senior Notes | 5-3/4% Senior Notes due August 2042 | AFG
Summary of Carrying value of long-term debt
Principal	0	125
Discount and Issue Costs	0	(4)
Carrying Value	0	121
Senior Notes | Other | AFG
Summary of Carrying value of long-term debt
Principal	3	3
Discount and Issue Costs	0	0
Carrying Value	3	3
Subordinated Debentures | AFG
Summary of Carrying value of long-term debt
Principal	300	300
Discount and Issue Costs	(10)	(10)
Carrying Value	290	290
Subordinated Debentures | 6-1/4% Subordinated Debentures due September 2054 | AFG
Summary of Carrying value of long-term debt
Principal	150	150
Discount and Issue Costs	(5)	(5)
Carrying Value	145	145
Subordinated Debentures | 6% Subordinated Debentures due November 2055 | AFG
Summary of Carrying value of long-term debt
Principal	150	150
Discount and Issue Costs	(5)	(5)
Carrying Value	$ 145	$ 145

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Shareholders' Equity - Preferred stock authorized for issuance (Details)	Sep. 30, 2017 $ / shares shares
Voting Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, shares authorized | shares	12,500,000.0
Preferred Stock, par value (in USD per share) | $ / shares	$ 0
Nonvoting Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, shares authorized | shares	12,500,000.0
Preferred Stock, par value (in USD per share) | $ / shares	$ 0

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Shareholders' Equity - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Net of tax unrealized gains (losses) related to credit-only impaired securities	$ 58			$ 58		$ 56	$ 52
Compensation expense related to stock incentive plans	$ 7		$ 7	$ 24	$ 21
Stock Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Common Stock, shares issued (shares)				232,250
Restricted Common Stock, fair value per share (USD per share)				$ 94.44
Common Stock options issued under stock incentive plan (shares)				0
Annual Equity Bonus Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Other benefit plans, shares issued (shares)		47,826
Common Stock issued, fair value per share (USD per share)		$ 96.13

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Shareholders' Equity - Progression of the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Net of tax unrealized gains (losses) related to credit-only impaired securities		$ 58			$ 58			$ 56	$ 52
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
AOCI beginning balance					375
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		74		$ 85	314		$ 456
AOCI ending balance		689			689
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period, Pretax		92		138	461		656
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period, tax		(33)		(49)	(162)		(229)
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period, net of tax		59		89	299		427
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, pretax	[1]	12		(2)	4		32
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, tax	[1]	(4)		1	(1)		(12)
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax		8		(1)	3		20
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax		104		136	465		688
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax		(37)		(48)	(163)		(241)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		67		88	302		447
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period, net of tax		0		(1)	0		(6)
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	[1]	0		0	0		(1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		0		(1)	0		(7)
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period, net of tax		59		88	299		421
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax		8		(1)	3		19
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
AOCI beginning balance		639	[2]	685	404	[2]	332
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		67		87	302		440
AOCI ending balance		706	[2]	772	706	[2]	772
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax		(1)		(1)	1		6
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax		1		1	0		(2)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		0		0	1		4
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		0		0	0		0
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
AOCI beginning balance		(6)		5	(7)		1
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		0		0	1		4
AOCI ending balance		(6)		5	(6)		5
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax		5		(2)	8		2
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax		2		(1)	3		2
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		7		(3)	11		4
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		0		0	0		0
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
AOCI beginning balance		(11)		(15)	(15)		(22)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		7		(3)	11		4
AOCI ending balance		(4)		(18)	(4)		(18)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax		0		0	0		1
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax		0		0	0		0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		0		0	0		1
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		0		0	0		0
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
AOCI beginning balance		(7)		(6)	(7)		(7)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		0		0	0		1
AOCI ending balance		(7)		(6)	(7)		(6)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss), pretax		108		133	474		697
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax		(34)		(48)	(160)		(241)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		74		85	314		456
AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		0		(1)	0		(7)
AOCI Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
AOCI beginning balance		615		669	375		304
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		74		84	314		449
AOCI ending balance		$ 689		$ 753	$ 689		$ 753

[1] The reclassification adjustment out of net unrealized gains on securities affected the following lines in AFG’s Statement of Earnings: OCI component Affected line in the statement of earnings Pretax Realized gains (losses) on securities Tax Provision for income taxes Attributable to noncontrolling interests Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

[2] Includes net unrealized gains of $58 million at September 30, 2017 compared to $56 million at June 30, 2017 and $52 million at December 31, 2016 related to securities for which only the credit portion of an other-than-temporary impairment has been recorded in earnings.

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Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]
Statutory rate of income taxes	35.00%	35.00%		35.00%	35.00%
Current year catastrophe losses				$ 2,237	$ 2,011
Effective tax rate excluding the catastrophe losses within subsidiaries	22.00%
Effective tax rate excluding the charge related to the exit of certain lines of business within subsidiaries		36.00%			36.00%
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 13			$ 13
Other lines | Property and Casualty Insurance
Income Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]
Special charges related to the exit of certain lines of business within subsidiaries			$ 65
Other lines | Neon Capital Limited | Property and Casualty Insurance
Income Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]
Special charges related to the exit of certain lines of business within subsidiaries		$ 65
Hurricanes and Earthquakes | Neon Capital Limited
Income Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]
Current year catastrophe losses	$ 53

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Income Taxes - Reconciliation of income taxes at the statutory rate to the provision for income taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Earnings before income taxes (“EBT”)	$ 29	$ 178	$ 457	$ 470
Income taxes at statutory rate	10	63	160	165
Effect of stock-based compensation	(1)	0	(14)	0
Effect of tax exempt interest	(5)	(5)	(17)	(18)
Effect of dividends received deduction	(2)	(1)	(6)	(5)
Effect of employee stock ownership plan dividends paid deduction	0	0	(2)	(1)
Effect of change in valuation allowance	16	7	16	40
Effect of subsidiaries not in AFG's tax return	0	2	0	4
Effect of other income tax reconciliation	0	(1)	9	5
Provision for income taxes as shown on the Statement of Earnings	$ 18	$ 65	$ 146	$ 190
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Income taxes at statutory rate as a percentage of EBT	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effect of stock-based compensation as a percentage of EBT	(3.00%)	0.00%	(3.00%)	0.00%
Effect of tax exempt interest as a percentage of EBT	(17.00%)	(3.00%)	(4.00%)	(4.00%)
Effect of dividends received deduction as a percentage of EBT	(7.00%)	(1.00%)	(1.00%)	(1.00%)
Effect of employee stock ownership plan dividends paid deduction as a percentage of EBT	(0.00%)	(0.00%)	(0.00%)	(0.00%)
Effect of change in valuation allowance as a percentage of EBT	55.00%	4.00%	4.00%	9.00%
Effect of subsidiaries not in AFG's tax return as a percentage of EBT	0.00%	1.00%	0.00%	1.00%
Effect of other income tax reconciliation as a percentage of EBT	(1.00%)	1.00%	1.00%	0.00%
Provision for income taxes as shown on the Statement of Earnings as a percentage of EBT	62.00%	37.00%	32.00%	40.00%

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Insurance - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Catastrophe bonds
Insurance [Line Items]
Catastrophe reinsurance coverage, excess retention percentage	95.00%
Catastrophe reinsurance coverage, excess retention amount	$ 200
Catastrophe reinsurance coverage, retention amount	$ 100
Catastrophe reinsurance coverage, annual cost					$ 11
Property and Casualty Insurance | Other lines
Insurance [Line Items]
Special charges to increase asbestos and environmental reserves		$ 89	$ 36		$ 89	$ 36
Special charges related to the exit of certain lines of business within subsidiaries				$ 65
Property and Casualty Insurance | Increased insurance loss reserves related to medical malpractice and general liability lines | Other lines
Insurance [Line Items]
Special charges related to the exit of certain lines of business within subsidiaries						$ 57

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Insurance - Analysis of changes in the liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Analysis of changes in the liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance
Balance at beginning of year	$ 8,563	$ 8,127
Less reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance	2,302	2,201
Net liability at beginning of year	6,261	5,926
Liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses, period increase (decrease) [Abstract]
Provision for losses and LAE occurring in the current period	2,237	2,011
Net increase (decrease) in the provision for claims of prior years:
Total losses and LAE incurred	2,239	2,033
Payments for losses and LAE of:
Current year	(530)	(463)
Prior years	(1,272)	(1,206)
Total payments	(1,802)	(1,669)
Foreign currency translation and other	32	(3)
Net liability at end of period	6,730	6,287
Add back reinsurance recoverables, net of allowance	2,833	2,374
Gross unpaid losses and LAE included in the balance sheet at end of period	9,563	8,661
Special A&E charges
Net increase (decrease) in the provision for claims of prior years:
Provision for claims of prior years related to special A&E charges and other	89	36
Neon exited lines charge
Net increase (decrease) in the provision for claims of prior years:
Provision for claims of prior years related to special A&E charges and other	0	57
Other
Net increase (decrease) in the provision for claims of prior years:
Provision for claims of prior years related to special A&E charges and other	$ (87)	$ (71)

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Insurance - Reinsurance Retention (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)
California Workers’ Compensation
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance retention policy, amount retained	$ 2
Reinsurance coverage amount	$ 148
Reinsurance coverage amount by internal reinsurance program as a percentage of reinsurance coverage amount	1.00%	[1]
Reinsurance retention policy, maximum loss for claims up to the reinsurance coverage limit	$ 3	[2]
Other Workers’ Compensation
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance retention policy, amount retained	3
Reinsurance coverage amount	$ 37
Reinsurance coverage amount by internal reinsurance program as a percentage of reinsurance coverage amount	0.00%	[1]
Reinsurance retention policy, maximum loss for claims up to the reinsurance coverage limit	$ 3	[2]
Commercial Umbrella
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance retention policy, amount retained	1
Reinsurance coverage amount	$ 49
Reinsurance coverage amount by internal reinsurance program as a percentage of reinsurance coverage amount	13.00%	[1]
Reinsurance retention policy, maximum loss for claims up to the reinsurance coverage limit	$ 7	[2]
Property — General
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance retention policy, amount retained	5
Reinsurance coverage amount	$ 45
Reinsurance coverage amount by internal reinsurance program as a percentage of reinsurance coverage amount	0.00%	[1]
Reinsurance retention policy, maximum loss for claims up to the reinsurance coverage limit	$ 5	[2]
Property — Catastrophe
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance retention policy, amount retained	15
Reinsurance coverage amount	$ 85
Reinsurance coverage amount by internal reinsurance program as a percentage of reinsurance coverage amount	5.00%	[1]
Reinsurance retention policy, maximum loss for claims up to the reinsurance coverage limit	$ 19	[2]
Neon Lloyd’s Syndicate
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance retention policy, amount retained	15
Reinsurance coverage amount	$ 210
Reinsurance coverage amount by internal reinsurance program as a percentage of reinsurance coverage amount	0.00%	[1]
Reinsurance retention policy, maximum loss for claims up to the reinsurance coverage limit	$ 15	[2]
Riverfront Re Ltd. catastrophe bond
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance retention policy, amount retained	100	[3]
Reinsurance coverage amount	$ 200	[3]
Reinsurance coverage amount by internal reinsurance program as a percentage of reinsurance coverage amount	5.00%	[1],[3]
AFG | California Workers’ Compensation
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance coverage amount	$ 1	[1]
AFG | Other Workers’ Compensation
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance coverage amount	0	[1]
AFG | Commercial Umbrella
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance coverage amount	6	[1]
AFG | Property — General
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance coverage amount	0	[1]
AFG | Property — Catastrophe
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance coverage amount	4	[1]
AFG | Neon Lloyd’s Syndicate
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance coverage amount	0	[1]
AFG | Riverfront Re Ltd. catastrophe bond
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance coverage amount	$ 10	[1],[3]

[1] Includes the participation of AFG’s internal reinsurance program.

[2] Maximum loss for claims up to reinsurance coverage limit.

[3] Includes aggregate coverage. See description below.

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Subsequent Event - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 03, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Estimated pretax catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance and inclusive of reinstatement premiums and other associated offsets		$ 29	$ 178	$ 457	$ 470
Estimated pretax catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance and inclusive of reinstatement premiums and other associated offsets (USD per share)		$ 0.13	$ 1.23	$ 3.44	$ 2.98
Fire | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Estimated pretax catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance and inclusive of reinstatement premiums and other associated offsets (USD per share)	$ 0.18
Fire | Minimum | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Estimated pretax catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance and inclusive of reinstatement premiums and other associated offsets	$ 20
Fire | Maximum | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Estimated pretax catastrophe losses, net of reinsurance and inclusive of reinstatement premiums and other associated offsets	$ 25