As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2021
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
American Financial Group, Inc. | | | Ohio | | | 31-1544320 |
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) | | | (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
Great American Insurance Group Tower
301 East Fourth Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(513) 579-2121
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)
Mark A. Weiss
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel
American Financial Group, Inc.
Great American Insurance Group Tower
301 East Fourth Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(513) 579-2520
Facsimile (513) 352-9272
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement as determined by market conditions and other factors.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the 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 | | | ☒ | | | Accelerated filer | | | ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer | | | ☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | | | 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 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act. ☐
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered | | | Amount to be Registered(1) | | | Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit(1) | | | Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(1) | | | Amount of Registration Fee(1) |
Common Stock | | | | | | | | | ||||
Preferred Stock | | | | | | | | | ||||
Depositary Shares(2) | | | | | | | | | ||||
Debt Securities(3) | | | | | | | | | ||||
Warrants(4) | | | | | | | | | ||||
Purchase Contracts(5) | | | | | | | | | ||||
Units(6) | | | | | | | | |
(1) | An unspecified aggregate initial offering price or number of the securities of each class identified above is being registered as may from time to time be offered, reoffered or resold, at indeterminate prices. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities or that are issued in units or represented by depositary shares. In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant is deferring payment of all of the related registration fees. |
(2) | In the event that the registrant elects to offer to the public fractional interests in shares of preferred stock registered hereunder, depositary shares, evidenced by depositary receipts, issued pursuant to a deposit agreement, will be distributed to those persons purchasing such fractional interests, and the shares of preferred stock will be issued to the depositary under any such agreement. |
(3) | An indeterminate principal amount of Debt Securities (which may be senior or subordinated). |
(4) | Warrants may represent rights to purchase debt securities, preferred stock, common stock or other securities registered hereunder. |
(5) | Includes purchase contracts issuable upon conversion or exchange of securities registered hereunder to the extent any such securities are, by their terms convertible into or exchangeable for purchase contracts. Each purchase contract obligates the registrant to sell, and the holder thereof to purchase, an indeterminate number of debt securities, common stock, preferred stock or other securities registered hereunder. |
(6) | Includes units issuable upon conversion or exchange of securities registered hereunder to the extent any such securities, are, by their terms convertible into or exchangeable for units, including upon the exercise of warrants or delivery upon settlement of purchase contracts. Each unit may consist of a combination of any two or more of the securities being registered hereby or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. Treasury securities. |
Prospectus
Debt Securities, Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Warrants,
Depositary Shares, Purchase Contracts and Units
We will provide you specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest.
We may offer these securities from time to time in amounts, at prices and on other terms to be determined at the time of offering. We may offer and sell these securities to or through underwriters, dealers or agents, or directly to investors, on a continuous or delayed basis. The supplements to this prospectus will provide the specific terms of the plan of distribution.
In addition, selling securityholders to be named in a prospectus supplement may offer and sell from time to time securities in such amounts as set forth in a prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of securities by any selling securityholders.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AFG.” Each prospectus supplement will indicate if the securities offered thereby will be listed on any securities exchange.
Investing in our securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 3 and those included in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in any applicable prospectus supplement before investing in any of our securities.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is February 26, 2021
This prospectus is part of an “automatic shelf” registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Under this shelf registration process, we may sell, from time to time, an indeterminate amount of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer, which is not meant to be a complete description of each security. Each time that we sell securities identified in this prospectus, a prospectus supplement containing specific information about the terms of that offering will be provided, including the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities offered and the manner in which they will be offered. The prospectus supplement and any other offering material may also add to, update or change information contained in this prospectus or in documents we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. We urge you to read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement and any other offering material (including any free writing prospectus) prepared by or on behalf of us for a specific offering of securities, together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” on the following page of this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement or other offering material, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement or other offering material. We have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We are not making an offer to sell or soliciting an offer to purchase these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company,” or “AFG” may, depending on the context, refer to American Financial Group, Inc., to one or more of its consolidated subsidiaries or to American Financial Group, Inc. and all of its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a whole.
You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus is accurate on any date other than the date on the front cover of such documents or that any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate on any date subsequent to the date of the document incorporated by reference, even though this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is delivered or securities are sold at a later date. Neither the delivery of this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement nor any distribution of securities pursuant to such documents shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the information set forth in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement or in our affairs since the date of this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
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We are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), under which we file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about us that we file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The address of that site is www.sec.gov. You may also access these filings free of charge through AFG’s Internet site at www.AFGinc.com. Other than the information specifically contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, information on AFG’s website is not part of this prospectus and is not incorporated by reference herein.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AFG.” Reports, proxy statements and other information regarding American Financial Group, Inc. may be read and copied at the offices of the NYSE located at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
We are “incorporating by reference” into this prospectus certain information that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which means that we are disclosing important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede that information until all of the offered securities are sold. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents set forth below that we have previously filed with the SEC (other than documents or information deemed furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules, including pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 on Form 8-K, and no such information shall be deemed specifically incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any accompanying prospectus supplement):
SEC Filings (File No. 1-13653) | | | Period |
Annual Report on Form 10-K | | | Year Ended December 31, 2020 |
| | | ||
Current Report on Form 8-K | | | Filed January 28, 2021 |
| | | ||
Form 8-A Registration Statement | | | Filed November 25, 1997 and all amendments and reports filed thereafter |
| | |
Any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus are incorporated by reference (other than documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules, including pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 on Form 8-K, and no such information shall be deemed specifically incorporated by reference herein or in any accompanying prospectus supplement). The most recent information that we file with the SEC automatically updates and supersedes older information. The information contained in any such filing will be deemed to be a part of this prospectus, commencing on the date on which the document is filed. Nothing in this prospectus shall be deemed to incorporate by reference information furnished to, but not filed with, the SEC.
You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or calling us at the following address or telephone number: Karl J. Grafe, Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Secretary, American Financial Group, Inc., Great American Insurance Group Tower, 301 East Fourth Street, 27th Floor, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, (513) 579-2540. Exhibits to the filings will not be sent, however, unless those exhibits have specifically been incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
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Investing in our securities involves risk. Please see the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our most recent fiscal year, as may be updated by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other filings we make with the SEC, as incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Additional risk factors may be included in a prospectus supplement relating to a particular series or offering of securities. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider these risks as well as other information we include or incorporate by reference in this prospectus. The risks and uncertainties we have described are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business operations. These risks could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition and cause the value of our securities to decline.
This prospectus (including the information incorporated by reference) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks or uncertainties. 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 forward-looking words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “projects,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “could,” “may,” “would,” “should,” “will” or the negative version of those words or other comparable terminology.
Any forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus and documents incorporated by reference are based upon our historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that our future plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. Our actual results might differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements may accompany the statements themselves. In addition, generally applicable factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are and will be discussed in our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any changes in events or circumstances or in our expectations or results.
American Financial Group, Inc. (“AFG”) is a holding company that, through subsidiaries, is engaged primarily in property and casualty insurance, focusing on specialized commercial products for businesses, and in the sale of fixed, fixed-indexed and variable-indexed annuities in the retail, financial institutions, registered investment advisor and education markets.
Our address is Great American Insurance Group Tower, 301 East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; our phone number is (513) 579-2121. SEC filings, news releases, our Code of Ethics applicable to directors, officers and employees and other information may be accessed free of charge through our Internet website at www.AFGinc.com. Other than the information specifically incorporated by reference in this prospectus, information on American Financial Group’s website is not part of this prospectus.
Unless otherwise indicated in an accompanying prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of any securities for general corporate purposes, which may include investment in insurance businesses and the repayment of outstanding debt and the debt of our subsidiaries. Until the net proceeds are used for these purposes, we may deposit them in interest-bearing accounts or invest them in short-term marketable securities. The specific allocations, if any, of the proceeds from the sale of any of the securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to the offering of the securities. Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of securities by any selling securityholder.
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We may issue, in one or more offerings, any combination of senior or subordinated debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, warrants, depositary shares, purchase contracts and units.
This prospectus contains a summary of the general terms of the various securities that we may offer. The prospectus supplement relating to any particular securities offered will describe the specific terms of the securities. The summary in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement does not describe every aspect of the securities and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to all applicable provisions of the documents relating to the securities offered. These documents are or will be filed as exhibits to or incorporated by reference in the registration statement.
In addition, the prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of the offering, the initial public offering price and net proceeds to us. Where applicable, the prospectus supplement will also describe any material United States federal income tax considerations relating to the securities offered and indicate whether the securities offered are or will be listed on any securities exchange.
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General
We may offer debt securities in one or more series which may be senior or subordinated and which may be convertible or exchangeable into another security. The following description briefly sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities. The particular terms of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which these general provisions may apply to the debt securities, will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, our debt securities will be issued in one or more series under, depending on whether such debt securities are senior or subordinated, a senior debt indenture or subordinated debt indenture between us and U.S. Bank, N.A., as trustee. The senior indenture and form of subordinated indenture are attached as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain a copy. The terms of the debt securities will include those set forth in the applicable indenture and the applicable supplemental indenture, if any, and those made a part of the indenture by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”). You should read the summary below, the applicable prospectus supplement and the provisions of the applicable indenture and the applicable supplemental indenture, if any, in their entirety before investing in our debt securities.
The aggregate principal amount of debt securities that may be issued is unlimited. The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that we may offer will contain the specific terms of the debt securities.
The debt securities will not be secured by any of our property or assets or the property or assets of our subsidiaries. Thus, the debt securities will be our unsecured general obligations and may include senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities.
The prospectus supplement relating to any particular debt securities offered will indicate whether the debt securities are senior or subordinated debt securities and will describe the specific terms of the debt securities. The summary in this section and in any prospectus supplement does not describe every aspect of the senior or subordinated indenture or the debt securities, and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of the applicable indenture and the debt securities.
This section summarizes the general terms of the debt securities that we may offer. When we refer to the indenture, we mean the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture collectively, unless we indicate otherwise. When we refer to the trustee, we mean the senior trustee and the subordinated trustee collectively, unless we indicate otherwise. When we refer to the debt securities, we mean the senior and subordinated debt securities, unless we indicate otherwise.
The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that we may offer will contain the specific terms of the debt securities. These terms may include the following:
• | the title of the debt securities; |
• | any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities; |
• | the date or dates on which the debt securities will mature; |
• | the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the debt securities will bear interest, if any, and the date or dates from which the interest will accrue; |
• | the dates on which interest on the debt securities will be payable and the regular record dates for those interest payment dates; |
• | the place or places where the principal and premium, if any, and interest, if any, shall be payable, where the debt securities may be surrendered for transfer or exchange, and where notices and demands may be served; |
• | the date, if any, after which and the price or prices at which the debt securities may, in accordance with any option or mandatory redemption provisions, be redeemed and the other detailed terms and provisions of any such optional or mandatory redemption provision; |
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• | any mandatory or optional sinking funds or analogous provisions or provisions for redemption at the holder’s option; |
• | the denomination in which the debt securities will be issuable, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof; |
• | if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities which will be payable upon the declaration of acceleration of the maturity of those debt securities; |
• | any addition to, or modification or deletion of, any events of default or covenants with respect to the securities; |
• | any provision relating to the defeasance of our obligations in connection with the debt securities; |
• | any provision regarding exchangeability or conversion of the debt securities into our common stock or other securities; |
• | whether any debt securities will be issued in the form of a global security, and, if different than described below under “Book-Entry Procedures and Settlement,” any circumstances under which a global security may be exchanged for debt securities registered in the names of persons other than the depositary for the global security or its nominee; |
• | the subordination provisions applicable to subordinated debt securities; and |
• | any other material terms of the debt securities. |
The terms of any series of debt securities may vary from the terms described here. Thus, this summary also is subject to and qualified by reference to the description of the particular terms of your debt securities to be described in the prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities will be attached to the front of this prospectus.
We may issue as many distinct series of debt securities under any of the indentures as we wish. The provisions of the senior and subordinated indentures allow us not only to issue debt securities with terms different from those previously issued under the applicable indenture, but also to “reopen” a previous issue of a series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series.
The indenture and its associated documents contain the full legal text of the matters described in this section. The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Events of Default
You will have special rights if an “event of default” occurs, with respect to any series of debt securities, and is not cured, as described later in this subsection. Under the indenture, the term “event of default” means any of the following:
• | we do not pay interest on a debt security within 30 days of its due date; |
• | we do not pay the principal or any premium on a debt security on its due date; |
• | we remain in breach of any covenant or warranty described in the indenture for 60 days after we receive a notice stating it is in breach, which notice must be sent by either the trustee or direct holders of at least 25% of the principal amount of outstanding debt securities; |
• | we fail to pay an amount of debt as defined in any mortgage, indenture, security agreement or other instrument totaling more than $10,000,000 in principal amount, our obligation to repay is accelerated by its lenders, and this payment obligation remains accelerated for 10 days after we receive notice of default as described in the previous paragraph; |
• | we become subject to one or more final, non-appealable judgments, orders or decrees requiring payments of more than $10,000,000 and such judgments, orders or decrees remain unsatisfied for 60 days during which a stay of enforcement has not been in effect after we receive notice as described two paragraphs above; or |
• | certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization. |
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Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs
If an event of default has occurred and has not been cured (if a cure period is provided for), the trustee or the direct holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities may declare the entire principal amount of all the debt securities of that series to be due and immediately payable. This is called a “declaration of acceleration of maturity.”
Except in cases of default, whereby a trustee has some special duties, a trustee is not required to take any action under the indenture at the request of any direct holders unless the direct holders offer the trustee reasonable protection from costs, expenses and liability (called an “indemnity”). If reasonable indemnity is provided, the direct holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the relevant series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any remedy available to the trustee. These majority direct holders may also direct the trustee in performing any other action under the indenture.
In general, before you bypass the trustee and bring your own lawsuit or other formal legal action or take other steps to enforce your rights or protect your interests relating to the debt securities, the following must occur:
• | you must give the trustee written notice that an event of default has occurred and remains uncured; |
• | the direct holders of at least 25% in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities of the relevant series must make a written request that the trustee take action in its own name as trustee because of the default, and must offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee against the costs, expenses and other liabilities of taking that action; |
• | the trustee must have not taken action for 60 days after receipt of the above notice and offer of indemnity; and |
• | the trustee must not have received from direct holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series a direction inconsistent with the written notice during the 60 day period after receipt of the above notice. |
However, you are entitled at any time to bring a lawsuit for the payment of money due on your debt security on or after its due date.
Modification
There are three types of changes we can make to the indenture and the debt securities.
Changes Requiring Your Approval
First, there are changes that cannot be made to the indenture or the debt securities without your specific approval. Following is a list of those types of changes:
• | change the payment due date; |
• | reduce any amounts due on a debt security; |
• | reduce the amount of principal payable upon acceleration of the maturity of a debt security following a default; |
• | impair your right to sue for payment; |
• | reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities, the consent of whose holders is required to modify or amend the indenture; |
• | reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities, the consent of whose holders is required to waive compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or to waive certain defaults; and |
• | modify any other aspect of the provisions dealing with modification and waiver of the indenture. |
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Changes Requiring a Majority Vote
The second type of change to the indenture and the debt securities is the kind that requires consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the particular series affected. With a majority vote, the holders may waive past defaults, provided that such defaults are not of the type described previously under “Changes Requiring Your Approval.”
Changes Not Requiring Approval
The third type of change does not require any vote by direct holders of debt securities. This type is limited to clarifications and certain other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the debt securities.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
We may consolidate or merge with or into another entity, and we may sell or lease substantially all of our assets to another corporation if the following conditions, among others, are met:
• | where we merge out of existence or sell or lease substantially all our assets, the other entity must be a corporation, partnership or trust organized under the laws of a state or the District of Columbia or under federal law, and it must agree to be legally responsible for the debt securities; and |
• | the merger, sale of assets or other transaction must not cause a default or an event of default on the debt securities. |
Global Debt Securities
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement for a series of debt securities, each series of debt securities will be issued in global form, which means that we will deposit with the depositary identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or its custodian) one or more certificates representing the entire series, as described below under “—Book-Entry Procedures and Settlement.” Global debt securities may be issued in either temporary or definitive form.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe any limitations or restrictions relating to a series of global debt securities.
Book-Entry Procedures and Settlement
Most debt securities we offer will be book-entry, or global, securities. Upon issuance, all book-entry securities will be represented by one or more fully registered global securities, without coupons. Each global security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, a securities depositary, and will be registered in the name of DTC or a nominee of DTC. DTC therefore will be the only registered holder of these securities.
Purchasers of debt securities may hold interests in the global securities through DTC if they are participants in the DTC system. Purchasers also may hold interests through a securities intermediary—a bank, brokerage house and other institution that maintains securities accounts for customers—that has an account with DTC or its nominee. DTC will maintain accounts showing the security holdings of its participants, and these participants will in turn maintain accounts showing the security holdings of their customers. Some of these customers may be securities intermediaries holding securities for their customers. Thus, each beneficial owner of a book-entry security will hold that security indirectly through a hierarchy of intermediaries, with DTC at the top and the beneficial owner’s own securities intermediary at the bottom.
The securities of each beneficial owner of a book-entry security will be evidenced solely by entries on the books of the beneficial owner’s securities intermediary. The actual purchaser of the securities generally will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the global securities registered in its name and will not be considered the owner under the indenture, the declaration of trust or other applicable governing documents relating to the security. In most cases, a beneficial owner will not be able to obtain a paper certificate evidencing the holder’s ownership of securities. The book-entry system for holding securities eliminates the need for physical movement of certificates. However, the laws of some jurisdictions require some purchasers of securities to take physical delivery of their securities in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability to transfer book-entry securities.
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A beneficial owner of book-entry securities represented by a global security may exchange the securities for definitive, or paper, securities only if:
• | DTC is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for such global security and we do not appoint a qualified replacement for DTC within 90 days; or |
• | we decide in our sole discretion to allow some or all book-entry securities to be exchangeable for definitive securities in registered form. |
Unless otherwise indicated, any global security that is exchangeable will be exchangeable in whole for definitive securities in registered form, with the same terms and of an equal aggregate principal amount. Definitive securities will be registered in the name or names of the person or persons specified by DTC in a written instruction to the registrar of the securities. DTC may base its written instruction upon directions that it receives from its participants.
In this prospectus, for book-entry securities, references to actions taken by security holders will mean actions taken by DTC upon instructions from its participants, and references to payments and notices of redemption to security holders will mean payments and notices of redemption to DTC as the registered holder of the securities for distribution to participants in accordance with DTC’s procedures.
DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a clearing corporation within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a clearing agency registered under section 17A of the Exchange Act. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.
Neither we nor any trustee or underwriter will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interest in the book-entry securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the beneficial ownership interests.
Links may be established among DTC, Clearstream Banking, S.A. (“Clearstream”) and the Euroclear System (“Euroclear”) to facilitate the initial issuance of book-entry securities and cross-market transfers of book-entry securities associated with secondary market trading. Clearstream and Euroclear are international clearing systems that perform functions similar to those that DTC performs in the United States.
Although we understand that DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear have agreed to the procedures provided below in order to facilitate transfers, they are under no obligation to perform such procedures, and the procedures may be modified or discontinued at any time.
Clearstream and Euroclear will record the ownership interests of their participants in much the same way as DTC, and DTC will record the aggregate ownership of each of the U.S. agents of Clearstream and Euroclear, as participants in DTC.
When book-entry securities are to be transferred from the account of a DTC participant to the account of a Clearstream participant or a Euroclear participant, the purchaser must send instructions to Clearstream or Euroclear through a participant at least one business day prior to settlement. Clearstream or Euroclear, as the case may be, will instruct its U.S. agent to receive book-entry securities against payment. After settlement, Clearstream or Euroclear will credit its participant’s account. Credit for the book-entry securities will appear on the next day (European time).
Because settlement is taking place during New York business hours, DTC participants can employ their usual procedures for sending book-entry securities to the relevant U.S. agent acting for the benefit of Clearstream or Euroclear participants. The sale proceeds will be available to the DTC seller on the settlement date. Thus, to the DTC participant, a cross-market transaction will settle no differently than a trade between two DTC participants.
When a Clearstream or Euroclear participant wishes to transfer book-entry securities to a DTC participant, the seller must send instructions to Clearstream or Euroclear through a participant at least one business day prior to settlement. In these cases, Clearstream or Euroclear will instruct its U.S. agent to transfer the book-entry securities against payment. The payment will then be reflected in the account of the Clearstream or Euroclear
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participant the following day, with the proceeds back-valued to the value date (which would be the preceding day, when settlement occurs in New York). If settlement is not completed on the intended value date (i.e., the trade fails), proceeds credited to the Clearstream or Euroclear participant’s account would instead be valued as of the actual settlement date.
The information in this “Book-Entry Procedures and Settlement” section, including any description of the operations and procedures of DTC, Clearstream or Euroclear, has been provided solely as a matter of convenience. We do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of this information, and this information is not intended to serve as a representation, warranty or contract modification of any kind. The operations and procedures of DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear are solely within the control of such settlement systems and are subject to changes by them. We urge investors to contact such systems or their participants directly to discuss these matters.
Notices
Notices to holders of debt securities will be given by mail to the addresses of such holders as they appear in the security register.
The Trustee
U.S. Bank, N.A. acts as trustee under each of the senior debt indenture and the subordinated debt indenture. U.S. Bank, N.A., sometimes acts as trustee in connection with obligations issued by us and our subsidiaries and is currently acting as a trustee in connection with certain debt obligations that we previously issued. U.S. Bank, N.A. and its affiliates have, from time to time, performed and in the future may perform various commercial banking services for us and for our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business including as underwriter from time to time in certain of our debt issuances, for which they received or will receive customary fees.
This section summarizes the general terms of the common stock that we may offer. The prospectus supplement relating to the common stock offered will set forth the number of shares offered, the initial offering price and recent market prices, dividend information and any other relevant information. The summary in this section and in the prospectus supplement does not describe every aspect of the common stock and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Code of Regulations and to the provisions of the Ohio Revised Code.
The total number of authorized shares of common stock is 200,000,000. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Holders of common stock have the right to cumulate their votes in the election of directors but are not entitled to any preemptive rights.
Subject to restrictions under agreements related to our indebtedness and to preferences that may be granted to holders of preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to the share of such dividends as our board of directors, in its discretion, may validly declare from funds legally available. In the event of liquidation, each outstanding share of common stock entitles its holder to participate ratably in the assets remaining after the payment of liabilities and any preferred stock liquidation preferences.
As of January 31, 2021, we had 86,399,280 shares of common stock outstanding and eligible to vote, which does not include 14.9 million shares held by our subsidiaries. Under Ohio law, shares held by subsidiaries are not entitled to vote at meetings of shareholders or by written consent. Shares of common stock carry no conversion, subscription or sinking fund rights and are not subject to redemption. All outstanding shares of common stock are, and any shares of common stock issued upon conversion of any convertible securities will be, fully paid and nonassessable.
Certain provisions of Ohio law may have the effect of discouraging or rendering more difficult an unsolicited acquisition of a corporation or its capital stock to the extent the corporation is subject to those provisions. We have opted out of two of those provisions.
We are subject to the Ohio Anti-Greenmail Statute which provides that a public Ohio corporation may recover profits that a shareholder makes from the sale of the corporation’s securities within 18 months after
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making a proposal to acquire control or publicly disclosing the possibility of a proposal to acquire control. The corporation may not, however, recover from a person who proves either: (1) that his or her sole purpose in making the proposal was to succeed in acquiring control of the corporation and there were reasonable grounds to believe that he or she would acquire control of the corporation; or (2) that his or her purpose was not to increase any profit or decrease any loss in the stock. Also, before the corporation may obtain any recovery, the aggregate amount of the profit realized by such person must exceed $250,000. Any shareholder may bring an action on behalf of the corporation if a corporation refuses to bring an action to recover these profits. The party bringing such an action may recover his or her attorneys’ fees if the court having jurisdiction over such action orders recovery of any profits.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol “AFG.” Our registrar and transfer agent is American Stock Transfer and Trust Company.
The following briefly summarizes the material terms of the preferred stock that we may offer, other than pricing and related terms disclosed in a prospectus supplement. You should read the particular terms of any series of preferred stock that we offer, which we will describe in more detail in any prospectus supplement relating to such series. You should also read the more detailed provisions of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, any amendment to the articles establishing the terms of any series of preferred stock and the statement with respect to shares relating to each particular series of preferred stock for provisions that may be important to you. The statement with respect to shares relating to each particular series of preferred stock offered by the accompanying prospectus supplement and this prospectus will be filed as an exhibit to a document incorporated by reference in the registration statement. The prospectus supplement will also state whether any of the terms summarized below do not apply to the series of preferred stock being offered.
General
Our board of directors is authorized to issue up to 12,500,000 shares of voting preferred stock and up to 12,500,000 shares of non-voting preferred stock. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not issued any shares of preferred stock. Our board of directors can issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and can specify the following terms for each series:
• | the number of shares; |
• | the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares; and |
• | the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, except as otherwise stated in the articles of incorporation. |
Before issuing any series of preferred stock, our board of directors will adopt resolutions creating and designating the series as a series of preferred stock, and the resolutions will be filed in a statement with respect to shares as an amendment to the articles of incorporation.
The rights of holders of the preferred stock offered may be adversely affected by the rights of holders of any shares of preferred stock that may be issued in the future. Our board of directors may cause shares of preferred stock to be issued in public or private transactions for any proper corporate purpose. Examples include issuances to obtain additional financing in connection with acquisitions or otherwise, and issuances to our officers, directors and employees and its subsidiaries pursuant to benefit plans or otherwise. The preferred stock could have the effect of acting as an anti-takeover device to prevent a change in control of AFG.
Unless the particular prospectus supplement states otherwise, holders of each series of preferred stock will not have any preemptive or subscription rights to acquire more of our stock.
The transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent for shares of each series of preferred stock will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to such series.
Rank
Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement relating to the shares of any series of preferred stock, the shares will rank on an equal basis with each other series of preferred stock and prior to the common stock as to dividends and distributions of assets. However, we will generally be able to pay dividends and distributions of assets to holders of our preferred stock only if we have satisfied our obligations on our indebtedness then due and payable.
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Dividends
Unless the particular prospectus supplement states otherwise, holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive cash dividends, when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividends. The rates and dates of payment of dividends will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to each series of preferred stock. Dividends will be payable to holders of record of preferred stock as they appear on our books. Dividends on any series of preferred stock may be cumulative or noncumulative.
We may not declare, pay or set apart for payment dividends on the preferred stock unless full dividends on any other series of preferred stock that ranks on an equal or senior basis have been paid or sufficient funds have been set apart for payment for:
• | all prior dividend periods of the other series of preferred stock that pay dividends on a cumulative basis; or |
• | the immediately preceding dividend period of the other series of preferred stock that pay dividends on a noncumulative basis. |
Partial dividends declared on shares of preferred stock and any other series of preferred stock ranking on an equal basis as to dividends will be declared pro rata. A pro rata declaration means that the ratio of dividends declared per share to accrued dividends per share will be the same for all such series of preferred stock.
Similarly, we may not declare, pay or set apart for payment non-stock dividends or make other payments on the common stock or any other stock ranking junior to the preferred stock unless full dividends on all series of preferred stock have been paid or set apart for payment for:
• | all prior dividend periods if the preferred stock pays dividends on a cumulative basis; or |
• | the immediately preceding dividend period if the preferred stock pays dividends on a noncumulative basis. |
Conversion and Exchange
The prospectus supplement for any series of preferred stock will state the terms, if any, on which shares of that series are convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock.
Redemption
If so specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, a series of preferred stock may be redeemable at any time, in whole or in part, at our option or at the option of the holders, or may be mandatorily redeemed.
Any partial redemptions of preferred stock will be made in a way that our board of directors decides is equitable.
Any restriction on the repurchase or redemption by us of our preferred stock while there is an arrearage in the payment of dividends will be described in the prospectus supplement.
Unless we default in the payment of the redemption price, dividends will cease to accrue after the redemption date on shares of preferred stock called for redemption and all rights of holders of such shares will terminate except for the right to receive the redemption price.
Liquidation Preference
Upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive distributions upon liquidation in the amount set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of preferred stock, plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends. Such distributions will be made before any distribution is made on any securities ranking junior to the preferred stock with respect to liquidation, including common stock.
If the liquidation amounts payable relating to the preferred stock of any series and any other securities ranking on a parity regarding liquidation rights are not paid in full, the holders of the preferred stock of such series and such other securities will share in any such distribution of our available assets on a ratable basis in proportion to the full liquidation preferences. Holders of such series of preferred stock will not be entitled to any other amounts from us after they have received their full liquidation preference.
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Voting Rights
If we issue voting preferred stock, holders of preferred stock will be entitled to one vote per share on each matter submitted to our shareholders. If we issue non-voting preferred stock, holders of non-voting preferred stock will have no voting rights, except as described in the applicable prospectus supplement and the applicable certificate of designation or otherwise required by law. The prospectus supplement will state the voting rights, if any, applicable to any particular series of preferred stock.
This section describes the general terms and provisions of warrants to acquire our securities that we may issue from time to time. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any warrant agreement and the warrants issuable thereunder. If any particular terms of the warrants described in the prospectus supplement differ from any of the terms described herein, then the terms described herein will be deemed superseded by that prospectus supplement.
We may issue warrants for the purchase of our debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, other securities offered by this prospectus or any combination of the foregoing. We may issue warrants independently or together with other securities, and they may be attached to or separate from the other securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement that we will enter into with a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, as detailed in the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation, or agency or trust relationship, with you. We will file a copy of the warrant and warrant agreement with the SEC each time we issue a series of warrants, and these warrants and warrant agreements will be incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. A holder of our warrants should refer to the provisions of the applicable warrant agreement and prospectus supplement for more specific information.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any warrants, including, where applicable, the following:
• | the offering price; |
• | the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which the price of the warrants may be payable; |
• | the number of warrants offered; |
• | the securities underlying the warrants, including the securities of third parties or other rights, if any, to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies, securities or indices, or any combination of the foregoing, purchasable upon exercise of the warrants; |
• | the exercise price and the amount of securities you will receive upon exercise; |
• | the procedure for exercise of the warrants and the circumstances, if any, that will cause the warrants to be automatically exercised; |
• | if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of warrants that may be exercised at one time; |
• | the rights, if any, we have to redeem the warrants; |
• | the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and the date on which the warrants will expire; |
• | the designation and terms of the securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each such security; |
• | the date on and after which the warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable; |
• | U.S. federal income tax consequences; |
• | the name of the warrant agent; and |
• | any other material terms of the warrants. |
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After your warrants expire they will become void. All warrants will be issued in registered form. The prospectus supplement may provide for the adjustment of the exercise price of the warrants.
Warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date at the appropriate office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Before the exercise of warrants, holders will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon exercise and will not be entitled to payments made to holders of those securities.
The applicable warrant agreement may be amended or supplemented without the consent of the holders of the warrants to which it applies to effect changes that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the warrants and that do not materially and adversely affect the interests of the holders of the warrants. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of warrants will not be effective unless the holders of at least a majority of the applicable warrants then outstanding approve the amendment. Every holder of an outstanding warrant at the time any amendment becomes effective, by continuing to hold the warrant, will be bound by the applicable warrant agreement as amended. The prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series of warrants may provide that certain provisions of the warrants, including the securities for which they may be exercisable, the exercise price and the expiration date, may not be altered without the consent of the holder of each warrant.
The following briefly summarizes the provisions of the depositary shares and depositary receipts that we may issue from time to time and which would be important to holders of depositary shares or depositary receipts, other than pricing and related terms, which will be disclosed in the applicable prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will also state whether any of the general provisions summarized below do not apply to the depositary shares or depositary receipts being offered and provide any additional provisions applicable to the depositary shares or depositary receipts being offered. The following description and any description in a prospectus supplement may not be complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to the terms and provisions of the form of deposit agreement filed as an exhibit to the registration statement which contains this prospectus.
Depositary Shares
We may offer depositary shares evidenced by depositary receipts. Each depositary share represents a fraction or a multiple of a share of a particular series of preferred stock that we issue and deposit with a depositary. The fraction or the multiple of a share of preferred stock that each depositary share represents will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We will deposit the shares of any series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares according to the provisions of a deposit agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, which we will select as its preferred stock depositary. We will name the depositary in the applicable prospectus supplement. Each holder of a depositary share will be entitled to all the rights and preferences of the underlying preferred stock in proportion to the applicable fraction or multiple of a share of preferred stock represented by the depositary share. These rights may include any applicable dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights. The depositary will send the holders of depositary shares all reports and communications that we deliver to the depositary and which we are required to furnish to the holders of depositary shares.
Depositary Receipts
The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement. Depositary receipts will be distributed to anyone who is buying the fractional shares of preferred stock in accordance with the terms of the applicable prospectus supplement.
Withdrawal of Preferred Stock
Unless the related depositary shares have previously been called for redemption, a holder of depositary shares may receive the number of whole shares of the related series of preferred stock and any money or other property represented by the holder’s depositary receipts after surrendering the depositary receipts at the corporate trust office of the depositary, paying any taxes, charges and fees provided for in the deposit agreement and
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complying with any other requirement of the deposit agreement. Partial shares of preferred stock will not be issued. If the surrendered depositary shares exceed the number of depositary shares that represent the number of whole shares of preferred stock the holder wishes to withdraw, then the depositary will deliver to the holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares. Once the holder has withdrawn the preferred stock, the holder will not be entitled to re-deposit that preferred stock under the deposit agreement or to receive depositary shares in exchange for such preferred stock.
Dividends and Other Distributions
The depositary will distribute to record holders of depositary shares any cash dividends or other cash distributions it receives on preferred stock. Each holder will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of depositary shares owned by the holder. The depositary will distribute only whole U.S. dollars and cents. The depositary will add any fractional cents not distributed to the next sum received for distribution to record holders of depositary shares.
In the event of a non-cash distribution, the depositary will distribute property to the record holders of depositary shares, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such a distribution. If this occurs, the depositary may, with our approval, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders.
The amounts distributed to holders of depositary shares will be reduced by any amounts required to be withheld by the preferred stock depositary or by us on account of taxes or other governmental charges.
Redemption of Depositary Shares
If the series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares is subject to redemption, then we will give the necessary proceeds to the depositary. The depositary will then redeem the depositary shares using the funds it received from us for the preferred stock. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the redemption price payable per share for the applicable series of the preferred stock and any other amounts per share payable with respect to the preferred stock multiplied by the fraction of a share of preferred stock represented by one depositary share. Whenever we redeem shares of preferred stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem the depositary shares representing the shares of preferred stock on the same day, provided we have paid in full to the depositary the redemption price of the preferred stock to be redeemed and any accrued and unpaid dividends. If fewer than all the depositary shares of a series are to be redeemed, the depositary shares will be selected by lot or ratably or by any other equitable method as the depositary will decide.
After the date fixed for redemption, the depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be considered outstanding. Therefore, all rights of holders of the depositary shares will cease, except that the holders will still be entitled to receive any cash payable upon the redemption and any money or other property to which the holder was entitled at the time of redemption. To receive this amount or other property, the holders must surrender the depositary receipts evidencing their depositary shares to the depositary. Any funds that we deposit with the depositary for any depositary shares that the holders fail to redeem will be returned to us after a period of two years from the date we deposit the funds.
Voting the Preferred Stock
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of preferred stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will notify holders of depositary shares of the upcoming vote and arrange to deliver our voting materials to the holders. The record date for determining holders of depositary shares that are entitled to vote will be the same as the record date for the underlying preferred stock. The materials the holders will receive will describe the matters to be voted on and explain how the holders, on a certain date, may instruct the depositary to vote the shares of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares. For instructions to be valid, the depositary must receive them on or before the date specified. To the extent possible, the depositary will vote the shares as instructed by the holder. We agree to take all reasonable actions that the depositary determines are necessary to enable it to vote as a holder has instructed. The depositary will abstain from voting shares of preferred stock deposited under a deposit agreement if it has not received specific instructions from the holder of the depositary shares representing those shares.
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Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement
We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the form of depositary receipt at any time. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary receipts will not be effective unless it has been approved by the holders of at least a majority of the affected depositary shares then outstanding. We will make no amendment that impairs the right of any holder of depositary shares, as described above under “– Withdrawal of Preferred Stock,” to receive shares of preferred stock and any money or other property represented by those depositary shares, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. If an amendment becomes effective, holders are deemed to agree to the amendment and to be bound by the amended deposit agreement if they continue to hold their depositary receipts.
The deposit agreement automatically terminates if a final distribution in respect of the preferred stock has been made to the holders of depositary receipts in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up. We may also terminate the deposit agreement at any time we wish with at least 60 days prior written notice to the depositary. If we terminate, the depositary will give notice of termination to the record holders not less than 30 days before the termination date. Once depositary receipts are surrendered to the depositary, it will send to each holder the number of whole or fractional shares of the series of preferred stock underlying that holder’s depositary receipts.
Charges of Depositary and Expenses
We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay all charges of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the related series of offered preferred stock, the initial issuance of the depositary shares, all withdrawals of shares of the related series of offered preferred stock by holders of the depositary shares and the registration of transfers of title to any depositary shares. However, holders of depositary receipts will pay other taxes and governmental charges and any other charges provided in the deposit agreement to be payable by them.
Limitations on Our Obligations and Liability to Holders of Depositary Receipts
The deposit agreement expressly limits our obligations and the obligations of the depositary. It also limits our liability and the liability of the depositary as follows:
• | we and the depositary are only liable to the holders of depositary receipts for negligence or willful misconduct; and |
• | we and the depositary have no obligation to become involved in any legal or other proceeding related to the depositary receipts or the deposit agreement on your behalf or on behalf of any other party, unless you provide us with satisfactory indemnity. |
Resignation and Removal of Depositary
The depositary may resign at any time by notifying us of its election to do so. In addition, we may remove the depositary at any time. Within 60 days after the delivery of the notice of resignation or removal of the depositary, we will appoint a successor depositary.
Reports to Holders
We will deliver all required reports and communications to holders of the offered preferred stock to the depositary, and it will forward those reports and communications to the holders of depositary shares.
As may be specified in a prospectus supplement, we may issue purchase contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and us to sell to the holders, a number of debt securities, shares of common stock or preferred stock, or other securities described in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement at a future date or dates. The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the purchase contracts. These payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis to be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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The prospectus supplement relating to any purchase contracts will specify the material terms of the purchase contracts and any applicable collateral arrangements or depositary arrangements, including one or more of the following:
• | the stated amount that a holder will be obligated to pay under the purchase contract in order to purchase debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, or other securities described in this prospectus or the formula by which such amount shall be determined; |
• | the settlement date or dates on which the holder will be obligated to purchase such securities. The prospectus supplement will specify whether the occurrence of any events may cause the settlement date to occur on an earlier date and the terms on which an early settlement would occur; |
• | the events, if any, that will cause our obligations and the obligations of the holder under the purchase contract to terminate; |
• | the settlement rate, which is a number that, when multiplied by the stated amount of a purchase contract, determines the number of securities that we will be obligated to sell and a holder will be obligated to purchase under that purchase contract upon payment of the stated amount of that purchase contract. The settlement rate may be determined by the application of a formula specified in the prospectus supplement. If a formula is specified, it may be based on the market price of such securities over a specified period or it may be based on some other reference statistic; |
• | whether the purchase contracts will be issued separately or as part of units consisting of a purchase contract and an underlying security with an aggregate principal amount equal to the stated amount. Any underlying securities will be pledged by the holder to secure its obligations under a purchase contract; |
• | the type of underlying security, if any, that is pledged by the holder to secure its obligations under a purchase contract. Underlying securities may be debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, or other securities described in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement; |
• | the terms of the pledge arrangement relating to any underlying securities, including the terms on which distributions or payments of interest and principal on any underlying securities will be retained by a collateral agent, delivered to us or be distributed to the holder; and |
• | the amount of the contract fee, if any, that may be payable by us to the holder or by the holder to us, the date or dates on which the contract fee will be payable and the extent to which we or the holder, as applicable, may defer payment of the contract fee on those payment dates. The contract fee may be calculated as a percentage of the stated amount of the purchase contract or otherwise. |
The descriptions of the purchase contracts and any applicable underlying collateral arrangement or depository arrangements in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement are summaries of the material provisions of the applicable agreements and are subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the terms and provisions of the purchase contract agreement, collateral arrangement and deposit agreement, forms of which have been or will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
We may, from time to time, issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities that may be offered under this prospectus or debt securities of a third party, including U.S. treasury securities, in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately at any time, or at any time before a specified date. The description of the units and any applicable collateral arrangements or documents related to the units are subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the terms of the units and any related documents to be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
Any applicable prospectus supplement will describe:
• | the material terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately; |
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• | any material provisions relating to the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units; and |
• | any material provisions of the governing unit agreement that differ from those described above. |
We or selling securityholders may offer and sell the securities covered by this prospectus, from time to time, in one or more transactions, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to market prices, at a fixed price or prices subject to change, at varying prices determined at the time of sale or at negotiated prices, by a variety of methods, including the following:
• | through agents; |
• | to or through underwriters; |
• | in “at the market offerings,” within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act, to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise; |
• | through brokers or dealers; |
• | directly to purchasers, including through a specific bidding, auction or other process; or |
• | through a combination of any of these methods of sale. |
Any applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of the offering of the securities covered by this prospectus, including:
• | the name or names of any underwriters, dealers, agents or guarantors and the amounts of securities underwritten or purchased by each of them, if any; |
• | any material relationship with the underwriter and the nature of such relationship, if any; |
• | the public offering price or purchase price of the securities and the proceeds to us and/or the selling securityholders and any discounts, commissions, or concessions or other items constituting compensation allowed, reallowed or paid to underwriters, dealers or agents, if any; |
• | any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed, if any; and |
• | the manner in which results of the distribution are to be made public, and when appropriate, the manner for refunding any excess amount paid (including whether interest will be paid). |
Any public offering price or purchase price and any discounts, commissions, concessions or other items constituting compensation allowed or reallowed or paid to underwriters, dealers or agents may be changed from time to time.
We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any sale of securities we are offering to purchasers directly. Direct sales may be arranged by a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary.
Underwriters or the third parties described above may offer and sell the offered securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. If underwriters are used in the sale of any securities, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions described above. The securities may be either offered to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters, or directly by one or more underwriters. Generally, the underwriters’ obligations to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities if they purchase any of the securities. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.
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We and/or the selling securityholders may sell the securities through agents from time to time. If required by applicable law, any applicable prospectus supplement will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities and any commissions we and/or the selling securityholders pay to them. Generally, unless otherwise indicated in any applicable prospectus supplement, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
Offered securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in any applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as our agents. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreements, if any, with us, and its compensation will be described in any applicable prospectus supplement.
Selling stockholders may use this prospectus in connection with resales of the securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will identify the selling stockholders and the terms of the securities. Selling stockholders may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities they resell and any profits on the sales may be deemed to be underwriter discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. The selling stockholders will receive all of the proceeds from the sale of the securities. We will not receive any proceeds from sales by selling stockholders.
Agents, underwriters and other third parties described above may be entitled under relevant underwriting or other agreements to indemnification by us and/or the selling securityholders against certain civil liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments which the agents, underwriters or other third parties may be required to make in respect thereof. Agents, underwriters and such other third parties may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for us and/or the selling securityholders in the ordinary course of business.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon by Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements and schedules included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our consolidated financial statements and schedules and our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. | Other Expenses of Issuance And Distribution. |
The expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, are estimated below:
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee | | | * |
Trustee Fees and Expenses | | | ** |
Legal Fees and Expenses | | | ** |
Accounting Fees and Expenses | | | ** |
New York Stock Exchange Fees | | | ** |
Miscellaneous | | | ** |
Total | | | $ ** |
* | Applicable SEC registration fees have been deferred in accordance with Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r) of the Securities Act and are not estimable at this time. |
** | Information regarding offering expenses is not currently known. The foregoing sets forth the general categories of expenses (other than underwriting compensation) that we anticipate we will incur in connection with the offering of securities under this registration statement which will be reflected in the applicable prospectus supplement. |
Item 15. | Indemnification of Directors and Officers. |
Ohio Revised Code, Section 1701.13(E), allows indemnification by American Financial Group, Inc. (or “AFG”) to any person made or threatened to be made a party to any proceedings, other than a proceeding by or in the right of AFG, by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of AFG, against expenses, including judgment and fines, if he acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to our best interests and, with respect to criminal actions, in which he had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. Similar provisions apply to actions brought by or in the right of AFG, except that no indemnification shall be made in such cases when the person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct to AFG unless deemed otherwise by the court. Indemnifications are to be made by a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested directors or the written opinion of independent counsel or by the shareholders or by the court. AFG’s Amended and Restated Code of Regulations extends such indemnification and provides indemnification to any person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved (including, without limitation, as a witness) in any actual or threatened action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer or member of a committee of AFG or that, being or having been such a director or officer of AFG, he or she is or was serving at the request of an executive officer of AFG as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan.
AFG maintains, at its expense, Directors and Officers Liability and Company Reimbursement Liability Insurance. The Directors and Officers Liability portion of such policy covers all directors and officers of AFG and of the companies which are, directly or indirectly, more than 50% owned by AFG. The policy provides for payment on behalf of the directors and officers, up to the policy limits and after expenditure of a specified deductible, of all Loss (as defined) from claims made against them during the policy period for defined wrongful acts, which include errors, misstatements or misleading statements, acts or omissions and neglect or breach of duty by directors and officers in the discharge of their individual or collective duties as such. The insurance includes the cost of investigations and defenses, appeals and bonds and settlements and judgments, but not fines or penalties imposed by law. The insurance does not cover any claims arising out of acts alleged to have been committed prior to October 24, 1978, or in the case of companies directly or indirectly 50% owned by AFG, such later date as AFG or its predecessors may be deemed to control the company. The policy contains various exclusions and reporting requirements.
AFG also has entered into indemnification agreements with its officers and directors providing for indemnification against certain liabilities to the fullest extent permitted under Ohio law.
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AFG’s directors and officers are covered by insurance policies indemnifying them against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which might be incurred by them in such capacities and against which they cannot be indemnified by us.
Item 16. | Exhibits. |
Exhibit No. | | | Description Of Document |
1* | | | Form of Underwriting Agreement. |
| | | Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2021, by and among Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Great American Financial Resources, Inc. and American Financial Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2021 by AFG). | |
| | | Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of AFG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) of AFG’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2019). | |
| | | Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of AFG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 of the Form 8-K dated April 1, 2020 filed by AFG). | |
| | | Senior Debt Securities Indenture dated as of November 12, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to AFG’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A (Registration Statement No. 001-13653) filed on November 2, 1997). | |
| | | Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture dated as of September 23, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to AFG’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A (Registration Statement No. 001-13653) filed on September 23, 2014). | |
| | | Senior Debt Securities Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 3, 1997 among AFG, as Issuer, AFC Holdings Company, as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4.1 from Post-Effective Amendment No.1 to Registration Statement No. 333-21995 filed on December 5, 1997 by AFC Holding Company). | |
| | | Senior Debt Securities Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 3, 2004 between AFG, as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 from AFG’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A (Registration Statement No. 001-13653) filed on January 30, 2004). | |
| | | Senior Debt Securities Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 17, 2009 between AFG, as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 from AFG’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 12, 2009). | |
| | | Senior Debt Securities Fourth Supplemental Indenture between AFG, as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 from AFG’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A (Registration Statement No. 001-13653) filed on September 27, 2010). | |
| | | Senior Debt Securities Fifth Supplemental Indenture between AFG, as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 from AFG’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A (Registration Statement No. 001-13653) filed on June 12, 2012). | |
| | | Senior Debt Securities Sixth Supplemental Indenture between AFG, as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 from AFG’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A (Registration Statement No. 001-13653) filed on August 24, 2012). | |
| | | Senior Debt Securities Seventh Supplemental Indenture between AFG, as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by AFG on August 19, 2016). | |
| | | Senior Debt Securities Eighth Supplemental Indenture between AFG, as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by AFG on June 1, 2017). | |
| | | Senior Debt Securities Ninth Supplemental Indenture between AFG, as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by AFG on April 1, 2020). | |
| | | Subordinated Debt Securities First Supplemental Indenture between AFG, as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A (Registration Statement No. 001-13653) filed on September 23, 2014). |
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Exhibit No. | | | Description Of Document |
| | | Subordinated Debt Securities Second Supplemental Indenture between AFG, as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A (Registration Statement No. 001-13653) filed on November 13, 2015). | |
| | | Subordinated Debt Securities Third Supplemental Indenture between AFG, as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A (Registration Statement No. 001-13653) filed on March 12, 2019). | |
| | | Subordinated Debt Securities Fourth Supplemental Indenture between AFG, as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A (Registration Statement No. 001-13653) filed on November 22, 2019). | |
| | | Subordinated Debt Securities Fifth Supplemental Indenture between AFG, as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A (Registration Statement No. 001-13653) filed on May 26, 2020). | |
| | | Subordinated Debt Securities Sixth Supplemental Indenture between AFG, as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A (Registration Statement No. 001-13653) filed on September 11, 2020). | |
4.18* | | | Form of Debt Security. |
4.19* | | | Form of Deposit Agreement. |
4.20* | | | Form of Depositary Receipt. |
4.21* | | | Form of Warrant Agreement. |
4.22* | | | Form of Purchase Contract Agreement |
4.23* | | | Form of Unit Agreement |
| | | Opinion of Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL. | |
8* | | | Opinion of tax counsel. |
| | | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. | |
| | | Consent of Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL (contained in Exhibit 5). | |
| | | Powers of Attorney (contained on the signature pages). | |
| | | Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee under the Senior Indenture. | |
| | | Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture. |
* | To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a document to be incorporated by reference into this registration statement in connection with an offering of particular securities. |
** | Filed previously and incorporated by reference from other documents filed with the Commission as indicated. |
Item 17. | Undertakings. |
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.
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(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
Provided, however, that:
(A) Paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or, is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Section 230.424(b) of the Securities Act that is part of the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:
(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
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(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, AFG certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Cincinnati, State of Ohio, as of the 26th day of February, 2021.
| | | AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. | ||||
| | | | | |||
| | | By: | | | /s/ Carl H. Lindner III | |
| | | | | Carl H. Lindner III | ||
| | | | | Co-Chief Executive Officer | ||
| | | | | |||
| | | By: | | | /s/ S. Craig Lindner | |
| | | | | S. Craig Lindner | ||
| | | | | Co-Chief Executive Officer | ||
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Karl J. Grafe and Mark A. Weiss, and each of them acting individually, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement and to sign any and all registration statements relating to the same offering of securities as this Registration Statement that are filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Signature | | | Capacity | | | Date |
/s/ Carl H. Lindner III | | | Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | | | February 26, 2021 |
Carl H. Lindner III | | | ||||
| | | | | |||
/s/ S. Craig Lindner | | | Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | | | February 26, 2021 |
S. Craig Lindner | | | ||||
| | | | | |||
/s/ John B. Berding | | | Director | | | February 26, 2021 |
John B. Berding | | | | | ||
| | | | | |||
/s/ Virginia (Gina) C. Drosos | | | Director | | | February 26, 2021 |
Virginia (Gina) C. Drosos | | | | | ||
| | | | | |||
/s/ James E. Evans | | | Director | | | February 26, 2021 |
James E. Evans | | | | | ||
| | | | | |||
/s/ Terry S. Jacobs | | | Director | | | February 26, 2021 |
Terry S. Jacobs | | | | | ||
| | | | | |||
/s/ Gregory G. Joseph | | | Director | | | February 26, 2021 |
Gregory G. Joseph | | | | |
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Signature | | | Capacity | | | Date |
/s/ Mary Beth Martin | | | Director | | | February 26, 2021 |
Mary Beth Martin | | | | | ||
| | | | | |||
/s/ Evans N. Nwankwo | | | Director | | | February 26, 2021 |
Evans N. Nwankwo | | | | | ||
| | | | | |||
/s/ William W. Verity | | | Director | | | February 26, 2021 |
William W. Verity | | | | | ||
| | | | | |||
/s/ John I. Von Lehman | | | Director | | | February 26, 2021 |
John I. Von Lehman | | | | | ||
| | | | | |||
/s/ Brian S. Hertzman | | | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | | | February 26, 2021 |
Brian S. Hertzman | | | ||||
| | |
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