UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
September 15, 2004
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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
Ohio |
1-13653 |
31-1544320 |
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
One East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, OH |
45202 |
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_________________ |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
(Zip Code) |
Registrant's telephone number, including area code 513-579-2121
Item 8.01 Other Events.
On September 15, 2004, American Financial Group, Inc. issued a press release regarding its estimated financial impact from Hurricane Frances and guidance on financial results for the year ended December 31, 2004. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
Financial statements of business acquired. Not applicable.
Pro forma financial information. Not applicable.
Exhibits
Exhibit No. |
Description |
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99.1 |
Press release, dated September 15, 2004. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. |
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Date: September 16, 2004 |
By: Karl J. Grafe |
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Karl J. Grafe |
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Vice President |
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Exhibit 99.1
American Financial Group Announces Preliminary Estimate
On Hurricane Frances Losses
Cincinnati, Ohio - September 15, 2004, - American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE/NASDAQ:AFG) today issued a preliminary estimate of its expected losses from Hurricane Frances. Based on information available at this time, AFG estimates that its after-tax losses, net of reinsurance, will be approximately $4 million ($.05 per share). The Company currently estimates that its after-tax losses from Hurricanes Frances and Charley accumulate to approximately $12 million ($.15 per share).
Carl H. Lindner III, AFG Co-President and head of the P&C Group stated: "As a result of the losses we have incurred from Hurricanes Charley and Frances, we expect our 2004 earnings will be at the lower end of our previously announced earnings guidance range of $2.85 to $3.10 per share. Obviously we are concerned about the human and financial impact of these storms and the potential damage from Hurricane Ivan during the next week. We are committed to working with our insureds to process covered claims as quickly as possible."
Through the operations of the Great American Insurance Group, AFG is engaged primarily in property and casualty insurance, focusing on specialized commercial products for businesses, and in the sale of retirement annuities, supplemental insurance and life products.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements in this press release not dealing with historical results are forward-looking and are based on estimates, assumptions and projections. Examples of such forward-looking statements include statements relating to: the Company's expectations concerning market and other conditions, future premiums, revenues and earnings; and rate increases.
Actual results could differ materially from those expected by AFG depending on certain factors including but not limited to: the unpredictability of possible future litigation if certain settlements do not become effective, changes in economic conditions including interest rates, performance of securities markets, and the availability of capital, regulatory actions, changes in legal environment, judicial decisions and rulings, tax law changes, levels of catastrophes and other major losses, adequacy of loss reserves of the insurance businesses and other reserves, particularly with respect to amounts associated with asbestos and environmental claims, availability of reinsurance and ability of reinsurers to pay their obligations, competitive pressures, including the ability to obtain rate increases and other changes in market conditions that could affect AFG's insurance operations.
Contact: |
Anne N. Watson |
Web Sites: |
www.afginc.com |
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Vice President-Investor Relations |
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www.GreatAmericanInsurance.com |
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(513) 579-6652 |
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