AFG Improving Results on Big Rate Increases

American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: AFG) announced in a press release reported net earnings from insurance businesses of $21.8 million ($.32 per share) for the first quarter of 2001 which is an improvement over fourth quarter 2000 results of $14.3 million ($.24 per share) and slightly exceeds analyst consensus estimates. The first quarter results were affected by improving underwriting margins in both personal auto and specialty property and casualty insurance ('P&C') operations and improved other income. Net earnings for the first quarter of 2001 were $13.1 million ($.19 per share) which in...