AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP INC
10-Q, 1999-11-12
FIRE, MARINE & CASUALTY INSURANCE
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                    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                          Washington, D.C. 20549


                                 FORM 10-Q


          Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                      Securities Exchange Act of 1934


For the Quarterly Period Ended                          Commission File
September 30, 1999                                      No. 1-13653



                      AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.




Incorporated under                                      IRS Employer I.D.
the Laws of Ohio                                        No. 31-1544320


              One East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
                              (513) 579-2121






   Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  X    No


   As of November 1, 1999, there were 58,406,695 shares of the Registrant's
   Common Stock outstanding, excluding 18,666,614 shares owned by subsidiaries.





                               Page 1 of 21

<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
                                  PART I
                           FINANCIAL INFORMATION

              AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                          (Dollars In Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    September 30,  December 31,
                                                            1999          1998
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>
Assets:
 Cash and short-term investments                     $   312,579   $   296,721
 Investments:
   Fixed maturities - at market
     (amortized cost - $10,054,347 and $9,921,344)     9,966,947    10,324,344
   Other stocks - at market
     (cost - $231,533 and $207,345)                      427,733       430,345
   Investment in investee corporation                    191,179       192,138
   Policy loans                                          217,205       220,496
   Real estate and other investments                     271,829       271,915
       Total investments                              11,074,893    11,439,238

 Recoverables from reinsurers and prepaid
   reinsurance premiums                                2,124,232     1,973,895
 Agents' balances and premiums receivable                709,348       618,198
 Deferred acquisition costs                              563,537       464,047
 Other receivables                                       216,046       306,821
 Assets held in separate accounts                        243,444       120,049
 Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other assets     445,490       344,465
 Cost in excess of net assets acquired                   328,984       281,769

                                                     $16,018,553   $15,845,203
<PAGE>
Liabilities and Capital:
 Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses          $ 4,876,564   $ 4,773,377
 Unearned premiums                                     1,260,249     1,232,848
 Annuity benefits accumulated                          5,473,639     5,449,633
 Life, accident and health reserves                      369,370       341,595
 Long-term debt:
   Holding companies                                     498,464       415,536
   Subsidiaries                                          239,188       176,896
 Liabilities related to separate accounts                243,444       120,049
 Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
   liabilities                                         1,130,969     1,097,316
       Total liabilities                              14,091,887    13,607,250

 Minority interest                                       494,774       521,776

 Shareholders' Equity:
   Common Stock, no par value
     - 200,000,000 shares authorized
     - 58,398,505 and 60,928,322 shares outstanding       58,399        60,928
   Capital surplus                                       742,013       770,721
   Retained earnings                                     557,380       527,028
   Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net         74,100       357,500
       Total shareholders' equity                      1,431,892     1,716,177

                                                     $16,018,553   $15,845,203
</TABLE>
                                  2
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

              AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
                   (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Three months ended        Nine months ended
                                                   September 30,           September 30,
                                                  1999         1998         1999         1998
<S>                                           <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>
Income:
  Property and casualty insurance
    premiums                                  $585,560   $  696,537   $1,680,561   $2,080,003
  Life, accident and health premiums            26,463       50,434       77,418      145,710
  Investment income                            216,927      222,683      632,302      671,923
  Equity in net earnings (loss) of investee    (14,797)      (5,518)       2,639       26,396
  Realized gains (losses) on sales of:
    Securities                                  (5,744)      14,302        5,997       28,890
    Investee and subsidiaries                     -          11,090         -          20,510
    Other investments                             -            -            -           6,843
  Other income                                  45,709       42,276      100,343      106,153
                                               854,118    1,031,804    2,499,260    3,086,428

Costs and Expenses:
  Property and casualty insurance:
    Losses and loss adjustment expenses        423,402      513,537    1,188,050    1,577,440
    Commissions and other underwriting
      expenses                                 171,824      201,777      506,646      586,409
  Annuity benefits                              66,516       64,514      194,977      204,735
  Life, accident and health benefits            17,365       40,547       52,238      115,208
  Interest charges on borrowed money            17,175       14,932       48,122       42,878
  Minority interest expense                     12,671       16,628       38,008       43,795
  Other operating and general expenses          99,482       93,816      264,210      254,616
                                               808,435      945,751    2,292,251    2,825,081

Earnings before income taxes,
  extraordinary items and cumulative
  effect of accounting change                   45,683       86,053      207,009      261,347
Provision for income taxes                      17,075       29,622       74,214       97,464

Earnings before extraordinary items and
  cumulative effect of accounting change        28,608       56,431      132,795      163,883

Extraordinary items - gain (loss) on
  prepayment of debt                             1,477          (36)      (2,261)        (763)
Cumulative effect of accounting change            -            -          (3,854)        -

Net Earnings                                  $ 30,085   $   56,395   $  126,680   $  163,120
<PAGE>
Basic earnings (loss) per Common Share:
  Before extraordinary items and
    effect of accounting change                   $.48         $.92        $2.21        $2.67
  Gain (loss) on prepayment of debt                .02          -           (.04)        (.01)
  Cumulative effect of accounting change           -            -           (.06)         -
  Net earnings available to Common Shares         $.50         $.92        $2.11        $2.66

Diluted earnings (loss) per Common Share:
  Before extraordinary items and
    effect of accounting change                   $.48         $.91        $2.18        $2.63
  Gain (loss) on prepayment of debt                .02          -           (.04)        (.01)
  Cumulative effect of accounting change           -            -           (.06)         -
  Net earnings available to Common Shares         $.50         $.91        $2.08        $2.62

Average number of Common Shares:
  Basic                                         59,623       61,374       60,177       61,278
  Diluted                                       60,002       62,191       60,764       62,315

Cash dividends per Common Share                   $.25         $.25         $.75         $.75
</TABLE>
                                  3
<PAGE>

                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

              AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
         CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                          (Dollars in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Common Stock              Unrealized
                                            Common   and Capital   Retained      Gain on
                                            Shares       Surplus   Earnings   Securities         Total
<S>                                     <C>             <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
Balance at January 1, 1999              60,928,322      $831,649   $527,028     $357,500    $1,716,177

Net earnings                                  -             -       126,680         -          126,680
Change in unrealized                          -             -          -        (283,400)     (283,400)
  Comprehensive income (loss)                                                                 (156,720)

Dividends on Common Stock                     -             -       (45,152)        -          (45,152)
Shares issued:
  Exercise of stock options                 74,853         2,060       -            -            2,060
  Dividend reinvestment plan                 6,099           222       -            -              222
  Employee stock purchase plan              48,064         1,695       -            -            1,695
  401-K plan company match                  57,888         2,171       -            -            2,171
  Portion of bonuses paid in stock          38,640         1,438       -            -            1,438
  Directors fees paid in stock               1,865            68       -            -               68
Shares repurchased                      (2,757,226)      (37,726)   (51,176)        -          (88,902)
Tax effect of intercompany dividends          -           (4,800)      -            -           (4,800)
Other                                         -            3,635       -            -            3,635

Balance at September 30, 1999           58,398,505      $800,412   $557,380     $ 74,100    $1,431,892






Balance at January 1, 1998              61,048,904      $836,738   $477,071     $348,900    $1,662,709

Net earnings                                  -             -       163,120         -          163,120
Change in unrealized                          -             -          -          12,500        12,500
  Comprehensive income                                                                         175,620

Dividends on Common Stock                     -             -       (45,960)         -         (45,960)
Shares issued:
  Exercise of stock options                296,416         8,288       -             -           8,288
  Dividend reinvestment plan                 7,094           294       -             -             294
  Employee stock purchase plan              51,323         2,089       -             -           2,089
  401-K plan company match                  44,035         1,783       -             -           1,783
  Portion of bonuses paid in stock          20,300           816       -             -             816
  Directors fees paid in stock               1,622            68       -             -              68
Shares repurchased                        (423,622)       (5,846)    (9,737)         -         (15,583)
Tax effect of intercompany dividends          -           (1,470)      -             -          (1,470)
Other                                         -               66       -             -              66

Balance at September 30, 1998           61,046,072      $842,826   $584,494      $361,400   $1,788,720
</TABLE>
                                  4
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

              AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                              (In Thousands)

                                                          Nine months ended
                                                             September 30,
                                                            1999          1998
Operating Activities:
  Net earnings                                        $  126,680    $  163,120
  Adjustments:
   Extraordinary items                                     2,261           763
   Cumulative effect of accounting change                  3,854          -
   Depreciation and amortization                          68,659        71,589
   Annuity benefits                                      194,977       204,735
   Equity in net earnings of investee                     (2,639)      (26,396)
   Realized gains on investing activities                (20,749)      (80,357)
   Deferred annuity and life policy acquisition costs    (87,009)      (87,459)
   Increase in reinsurance and other receivables        (135,237)     (247,348)
   Increase in other assets                              (64,697)      (37,681)
   Increase in insurance claims and reserves             116,590       293,264
   Increase in other liabilities                          95,660       121,631
   Increase in minority interest                           8,016         9,196
   Dividends from investee                                 3,600         3,600
   Other, net                                             (9,350)       (9,031)
                                                         300,616       379,626
Investing Activities:
  Purchases of and additional investments in:
   Fixed maturity investments                         (1,562,054)   (1,682,077)
   Equity securities                                     (56,041)      (54,971)
   Subsidiaries                                         (204,942)      (31,825)
   Real estate, property and equipment                   (63,496)      (49,425)
  Maturities and redemptions of fixed maturity
   investments                                           801,833     1,017,153
  Sales of:
   Fixed maturity investments                            886,790       544,722
   Equity securities                                      45,887        19,119
   Subsidiaries                                             -          164,589
   Real estate, property and equipment                    24,394        48,634
  Cash and short-term investments of acquired (former)
   subsidiaries, net                                      19,454       (18,146)
  Decrease (increase) in other investments                12,734        (9,363)
                                                         (95,441)      (51,590)
<PAGE>
Financing Activities:
  Fixed annuity receipts                                 330,744       358,659
  Annuity surrenders, benefits and withdrawals          (524,148)     (538,912)
  Additional long-term borrowings                        557,170       217,537
  Reductions of long-term debt                          (417,015)     (159,383)
  Issuances of Common Stock                                2,968         9,725
  Repurchases of Common Stock                            (88,597)      (14,702)
  Repurchases of trust preferred securities               (5,509)         -
  Cash dividends paid                                    (44,930)      (45,666)
                                                        (189,317)     (172,742)

Net Increase in Cash and Short-term Investments           15,858       155,294

Cash and short-term investments at beginning
  of period                                              296,721       257,117

Cash and short-term investments at end of period      $  312,579    $  412,411




                                  5
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

                NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A. Accounting Policies

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

   Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years to conform to
   the current year's presentation.  All significant intercompany balances
   and transactions have been eliminated.  All acquisitions have been
   treated as purchases.  The results of operations of companies since
   their formation or acquisition are included in the consolidated
   financial statements.

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

   Investments  All fixed maturity securities are "available for sale" and
   reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a
   separate component of shareholders' equity.  Short-term investments are
   carried at cost; loans receivable are carried primarily at the
   aggregate unpaid balance.  Premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed
   securities are amortized over their expected average lives using the
   interest method.

   Gains or losses on sales of securities are recognized at the time of
   disposition with the amount of gain or loss determined on the specific
   identification basis.  When a decline in the value of a specific
   investment is considered to be other than temporary, a provision for
   impairment is charged to earnings and the carrying value of that
   investment is reduced.

   Investment in Investee Corporation  Investments in securities of 20%-
   to 50%-owned companies are generally carried at cost, adjusted for
   AFG's proportionate share of their undistributed earnings or losses.

   Cost in Excess of Net Assets Acquired  The excess of cost of
   subsidiaries and investees over AFG's equity in the underlying net
   assets ("goodwill") is being amortized over 40 years.

   Insurance  As discussed under "Reinsurance" below, unpaid losses and
   loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums have not been reduced
   for reinsurance recoverable.  To the extent that unrealized gains
   (losses) from securities classified as "available for sale" would
   result in adjustments to deferred acquisition costs and policyholder
   liabilities had those gains (losses) actually been realized, such
   balance sheet amounts are adjusted, net of deferred taxes.
<PAGE>
      Reinsurance  In the normal course of business, AFG's insurance
   subsidiaries cede reinsurance to other companies to diversify risk and
   limit maximum loss arising from large claims.  To the extent that any
   reinsuring companies are unable to meet obligations under the
   agreements covering reinsurance ceded, AFG's insurance subsidiaries
   would remain liable.  Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated
   in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the
   reinsured policies.  AFG's insurance subsidiaries report as assets
   (a) the estimated reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, including an
   estimate for losses incurred but not reported, and (b) amounts paid to
   reinsurers applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force.  AFG's


                                  6
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

   insurance subsidiaries also assume reinsurance from other companies.
   Income on reinsurance assumed is recognized based on reports received
   from ceding reinsurers.

      Deferred Acquisition Costs  Policy acquisition costs (principally
   commissions, premium taxes and other underwriting expenses) related to
   the production of new business are deferred ("DPAC").  For the property
   and casualty companies, the deferral of acquisition costs is limited
   based upon their recoverability without any consideration for
   anticipated investment income.  DPAC is charged against income ratably
   over the terms of the related policies.  For the annuity companies,
   DPAC is amortized, with interest, in relation to the present value of
   expected gross profits on the policies.

      Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses  The net liabilities
   stated for unpaid claims and for expenses of investigation and
   adjustment of unpaid claims are based upon (a) the accumulation of case
   estimates for losses reported prior to the close of the accounting
   period on the direct business written; (b) estimates received from
   ceding reinsurers and insurance pools and associations; (c) estimates
   of unreported losses based on past experience; (d) estimates based on
   experience of expenses for investigating and adjusting claims and
   (e) the current state of the law and coverage litigation.  These
   liabilities are subject to the impact of changes in claim amounts and
   frequency and other factors.  In spite of the variability inherent in
   such estimates, management believes that the liabilities for unpaid
   losses and loss adjustment expenses are adequate.  Changes in estimates
   of the liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses are
   reflected in the Statement of Earnings in the period in which determined.

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

      Life, Accident and Health Reserves  Liabilities for future policy
   benefits under traditional life, accident and health policies are
   computed using the net level premium method.  Computations are based on
   anticipated investment yield, mortality, morbidity and surrenders and
   include provisions for unfavorable deviations.  Reserves established
   for accident and health claims are modified as necessary to reflect
   actual experience and developing trends.

      Assets Held In and Liabilities Related to Separate Accounts Separate
   account assets and related liabilities represent variable annuity deposits.
<PAGE>
      Premium Recognition  Property and casualty premiums are earned over
   the terms of the policies on a pro rata basis.  Unearned premiums
   represent that portion of premiums written which is applicable to the
   unexpired terms of policies in force.  On reinsurance assumed from
   other insurance companies or written through various underwriting
   organizations, unearned premiums are based on reports received from
   such companies and organizations.  For traditional life, accident and
   health products, premiums are recognized as revenue when legally
   collectible from policyholders.  For interest-sensitive life and
   universal life products, premiums are recorded in a policyholder
   account which is reflected as a liability.  Revenue is recognized as
   amounts are assessed against the policyholder account for mortality
   coverage and contract expenses.

      Policyholder Dividends  Dividends payable to policyholders are
   included in "Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities"
   and represent estimates of amounts payable on participating policies
   which share in favorable underwriting results.  The estimate is accrued
   during the period in which the related premium is earned.  Changes in
   estimates are included in income in the period determined.
   Policyholder dividends do not become legal liabilities unless and until
   declared by the boards of directors of the insurance companies.


                                  7
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED


   Minority Interest  For balance sheet purposes, minority interest
   represents the interests of noncontrolling shareholders in AFG
   subsidiaries, including American Financial Corporation ("AFC")
   preferred stock and preferred securities issued by trust subsidiaries
   of AFG.  For income statement purposes, minority interest expense
   represents those shareholders' interest in the earnings of AFG
   subsidiaries as well as AFC preferred dividends and accrued
   distributions on the trust preferred securities.

   Issuances of Stock by Subsidiaries and Investees  Changes in AFG's
   equity in a subsidiary or an investee caused by issuances of the
   subsidiary's or investee's stock are accounted for as gains or losses
   where such issuance is not a part of a broader reorganization.

   Income Taxes  AFC files consolidated federal income tax returns which
   include all 80%-owned U.S. subsidiaries, except for certain life insurance
   subsidiaries and their subsidiaries.  Because holders of AFC Preferred
   Stock hold in excess of 20% of AFC's voting rights, AFG (parent) and its
   direct subsidiary, AFC Holding Company ("AFC Holding" or "AFCH"), own less
   than 80% of AFC, and therefore, file separate returns.

   Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method.  Under
   this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined
   based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases and are
   measured using enacted tax rates.  Deferred tax assets are recognized
   if it is more likely than not that a benefit will be realized.

   Stock-Based Compensation  As permitted under Statement of Financial
   Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
   Compensation," AFG accounts for stock options and other stock-based
   compensation plans using the intrinsic value based method prescribed by
   Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
   Issued to Employees."

   Benefit Plans  AFG provides retirement benefits to qualified employees
   of participating companies through contributory and noncontributory
   defined contribution plans contained in AFG's Retirement and Savings
   Plan.  Under the retirement portion of the plan, company contributions
   (approximately 6% of covered compensation in 1998) are invested
   primarily in securities of AFG and affiliates.  Under the savings
   portion of the plan, AFG matches a specific portion of employee
   contributions.  Contributions to benefit plans are charged against
   earnings in the year for which they are declared.

   AFG and many of its subsidiaries provide health care and life insurance
   benefits to eligible retirees.  AFG also provides postemployment
   benefits to former or inactive employees (primarily those on
   disability) who were not deemed retired under other company plans.  The
   projected future cost of providing these benefits is expensed over the
   period the employees earn such benefits.
<PAGE>
   Under AFG's stock option plan, options are granted to officers,
   directors and key employees at exercise prices equal to the fair value
   of the shares at the dates of grant.  No compensation expense is
   recognized for stock option grants.

   Start-up Costs  Prior to 1999, American Annuity Group, Inc. ("AAG"), an
   83%-owned subsidiary, deferred certain costs associated with
   introducing new products and distribution channels and amortized them
   on a straight-line basis over 5 years.  In 1999, AAG implemented
   Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up
   Activities."  The SOP requires that (i) costs of start-up activities be
   expensed as incurred and (ii) unamortized balances of previously
   deferred costs be expensed and reported as the cumulative effect of a
   change in accounting principle.  Accordingly, AFG expensed previously
   capitalized start-up costs of $3.8 million (net of minority interest
   and taxes) or $.06 per diluted share, effective January 1, 1999.

                                  8
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

   Derivatives  The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
   "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,"
   during the second quarter of 1998.  AFG must implement SFAS No. 133 no
   later than January 1, 2001.  SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and
   reporting standards for derivative instruments, including derivative
   instruments that are embedded in other contracts, and for hedging
   activities.  SFAS No. 133 requires the recognition of all derivatives
   (both assets and liabilities) in the balance sheet at fair value.
   Changes in fair value of derivative instruments are included in current
   income or as a component of comprehensive income (outside current
   income) depending on the type of derivative.  Implementation of SFAS
   No. 133 is not expected to have a material effect on AFG's financial
   position or results of operations.

   Earnings Per Share  Basic earnings per share is calculated using the
   weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during
   the period.  Diluted earnings per share include the following dilutive
   effects of common stock options: third quarter of 1999 and 1998 -
   .4 million shares and .8 million shares; nine months of 1999 and 1998 -
   .6 million shares and 1.0 million shares, respectively.

   Statement of Cash Flows  For cash flow purposes, "investing activities"
   are defined as making and collecting loans and acquiring and disposing
   of debt or equity instruments and property and equipment.  "Financing
   activities" include obtaining resources from owners and providing them
   with a return on their investments, borrowing money and repaying
   amounts borrowed.  Annuity receipts, benefits and withdrawals are also
   reflected as financing activities.  All other activities are considered
   "operating".  Short-term investments having original maturities of
   three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash
   equivalents for purposes of the financial statements.

B. Acquisitions and Sales of Subsidiaries

   Worldwide Insurance Company  In April 1999, AFG completed the purchase
   of Worldwide Insurance Company (formerly Providian Auto and Home
   Insurance Company) for $157 million in cash.  Worldwide is a provider
   of direct response private passenger automobile insurance.

   Old Republic and Consolidated Financial  In February 1999, AAG acquired
   Old Republic Life Insurance Company of New York for $27 million in
   cash.  In July 1999, AAG acquired Consolidated Financial Corp., an
   insurance agency, for $21 million in cash.

   United Teacher Associates  In October 1999, AAG acquired United Teacher
   Associates Insurance Company of Austin, Texas ("UTA") for $81 million
   in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments.  UTA provides
   supplemental health products and retirement annuities, and purchases
   blocks of insurance policies from other insurers.
<PAGE>
   Commercial lines division  In December 1998, AFG completed the sale of
   substantially all of its Commercial lines division to Ohio Casualty
   Corporation for $300 million plus warrants to purchase 6 million (post
   split) shares of Ohio Casualty common stock.  AFG deferred a gain of
   $103 million on the insurance ceded to Ohio Casualty and recognized a
   pretax gain of $153 million on the sale of the other net assets.  The
   deferred gain is being recognized over the estimated remaining
   settlement period (weighted average of 4.25 years) of the claims ceded.
   AFG may receive up to an additional $40 million in the year 2000 based
   upon the retention and growth of the insurance businesses acquired by
   Ohio Casualty.  The commercial lines sold generated net written
   premiums of $210 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998.




                                  9
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED


   Funeral Services division  In September 1998, AAG sold its Funeral
   Services division for approximately $165 million in cash.  The division
   held assets of approximately $1 billion at the sale date.  AFG realized
   a pretax gain of $21.6 million, before $2.7 million of minority
   interest, on this sale.

C. Segments of Operations  Having sold substantially all of its Commercial
   lines division in December 1998, AFG's property and casualty group is
   engaged primarily in private passenger automobile and specialty
   insurance businesses.  The Personal group consists of the nonstandard
   auto group along with the preferred/standard private passenger auto and
   other personal insurance business.  The Specialty group includes a
   highly diversified group of specialty business units.  AFG's annuity
   and life business markets primarily retirement products as well as life
   and supplemental health insurance.  In addition, AFG owns a significant
   portion of the voting equity securities of Chiquita Brands
   International, Inc. (an investee corporation - see Note D).
<PAGE>
   The following table (in thousands) shows AFG's revenues and operating
   profit (loss) by significant business segment.  Operating profit (loss)
   represents total revenues less operating expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Three months ended         Nine months ended
                                             September 30,             September 30,
                                            1999          1998          1999          1998
<S>                                    <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>
     Revenues (a)
     Property and casualty insurance:
       Premiums earned:
         Personal                       $288,454    $  321,701    $  875,036    $  980,288
         Specialty                       296,254       365,670       804,957     1,068,854
         Other lines - primarily
           discontinued                      852         9,166           568        30,861
                                         585,560       696,537     1,680,561     2,080,003
       Investment and other income       110,923       123,128       329,885       376,684
                                         696,483       819,665     2,010,446     2,456,687
     Annuities and life (b)              161,474       210,842       465,348       584,834
     Other                                10,958         6,815        20,827        18,511
                                         868,915     1,037,322     2,496,621     3,060,032
     Equity in net earnings (loss)
       of investee                       (14,797)       (5,518)        2,639        26,396

                                        $854,118    $1,031,804    $2,499,260    $3,086,428

     Operating Profit (Loss)
     Property and casualty insurance:
       Underwriting:
         Personal                      ($  3,167)   $    8,860   ($    1,121)   $   30,129
         Specialty                        (9,246)      (21,781)       (7,925)      (80,886)
         Other lines - primarily
           discontinued                    2,747        (5,856)       (5,089)      (33,089)
                                          (9,666)      (18,777)      (14,135)      (83,846)
       Investment and other income        70,212        91,076       214,477       290,185
                                          60,546        72,299       200,342       206,339
     Annuities and life                   21,250        48,977        71,681       107,649
     Other (c)                           (21,316)      (29,705)      (67,653)      (79,037)
                                          60,480        91,571       204,370       234,951
     Equity in net earnings (loss)
       of investee                       (14,797)       (5,518)        2,639        26,396

                                        $ 45,683    $   86,053    $  207,009    $  261,347
</TABLE>
     (a) Revenues include sales of products and services as well as other
         income earned by the respective segments.
     (b) Represents primarily investment income.
     (c) Includes holding company expenses.




                                  10
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED


D. Investment in Investee Corporation  Investment in investee corporation
   reflects AFG's ownership of 24 million shares (36%) of Chiquita common
   stock.  The market value of this investment was $142 million and
   $229 million at September 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998, respectively.
   Chiquita is a leading international marketer, producer and distributor
   of quality fresh fruits and vegetables and processed foods.  Summarized
   financial information for Chiquita follows (in millions):

                                         Nine months ended September 30,
                                                    1999           1998
      Net Sales                                   $1,937         $2,094
      Operating Income                                93            157
      Net Income                                      19             83

E. Long-Term Debt  The carrying value of long-term debt consisted of the
   following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      September 30,   December 31,
                                                              1999           1998
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>
      Holding Companies:
       AFG 7-1/8% Senior Debentures due April 2009        $314,320           -
       AFG 7-1/8% Senior Debentures due December 2007       79,600       $100,000
       AFC notes payable under bank line                    60,000         80,000
       AFC 9-3/4% Debentures due April 2004                   -            78,560
       American Premier Underwriters, Inc. ("APU")
         9-3/4% Subordinated Notes due August 1999            -            89,467
       APU 10-5/8% Subordinated Notes due April 2000        23,885         41,518
       APU 10-7/8% Subordinated Notes due May 2011          11,673         17,473
       Other                                                 8,986          8,518

                                                          $498,464       $415,536
      Subsidiaries:
       AAG 6-7/8% Senior Notes due June 2008              $100,000       $100,000
       AAG notes payable under bank line                    95,000         27,000
       Notes payable secured by real estate                 31,823         37,602
       Other                                                12,365         12,294

                                                          $239,188       $176,896
</TABLE>
   In April 1999, AFG issued $350 million principal amount of 7-1/8%
   Senior Debentures due 2009.  The proceeds from this offering were used
   primarily to redeem or repurchase other debt.
<PAGE>
   At September 30, 1999, sinking fund and other scheduled principal
   payments on debt for the balance of 1999 and the subsequent five years
   were as follows (in thousands):

                 Holding
               Companies    Subsidiaries          Total
      1999       $  -            $   596       $    596
      2000        23,667           3,501         27,168
      2001          -              1,512          1,512
      2002        66,044          36,405        102,449
      2003          -             61,438         61,438
      2004          -             14,391         14,391

   Debentures purchased in excess of scheduled payments may be applied to
   satisfy any sinking fund requirement.  The scheduled principal payments
   shown above assume that debentures previously purchased are applied to
   the earliest scheduled retirements.





                                  11
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED


   AFC and AAG each have an unsecured credit agreement with a group of
   banks under which they can borrow up to $300 million and $200 million,
   respectively.  Borrowings bear interest at floating rates based on
   prime or Eurodollar rates.  Loans mature December 2002 under the AFC
   credit agreement and from 2000 to 2003 under the AAG credit agreement.

F. Minority Interest  Minority interest in AFG's balance sheet is
   comprised of the following (in thousands):

                                               September 30,   December 31,
                                                       1999           1998
      Interest of noncontrolling shareholders
        in subsidiaries' common stock              $103,020       $124,622
      Preferred securities issued by
        subsidiary trusts                           319,600        325,000
      AFC preferred stock                            72,154         72,154

                                                   $494,774       $521,776

   Preferred Securities  Wholly-owned subsidiary trusts of AFCH and AAG
   have issued $325 million of preferred securities and, in turn,
   purchased a like amount of AFCH and AAG subordinated debt which
   provides interest and principal payments to fund the respective trusts'
   obligations.  The preferred securities must be redeemed upon maturity
   or redemption of the subordinated debt.  AFCH and AAG effectively
   provide unconditional guarantees of their respective trusts'
   obligations and AFG guarantees AFCH's obligations.

   The preferred securities consisted of the following (in thousands):
   <TABLE>
   <CAPTION>
   Date of                                      September 30,   December 31,   Optional
   Issuance         Issue (Maturity Date)               1999           1998    Redemption Dates
   <S>              <C>                             <C>            <C>         <C>
   October 1996     AFCH 9-1/8% TOPrS (2026)        $100,000       $100,000    On or after 10/22/2001
   November 1996    AAG 9-1/4% TOPrS (2026)           74,600         75,000    On or after 11/7/2001
   March 1997       AAG 8-7/8% Pfd   (2027)           70,000         75,000    On or after 3/1/2007
   May 1997         AAG 7-1/4% ROPES (2041)           75,000         75,000    Prior to 9/28/2000 and
                                                                                 after 9/28/2001
</TABLE>
   In the first quarter of 1999, AAG repurchased $5.4 million of its
   preferred securities for $5.5 million in cash.

   AFC Preferred Stock  AFC's Preferred Stock is voting, cumulative, and
   consists of the following:

      Series J, no par value; $25.00 liquidating value per share; annual
      dividends per share $2.00; redeemable at AFC's option at $25.75 per
      share beginning December 2005 declining to $25.00 at December 2007
      and thereafter; 2,886,161 shares (stated value $72.2 million)
      outstanding at September 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998.
<PAGE>
   Minority Interest Expense  Minority interest expense is comprised of
   (in thousands):

                                                Nine months ended
                                                   September 30,
                                                  1999       1998
      Interest of noncontrolling shareholders
        in earnings of subsidiaries            $12,899    $18,323
      Accrued distributions by subsidiaries
        on preferred securities:
          Trust issued securities               20,780     21,143
          AFC preferred stock                    4,329      4,329

                                               $38,008    $43,795

                                  12
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED


G. Shareholders' Equity  At September 30, 1999, there were 58,398,505
   shares of AFG Common Stock outstanding, including 1,366,556 shares held
   by American Premier for possible distribution to certain creditors and
   other claimants upon proper claim presentation and settlement pursuant
   to the 1978 plan of reorganization of The Penn Central Corporation, the
   name of American Premier prior to 1994.  Shares being held for
   distribution are not eligible to vote but otherwise are accounted for
   as issued and outstanding.  AFG is authorized to issue 12.5 million
   shares of Voting Preferred Stock and 12.5 million shares of Nonvoting
   Preferred Stock, each without par value.

   At September 30, 1999, there were 6.9 million shares of AFG Common
   Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of stock options.  As of that
   date, AFG had options for 4.6 million shares outstanding.  Options
   generally become exercisable at the rate of 20% per year commencing one
   year after grant; those granted to non-employee directors of AFG are
   fully exercisable upon grant.  All options expire ten years after the
   date of grant.

   The change in unrealized gains on marketable securities for the nine
   months ended September 30 included the following (in millions):
   <TABLE>
   <CAPTION>
                                                                   Minority
                                                Pretax     Taxes   Interest     Net
               1999
   <S>                                         <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
   Unrealized holding gains (losses) on
     securities arising during the period      ($471.7)   $163.4     $29.4    ($278.9)
   Reclassification adjustment for
     realized gains included in net income        (6.0)      2.1       (.6)      (4.5)
   Change in unrealized gains on
     marketable securities, net                ($477.7)   $165.5     $28.8    ($283.4)

               1998
   Unrealized holding gains (losses) on
     securities arising during the period       $ 67.2   ($ 22.0)   ($ 7.0)    $ 38.2
   Reclassification adjustment for
     realized gains included in net income
     and unrealized gains of subsidiaries sold   (45.1)     15.8       3.6      (25.7)
   Change in unrealized gains on
     marketable securities, net                 $ 22.1   ($  6.2)   ($ 3.4)    $ 12.5
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
H. Extraordinary Items  Extraordinary items represent AFG's proportionate
   share of gains (losses) related to debt retirements by the following
   companies.  Amounts shown are net of minority interest and income taxes (in
   thousands):

                                    Nine months ended
                                      September 30,
                                      1999       1998
         Holding Companies:
          AFG (parent)              $1,735       $ -
          AFC (parent)              (2,993)       (51)
          APU (parent)              (1,003)       (63)
         Subsidiaries:
          AAG                         -          (649)

                                   ($2,261)     ($763)







                                  13
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED


I. Cash Flows - Fixed Maturity Investments  "Investing activities" related
   to fixed maturity investments in AFG's Statement of Cash Flows
   consisted of the following (in thousands):

                                      Available     Held to
                                       For Sale    Maturity(a)          Total
      1999
      Purchases                      $1,562,054    $   -           $1,562,054
      Maturities and redemptions        801,833        -              801,833
      Sales                             886,790        -              886,790

      1998
      Purchases                      $1,681,251    $    826        $1,682,077
      Maturities and redemptions        538,293     478,860         1,017,153
      Sales                             506,819      37,903(b)        544,722

      (a) At December 31, 1998, AFG reclassified all of its "held to
          maturity" fixed maturity securities to "available for sale."
      (b) Sold (at a gain of $.7 million) due to significant deterioration
          in the issuers' creditworthiness.

J. Commitments and Contingencies  There have been no significant changes
   to the matters discussed and referred to in Part II of AFG's June 30, 1999
   Form 10-Q and Note L "Commitments and Contingencies" in AFG's Annual
   Report on Form 10-K for 1998.























                                  14
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

                                  ITEM 2

                   Management's Discussion and Analysis
             of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   GENERAL

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

   Year 2000 Status  AFG's Year 2000 Project is a corporate-wide program
   designed to ensure that its computer systems and other equipment using
   date-sensitive computer chips will function properly in the year 2000.
   The Project also encompasses communicating with agents, vendors,
   financial institutions and others with which the companies conduct
   business to determine their Year 2000 readiness and resulting effects
   on AFG.  AFG's Year 2000 Project Office monitors and coordinates the
   work being performed by the various business units and reports monthly
   to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and more frequently to
   senior management.

   To address the Year 2000 issue, AFG's operations were divided into
   separate systems groups.  All groups have completed Year 2000 program
   modifications, software installations and about 98% of the tests to be
   performed, and are engaged in test documentation activities.

   Contingency plans are being developed for certain business processes
   and systems deemed most critical to operations.  These plans provide a
   documented order of actions necessary to keep the business functions
   operating.  Such plans typically include procedures and workflow
   processes for operating in a failed environment.  Contingency planning
   is expected to be substantially completed by November 30, 1999.

   Many of the systems being replaced were planned replacements which were
   accelerated due to the Year 2000 considerations.  In addition, a
   significant portion of AFG's Year 2000 Project is being completed using
   internal staff.  Therefore, cost estimates for the Year 2000 Project do
   not represent solely incremental costs.

   During the first nine months of 1999, AFG incurred $23 million for Year
   2000 costs, of which $6 million was capitalized and $17 million was
   expensed.  From inception of the Year 2000 Project in the early 1990's,
   AFG estimates that it has incurred approximately $70 million of such
   costs, including capitalized costs of $16 million.  AFG expects that an
   additional $7 million will be incurred, of which about half will be
   capitalized.
<PAGE>
   Projected Year 2000 costs and completion dates are based on
   management's best estimates.  However, there can be no assurances that
   these estimates will be achieved.  Should software modifications and
   new software installations not be completed on a timely basis, the
   resulting disruptions could have a material adverse affect on
   operations.

   AFG's operations could also be affected by the inability of third
   parties such as agents and vendors to become Year 2000 compliant.
   Assessments of property and casualty agents and life and annuity agents
   have been completed.  Efforts to evaluate third party vendors have been
   intensified and will continue to be



                                  15
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

                   Management's Discussion and Analysis
       of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued


   updated through the fourth quarter.  In addition, AFG's property and
   casualty insurance subsidiaries are reviewing the potential impact of
   the Year 2000 issue on insureds as part of their underwriting process.
   They are also reviewing policy forms, issuing clarifying endorsements
   where appropriate and examining coverage issues for Year 2000
   exposures.  While it is possible that Year 2000 claims may emerge in
   future periods, it is not possible to estimate any such amounts.

   IT Initiative  In the third quarter of 1999, AFG's newly hired Chief
   Information Officer initiated an enterprise-wide study of its
   information technology ("IT") resources, needs and opportunities.  AFG
   expects that the initiative will entail extensive effort and costs and
   may lead to substantial changes in the area, which should result in
   significant cost savings, efficiencies and effectiveness in the future.
   While the costs (most of which will be expensed) will precede any
   savings to be realized, management expects benefits to greatly exceed
   the costs incurred, all of which will be funded through available
   working capital.

   Forward-Looking Statements  The Private Securities Litigation Reform
   Act of 1995 encourages corporations to provide investors with
   information about the company's anticipated performance and provides
   protection from liability if future results are not the same as
   management's expectations.  This document contains certain forward-
   looking statements that are based on assumptions which management
   believes are reasonable, but by their nature, inherently uncertain.
   Future results could differ materially from those projected.  Factors
   that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:
   changes in economic conditions especially with regard to availability
   of and returns on capital, regulatory actions, changes in legal
   environment, levels of catastrophe and other major losses, availability
   of reinsurance, the Year 2000 issue, and competitive pressures.  AFG
   undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

   LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

   Ratios  AFG's debt to total capital ratio (at the parent holding
   company level) was approximately 24% at September 30, 1999 and 18% at
   December 31, 1998.  AFG's ratio of earnings to fixed charges (on a
   total enterprise basis) was 3.44 for the first nine months of 1999 and
   3.22 for the entire year of 1998.

   Sources of Funds  Management believes the parent holding companies have
   sufficient resources to meet their liquidity requirements through
   operations in the short-term and long-term future.  If funds generated
   from operations, including dividends and tax payments from
   subsidiaries, are insufficient to meet fixed charges in any period,
   these companies would be required to generate cash through borrowings,
   sales of securities or other assets, or similar transactions.
<PAGE>
   AFC has a revolving credit agreement with several banks under which it
   can borrow up to $300 million.  The credit line provides ample
   liquidity and can be used to obtain funds for operating subsidiaries
   or, if necessary, for the parent companies.  At September 30, 1999,
   there was $60 million borrowed under the credit line.

   In April 1999, AFG issued $350 million principal amount of 7-1/8%
   senior debentures due 2009; the proceeds were used primarily to retire
   outstanding holding company public debt and borrowings under AFC's
   credit line.

   Dividend payments from subsidiaries have been very important to the
   liquidity and cash flow of the individual holding companies in the
   past.  However, the




                                  16
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

                   Management's Discussion and Analysis
       of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued


   reliance on such dividend payments has been lessened by the combination
   of (i) strong capital at AFG's insurance subsidiaries (and the related
   decreased likelihood of a need for investment in those companies),
   (ii) the reduction of debt at the holding companies from historical
   levels (and the related decrease in ongoing cash needs for interest and
   principal payments), (iii) AFG's ability to obtain financing in capital
   markets, as well as (iv) the sales of noncore investments.

   Investments  Approximately 90% of the fixed maturities held by AFG were
   rated "investment grade" (credit rating of AAA to BBB) by nationally
   recognized rating agencies at September 30, 1999.  Investment grade
   securities generally bear lower yields and lower degrees of risk than
   those that are unrated and noninvestment grade.  Management believes
   that the high quality investment portfolio should generate a stable and
   predictable investment return.

   AFG's equity securities are concentrated in a relatively limited number
   of major positions.  This approach allows management to more closely
   monitor the companies and the industries in which they operate.

   RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   General  Pretax earnings before extraordinary items and cumulative
   effect of accounting change for the three months and nine months ended
   September 30, 1999 were $45.7 million and $207 million, respectively,
   compared to $86.1 million and $261.3 million in the comparable 1998
   periods.  Improved underwriting results for both the three and nine
   month periods were more than offset by decreases in realized gains,
   investment income and investee earnings.

   Property and Casualty Insurance - Underwriting  AFG's property and
   casualty group consists of two major business groups: Personal and
   Specialty.

   The Personal group consists of the nonstandard auto group along with
   the preferred/standard private passenger auto and other personal
   insurance business.  The nonstandard automobile insurance companies
   insure risks not typically accepted for standard automobile coverage
   because of the applicant's driving record, type of vehicle, age or
   other criteria.

   The Specialty group includes a highly diversified group of business
   lines.  Some of the more significant areas are executive liability,
   inland and ocean marine, U.S.-based operations of Japanese companies,
   agricultural-related coverages, California workers' compensation,
   nonprofit liability, general aviation coverages, fidelity and surety
   bonds, and umbrella and excess coverages.  Commercial lines businesses
   sold included certain coverages in workers' compensation, commercial
   multi-peril, commercial automobile, and umbrella.
<PAGE>
   Underwriting profitability is measured by the combined ratio which is a
   sum of the ratios of underwriting losses, loss adjustment expenses,
   underwriting expenses and policyholder dividends to premiums.  When the
   combined ratio is under 100%, underwriting results are generally
   considered profitable; when the ratio is over 100%, underwriting
   results are generally considered unprofitable.  The combined ratio does
   not reflect investment income, other income or federal income taxes.

   For certain lines of business and products where the credibility of the
   range of loss projections is less certain (primarily the various
   specialty businesses listed above), management believes that it is
   prudent and appropriate to use conservative assumptions until such time
   as the data, experience and projections have more credibility, as
   evidenced by data volume, consistency and maturity of the data.  While
   this practice mitigates the risk of adverse development on this
   business, it does not eliminate it.


                                  17
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

                   Management's Discussion and Analysis
       of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued


   Net written premiums and combined ratios for AFG's property and
   casualty insurance subsidiaries were as follows (dollars in millions):

                                     Three months ended    Nine months ended
                                        September 30,         September 30,
                                         1999     1998        1999       1998
      Net Written Premiums (GAAP)
        Personal                       $287.3   $314.3    $  839.2   $  998.0
        Specialty                       323.7    357.9       850.4    1,039.6
        Other lines                        .7      2.1         (.8)      17.7
                                       $611.7   $674.3    $1,688.8   $2,055.3

      Combined Ratios (GAAP)
        Personal                        101.1%    97.3%      100.2%      96.9%
        Specialty                       103.2    106.0       101.0      107.5
        Aggregate (including
          discontinued lines)           101.7    102.8       100.8      104.1

      Personal  The Personal group's net written premiums for the third
   quarter and first nine months of 1999 includes $22.1 million and
   $42.9 million, respectively, in net premiums written by Worldwide since
   its acquisition in April.  The decrease in written premiums reflects
   continuing strong price competition in the private passenger automobile
   market.  The combined ratios for 1999 increased as loss and
   underwriting expenses declined at a slower rate than premiums.

      Specialty  The Specialty Group's net written premiums for the third
   quarter and first nine months of 1999 increased slightly compared to
   the 1998 periods, excluding premiums of the commercial lines division
   sold in December 1998 and the effect of ceding approximately 30% of
   California workers' compensation premiums under a reinsurance agreement
   implemented during the third quarter of 1998.

   A deferred gain of $103 million on the Commercial lines business ceded
   to Ohio Casualty in December 1998 is being recognized over the
   estimated settlement period (weighted average 4.25 years) of the claims
   ceded.  The Specialty group's underwriting results for the third
   quarter and first nine months of 1999 include $6.7 million and
   $20.1 million, respectively, in earnings recognized on the ceded
   business.  In addition, the improvement in the combined ratios for the
   1999 periods reflects (i) a decrease in losses from severe weather for
   the nine-month period (ii) improved underwriting margins in California
   workers' compensation business largely due to favorable reinsurance
   agreements and (iii) the absence of losses included in the 1998 periods
   attributable to the commercial lines sold.

   Life, Accident and Health Premiums and Benefits  The decrease in life,
   accident and health premiums and benefits reflects primarily the sale
   of AAG's Funeral Services division in September 1998.
<PAGE>
   Investment Income  Investment income decreased approximately
   $5.8 million (3%) in the third quarter of 1999 and $39.6 million (6%)
   in the first nine months of 1999 compared to 1998 due primarily to the
   transfer of investment assets in connection with the sales of the
   Commercial lines division and Funeral Services division in 1998,
   partially offset by the effect of the purchase of Worldwide in April 1999.







                                  18
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q

                   Management's Discussion and Analysis
       of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Continued


   Investee Corporation  Equity in net earnings of investee corporation
   represents AFG's proportionate share of Chiquita's earnings.  Chiquita
   reported net losses for the third quarter of 1999 and 1998 of
   $37 million and $11 million, respectively.  For the first nine months
   of 1999 and 1998, Chiquita reported net income of $19 million and
   $83 million, respectively.

   Realized Gains  Realized capital gains have been an important part of
   the return on investments in marketable securities.  Individual
   securities are sold creating gains and losses as market opportunities
   exist.

   Gain on Sale of Investee and Subsidiaries  The gains on sales of
   investees and subsidiaries in 1998 include (i) pretax gains of
   $7.7 million and $1.7 million in the first and second quarters as a
   result of Chiquita's public issuance of shares of its common stock,
   (ii) a pretax gain of $21.6 million on AAG's sale of its Funeral
   Services division in September and (iii) a third quarter charge of
   $10.5 million relating to operations expected to be sold or otherwise
   disposed of.

   Annuity Benefits  Annuity benefits reflect amounts accrued on annuity
   policyholders' funds accumulated.  The majority of AAG's fixed rate
   annuity products permit AAG to change the crediting rate at any time
   (subject to minimum interest rate guarantees of 3% or 4% per annum).
   As a result, management has been able to react to changes in market
   interest rates and maintain a desired interest rate spread.

   Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change  In the first quarter of 1999,
   AAG implemented Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of
   Start-Up Activities."  The SOP requires that costs of start-up
   activities be expensed as incurred and that unamortized balances of
   previously deferred costs be expensed and reported as the cumulative
   effect of a change in accounting principle.  Accordingly, AFG expensed
   previously capitalized start-up costs of $3.8 million (net of minority
   interest and taxes) in the first quarter of 1999.













                                  19
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q


                                  Item 3

          Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of Market Risk


   The tables below show scheduled principal payments (in millions) on
   fixed-rate and variable-rate long-term debt of AFG and its subsidiaries
   and related average interest rates as of September 30, 1999 and
   December 31, 1998.

                                     September 30, 1999
                          Fixed-Rate Debt          Variable-Rate Debt
                                    Weighted                  Weighted
                        Scheduled    Average      Scheduled    Average
                        Principal   Interest      Principal   Interest
                         Payments       Rate       Payments       Rate
       1999 (remainder)    $   .4       6.78%        $   .1       7.26%
       2000                  27.0       9.96             .2       7.13
       2001                   1.4       6.81             .1       7.00
       2002                   1.3       6.50          101.2       6.08
       2003                   1.3       6.38           60.2       5.89
       2004                  14.2       8.38             .2       7.00
       Thereafter           531.3       7.16             .1       7.00

       Total               $576.9       7.32%        $162.1       6.01%

       Market Value        $549.6                    $162.1



                                     December 31, 1998
                          Fixed-Rate Debt          Variable-Rate Debt
                                    Weighted                  Weighted
                        Scheduled    Average      Scheduled    Average
                        Principal   Interest      Principal   Interest
                         Payments       Rate       Payments       Rate
       1999                $ 90.7       9.69%        $   .3       5.86%
       2000                  49.1       9.85             .2       5.80
       2001                   1.2       7.13             .1       5.58
       2002                   1.1       6.81           85.7       5.95
       2003                   1.1       6.68           27.2       6.09
       Thereafter           333.3       7.92             .2       5.58

       Total               $476.5       8.45%        $113.7       5.98%

       Market Value        $490.6                    $113.7


   As of September 30, 1999, there were no material changes to the other
   information provided in AFG's Form 10-K for 1998 under the caption
   "Exposure to Market Risk" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of
   Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


                                  20
<PAGE>
                    AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 10-Q
                                  PART II
                             OTHER INFORMATION


                                  Item 2

                 Changes In Securities and Use of Proceeds


(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) In July 1999, AFG issued 11,740 shares of its common stock without par
    value to an AFG executive officer at the inception of his employment.
    The shares were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration
    found in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, and are restricted
    in that the recipient will not receive possession of the shares until
    December 31, 1999 (one-half) and December 31, 2000 (the remaining
    half).  He currently receives dividends and may vote the shares.

(d) Not applicable.


                                  Item 6

                     Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K


(a) Exhibit 27.1 - Financial Data Schedule as of September 30, 1999.
                   For submission in electronic filing only.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:  none


                                 Signature


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
American Financial Group, Inc. has duly caused this Report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned duly authorized.


                                American Financial Group, Inc.



November 12, 1999               BY: Fred J. Runk
                                    Fred J. Runk
                                    Senior Vice President and Treasurer





                                  21


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from American
Financial Group, Inc. 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1999
<CASH>                                        $312,579
<SECURITIES>                                10,585,859<F1>
<RECEIVABLES>                                  709,348
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0
<PP&E>                                               0
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              16,018,553
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0
<BONDS>                                        737,652
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        58,399
<OTHER-SE>                                   1,373,493
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                16,018,553
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,499,260
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               264,210
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              48,122
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                207,009
<INCOME-TAX>                                    74,214
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            132,795
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                (2,261)
<CHANGES>                                      (3,854)
<NET-INCOME>                                  $126,680
<EPS-BASIC>                                     2.11
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.08
<FN>
<F1>Includes an investment in investee corporation of $191 million.
</FN>



</TABLE>


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