American Financial Group Inc. announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2013. For the quarter, the company reported total revenues of $1,362 million against $1,208 million a year ago. Earnings before income taxes were $246 million against loss before income taxes of $30 million a year ago. Net earnings attributable to shareholders were $158 million or $1.73 per diluted share against $50 million or $0.54 per diluted share a year ago. Core operating earnings before income taxes was $175 million against $84 million a year ago. Core net operating earnings was $117 million against $61 million a year ago.

For the nine months, the company reported total revenues of $5,092 million against $4,957 million a year ago. Earnings before income taxes were $689 million against $537 million a year ago. Net earnings attributable to shareholders were $471 million or $5.16 per diluted share against $488 million or $5.09 per diluted share a year ago. Book value per share, excluding appropriated retained earnings and unrealized gains on fixed maturities, increased by $3.38 (8%), to $45.90 per share during the year. Core operating earnings before income taxes was $572 million against $463 million a year ago. Core net operating earnings was $385 million against $314 million a year ago. Return on equity was 11.9% and 12.7% for 2013 and 2012, respectively.

For the year 2014, the company expects core net operating earnings in 2014 to be between $4.50 and $4.90 per share. The company's core earnings per share guidance excludes non-core items such as realized gains and losses, as well as other significant items that may not be indicative of ongoing operations.