Markel Reports 2021 First Quarter Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Markel Corporation (NYSE:MKL) reported strong financial results for Q1 2021, revealing a 13% increase in earned premiums at $1.5 billion, up from $1.3 billion in Q1 2020. Operating revenues from Markel Ventures rose to $706.6 million, attributed to acquisitions. The combined ratio improved to 94%, benefiting from lower loss expenses compared to last year's 118%. Comprehensive income reached $359 million, significantly up from a loss of $1.35 billion. Net investment gains reached $526.8 million versus losses of $1.68 billion last year. Book value per share increased to $913.33.

Positive

• Earned premiums increased by 13% to $1.5 billion.
• Operating revenues from Markel Ventures rose to $706.6 million.
• Improved combined ratio at 94%, down from 118% the previous year.
• Net investment gains of $526.8 million compared to losses of $1.68 billion in 2020.
• Comprehensive income to shareholders reached $359 million, up from a loss of $1.35 billion.
• Book value per share grew to $913.33.

Negative

• Despite improvements, significant losses related to Winter Storm Uri and COVID-19 adjustments impacted results.

RICHMOND, Va., April 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Markel Corporation (NYSE:MKL) today reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2021. The Company also announced today it has filed its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The following tables present summary financial data for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	2021				2020
Earned premiums	$	1,497,695			$	1,330,709
Markel Ventures operating revenues	$	706,602			$	511,221
Net investment gains (losses)	$	526,871			$	(1,681,441)
Comprehensive income (loss) to shareholders	$	358,997			$	(1,352,809)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$	42.02			$	(100.60)
Combined Ratio	94		%		118		%
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
Book value per common share outstanding	$	913.33			$	885.72
Common shares outstanding	13,765				13,783

Highlights of results from the quarter include:

• Earned premiums grew 13% in 2021, reflecting continued growth in gross premium volume from new business and more favorable rates.
• The combined ratio for the first quarter of 2021 was 94%, which included $64.3 million, or four points, of net losses and loss adjustment expenses from Winter Storm Uri and $18.6 million, or one point, of net losses and loss adjustment expenses resulting from an increase in our estimate of ultimate losses and loss adjustment expenses attributed to COVID-19. The combined ratio for the first quarter of 2020 included $325.0 million, or 24 points, of net losses and loss adjustment expenses attributed to COVID-19. Excluding these losses attributed to Winter Storm Uri and COVID-19, the 2021 combined ratio reflected meaningful improvement in both our current accident year loss ratio and our expense ratio compared to the first quarter of last year.
• Net investment gains in 2021 reflected an increase in the fair value of our equity portfolio driven by favorable market value movement. Net investment losses in 2020 reflected a decline in the fair value of our equity portfolio at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Operating revenues from our Markel Ventures operations in the first quarter of 2021 included significant contributions from Lansing Building Products, which was acquired in the second quarter of 2020.
• Comprehensive income to shareholders for the first quarter of 2021 reflects the contribution of net income, partially offset by decreases in net unrealized gains on our fixed maturity portfolio resulting from increases in interest rates.

"Our first quarter results reflected strong, profitable growth across our underwriting operations globally, as we executed on our strategic plans to drive market leadership in key insurance product lines, while maintaining our focus on increasing operational efficiencies. Our Markel Ventures companies continue to navigate the current environment well with a solid start to the year, and we also continued to see positive momentum in our investment operations as we actively and prudently manage our investment portfolios with the goal of generating superior returns over the long-term," said Thomas S. Gayner and Richard R. Whitt, Co-Chief Executive Officers. "We are very pleased with our positive start to 2021 and we are optimistic about steadily building on our performance across all three operating engines as the year progresses."

We believe our financial performance is most meaningfully measured over longer periods of time, which tends to mitigate the effects of short-term volatility and also aligns with the longer-term perspective we apply to operating our businesses. We generally use five-year periods to measure ourselves. Over the five-year period ended March 31, 2021, the compound annual growth in book value per common share outstanding was 9%. Over the five-year period ended March 31, 2021, our share price increased at a compound annual rate of 5%.

A copy of the Company's Form 10-Q is available on our website at www.markel.com or on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Readers are urged to review the Form 10-Q for a more complete discussion of the Company's financial performance. The Company's quarterly conference call, which will involve discussion of the Company's financial results and business developments and may include forward-looking information, will be held Thursday, April 29, 2021, beginning at 9:30 a.m. (Eastern Time). Investors, analysts and the general public may listen to the call free over the Internet through the Company's website, www.markel.com/investor-relations. Any person needing additional information can contact Markel's Investor Relations Department at IR@markel.com. A replay of the call also will be available from approximately one hour after the conclusion of the call until Friday, May 7, 2021.

About Markel Corporation
Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company's principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company's businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at www.markel.com.

 

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SOURCE Markel Corporation

FAQ

What were Markel Corporation's Q1 2021 earnings results?

Markel reported earned premiums of $1.5 billion, a 13% increase from the previous year.

How did the combined ratio change for MKL in Q1 2021?

The combined ratio improved to 94% in Q1 2021, down from 118% in Q1 2020.

What major financial metrics did MKL report for Q1 2021?

Markel reported net investment gains of $526.8 million and comprehensive income of $359 million.

What is the book value per share for Markel Corporation as of March 31, 2021?

The book value per share was $913.33.

What contributed to the rise in Markel's operating revenues?

The rise in operating revenues to $706.6 million was fueled by contributions from Markel Ventures, particularly from Lansing Building Products.