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Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL) is a Richmond, Virginia-based holding company founded in 1930, known for its diverse insurance and investment operations worldwide. Structured around five insurance segments, Markel provides unique solutions to complex risk challenges and aims to achieve consistent underwriting and operating profits along with superior investment returns to enhance shareholder value.
Markel's core business is in property and casualty insurance, focusing on specialty lines including executive liability and commercial equine insurance. The acquisition of Alterra in 2013 expanded Markel's reinsurance operations, which now represent about 15% of premiums. The company uses the capital generated by its insurance operations to acquire noninsurance businesses in various sectors such as bakery equipment manufacturing and residential homebuilding.
Recent developments highlight Markel's growth and strategic initiatives. In December 2023, Markel launched a Specialty practice within its International Wholesale division, spearheaded by Tom Hillier. This move was bolstered by the addition of a new International Casualty team, led by Graeme Ivory. This division now includes leading underwriting teams across Equine and Livestock, Marine and Energy Liability, Trade Credit, Political Risk, and Surety.
Markel has also formed strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration with Foxquilt announced in January 2024. This partnership aims to broaden the distribution of Foxquilt's proprietary insurance products in the US, leveraging Markel's expertise in small business insurance.
Financially, Markel reported strong performance in 2023, with excellent returns from Markel Ventures, investment operations, and segments of its insurance business. Despite some areas needing improvement, the company's three-engine system—Insurance, Investments, and Markel Ventures—continues to drive profitable growth.
Markel's commitment to innovation and strategic growth is further exemplified by its appointment of industry veterans and strategic moves to enhance its leadership in sectors like trade credit insurance. With a strong emphasis on customer-centric solutions and a diverse portfolio of businesses, Markel Group Inc. is poised for continued success and growth in the global market.
AM Best assigned Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings of 'bbb+' for senior unsecured issues, 'bbb' for subordinated issues, and 'bbb-' for preferred stock to Markel's new shelf registration. The outlook for these ratings is stable, while previous ratings have been withdrawn. Financial leverage stood at 23.7% at the end of 2020, with earnings coverage declining to an average of 2.9 times due to natural catastrophes and pandemic-related losses. However, Markel's coverage ratio is expected to remain within guidance.
Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) reported its financial results for 2020, showing earned premiums of $5.61 billion, up 11% from 2019. Despite facing significant pandemic-related losses, the company achieved a combined ratio of 98% and an underwriting profit of $127.6 million. Net investment gains dropped to $618 million from $1.6 billion in 2019. Book value per share rose to $885.13. The Markel Ventures segment also performed well with operating revenues increasing to $2.79 billion. The firm remains optimistic about 2021, citing strong fourth-quarter momentum.
Markel Corporation (NYSE:MKL) will hold a conference call on February 3, 2021, at 9:30 AM ET to discuss its quarterly and year-end results along with business developments. This event is open to investors, analysts, and the public, who can listen via the company's website. A replay will be available for access until February 15, 2021. Markel Corporation focuses on specialty insurance products and aims to deliver quality service and consistent profits to enhance shareholder value.
On January 7, 2021, Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) announced the appointment of Tom Williams as the new Environmental Product Line Leader for its Markel Specialty division. Williams brings over 20 years of experience in environmental insurance, having previously led the environmental practice group at Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty. His expertise is expected to enhance the company’s environmental product offerings. Williams will report to Alan Rodrigues, Executive Underwriting Officer, and will be based in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) has announced an increase in its surety capacity to $500 million through the establishment of a National Accounts segment led by Michael Bond. This segment will target contractors with larger program needs and Fortune 2000 commercial accounts. Markel Surety also expands its branch network with new offices in Red Bank, New Jersey, Chicago, and Sacramento, California.
The expansion aims to enhance Markel's market presence and strengthen relationships with strategic partners.
Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) announced the appointment of Mark M. Besca to its board of directors on November 18, 2020. Besca, who recently retired from EY after 42 years, brings extensive skills in advising major corporations across various industries. He will serve on the board's Audit Committee. Previously, he held leadership roles at EY, focusing on long-term value and stakeholder capitalism. His expertise is expected to enhance the board's insights and contributions towards the company's goals, which aim for consistent profits and superior investment returns.
Markel Corporation (NYSE:MKL) reported its third-quarter and nine-month results for 2020, highlighting earned premiums of $1.39 billion for Q3 and $4.08 billion for nine months. Markel Ventures generated $824 million in Q3 revenues. Despite significant challenges, including $48.9 million in losses from COVID-19 and $101 million from natural disasters, the company maintained an underwriting profit and achieved $520.1 million in comprehensive income to shareholders. The company’s diluted net income per share was $31.03 for Q3.
Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) announced the appointment of Adriana Belli as the new Managing Director of the Property, Marine and Select Risk Claims Division. Belli will oversee over 80 claims professionals in the U.S. and brings more than 20 years of experience in insurance and reinsurance claims management. Previously, she held leadership roles at AIG, XL Catlin, and Everest Re. Markel aims to leverage her expertise in streamlining operations and improving profitability.
Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) will host a conference call on October 28, 2020, at 9:30 am ET to discuss its quarterly results and business developments. The call is open to investors, analysts, and the public, with access available via the company's website. A replay will be accessible after the call until November 9, 2020. Markel specializes in niche insurance products and aims to deliver quality services and consistent profits to enhance shareholder value.
Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) announced the consolidation of its global property catastrophe reinsurance unit, transferring operations to Nephila, its market-leading subsidiary. This strategic shift aims to enhance operational efficiencies and leverage Nephila's competitive position. Moving forward, Markel Global Re will focus on underwriting casualty and specialty lines, led by Jed Rhoads. However, this transition will result in approximately 25 job reductions globally, with affected employees departing by December 31, 2020. Markel remains committed to assisting impacted employees during this change.