Markel Corporation Stock Price, News & Analysis

Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) announced a Buy-Out Transaction to return nearly all net asset value (NAV) from the Markel CATCo Reinsurance Fund Ltd. and CATCo Reinsurance Opportunities Fund Ltd. to investors. This transaction, funded by up to $150 million from Markel affiliates, aims to resolve disruptions caused by asserted claims from small investors. Investors can earn a 1% fee on their NAV entitlement by consenting by October 22, 2021. The transaction's approval will involve Bermuda law schemes, with joint provisional liquidators appointed to facilitate the process.

Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) has opened a new branch office in Paris to cater to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in France. This expansion aims to enhance Markel's global presence in key specialty insurance markets. The Paris office will focus on offering professional indemnity, cyber risk, and directors and officers liability through partnerships with local independent brokers. Led by Franziska Geier and Laura Tinturier, the office seeks to replicate the success of its previous expansions in Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany, which collectively serve over 135,000 insureds and have generated $150 million in turnover.

Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) has agreed to acquire a majority interest in CBP, Inc. (Buckner), a family-owned crane rental company with a strong market presence. The deal, expected to finalize in Q3 2021, enhances Markel's investment portfolio through its subsidiary Markel Ventures. Buckner is known for its extensive crane rental fleet and support services, serving large commercial construction projects. The acquisition aligns with Markel's strategy to invest in high-quality businesses to drive long-term financial performance.

Markel Corporation (NYSE:MKL) published its financial results for Q2 2021, highlighting a 15% growth in earned premiums compared to Q2 2020, totaling $1.57 billion. The company's net investment gains reached $674.8 million, supported by favorable market conditions. The combined ratio stood at 87%, indicating strong underwriting discipline, while operating revenues from Markel Ventures exceeded $1 billion. Comprehensive income for the quarter was reported at $849.7 million. The firm continues to emphasize long-term growth measures, with a 10% compound annual growth in book value over five years.

Markel Corporation (NYSE:MKL) will host a conference call on August 4, 2021, at 9:30 am ET to discuss its quarterly results and business developments. Investors and analysts can listen live on the company's website, with an option to access a replay until August 16, 2021. Markel is a financial holding company specializing in niche markets, focusing on specialty insurance products and aiming for consistent underwriting profits to enhance shareholder value.

Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) announces the appointment of Kristin Towse as Executive Underwriting Officer for the Markel Specialty division, effective July 1, 2021. Towse brings over 20 years of experience in various insurance sectors and will lead the Products and Regulatory Services and Risk Solution Services teams. Her focus will include enhancing Markel Specialty’s multiline capabilities across industry verticals. Chief Underwriting Officer Jane Peterson highlights Towse's strong broker relationships and track record in developing talent as key to driving growth.

Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) has announced Simon Wilson as the new President of Markel International, succeeding William Stovin, effective by January 1, 2022, pending regulatory approval. Stovin has led the division since 2008, significantly increasing gross written premiums at a compound annual growth rate of about 7%. Wilson, with nearly 20 years of international specialty insurance experience, aims to build on Stovin's legacy and enhance Markel's global presence. He previously scaled operations in Europe and Canada, growing annual gross written premiums from $121 million to $402 million over the last decade.

Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) has appointed Helen Xu as the new Senior Director for its Markel Specialty Programs. With over 20 years of industry experience, Xu will manage onboarding and portfolio oversight for both existing and new programs. Previously, she held key roles at QBE North America and Chubb, where she specialized in program management and due diligence. Markel aims to leverage improved market conditions and Xu's expertise to enhance its program offerings, signaling a strategic move for continued growth.

Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) has appointed Kelly Castriotta as the new Managing Director, Global Cyber Underwriting Executive, effective May 17. In this role, she will lead the global underwriting strategy for cyber products and risks across various business lines. Castriotta joined Markel in 2020 and has over 15 years of experience in underwriting and product development. She succeeds Kara Owens, who left the company after three years. Executive Vice President Robin Russo praised Castriotta's collaborative leadership and expertise.