Markel Group Banks on Solid Segmental Growth Amid Cost Woes

Markel Corporation MKL has been gaining momentum on the back of new business volume, favorable rates, solid retention levels, higher earned premiums, solid cash position, and prudent capital deployment.

MKL has been generating improved premiums. An improvement in new business volume, strong retention levels, continued increases in rates, and expanded product offerings should help the insurer retain the momentum.

Investment income should continue to benefit from an improving rate environment, higher interest income on cash equivalents, fixed maturity securities, and short-term investments due to higher yields.

Markel Group considers strategic buyouts a prudent approach to ramp up its growth profile. Acquisitions have helped the company enhance its surety capabilities, ramp up Markel Ventures’ revenues, and expand its reinsurance product offerings. The insurer has been pursuing acquisitions to achieve profitable growth in insurance operations and create additional value on a diversified basis in Markel Ventures’ operations.

Higher revenues at construction services and transportation-related businesses due to a combination of increased demand, higher prices and growth, as well as a rise in production at one of the equipment manufacturing businesses, are expected to boost operating revenues. The increase also reflected a full-year contribution from Metromont.

MKL: Distribution of Wealth

Banking on a strong capital position, the company engages in share buybacks, a prudent way to distribute wealth to its shareholders. MKL has a share repurchase program, authorized by the board, that provides for the repurchase of up to $2 billion of shares. Also, given its solid cash position of $4.2 billion, the company should not face any difficulty in meeting short-term obligations.

Risk

However, Markel has been experiencing an increase in operating expenses due to higher losses and loss adjustment expenses, underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. The company should strive to ensure that growth in total revenues outpaces the rise in expenses. Otherwise, the company’s operating margin is likely to suffer.

The insurance and reinsurance markets are highly competitive, posing a threat to insurance operations. Recent industry consolidation, including business combinations among insurance and other financial services companies, has resulted in larger competitors with even greater financial resources. Increased competition could result in fewer submissions, lower premium rates, and less favorable policy terms and conditions, which could reduce underwriting profits and have a material adverse effect on results of operations and financial condition.

Other Industry Players

Other players in the property and casualty insurance industry include 3M Company MMM, Griffon Corporation GFF, and Honeywell International Inc. HON.

3M Company’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the last four quarters, the average surprise being 4.37%. 

The company stands to gain from strong momentum in the Safety and Industrial segment, driven by strength in the roofing granules and electrical markets. Increase in commercial branding & strength in the transportation and electronics markets are aiding its Transportation and Electronics segment.

Griffon’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the last four quarters, the average surprise being 9.73%.
 
GFF is gaining from the increased demand for residential products, supported by the resiliency of repair and remodeling activity in the residential construction market. Its investment in productivity, innovation, and capacity expansion is expected to drive performance in the quarters ahead.

Honeywell International’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the last four quarters, the average surprise being 6.97%. 

HON is gaining strength in its commercial aviation aftermarket business, driven by solid demand in the air transport and business aviation markets. Strong demand in commercial aviation, growth in air transport flight hours, higher shipset deliveries, and strong defense spending volumes also bode well for it.

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