AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings Of Markel Group
AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating [Long-Term ICR] of “bbb+” [Good] and the Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings [Long-Term IRs] of Markel Group Inc. [Markel] [Glen Allen, VA].
AM Best also has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating [FSR] of A [Excellent] and the Long-Term ICRs of “a+” [Excellent] of all the members of the Markel North America Insurance Group [Markel NA]. Additionally, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A [Excellent] and the Long-Term ICRs of “a+” [Excellent] of Markel Bermuda Limited [Hamilton, Bermuda] and its affiliate, Markel Global Reinsurance Company [Delaware] [collectively referred to as Markel Bermuda].
Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A [Excellent] and the Long-Term ICRs of “a+” [Excellent] of the members of State National Group [State National]. All State National companies are headquartered in Bedford, TX. The outlook of these Credit Ratings [ratings] is stable.
A statement from the ratings agency said, “The ratings of Markel NA, which is considered the lead rating unit in the Markel enterprise, reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management [ERM].
“The balance sheet strength assessment for Markel NA is supported by its strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio [BCAR]. The balance sheet strength assessment further considers Markel NA’s generally favorable reserve development on prior accident years, demonstrated ability to grow surplus organically and the effectiveness of its reinsurance program, as well as other actions taken, to manage net exposures to catastrophe losses. Offsetting these factors somewhat are exposure to variability in the capital base resulting from equity investments, as Markel NA maintains common stock leverage that is substantially elevated relative to peer group averages, and its slightly elevated level of net underwriting leverage that results from its above-average retention of business.
“Markel NA’s adequate operating performance assessment is based on its underwriting results, which generally outperform peers by a significant margin based on better-than-average loss and loss adjustment expense ratios. This outperformance is offset partially by a weaker-than-average underwriting expense ratio. Markel NA’s investment policy reflects its long-term capital appreciation objectives. As a result, the group typically reports favorable total return metrics, but below-average net investment income due to its above-average allocation to common stocks.
“Markel NA maintains a favorable business profile, ranking among the 30 largest property/casualty insurance organizations in the United States, based on consolidated U.S. net premiums written in 2023. It is the fifth-largest writer of excess and surplus [E&S] business in the United States, after Lloyd’s, Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group, American International Group, Inc. and Fairfax Financial [USA] Group. Markel NA’s business is well-diversified by line of business and state within the United States. The group also includes Markel’s Europe-based operating companies, providing international diversification. The group’s participation in admitted and non-admitted markets provides it with advantages across market cycles.
“Markel NA’s ERM program is embedded appropriately within the organization to manage the risks of Markel’s complex global operations, which include insurance and non-insurance sectors. The group has demonstrated an ability to operate effectively at moderately higher levels of leverage than its peers, in part through the effectiveness of its ERM program.
“The ratings of Markel Bermuda reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate ERM.
“Markel Bermuda’s balance sheet strength assessment reflects its strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by BCAR, which in recent years has benefited from reduced exposure to natural catastrophes due to its withdrawal from risk-bearing property catastrophe and property excess of loss businesses in its global reinsurance segment, as well as favorable reserve development. The assessment of the business profile acknowledges the diverse geographies and lines of business in which the group operates that is offset by its modest relative position within the global reinsurance market. Markel Bermuda’s ratings also reflect rating enhancement it receives as a result of its strategic importance to the Markel enterprise, as well as the benefits it receives through its relationship with other Markel subsidiaries.
“The ratings of State National reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate ERM.
“State National’s balance sheet continues to be supported by the strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by BCAR. State National’s balance sheet strength is enhanced by the effectiveness with which it has managed its program services business over time. State National continues to produce strong operating results in its lender and program services businesses. The group’s business profile reflects its leadership position in these segments, while taking into consideration the competitive nature of both segments.
“The ratings of Markel reflect the ratings of its operating insurance subsidiaries, as well as its financial leverage and coverage metrics, which remain within AM Best’s guidelines. As of Sept. 30, 2024, Markel’s adjusted debt to total capital ratio [excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss] measured 21.2%. Unadjusted debt to total capital [excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss] measured 22.8% as of that date.
