Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008

or

 

¨ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number 001-15811

 

 

MARKEL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Virginia   54-1959284
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

4521 Highwoods Parkway, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060-6148

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(804) 747-0136

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding at April 28, 2008: 9,936,343

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Markel Corporation

Form 10-Q

Index

 

         Page Number

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements

  
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets—March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007

   3
 

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Loss)—Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

   4
 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

   5
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

   6
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   7

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   13
 

Critical Accounting Estimates

   13

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   20

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

   20
Safe Harbor and Cautionary Statement    21

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   22

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

   22

Signatures

   23

Exhibit Index

   24

 

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     March 31,
2008
   December 31,
2007
     (dollars in thousands)

ASSETS

     

Investments, available-for-sale, at estimated fair value:

     

Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $5,253,059 in 2008 and $5,318,114 in 2007)

   $ 5,229,115    $ 5,323,750

Equity securities (cost of $1,183,995 in 2008 and $1,263,266 in 2007)

     1,726,721      1,854,062

Short-term investments (estimated fair value approximates cost)

     81,184      51,552

Investments in affiliates

     85,237      81,181
             

Total Investments

     7,122,257      7,310,545
             

Cash and cash equivalents

     612,056      477,661

Receivables

     335,153      296,295

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

     1,084,971      1,072,918

Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses

     65,702      78,306

Deferred policy acquisition costs

     206,175      202,291

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     109,317      114,711

Goodwill and intangible assets

     343,961      344,911

Other assets

     276,031      236,781
             

Total Assets

   $ 10,155,623    $ 10,134,419
             

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

   $ 5,583,239    $ 5,525,573

Unearned premiums

     943,686      940,309

Payables to insurance companies

     58,243      39,790

Senior long-term debt (estimated fair value of $685,000 in 2008 and $706,000 in 2007)

     681,043      680,698

Other liabilities

     274,631      306,887
             

Total Liabilities

     7,540,842      7,493,257
             

Shareholders’ equity:

     

Common stock

     868,772      866,362

Retained earnings

     1,442,355      1,417,269

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     303,654      357,531
             

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     2,614,781      2,641,162

Commitments and contingencies

     
             

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 10,155,623    $ 10,134,419
             

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007  
     (dollars in thousands,
except per share data)
 

OPERATING REVENUES

    

Earned premiums

   $ 500,420     $ 531,410  

Net investment income

     76,012       77,382  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

     (56,308 )     10,149  
                

Total Operating Revenues

     520,124       618,941  
                

OPERATING EXPENSES

    

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

     280,144       274,735  

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

     179,748       186,602  

Amortization of intangible assets

     950       —    
                

Total Operating Expenses

     460,842       461,337  
                

Operating Income

     59,282       157,604  

Interest expense

     12,831       15,449  
                

Income Before Income Taxes

     46,451       142,155  

Income tax expense

     12,463       43,481  
                

Net Income

   $ 33,988     $ 98,674  
                

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

    

Net unrealized losses on investments, net of taxes:

    

Net holding losses arising during the period

   $ (87,480 )   $ (12,975 )

Less reclassification adjustments for net gains (losses) included in net income

     37,476       (9,608 )
                

Net unrealized losses

     (50,004 )     (22,583 )

Currency translation adjustments, net of taxes

     (73 )     287  

Change in net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes

     278       303  

Change in fair value of treasury lock agreements, net of taxes

     (4,078 )     —    
                

Total Other Comprehensive Loss

     (53,877 )     (21,993 )
                

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   $ (19,889 )   $ 76,681  
                

NET INCOME PER SHARE

    

Basic

   $ 3.42     $ 9.89  

Diluted

   $ 3.41     $ 9.88  
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007  
     (dollars in thousands)  

COMMON STOCK

    

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 866,362     $ 854,561  

Restricted stock units expensed

     1,472       1,228  

Cumulative effect of adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48

     —         2,831  

Other

     938       —    
                

Balance at end of period

   $ 868,772     $ 858,620  
                

RETAINED EARNINGS

    

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 1,417,269     $ 1,015,679  

Net income

     33,988       98,674  

Repurchases of common stock

     (8,902 )     (24,210 )

Cumulative effect of adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48

     —         20,131  
                

Balance at end of period

   $ 1,442,355     $ 1,110,274  
                

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

    

Net unrealized holding gains on investments, net of taxes:

    

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 388,521     $ 462,482  

Net unrealized losses on investments, net of taxes

     (50,004 )     (22,583 )
                

Balance at end of period

     338,517       439,899  

Cumulative translation adjustments, net of taxes:

    

Balance at beginning of period

     (7,523 )     (11,316 )

Currency translation adjustments, net of taxes

     (73 )     287  
                

Balance at end of period

     (7,596 )     (11,029 )

Net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes:

    

Balance at beginning of period

     (23,467 )     (25,013 )

Change in net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes

     278       303  
                

Balance at end of period

     (23,189 )     (24,710 )

Net unrealized loss on treasury lock agreements, net of taxes:

    

Balance at beginning of period

     —         —    

Change in fair value of treasury lock agreements, net of taxes

     (4,078 )     —    
                

Balance at end of period

     (4,078 )     —    
                

Balance at end of period

   $ 303,654     $ 404,160  
                

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 2,614,781     $ 2,373,054  
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007  
     (dollars in thousands)  

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net income

   $ 33,988     $ 98,674  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

     16,311       (33,558 )
                

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities

     50,299       65,116  
                

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities

     308,601       313,751  

Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of fixed maturities

     35,289       28,789  

Cost of fixed maturities and equity securities purchased

     (215,340 )     (388,435 )

Net change in short-term investments

     (29,632 )     (33,009 )

Cost of investments in affiliates

     (3,075 )     —    

Other

     (2,845 )     (3,123 )
                

Net Cash Provided (Used) By Investing Activities

     92,998       (82,027 )
                

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Retirement of Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures

     —         (111,012 )

Repurchases of common stock

     (8,902 )     (24,210 )
                

Net Cash Used By Financing Activities

     (8,902 )     (135,222 )
                

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     134,395       (152,133 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     477,661       555,115  
                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 612,056     $ 402,982  
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Principles of Consolidation

Markel Corporation (the Company) markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs to a variety of niche markets.

The consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2008 and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for fair presentation of such consolidated financial statements have been included. Such adjustments consist only of normal, recurring items. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for the entire year. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 was derived from the Company’s audited annual consolidated financial statements.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements and notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain information included in the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and notes. Readers are urged to review the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of the Company’s business and accounting policies.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

2. Net Income per Share

Net income per share was determined by dividing net income by the applicable weighted average shares outstanding.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

   2008    2007

Net income as reported

   $ 33,988    $ 98,674
             

Basic common shares outstanding

     9,947      9,974

Dilutive potential common shares

     22      18
             

Diluted shares outstanding

     9,969      9,992
             

Basic net income per share

   $ 3.42    $ 9.89
             

Diluted net income per share

   $ 3.41    $ 9.88
             

 

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3. Reinsurance

The following table summarizes the effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

(dollars in thousands)

   2008     2007  
     Written     Earned     Written     Earned  

Direct

   $ 492,062     $ 520,491     $ 558,417     $ 572,676  

Assumed

     78,452       46,545       70,886       43,363  

Ceded

     (61,291 )     (66,616 )     (83,778 )     (84,629 )
                                

Net premiums

   $ 509,223     $ 500,420     $ 545,525     $ 531,410  
                                

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses were net of reinsurance recoverables (ceded incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses) of $59.1 million and $32.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

4. Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures (8.71% Junior Subordinated Debentures)

The Company redeemed $106.4 million principal amount of its 8.71% Junior Subordinated Debentures for $111.0 million on January 2, 2007. This redemption resulted in a loss of $4.6 million, which is reflected in net realized investment gains for the three months ended March 31, 2007.

5. Segment Reporting Disclosures

The Company operates in three segments of the specialty insurance marketplace: the Excess and Surplus Lines, the Specialty Admitted and the London markets.

All investing activities are included in the Investing segment. For purposes of segment reporting, the Other segment includes lines of business that have been discontinued in conjunction with an acquisition.

The Company considers many factors, including the nature of the underwriting units’ insurance products, production sources, distribution strategies and regulatory environment in determining how to aggregate operating segments.

Segment profit or loss for each of the Company’s operating segments is measured by underwriting profit or loss. The property and casualty insurance industry commonly defines underwriting profit or loss as earned premiums net of losses and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. Underwriting profit or loss does not replace operating income or net income computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP as a measure of profitability. Underwriting profit or loss provides a basis for management to evaluate the Company’s underwriting performance. Segment profit for the Investing segment is measured by net investment income and net realized investment gains or losses.

The Company does not allocate assets to the Excess and Surplus Lines, Specialty Admitted and London Insurance Market operating segments for management reporting purposes. Total invested assets and the related net investment income are allocated to the Investing segment since these assets are available for payment of losses and expenses for all operating segments. The Company does not allocate capital expenditures for long-lived assets to any of its operating segments for management reporting purposes.

 

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a) The following tables summarize the Company’s segment disclosures.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2008  

(dollars in thousands)

   Excess and
Surplus Lines
    Specialty
Admitted
    London
Insurance
Market
    Investing     Other     Consolidated  

Gross premium volume

   $ 296,446     $ 71,557     $ 202,630     $ —       $ (119 )   $ 570,514  

Net written premiums

     263,319       63,967       182,258       —         (321 )     509,223  

Earned premiums

   $ 277,397     $ 76,741     $ 146,603     $ —       $ (321 )   $ 500,420  

Losses and loss adjustment expenses:

            

Current year

     178,261       48,316       100,924       —         —         327,501  

Prior years

     (30,617 )     (4,902 )     (15,040 )     —         3,202       (47,357 )

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

     97,017       31,412       55,540       —         (4,221 )     179,748  
                                                

Underwriting profit

     32,736       1,915       5,179       —         698       40,528  
                                                

Net investment income

     —         —         —         76,012       —         76,012  

Net realized investment losses

     —         —         —         (56,308 )     —         (56,308 )
                                                

Segment profit

   $ 32,736     $ 1,915     $ 5,179     $ 19,704     $ 698     $ 60,232  
                                                

Amortization of intangible assets

               950  

Interest expense

               12,831  
                  

Income before income taxes

             $ 46,451  
                  

U.S. GAAP combined ratio(1)

     88 %     98 %     96 %     —         NM (2)     92 %
                                                
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2007  

(dollars in thousands)

   Excess and
Surplus Lines
    Specialty
Admitted
    London
Insurance
Market
    Investing     Other     Consolidated  

Gross premium volume

   $ 342,662     $ 72,090     $ 213,457     $ —       $ 1,094     $ 629,303  

Net written premiums

     291,801       68,092       184,450       —         1,182       545,525  

Earned premiums

   $ 292,559     $ 77,877     $ 159,792     $ —       $ 1,182     $ 531,410  

Losses and loss adjustment expenses:

            

Current year

     168,426       47,844       98,565       —         —         314,835  

Prior years

     (33,910 )     (2,187 )     (6,600 )     —         2,597       (40,100 )

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

     102,484       28,875       59,229       —         (3,986 )     186,602  
                                                

Underwriting profit

     55,559       3,345       8,598       —         2,571       70,073  
                                                

Net investment income

     —         —         —         77,382       —         77,382  

Net realized investment gains

     —         —         —         10,149       —         10,149  
                                                

Segment profit

   $ 55,559     $ 3,345     $ 8,598     $ 87,531     $ 2,571     $ 157,604  
                                                

Interest expense

               15,449  
                  

Income before income taxes

             $ 142,155  
                  

U.S. GAAP combined ratio(1)

     81 %     96 %     95 %     —         NM (2)     87 %
                                                

 

(1)

The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

(2)

NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

 

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b) The following table reconciles segment assets to the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

(dollars in thousands)

   March 31,
2008
   December 31,
2007

Segment Assets:

     

Investing

   $ 7,734,313    $ 7,788,206

Other

     2,421,310      2,346,213
             

Total Assets

   $ 10,155,623    $ 10,134,419
             

6. Investments

The Company completes a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether the decline in the value of any investment below its cost basis is deemed other-than-temporary. All securities in an unrealized loss position are reviewed. Unless other factors cause the Company to reach a contrary conclusion, investments with a fair value of less than 80% of cost for more than 180 days are deemed to have a decline in value that is other-than-temporary. A decline in value that is considered to be other-than-temporary is charged to earnings based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security.

Net realized investment gains (losses) included $72.0 million and $3.5 million of write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

7. Employee Benefit Plans

a) Expenses relating to all of the Company’s defined contribution plans were $3.4 million and $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

b) The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Terra Nova Pension Plan, a defined benefit plan.

 

     Three Months
Ended March 31,
 

(dollars in thousands)

   2008     2007  

Service cost

   $ 522     $ 532  

Interest cost

     1,573       1,354  

Expected return on plan assets

     (1,936 )     (1,779 )

Amortization of net actuarial pension loss

     428       467  
                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 587     $ 574  
                

The Company contributed $2.0 million to the Terra Nova Pension Plan during the first quarter of 2008. The Company expects plan contributions to total $3.0 million in 2008.

8. Contingencies

The Company’s estimates of losses from the 2005 Hurricanes assumed that flood exclusions in its property policies generally applied to flood damage in the New Orleans area following Hurricane Katrina. Beginning in late November 2006, Louisiana state and federal trial courts ruled in a number of cases that flood damage following the New Orleans area levee breaches was not excluded from coverage under policies similar to those the Company has written. Both the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (covering Louisiana,

 

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Mississippi and Texas) and the Louisiana Supreme Court have now overturned the lower court rulings, holding that flood exclusions in the policies under consideration unambiguously excluded coverage, whatever the cause of the flood. Although there is still a significant volume of Katrina-related litigation and the potential for adverse outcomes on specific damage issues, the possibility of a material increase in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses due to the inapplicability of policy flood exclusions is unlikely.

Other contingencies arise in the normal conduct of the Company’s operations and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. However, adverse outcomes are possible and could negatively impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

9. Derivatives

During the first quarter of 2008, the Company entered into treasury lock agreements in order to mitigate its interest rate risk associated with the anticipated issuance of fixed-rate debt in 2008. The treasury locks, which qualify for cash flow hedge accounting treatment, are recorded at fair value. At March 31, 2008, the treasury locks had an aggregate notional amount of $225.0 million and a fair value of $(6.3) million. The fair value is determined using an external valuation model that is dependent upon several inputs, including the current yield on a ten-year U.S. Treasury note and the current forward yield, as well as a measure of the sensitivity of the exposure to a change in interest rates. Changes in fair value are recorded as unrealized gains or losses in other comprehensive income or loss. Upon the issuance of debt, the accumulated gain or loss will be amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the life of the debt. The fair value of the treasury locks is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2008. The treasury locks mature in July 2008.

In 2007, the Company entered into a credit default swap, whereby third party credit risk was transferred from a counterparty to the Company in exchange for $30.0 million. The credit default swap is accounted for as a derivative instrument and is recorded at fair value. At March 31, 2008, the credit default swap had a notional amount of $50.0 million, which represents the Company’s aggregate exposure to losses if specified credit events involving third parties occur, and a fair value of $37.2 million. The fair value is determined using an external valuation model that is dependent upon several inputs, including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, expected default rates, changes in credit quality, future expected recovery rates and other market factors. Changes in fair value are recorded in net investment income. The fair value of the credit default swap is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The credit default swap has a scheduled termination date of December 2014.

The Company had no other material derivative instruments at March 31, 2008.

10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (Statement) No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. Statement No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure specified financial instruments and certain other eligible items at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Statement No. 159 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. The Company did not elect the fair value option for assets and liabilities currently held, and therefore, the adoption of this standard did not have an impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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11. Fair Value Measurements

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. Statement No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value, clarifies the definition of fair value within that framework and expands disclosure requirements regarding the use of fair value measurements. Statement No. 157 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2008. The adoption of Statement No. 157 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Statement No. 157 establishes a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the assets or liabilities fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability. Classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy considers the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability and transparency of the assumptions used to determine fair value. The hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. The levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets.

Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and market-corroborated inputs.

Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable for the asset or liability and are significant to the fair value measurement.

In accordance with Statement No. 157, the Company determines fair value based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following section describes the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure assets and liabilities at fair value, including an indication of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which each asset or liability is generally classified.

Investments available for sale. Investments available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and include fixed maturities, equity securities and short-term investments. Fair value for these investments is measured based upon quoted prices in active markets, if available. If quoted prices in active markets are not available, fair values are measured by an independent pricing service that utilizes valuation techniques based upon observable market data. Level 1 investments include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Level 2 investments include U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies, municipal bonds, foreign government bonds and corporate debt securities.

Derivatives. Derivatives are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and include treasury lock agreements and a credit default swap. Fair value for these derivatives is measured using independent pricing models. See note 9 for a discussion of the valuation models for derivatives, including the key inputs and assumptions to those models. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs required in measuring the fair value of these derivatives, they have been classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

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The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2008, by level within the fair value hierarchy.

 

(dollars in thousands)

   Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total

Assets:

           

Investments available for sale:

           

Fixed maturities

   $ —      $ 5,229,115    $ —      $ 5,229,115

Equity securities

     1,718,007      8,714      —        1,726,721

Short-term investments

     5,280      75,904      —        81,184

Liabilities:

           

Derivatives

   $ —      $ —      $ 43,498    $ 43,498
                           

The following table summarizes changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

(dollars in thousands)

   Derivatives  

Beginning balance as of January 1, 2008

   $ 33,141  

Total net losses for the quarter included in:

  

Net income

     4,083  

Other comprehensive loss

     6,274  

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net

     —    

Net transfers into (out of) Level 3

     —    
        

Ending balance as of March 31, 2008

   $ 43,498  
        

Net unrealized losses included in net income for the quarter relating to liabilities held at March 31, 2008

   $ 4,083  (1)
        

 

(1)

Included in net investment income in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income (loss).

The Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and include the accounts of Markel Corporation and all subsidiaries.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Critical accounting estimates are those estimates that both are important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require us to exercise significant judgment. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of material contingent assets and liabilities, including litigation contingencies. These estimates, by necessity, are based on assumptions about numerous factors.

We review our critical accounting estimates and assumptions quarterly. These reviews include evaluating the adequacy of reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, the reinsurance allowance for doubtful accounts and income tax liabilities, as well as, analyzing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, assessing

 

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goodwill for impairment and evaluating the investment portfolio for other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Readers are urged to review our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of our critical accounting estimates.

Our Business

We market and underwrite specialty insurance products and programs to a variety of niche markets and believe that our specialty product focus and niche market strategy enable us to develop expertise and specialized market knowledge. We seek to differentiate ourselves from competitors by our expertise, service, continuity and other value-based considerations. We compete in three segments of the specialty insurance marketplace: the Excess and Surplus Lines, the Specialty Admitted and the London markets. Our financial goals are to earn consistent underwriting profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value.

Our Excess and Surplus Lines segment is comprised of four underwriting units, our Specialty Admitted segment consists of three underwriting units and our London Insurance Market segment is comprised of Markel International’s operations. In 2007, our Excess and Surplus Lines segment was comprised of five underwriting units. During the first quarter of 2008, it was determined that the products previously written by the Markel Re unit would be combined into two of our existing underwriting units. Markel Re’s excess and umbrella program and casualty facultative placements will be written out of the Markel Brokered Excess and Surplus Lines unit, while the alternative risk transfer programs will be combined with the Markel Specialty Program Insurance unit. All business previously written by the Markel Re unit will continue to be included in the Excess and Surplus Lines segment’s results.

Our Excess and Surplus Lines segment writes property and casualty insurance outside of the standard market for hard-to-place risks including catastrophe-exposed property, professional liability, products liability, general liability, commercial umbrella and other coverages tailored for unique exposures.

Our Specialty Admitted segment writes risks that, although unique and hard-to-place in the standard market, must remain with an admitted insurance company for marketing and regulatory reasons. Our underwriting units in this segment write specialty program insurance for well-defined niche markets and personal and commercial property and liability coverages.

We participate in the London Market through Markel International, which includes Markel Capital Limited and Markel International Insurance Company Limited, wholly-owned subsidiaries. Markel Capital Limited is the corporate capital provider for Markel Syndicate 3000 at Lloyd’s, which is managed by Markel Syndicate Management Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary. Our London Insurance Market segment writes specialty property, casualty, professional liability and marine insurance and reinsurance.

For purposes of segment reporting, the Other segment includes lines of business that have been discontinued in conjunction with an acquisition.

 

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Key Performance Indicators

We measure financial success by our ability to compound growth in book value per share at a high rate of return over a long period of time. We recognize that it is difficult to grow book value consistently each year, so we measure ourselves over a five-year period. We believe that growth in book value per share is the most comprehensive measure of our success because it includes all underwriting and investing results. We measure underwriting results by our underwriting profit or loss and combined ratio. These measures are discussed in greater detail under “Results of Operations.”

Results of Operations

The following table compares the components of net income.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 

(dollars in thousands)

   2008     2007  

Underwriting profit

   $ 40,528     $ 70,073  

Net investment income

     76,012       77,382  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

     (56,308 )     10,149  

Amortization of intangible assets

     (950 )     —    

Interest expense

     (12,831 )     (15,449 )

Income tax expense

     (12,463 )     (43,481 )
                

Net Income

   $ 33,988     $ 98,674  
                

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 decreased primarily due to $72.0 million of write downs for

other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments during the first quarter of 2008. Net income for the first quarter of 2008 also decreased due to lower underwriting profits as compared to the same period of 2007. The components of net income are discussed in further detail under “Underwriting Results,” “Investing Results” and “Other Expenses.”

Underwriting Results

Underwriting profits are a key component of our strategy to grow book value per share. We believe that the ability to achieve consistent underwriting profits demonstrates knowledge and expertise, commitment to superior customer service and the ability to manage insurance risk. The property and casualty insurance industry commonly defines underwriting profit or loss as earned premiums net of losses and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. We use underwriting profit or loss as a basis for evaluating our underwriting performance.

 

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The following table compares selected data from our underwriting operations.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 

(dollars in thousands)

   2008     2007  

Gross premium volume

   $ 570,514     $ 629,303  

Net written premiums

   $ 509,223     $ 545,525  

Net retention

     89 %     87 %

Earned premiums

   $ 500,420     $ 531,410  

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   $ 280,144     $ 274,735  

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses

   $ 179,748     $ 186,602  

Underwriting profit

   $ 40,528     $ 70,073  
                

U.S. GAAP Combined Ratios (1)

    

Excess and Surplus Lines

     88 %     81 %

Specialty Admitted

     98 %     96 %

London Insurance Market

     96 %     95 %

Other

     NM (2)     NM (2)

Markel Corporation (Consolidated)

     92 %     87 %
                

 

(1)

The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums. A combined ratio less than 100% indicates an underwriting profit, while a combined ratio greater than 100% reflects an underwriting loss.

(2)

NM – Ratio is not meaningful. Further discussion of underwriting profit for the Other segment follows.

Our combined ratio was 92% for the first quarter of 2008 compared to 87% for the same period last year. The increase in the combined ratio was primarily due to a higher current accident year loss ratio than in 2007 resulting from softening insurance market conditions and adverse loss experience within our property programs.

The combined ratio for the Excess and Surplus Lines segment was 88% for the first quarter of 2008 compared to 81% for the same period last year. The increase in the combined ratio was due to a higher current accident year loss ratio primarily resulting from price reductions in a softening insurance market. Increased loss frequency and severity at each of our property divisions in this segment also contributed to the higher current accident year loss ratio in 2008.

The combined ratio for the Specialty Admitted segment was 98% for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 compared to 96% for the same period of 2007. For the first quarter of 2008, a higher expense ratio more than offset a lower loss ratio compared to the first quarter of 2007. The higher expense ratio in 2008 was due in part to lower earned premiums and higher personnel costs as compared to the same period of 2007. The lower loss ratio in 2008 was due to more favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves compared to the same period of 2007.

The combined ratio for the London Insurance Market segment was 96% for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 compared to 95% for the same period of 2007. The increase in the combined ratio in the first quarter of 2008 was primarily due to a higher current accident year loss ratio, which was offset in part by more favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves compared to the first quarter of 2007. The higher current accident year loss ratio in 2008 was the result of softening insurance market conditions. The London Insurance Market segment’s combined ratio for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 included $15.0 million of favorable

 

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development on prior years’ loss reserves compared to $6.6 million of favorable development for the same period of 2007.

The Other segment produced an underwriting profit of $0.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 compared to an underwriting profit of $2.6 million for the same period of 2007.

Premiums and Net Retentions

The following table summarizes gross premium volume and net written premiums by underwriting segment.

 

Gross Premium Volume                   Net Written Premiums
Three Months Ended March 31,                   Three Months Ended March 31,
2008    2007   

(dollars in thousands)

   2008     2007
$ 296,446    $ 342,662       Excess and Surplus Lines       $ 263,319     $ 291,801
  71,557      72,090       Specialty Admitted         63,967       68,092
  202,630      213,457       London Insurance Market         182,258       184,450
  (119)      1,094       Other         (321 )     1,182
                                  
$ 570,514    $ 629,303       Total       $ 509,223     $ 545,525
                                  

Gross premium volume for the first quarter of 2008 decreased 9% compared to the same period of 2007. The decrease in 2008 premium writings was primarily the result of increased competition across many of our product lines and our decision to exit certain alternative risk transfer programs during 2007 that were previously underwritten by the Markel Re unit.

We expect that competition in the property and casualty insurance industry will remain strong throughout 2008. We continue to see price deterioration in virtually all of our product areas as a result of intense competition, including the increased presence of standard insurance companies in our markets. During the first quarter of 2008, the rate of market price decreases accelerated in many of our product areas and, in our opinion, market prices in some product areas are approaching unprofitable levels. When we believe the prevailing market price will not support our underwriting profit targets, the business is not written. As a result of our underwriting discipline, gross premium volume has declined and, if the competitive environment does not improve, could decline further in the future. We continue to focus on superior customer service, new product development, geographic expansion and increased marketing efforts to combat softening insurance market conditions.

As part of our underwriting philosophy, we seek to offer products with limits that do not require significant amounts of reinsurance. We purchase reinsurance in order to reduce our retention on individual risks and enable us to write policies with sufficient limits to meet policyholder needs. Net retention of gross premium volume for the first quarter of 2008 was 89% compared to 87% for the same period of 2007. Net retention of gross premium volume has increased consistent with our strategy to retain more of our profitable business and reflects purchasing less reinsurance in both the Excess and Surplus Lines and London Insurance Market segments during 2008 compared to 2007.

 

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The following table summarizes earned premiums by underwriting segment.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,

(dollars in thousands)

   2008     2007

Excess and Surplus Lines

   $ 277,397     $ 292,559

Specialty Admitted

     76,741       77,877

London Insurance Market

     146,603       159,792

Other

     (321 )     1,182
              

Total

   $ 500,420     $ 531,410
              

Earned premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2008 decreased 6% compared to the same period of 2007. The decrease in 2008 was primarily due to lower earned premiums in the Excess and Surplus Lines and London Insurance Market segments as a result of lower gross premium volume compared to 2007.

Investing Results

Net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $76.0 million compared to $77.4 million for the same period of 2007. The decrease for the first quarter of 2008 was due to a $4.1 million unrealized loss on our credit default swap, which was partially offset by having higher average invested assets compared to the first quarter of 2007.

Net realized investment losses for the three months ended March 31, 2008 were $56.3 million compared to net realized investment gains of $10.1 million for the same period last year. Net realized investment losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 included $72.0 million of write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of ten equity securities and one fixed maturity. Approximately two-thirds of the write downs were due to the determination that we no longer had the intent to hold these securities until they fully recover in value as we have begun selling a portion of the securities in order to allocate capital to other securities with greater potential for long-term investment returns. Approximately one-third of the write downs related to securities with fair values of less than 80% of cost for more than 180 days as of March 31, 2008 that were deemed to have a decline in value that was other-than-temporary. The most significant write down was for $36.7 million and related to our investment in Citigroup Inc., a security that we began selling in March 2008. Net realized investment gains for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 included a $3.5 million write down for an other-than-temporary decline in the estimated fair value of an equity security. Variability in the timing of realized and unrealized investment gains and losses is to be expected.

We complete a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether the decline in the value of any investment below its cost basis is deemed other-than-temporary. At March 31, 2008, we held securities with gross unrealized losses of $126.2 million, or less than 2% of invested assets. All securities in an unrealized loss position were reviewed, and we believe that there were no other securities with indications of declines in estimated fair value that were other-than-temporary at March 31, 2008.

Other Expenses

Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2008 decreased to $12.8 million from $15.4 million in the same period of 2007 primarily due to the maturity of our 7.20% unsecured senior notes in August 2007.

 

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The estimated annual effective tax rate was 27% and 31% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease in 2008 is primarily due to anticipating lower income before income taxes than in 2007. For both periods, the estimated annual effective tax rate differs from the statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive loss was $19.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to comprehensive income of $76.7 million for the same period of 2007. Comprehensive loss for the first quarter of 2008 included net unrealized losses on investments, net of taxes, of $50.0 million, partially offset by net income of $34.0 million. Comprehensive income for the first quarter of 2007 included net income of $98.7 million, which was partially offset by net unrealized losses on investments, net of taxes, of $22.6 million.

Financial Condition

Invested assets were $7.7 billion at March 31, 2008 compared to $7.8 billion at December 31, 2007. Net unrealized holding gains on investments, net of taxes, were $338.5 million at March 31, 2008 compared to $388.5 million at December 31, 2007. Equity securities and investments in affiliates were $1.8 billion, or 23% of invested assets, at March 31, 2008 compared to $1.9 billion, or 25% of invested assets, at December 31, 2007.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $50.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $65.1 million for the same period of 2007. The decrease in 2008 was primarily due to lower operating cash flows from Markel International compared to the same period of 2007.

Net cash used by financing activities was $8.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $135.2 million for the same period of 2007. In both periods, cash was used to repurchase shares of our common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, we redeemed the outstanding Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures for $111.0 million.

In May 2008, our 7.00% unsecured senior notes mature for $93.1 million. Presently, we are evaluating the possibility of replacing this debt with a new issuance. In addition to financing the maturity of the 7.00% unsecured senior notes, the proceeds from a debt issuance would be used for general corporate purposes. During the first quarter of 2008, we entered into treasury lock agreements in order to mitigate our interest rate risk associated with our potential issuance of fixed-rate debt. The treasury locks, which qualify for cash flow hedge accounting treatment, had an aggregate notional amount of $225.0 million and a fair value of $(6.3) million at March 31, 2008. The treasury locks mature in July 2008.

We have access to various capital sources, including dividends from our insurance subsidiaries, holding company invested assets, undrawn capacity under our revolving credit facility and access to the debt and equity capital markets. We believe we have sufficient liquidity to meet our capital needs.

Shareholders’ equity was $2.6 billion at both March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007. Book value per share decreased to $263.16 at March 31, 2008 from $265.26 at December 31, 2007 primarily due to $19.9 million of comprehensive loss.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of economic losses due to adverse changes in the estimated fair value of a financial instrument as the result of changes in equity prices, interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. Our consolidated balance sheets include assets and liabilities with estimated fair values that are subject to market risk. Our primary market risks are equity price risk associated with investments in equity securities, interest rate risk associated with investments in fixed maturities and foreign exchange risk for our international operations. We have no material commodity risk.

Our market risks at March 31, 2008 have not materially changed from those identified at December 31, 2007.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 (Disclosure Controls). This evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Our management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

Based upon our controls evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that our Disclosure Controls provide reasonable assurance that the information we are required to disclose in our periodic reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the first quarter of 2008 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Safe Harbor and Cautionary Statement

This report contains statements concerning or incorporating our expectations, assumptions, plans, objectives, future financial or operating performance and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

There are risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from predicted results in forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ are often presented with the forward-looking statements themselves. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ from those predicted are set forth under “Risk Factors” and “Safe Harbor and Cautionary Statement” in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K or are included in the items listed below:

 

   

our anticipated premium volume is based on current knowledge and assumes no significant man-made or natural catastrophes, no significant changes in products or personnel and no adverse changes in market conditions;

 

   

we are legally required in certain instances to offer terrorism insurance and have attempted to manage our exposure; however, if there is a covered terrorist attack, we could sustain material losses;

 

   

the impact of the events of September 11, 2001 will depend on the number of insureds and reinsureds affected by the events, the amount and timing of losses incurred and reported and questions of how coverage applies, all of which are still being resolved;

 

   

the frequency and severity of catastrophic events is unpredictable and may be exacerbated if, as many forecast, conditions in the ocean and atmosphere result in increased hurricane or other adverse weather-related activity;

 

   

changing legal and social trends and inherent uncertainties (including but not limited to those uncertainties associated with our asbestos and environmental reserves) in the loss estimation process can adversely impact the adequacy of loss reserves and the allowance for reinsurance recoverables;

 

   

adverse developments in insurance coverage litigation could result in material increases in our estimates of loss reserves;

 

   

the costs and availability of reinsurance may impact our ability to write certain lines of business;

 

   

industry and economic conditions can affect the ability and/or willingness of reinsurers to pay balances due;

 

   

after the commutation of ceded reinsurance contracts, any subsequent adverse development in the re-assumed loss reserves will result in a charge to earnings;

 

   

regulatory actions can impede our ability to charge adequate rates and efficiently allocate capital;

 

   

economic conditions, volatility in interest and foreign exchange rates and concentration of investments can have a significant impact on the market value of fixed maturity and equity investments as well as the carrying value of other assets and liabilities;

 

   

loss of services of any executive officers could impact our operations; and

 

   

adverse changes in our assigned financial strength or debt ratings could impact our ability to attract and retain business.

Our premium volume and underwriting and investment results have been and will continue to be potentially materially affected by these factors. By making forward-looking statements, we do not intend to become obligated to publicly update or revise any such statements whether as a result of new information, future events or other changes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as at their dates.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table summarizes our common stock repurchases for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

     (a)    (b)    (c)    (d)

Period

   Total
Number of
Shares

Purchased
   Average
Price
Paid per
Share
   Total
Number of
Shares

Purchased as
Part

of Publicly
Announced
Plans

or Programs1
   Approximate
Dollar
Value of
Shares that

May Yet Be
Purchased
Under

the Plans or
Programs
(in thousands)

January 1, 2008 through January 31, 2008

   —        —      —      $ 123,646

February 1, 2008 through February 29, 2008

   19,600    $ 436.18    19,600    $ 115,097

March 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008

   800    $ 439.97    800    $ 114,745
               

Total

   20,400    $ 436.32    20,400    $ 114,745
                       

 

1

The Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $200 million of our common stock pursuant to a share repurchase program publicly announced on August 22, 2005 (the Program). Under the Program, we may repurchase outstanding shares of our common stock from time to time, primarily through open-market transactions. The Program has no expiration date but may be terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index for a list of exhibits filed as part of this report.

 

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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, this 30th day of April, 2008.

 

Markel Corporation
By  

/s/ Alan I. Kirshner

  Alan I. Kirshner
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
By  

/s/ Anthony F. Markel

  Anthony F. Markel
  President and Chief Operating Officer
  (Principal Operating Officer)
By  

/s/ Steven A. Markel

  Steven A. Markel
  Vice Chairman
By  

/s/ Paul W. Springman

  Paul W. Springman
  Executive Vice President
By  

/s/ Thomas S. Gayner

  Thomas S. Gayner
  Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer
By  

/s/ Richard R. Whitt, III

  Richard R. Whitt, III
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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Exhibit Index

 

Number

  

Description

3(i)    Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended (3(i))a
3(ii)    Bylaws, as amended (3.1)b
4(i)    Form of Credit Agreement dated August 25, 2005, among Markel Corporation, the lenders from time to time party thereto, SunTrust Bank, as Administrative Agent and Swingline Lender, Wachovia Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and Barclays Bank PLC and HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as Co-Documentation Agents (4)c
4(ii)    First Amendment dated March 17, 2006, to Credit Agreement dated August 25, 2005, among Markel Corporation, the banks and financial institutions from time to time party thereto, and SunTrust Bank, as Administrative Agent and Swingline Lender (4(ii))d
   The registrant hereby agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of all instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the registrant and subsidiaries shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheet of the registrant at March 31, 2008 and the respective Notes thereto, included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
10.1    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers (10.1)e
31.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)*
31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)*
32.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer furnished Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350*
32.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer furnished Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350*

 

a. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000.
b. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K filed on August 20, 2007.
c. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005.
d. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.
e. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K filed on March 3, 2008.
* Filed with this report.

 

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