What do you all think about Markel?

Hello! I've owned Markel shares for nearly six years now, since December 2013. The key reasons why I bought Markel shares back then was that it was essentially a baby Berkshire Hathaway.

It has a profitable insurance arm with a good track record of generating underwriting profits. It then uses the premiums it collects from the insurance business to invest in stocks and private companies.

Markel's investing is done with a long-term view, and is led by Tom Gayner. Gayner has an excellent reputation within investing circles because he is a thoughtful investor and has a good long-term market-beating track record.

One thing that I do worry a little with Markel is the portfolio of private companies that it has. This is one area that I think Markel is a little weak in.

Markel has a very shrewd investment officer.

What Markel does is underwrite profitable insurance policies unlike the rest, and they underwrite in sectors where the competition is very low.

They take the upfront premiums collected and invest in stocks! Their track record is rather decent!