MARKEL GROUP INC. - Quarter Report: 2014 September (Form 10-Q)

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 September 30, 2014



¨	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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). 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 o	Non-accelerated filer o	Smaller reporting company o

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 October 29, 2014: 13,959,475

Table of Contents

Markel Corporation

Form 10-Q

Index




		Page Number
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements

	Consolidated Balance Sheets—September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	3

	Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income—Quarters and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013	4

	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity—Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013	5

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013	6

	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	7

Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	27

	Critical Accounting Estimates	27

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	38

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	39

Safe Harbor and Cautionary Statement		40

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	42

Item 6.	Exhibits	42

Signatures		43

Exhibit Index		44

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollars in thousands)



	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	(unaudited)
ASSETS
Investments, available-for-sale, at estimated fair value:
Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $10,123,387 in 2014 and $10,129,141 in 2013)	$	10,474,647	$	10,142,536
Equity securities (cost of $1,860,782 in 2014 and $1,566,553 in 2013)	3,706,963		3,251,798
Short-term investments (estimated fair value approximates cost)	1,686,691		1,452,288
Total Investments	15,868,301		14,846,622
Cash and cash equivalents	1,765,591		1,978,526
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	583,291		786,926
Receivables	1,289,010		1,141,773
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	1,897,580		1,854,414
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	103,023		102,002
Deferred policy acquisition costs	375,618		260,967
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	404,710		383,559
Goodwill	1,067,457		967,717
Intangible assets	727,456		565,083
Other assets	994,398		1,067,922
Total Assets	$	25,076,435	$	23,955,511
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	10,509,797	$	10,262,056
Life and annuity benefits	1,358,882		1,486,574
Unearned premiums	2,455,709		2,127,115
Payables to insurance and reinsurance companies	359,524		295,496
Senior long-term debt and other debt (estimated fair value of $2,490,000 in 2014 and $2,372,000 in 2013)	2,273,795		2,256,227
Other liabilities	878,110		777,850
Total Liabilities	17,835,817		17,205,318
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	57,249		72,183
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	3,302,868		3,288,863
Retained earnings	2,468,744		2,294,909
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,403,581		1,089,805
Total Shareholders' Equity	7,175,193		6,673,577
Noncontrolling interests	8,176		4,433
Total Equity	7,183,369		6,678,010
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	25,076,435	$	23,955,511

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)



	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
OPERATING REVENUES
Earned premiums	$	954,007		$	919,723		$	2,868,981		$	2,269,129
Net investment income	91,096			86,192			269,980			228,788
Net realized investment gains:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(2,851		)	—			(3,858		)	(4,589		)
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	7,046			11,238			32,567			45,290
Net realized investment gains	4,195			11,238			28,709			40,701
Other revenues	249,988			174,512			630,242			504,680
Total Operating Revenues	1,299,286			1,191,665			3,797,912			3,043,298
OPERATING EXPENSES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	570,966			533,372			1,723,675			1,263,674
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	350,493			352,126			1,071,985			943,894
Amortization of intangible assets	13,505			16,848			40,992			37,755
Other expenses	231,193			166,566			598,303			459,642
Total Operating Expenses	1,166,157			1,068,912			3,434,955			2,704,965
Operating Income	133,129			122,753			362,957			338,333
Interest expense	29,648			30,619			89,136			82,754
Income Before Income Taxes	103,481			92,134			273,821			255,579
Income tax expense	26,657			25,167			68,355			70,673
Net Income	76,824			66,967			205,466			184,906
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,021			1,368			1,879			2,649
Net Income to Shareholders	$	75,803		$	65,599		$	203,587		$	182,257

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes:
Net holding gains (losses) arising during the period	$	(7,532	)	$	84,564		$	348,096		$	107,473
Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	123			(219		)	118			(40		)
Reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income	(4,990		)	(7,654		)	(15,752		)	(27,866		)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes	(12,399		)	76,691			332,462			79,567
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes	(27,223		)	1,709			(19,639		)	(9,931		)
Change in net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	320			410			964			1,146
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(39,302		)	78,810			313,787			70,782
Comprehensive Income	37,522			145,777			519,253			255,688
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,020			1,368			1,890			2,649
Comprehensive Income to Shareholders	$	36,502		$	144,409		$	517,363		$	253,039

NET INCOME PER SHARE
Basic	$	5.33		$	4.69		$	14.28		$	15.38
Diluted	$	5.30		$	4.67		$	14.21		$	15.33

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

(Unaudited)



(dollars in thousands)	Common Stock			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Total Shareholders' Equity			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity			Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
December 31, 2012	$	908,980		$	2,068,340		$	911,337	$	3,888,657		$	360		$	3,889,017		$	86,225
Net income (loss)				182,257			—		182,257			(443		)	181,814			3,092
Other comprehensive income				—			70,782		70,782			—			70,782			—
Comprehensive Income (Loss)									253,039			(443		)	252,596			3,092
Issuance of common stock	18,663			—			—		18,663			—			18,663			—
Repurchase of common stock	—			(56,862		)	—		(56,862		)	—			(56,862		)	—
Restricted stock units expensed	20,182			—			—		20,182			—			20,182			—
Acquisition of Alterra	2,330,199			—			—		2,330,199			—			2,330,199			—
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	—			3,101			—		3,101			—			3,101			(3,101		)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(136		)	—			—		(136		)	—			(136		)	(11,716		)
Other	(400		)	980			—		580			5,000			5,580			(3,012		)
September 30, 2013	$	3,277,488		$	2,197,816		$	982,119	$	6,457,423		$	4,917		$	6,462,340		$	71,488

December 31, 2013	$	3,288,863		$	2,294,909		$	1,089,805	$	6,673,577		$	4,433		$	6,678,010		$	72,183
Net income (loss)				203,587			—		203,587			(1,072		)	202,515			2,951
Other comprehensive income				—			313,776		313,776			—			313,776			11
Comprehensive Income (Loss)									517,363			(1,072		)	516,291			2,962
Issuance of common stock	4,960			—			—		4,960			—			4,960			—
Repurchase of common stock	—			(25,922		)	—		(25,922		)	—			(25,922		)	—
Restricted stock units expensed	18,421			—			—		18,421			—			18,421			—
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	—			(3,843		)	—		(3,843		)	—			(3,843		)	3,843
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(10,257		)	—			—		(10,257		)	905			(9,352		)	(18,566		)
Other	881			13			—		894			3,910			4,804			(3,173		)
September 30, 2014	$	3,302,868		$	2,468,744		$	1,403,581	$	7,175,193		$	8,176		$	7,183,369		$	57,249

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013
	(dollars in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	205,466		$	184,906
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	331,162			357,551
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	536,628			542,457
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities	1,183,237			497,364
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of fixed maturities	1,110,128			851,194
Cost of fixed maturities and equity securities purchased	(2,687,075		)	(737,515		)
Net change in short-term investments	(213,618		)	(177,311		)
Proceeds from sales of equity method investments	101,938			228,001
Cost of equity method investments	(9,441		)	(24,878		)
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	203,635			(76,259		)
Additions to property and equipment	(52,350		)	(36,677		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(316,307		)	(13,354		)
Other	(1,487		)	2,912
Net Cash Provided (Used) By Investing Activities	(681,340		)	513,477
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Additions to senior long-term debt and other debt	64,075			563,913
Repayment of senior long-term debt and other debt	(40,397		)	(320,094		)
Repurchases of common stock	(25,922		)	(56,862		)
Issuance of common stock	4,960			18,663
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(25,918		)	(11,852		)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(3,463		)	(3,983		)
Other	(20,074		)	(246		)
Net Cash Provided (Used) By Financing Activities	(46,739		)	189,539
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(21,484		)	6,083
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(212,935		)	1,251,556
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,978,526			863,766
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	1,765,591		$	2,115,322

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Presentation

Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. Markel Corporation's principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Markel Ventures, Inc. (Markel Ventures), Markel Corporation also owns interests in various industrial and service businesses that operate outside of the specialty insurance marketplace.

On May 1, 2013 (the Acquisition Date), Markel Corporation completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of Alterra Capital Holdings Limited (Alterra) pursuant to an agreement dated December 18, 2012 (the Merger Agreement) which provided for the merger of Alterra with one of Markel Corporation's subsidiaries. Total purchase consideration was $3.3 billion. Alterra was a Bermuda-headquartered global enterprise providing diversified specialty insurance and reinsurance products to corporations, public entities and other property and casualty insurers.

The consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2014, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated statements of changes in equity and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 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, 2013 was derived from Markel Corporation's audited annual consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and include the accounts of Markel Corporation and its subsidiaries (the Company). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the results of operations and cash flows of Alterra from the Acquisition Date. The Company consolidates the results of its Markel Ventures subsidiaries on a one-month lag. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with 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 materially 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 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of the Company's business and accounting policies.

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2014, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU No. 2013-11 requires that a liability related to an unrecognized tax benefit be offset against a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. In that case, the liability associated with the unrecognized tax benefit is presented in the financial statements as a reduction to the related deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. Otherwise, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which creates a new comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will serve as a single source of revenue guidance for all companies in all industries. The guidance applies to all companies that either enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enter into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards, such as insurance contracts. ASU No. 2014-09's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU No. 2014-09 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2017 and may be applied retrospectively or under a modified retrospective method where the cumulative effect is recognized at the date of initial application. Early application is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2014-09 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

3. Acquisitions

Acquisition of Alterra

On May 1, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of Alterra. Results attributable to Alterra's property and casualty insurance and reinsurance business are included in each of the Company's underwriting segments, which were redefined during the first quarter of 2014. See note 6. Previously, Alterra also offered life and annuity reinsurance products. In 2010, Alterra ceased writing life and annuity reinsurance contracts and placed this business into run-off. Results attributable to the run-off of Alterra's life and annuity reinsurance business are included in the Company's Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment. See note 6 for further discussion of the Company's reportable segments.

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, on the Acquisition Date, equity holders of Alterra received, in exchange for each share of Alterra common stock held (other than restricted shares that did not vest in connection with the transaction), (1) 0.04315 shares of the Company's common stock and (2) $10.00 in cash. Equity holders of Alterra received total consideration of $3.3 billion, consisting of cash consideration of $964.3 million and stock consideration of 4.3 million shares of the Company's common stock.

The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities of Alterra based on estimated fair values at the Acquisition Date. The Company recognized goodwill of $295.7 million, of which $107.8 million is included in the U.S. Insurance segment, $89.8 million is included in the International Insurance segment and $98.1 million is included in the Reinsurance segment. None of the goodwill that was recorded is deductible for income tax purposes. The Company also recognized indefinite lived intangible assets of $37.5 million and other intangible assets of $170.0 million, which are being amortized over a weighted average period of 17 years.

Acquisition of Abbey Protection

On January 17, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Abbey Protection plc (Abbey), an integrated specialty insurance and consultancy group headquartered in London. Abbey's business is focused on the underwriting and sale of insurance products to small and medium-sized enterprises and affinity groups in the United Kingdom providing protection against legal expenses and professional fees incurred as a result of legal actions or investigations by tax authorities, as well as providing a range of complementary legal and professional consulting services. Premiums associated with Abbey's insurance operations for 2013 were in excess of $60 million. Results attributable to Abbey's insurance operations are included in the International Insurance segment. Results attributable to Abbey's consultancy operations are reported with the Company's non-insurance operations, which are not included in a reportable segment.

Total consideration for this acquisition was $190.7 million, all of which was cash consideration. The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based on estimated fair values on January 17, 2014. The Company recognized goodwill of $65.8 million, of which $43.0 million was allocated to the International Insurance segment and $22.8 million was allocated to the Company's non-insurance operations. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The goodwill is primarily attributable to Abbey's assembled workforce and synergies that are expected to result upon integration of Abbey into the Company's insurance operations. The Company also recognized other intangible assets of $113.4 million, including $103.5 million of customer relationships and $9.9 million of trade names. These intangible assets are expected to be amortized over 20 years and 14 years, respectively.

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Markel Ventures Acquisitions

In July 2014, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Cottrell, Inc. (Cottrell), a privately held company headquartered in Gainesville, Georgia. Cottrell is a leading manufacturer of over-the-road car hauler equipment and related car hauler parts. In June and August 2014, ParkLand Ventures also completed the acquisition of several manufactured housing communities. Total consideration for these non-insurance acquisitions was $187.0 million, which primarily consisted of cash consideration. This is inclusive of the estimated fair value of contingent consideration we may be required to pay based on Cottrell’s earnings, as defined in the stock purchase agreement, in 2014 and 2015. The Company has preliminarily recognized goodwill of $38.5 million, the majority of which we expect to amortize for income tax purposes. The Company has also preliminarily recognized other intangible assets of $80.7 million, including $51.7 million of customer relationships and $15.0 million of trade names, which are expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 17 years and 11 years, respectively. Results attributable to these acquisitions are included with the Company’s non-insurance operations, which are not included in a reportable segment.

The Company has not completed the process of determining the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired with Cottrell. These valuations will be completed within the measurement period, which cannot exceed 12 months from the acquisition date. As a result, the fair value amounts recorded for these items are provisional estimates subject to adjustment. Once completed, any adjustments resulting from the valuations may impact the individual amounts recorded for assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as the residual goodwill.

4. Investments

a)The following tables summarize the Company's available-for-sale investments.



	September 30, 2014
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Unrealized Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	706,634	$	9,856	$	(6,096	)	$	—		$	710,394
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	3,938,561		208,579		(7,948		)	—			4,139,192
Foreign governments	1,520,595		101,261		(1,070		)	—			1,620,786
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	444,601		1,658		(3,697		)	—			442,562
Residential mortgage-backed securities	1,007,664		20,563		(7,663		)	(2,258		)	1,018,306
Asset-backed securities	132,064		166		(1,065		)	—			131,165
Corporate bonds	2,373,268		58,375		(17,512		)	(1,889		)	2,412,242
Total fixed maturities	10,123,387		400,458		(45,051		)	(4,147		)	10,474,647
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	494,374		667,060		(878		)	—			1,160,556
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,366,408		1,189,604		(9,605		)	—			2,546,407
Total equity securities	1,860,782		1,856,664		(10,483		)	—			3,706,963
Short-term investments	1,686,638		56		(3		)	—			1,686,691
Investments, available-for-sale	$	13,670,807	$	2,257,178	$	(55,537	)	$	(4,147	)	$	15,868,301

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	December 31, 2013
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Unrealized Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	1,215,522	$	9,051	$	(30,342	)	$	—		$	1,194,231
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	2,986,758		116,341		(27,384		)	—			3,075,715
Foreign governments	1,484,818		30,647		(54,411		)	—			1,461,054
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	379,555		62		(11,796		)	—			367,821
Residential mortgage-backed securities	875,902		13,046		(16,442		)	(2,258		)	870,248
Asset-backed securities	189,646		257		(1,614		)	—			188,289
Corporate bonds	2,996,940		54,777		(61,650		)	(4,889		)	2,985,178
Total fixed maturities	10,129,141		224,181		(203,639		)	(7,147		)	10,142,536
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	422,975		592,112		(4		)	—			1,015,083
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,143,578		1,094,251		(1,114		)	—			2,236,715
Total equity securities	1,566,553		1,686,363		(1,118		)	—			3,251,798
Short-term investments	1,452,270		18		—			—			1,452,288
Investments, available-for-sale	$	13,147,964	$	1,910,562	$	(204,757	)	$	(7,147	)	$	14,846,622

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b)The following tables summarize gross unrealized investment losses by the length of time that securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.



	September 30, 2014
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
(dollars in thousands)	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	105,569	$	(93	)	$	228,223	$	(6,003	)	$	333,792	$	(6,096	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	116,161		(1,303		)	141,701		(6,645		)	257,862		(7,948		)
Foreign governments	26,513		(25		)	96,844		(1,045		)	123,357		(1,070		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	95,185		(363		)	153,822		(3,334		)	249,007		(3,697		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	142,282		(3,623		)	225,826		(6,298		)	368,108		(9,921		)
Asset-backed securities	10,649		(72		)	53,835		(993		)	64,484		(1,065		)
Corporate bonds	112,929		(2,374		)	726,388		(17,027		)	839,317		(19,401		)
Total fixed maturities	609,288		(7,853		)	1,626,639		(41,345		)	2,235,927		(49,198		)
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	9,502		(878		)	—		—			9,502		(878		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	157,152		(9,605		)	—		—			157,152		(9,605		)
Total equity securities	166,654		(10,483		)	—		—			166,654		(10,483		)
Short-term investments	199,993		(3		)	—		—			199,993		(3		)
Total	$	975,935	$	(18,339	)	$	1,626,639	$	(41,345	)	$	2,602,574	$	(59,684	)

At September 30, 2014, the Company held 676 securities with a total estimated fair value of $2.6 billion and gross unrealized losses of $59.7 million. Of these 676 securities, 483 securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for one year or longer and had a total estimated fair value of $1.6 billion and gross unrealized losses of $41.3 million. All 483 securities were fixed maturities, of which 474 are attributable to the investment portfolio acquired with the Alterra acquisition, for which a new amortized cost was established at fair value as of the Acquisition Date. The Company does not intend to sell or believe it will be required to sell these fixed maturities before recovery of their amortized cost.

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	December 31, 2013
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
(dollars in thousands)	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	587,929	$	(30,342	)	$	—	$	—		$	587,929	$	(30,342	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	513,608		(27,238		)	3,512		(146		)	517,120		(27,384		)
Foreign governments	950,040		(54,411		)	—		—			950,040		(54,411		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	357,737		(11,796		)	—		—			357,737		(11,796		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	437,675		(18,700		)	—		—			437,675		(18,700		)
Asset-backed securities	142,011		(1,614		)	—		—			142,011		(1,614		)
Corporate bonds	1,817,737		(66,539		)	—		—			1,817,737		(66,539		)
Total fixed maturities	4,806,737		(210,640		)	3,512		(146		)	4,810,249		(210,786		)
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	144		(4		)	—		—			144		(4		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	20,943		(714		)	27,735		(400		)	48,678		(1,114		)
Total equity securities	21,087		(718		)	27,735		(400		)	48,822		(1,118		)
Total	$	4,827,824	$	(211,358	)	$	31,247	$	(546	)	$	4,859,071	$	(211,904	)

At December 31, 2013, the Company held 1,364 securities with a total estimated fair value of $4.9 billion and gross unrealized losses of $211.9 million. Of these 1,364 securities, nine securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for one year or longer and had a total estimated fair value of $31.2 million and gross unrealized losses of $0.5 million. Of these securities, eight securities were fixed maturities and one was an equity security.

The Company completes a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether the decline in the fair value of any investment below its cost basis is deemed other-than-temporary. All securities with unrealized losses are reviewed. The Company considers many factors in completing its quarterly review of securities with unrealized losses for other-than-temporary impairment, including the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been below cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. For equity securities, the ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery is considered. For fixed maturities, the Company considers whether it intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, the implied yield-to-maturity, the credit quality of the issuer and the ability to recover all amounts outstanding when contractually due.

For equity securities, a decline in fair value that is considered to be other-than-temporary is recognized in net income based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. For fixed maturities where the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, a decline in fair value is considered to be other-than-temporary and is recognized in net income based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. If the decline in fair value of a fixed maturity below its amortized cost is considered to be other-than-temporary based upon other considerations, the Company compares the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected to the amortized cost of the security. The extent to which the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the security represents the credit-related portion of the other-than-temporary impairment, which is recognized in net income, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. Any remaining decline in fair value represents the non-credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment, which is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The discount rate used to calculate the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is the effective interest rate implicit for the security at the date of purchase.

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When assessing whether it intends to sell a fixed maturity or if it is likely to be required to sell a fixed maturity before recovery of its amortized cost, the Company evaluates facts and circumstances including decisions to reposition the investment portfolio, potential sales of investments to meet cash flow needs and, ultimately, current market prices.

c)The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at September 30, 2014 are shown below by contractual maturity.



(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	721,700	$	727,576
Due after one year through five years	2,064,769		2,112,267
Due after five years through ten years	2,170,179		2,273,949
Due after ten years	3,582,410		3,768,822
	8,539,058		8,882,614
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	444,601		442,562
Residential mortgage-backed securities	1,007,664		1,018,306
Asset-backed securities	132,064		131,165
Total fixed maturities	$	10,123,387	$	10,474,647

d)The following table presents the components of net investment income.



	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Interest:
Municipal bonds (tax-exempt)	$	24,505		$	20,646		$	72,796		$	63,156
Municipal bonds (taxable)	13,523			7,810			35,133			20,471
Other taxable bonds	38,741			37,554			114,594			91,712
Short-term investments, including overnight deposits	1,530			1,042			4,612			2,316
Dividends on equity securities	14,678			12,059			46,042			35,600
Change in fair value of credit default swap	200			1,660			1,810			8,860
Income from equity method investments	2,253			8,828			7,294			15,711
Other	(466		)	176			(374		)	325
	94,964			89,775			281,907			238,151
Investment expenses	(3,868		)	(3,583		)	(11,927		)	(9,363		)
Net investment income	$	91,096		$	86,192		$	269,980		$	228,788

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e)The following table summarizes the activity for credit losses recognized in net income on fixed maturities where other-than-temporary impairment was identified and a portion of the other-than-temporary impairment was included in other comprehensive income (loss).



	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		2014			2013
Cumulative credit loss, beginning balance	$	12,735	$	21,370	$	12,748		$	21,370
Additions:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses not previously recognized	—		—		—			—
Increases related to other-than-temporary impairment losses previously recognized	—		—		—			—
Total additions	—		—		—			—
Reductions:
Sales or maturities of fixed maturities on which credit losses were recognized	—		—		(13		)	—
Cumulative credit loss, ending balance	$	12,735	$	21,370	$	12,735		$	21,370

f)The following table presents net realized investment gains and the change in net unrealized gains on investments.



	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Realized gains:
Sales of fixed maturities	$	739		$	4,933		$	6,381		$	6,031
Sales of equity securities	10,793			24,648			36,942			58,563
Other	134			398			11,958			451
Total realized gains	11,666			29,979			55,281			65,045
Realized losses:
Sales of fixed maturities	(1,658		)	(18,741		)	(17,805		)	(19,585		)
Sales of equity securities	(175		)	—			(373		)	(170		)
Other-than-temporary impairments	(2,851		)	—			(3,858		)	(4,589		)
Other	(2,787		)	—			(4,536		)	—
Total realized losses	(7,471		)	(18,741		)	(26,572		)	(24,344		)
Net realized investment gains	$	4,195		$	11,238		$	28,709		$	40,701
Change in net unrealized gains on investments:
Fixed maturities	$	41,615		$	(8,679	)	$	337,865		$	(346,476	)
Equity securities	(57,773		)	117,899			160,936			457,505
Short-term investments	37			(13		)	35			(15		)
Net increase (decrease)	$	(16,121	)	$	109,207		$	498,836		$	111,014

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g)The following table presents other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income and included in net realized gains by investment type.



	Quarter Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
Fixed maturities:
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	(1,242	)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	(61		)	—		(61		)	—
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			—		—			(523		)
Asset-backed securities	—			—		(197		)	—
Corporate bonds	(46		)	—		(46		)	—
Total fixed maturities	(107		)	—		(304		)	(1,765		)
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	(202		)	—		(202		)	—
Industrial, consumer and all other	(2,542		)	—		(3,352		)	(2,824		)
Total equity securities	(2,744		)	—		(3,554		)	(2,824		)
Total	$	(2,851	)	$	—	$	(3,858	)	$	(4,589	)

5. Fair Value Measurements

FASB ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, 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 FASB ASC 820, 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. In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods, including the market, income and cost approaches. The Company uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. 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. Short-term investments include certificates of deposit, commercial paper, discount notes and treasury bills with original maturities of one year or less. Fair value for investments available-for-sale is determined by the Company after considering various sources of information, including information provided by a third party pricing service. The pricing service provides prices for substantially all of the Company's fixed maturities and equity securities. In determining fair value, the Company generally does not adjust the prices obtained from the pricing service. The Company obtains an understanding of the pricing service's valuation methodologies and related inputs, which include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, duration, credit ratings, estimated cash flows and

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prepayment speeds. The Company validates prices provided by the pricing service by reviewing prices from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain instances.

The Company has evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs. 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, commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and corporate debt securities.

Fair value for investments available-for-sale is measured based upon quoted prices in active markets, if available. Due to variations in trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices, fixed maturities are classified as Level 2 investments. The fair value of fixed maturities is normally derived through recent reported trades for identical or similar securities, making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable data described above. If there are no recent reported trades, the fair value of fixed maturities may be derived through the use of matrix pricing or model processes, where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Significant inputs used to determine the fair value of obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions, corporate bonds and obligations of foreign governments include reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, credit information and estimated cash flows. Significant inputs used to determine the fair value of commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities include the type of underlying assets, benchmark yields, prepayment speeds, collateral information, tranche type and volatility, estimated cash flows, credit information, default rates, recovery rates, issuer spreads and the year of issue.

Derivatives. The Company is a party to a credit default swap agreement, under which third party credit risk is transferred from a counterparty to the Company. At both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the notional amount of the credit default swap was $33.1 million, which represented the Company's aggregate exposure to losses if specified credit events involving third party reference entities occur. The credit default swap has a scheduled termination date of December 2014.

The fair value of the credit default swap is measured by the Company on a recurring basis using an external valuation model. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs required in measuring the fair value of the credit default swap, the credit default swap has been classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Senior long-term debt and other debt. Senior long-term debt and other debt is carried at amortized cost with the estimated fair value disclosed on the consolidated balance sheets. Senior long-term debt and other debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy due to variations in trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices. Fair value for senior long-term debt and other debt is generally derived through recent reported trades for identical securities, making adjustments through the reporting date, if necessary, based upon available market observable data including U.S. Treasury securities and implied credit spreads. Significant inputs used to determine the fair value of senior long-term debt and other debt include reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids and offers.

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The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy.



	September 30, 2014
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Investments available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	—	$	710,394	$	—	$	710,394
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		4,139,192		—		4,139,192
Foreign governments	—		1,620,786		—		1,620,786
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		442,562		—		442,562
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		1,018,306		—		1,018,306
Asset-backed securities	—		131,165		—		131,165
Corporate bonds	—		2,412,242		—		2,412,242
Total fixed maturities	—		10,474,647		—		10,474,647
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	1,160,556		—		—		1,160,556
Industrial, consumer and all other	2,546,407		—		—		2,546,407
Total equity securities	3,706,963		—		—		3,706,963
Short-term investments	1,561,280		125,411		—		1,686,691
Total investments available-for-sale	$	5,268,243	$	10,600,058	$	—	$	15,868,301
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	420	$	420



	December 31, 2013
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Investments available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	—	$	1,194,231	$	—	$	1,194,231
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		3,075,715		—		3,075,715
Foreign governments	—		1,461,054		—		1,461,054
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		367,821		—		367,821
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		870,248		—		870,248
Asset-backed securities	—		188,289		—		188,289
Corporate bonds	—		2,985,178		—		2,985,178
Total fixed maturities	—		10,142,536		—		10,142,536
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	1,015,083		—		—		1,015,083
Industrial, consumer and all other	2,236,715		—		—		2,236,715
Total equity securities	3,251,798		—		—		3,251,798
Short-term investments	1,312,561		139,727		—		1,452,288
Total investments available-for-sale	$	4,564,359	$	10,282,263	$	—	$	14,846,622
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	2,230	$	2,230

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



	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Derivatives, beginning of period	$	620		$	5,490		$	2,230		$	12,690
Total gains included in:
Net income	(200		)	(1,660		)	(1,810		)	(8,860		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			—			—
Transfers into Level 3	—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3	—			—			—			—
Derivatives, end of period	$	420		$	3,830		$	420		$	3,830
Net unrealized gains included in net income relating to liabilities held at September 30, 2014 and 2013 ⁽¹⁾	$	200		$	1,660		$	1,810		$	8,860


⁽¹⁾	Included in net investment income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

There were no transfers into or out of Level 1 and Level 2 during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. The Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

6. Segment Reporting Disclosures

In conjunction with the continued integration of Alterra into the Company's insurance operations, during the first quarter of 2014, the Company changed the way it aggregates and monitors its ongoing underwriting results. Effective January 1, 2014, the Company monitors and reports its ongoing underwriting operations in the following three segments: U.S. Insurance, International Insurance and Reinsurance. In determining how to aggregate and monitor its underwriting results, the Company considers many factors, including the geographic location and regulatory environment of the insurance entity underwriting the risk, the nature of the insurance product sold, the type of account written and the type of customer served. The U.S. Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by the Company's insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States. The International Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by the Company's insurance subsidiaries domiciled outside of the United States, including the Company's syndicate at Lloyd's of London. The Reinsurance segment includes all treaty reinsurance written across the Company. Results for lines of business discontinued prior to, or in conjunction with, acquisitions, including the results attributable to the run-off of life and annuity reinsurance business previously written by Alterra, will continue to be reported in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment. All investing activities related to the Company's insurance operations are included in the Investing segment.

The Company's non-insurance operations include the Company's Markel Ventures operations, which primarily consist of controlling interests in various industrial and service businesses. The Company's non-insurance operations also include the results of the Company's legal and professional consulting services, which were acquired through the acquisition of Abbey in January 2014. For purposes of segment reporting, the Company's non-insurance operations are not considered to be a reportable segment.

Segment profit for the Investing segment is measured by net investment income and net realized investment gains or losses. Segment profit or loss for each of the Company's underwriting 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 or loss for the Company's underwriting segments also includes other revenues and other expenses, primarily related to the run-off of managing general agent operations that were discontinued in conjunction with acquisitions. Other revenues and other expenses in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment are comprised of the results attributable to the run-off of life and annuity reinsurance business.

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For management reporting purposes, the Company allocates assets to its underwriting, investing and non-insurance operations. Underwriting assets are all assets not specifically allocated to the Investing segment or to the Company's non-insurance operations. Underwriting and investing assets are not allocated to the U.S. Insurance, International Insurance, Reinsurance or Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segments since the Company does not manage its assets by underwriting segment. The Company does not allocate capital expenditures for long-lived assets to any of its underwriting segments for management reporting purposes.

a)The following tables summarize the Company's segment disclosures. The segment disclosures for the prior period have been revised to be consistent with the new segment structure.



	Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	619,510		$	271,045		$	206,125		$	(230	)		$	—	$	1,096,450
Net written premiums	520,511			194,639			166,848			(217		)		—		881,781

Earned premiums	516,753			216,764			220,513			(23		)		—		954,007
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(348,877		)	(160,132		)	(155,189		)	—				—		(664,198		)
Prior accident years	60,944			30,791			8,258			(6,761		)		—		93,232
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(202,765		)	(81,706		)	(65,874		)	(148		)		—		(350,493		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	26,055			5,717			7,708			(6,932		)		—		32,548
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				91,096		91,096
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				4,195		4,195
Other revenues (insurance)	563			3,478			(864		)	1,022				—		4,199
Other expenses (insurance)	(1,325		)	(3,831		)	—			(8,330		)		—		(13,486		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	25,293		$	5,364		$	6,844		$	(14,240	)		$	95,291	$	118,552
Other revenues (non-insurance)																245,789
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(217,707		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(13,505		)
Interest expense																(29,648		)
Income before income taxes																$	103,481
U.S. GAAP combined ratio ⁽¹⁾	95		%	97		%	97		%	NM			⁽²⁾			97		%


⁽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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	Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	600,374		$	274,724		$	201,200		$	—			$	—	$	1,076,298
Net written premiums	498,505			193,419			151,008			(1		)		—		842,931

Earned premiums	465,775			224,237			229,712			(1		)		—		919,723
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(326,941		)	(140,449		)	(143,293		)	—				—		(610,683		)
Prior accident years	67,626			38,521			3,624			(32,460		)		—		77,311
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses:
Transaction costs and other acquisition-related expenses ⁽¹⁾	(1,640		)	(880		)	(5,988		)	—				—		(8,508		)
All other expenses	(182,832		)	(80,735		)	(79,969		)	(82		)		—		(343,618		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	21,988			40,694			4,086			(32,543		)		—		34,225
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				86,192		86,192
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				11,238		11,238
Other revenues (insurance)	1,402			(1,213		)	1,583			160				—		1,932
Other expenses (insurance)	(6,292		)	(1,167		)	—			(8,789		)		—		(16,248		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	17,098		$	38,314		$	5,669		$	(41,172	)		$	97,430	$	117,339
Other revenues (non-insurance)																172,580
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(150,318		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(16,848		)
Interest expense																(30,619		)
Income before income taxes																$	92,134
U.S. GAAP combined ratio ⁽²⁾	95		%	82		%	98		%	NM			⁽³⁾			96		%

⁽¹⁾

In connection with the acquisition of Alterra, the Company incurred acquisition-related costs totaling $8.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, which included severance costs of $3.5 million, stay bonuses of $3.9 million and other compensation costs of $1.1 million related to the acceleration of certain long-term incentive compensation awards and restricted stock awards that were granted by Alterra prior to the acquisition.


⁽²⁾	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.


⁽³⁾	NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

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	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	1,876,114		$	924,401		$	999,036		$	34			$	—	$	3,799,585
Net written premiums	1,554,847			694,311			855,930			335				—		3,105,423

Earned premiums	1,499,571			678,772			690,117			521				—		2,868,981
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(997,804		)	(495,441		)	(490,555		)	—				—		(1,983,800		)
Prior accident years	142,381			102,658			49,811			(34,725		)		—		260,125
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(595,208		)	(250,157		)	(226,109		)	(511		)		—		(1,071,985		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	48,940			35,832			23,264			(34,715		)		—		73,321
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				269,980		269,980
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				28,709		28,709
Other revenues (insurance)	3,333			15,183			2,304			1,208				—		22,028
Other expenses (insurance)	(4,436		)	(11,539		)	(1,097		)	(25,615		)		—		(42,687		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	47,837		$	39,476		$	24,471		$	(59,122	)		$	298,689	$	351,351
Other revenues (non-insurance)																608,214
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(555,616		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(40,992		)
Interest expense																(89,136		)
Income before income taxes																$	273,821
U.S. GAAP combined ratio ⁽¹⁾	97		%	95		%	97		%	NM			⁽²⁾			97		%


⁽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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	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	1,657,142		$	820,909		$	442,492		$	35			$	—	$	2,920,578
Net written premiums	1,429,649			639,917			363,599			35				—		2,433,200

Earned premiums	1,239,857			595,300			433,937			35				—		2,269,129
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(850,039		)	(403,783		)	(291,287		)	—				—		(1,545,109		)
Prior accident years	209,941			94,021			9,077			(31,604		)		—		281,435
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses:
Transaction costs and other acquisition-related expenses ⁽¹⁾	(12,130		)	(12,700		)	(45,487		)	—				—		(70,317		)
All other expenses	(507,140		)	(226,950		)	(139,704		)	217				—		(873,577		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	80,489			45,888			(33,464		)	(31,352		)		—		61,561
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				228,788		228,788
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				40,701		40,701
Other revenues (insurance)	11,945			3,497			2,537			479				—		18,458
Other expenses (insurance)	(14,447		)	(3,762		)	—			(13,039		)		—		(31,248		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	77,987		$	45,623		$	(30,927	)	$	(43,912	)		$	269,489	$	318,260
Other revenues (non-insurance)																486,222
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(428,394		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(37,755		)
Interest expense																(82,754		)
Income before income taxes																$	255,579
U.S. GAAP combined ratio ⁽²⁾	94		%	92		%	108		%	NM			⁽³⁾			97		%

⁽¹⁾

In connection with the acquisition of Alterra, the Company incurred transaction costs of $16.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which primarily consist of due diligence, legal and investment banking costs. Additionally, the Company incurred severance costs of $31.7 million, stay bonuses of $10.0 million and other compensation costs totaling $12.6 million related to the acceleration of certain long-term incentive compensation awards and restricted stock awards that were granted by Alterra prior to the acquisition.


⁽²⁾	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.


⁽³⁾	NM – Ratio is not meaningful.


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



(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Segment assets:
Investing	$	18,122,501	$	17,550,332
Underwriting	5,710,290		5,468,731
Total segment assets	23,832,791		23,019,063
Non-insurance operations	1,243,644		936,448
Total assets	$	25,076,435	$	23,955,511

7. Goodwill

As described in note 6, effective January 1, 2014, the Company redefined its segments. As a result, goodwill was reallocated as of December 31, 2013 using a relative fair value allocation approach. The following table presents the components of goodwill by reportable segment.

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(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance		International Insurance			Reinsurance		Other⁽¹⁾			Total
December 31, 2013	$	280,579	$	372,764		$	122,745	$	191,629		$	967,717
Acquisitions	—		42,989			—		61,297			104,286
Foreign currency movements and other adjustments	—		(3,936		)	—		(610		)	(4,546		)
September 30, 2014	$	280,579	$	411,817		$	122,745	$	252,316		$	1,067,457


⁽¹⁾	Amounts included in Other are related to the Company's non-insurance operations, which are not included in a reportable segment.

8. Senior Long-Term Debt and Other Debt

On June 30, 2014, Markel Corporation entered into agreements guaranteeing the $350 million of 6.25% unsecured senior notes due September 30, 2020 (the 6.25% unsecured senior notes) issued by Alterra Finance LLC (Alterra Finance) and the $90.6 million of 7.20% unsecured senior notes due April 14, 2017 (the 7.20% unsecured senior notes) issued by Alterra USA Holdings Limited (Alterra USA). These guarantee agreements were issued pursuant to supplemental indentures entered into by the Company on June 30, 2014 in connection with the 6.25% unsecured senior notes and the 7.20% unsecured senior notes. Both sets of unsecured senior notes continue to be guaranteed by Alterra. As described below, effective August 1, 2014, both Alterra Finance and Alterra USA provided guarantees for the Company's revolving credit facility. As a result, the Company's revolving credit facility is no longer subordinate to the 6.25% unsecured senior notes and the the 7.20% unsecured senior notes.

On August 1, 2014, the Company entered into a credit agreement for a revolving credit facility, which provides $300 million of capacity for future acquisitions, investments, repurchases of capital stock of the Company and for general corporate purposes. At the Company's discretion, $200 million of the total capacity may be used for secured letters of credit. The Company may increase the capacity of the facility to $500 million subject to certain terms and conditions. The Company pays interest on balances outstanding under the facility and a utilization fee for letters of credit issued under the facility. The Company also pays a commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility based on the Company's debt to equity leverage ratio as calculated under the credit agreement. Markel Corporation, along with Alterra Finance and Alterra USA, guaranteed the Company's obligations under the facility. This facility replaced the Company's previous $300 million revolving credit facility and expires in August 2019.

On August 1, 2014, the Company reduced the capacity of its $900 million secured credit facility to $650 million.

9. Other Revenues and Other Expenses

The following tables summarize the components of other revenues and other expenses.



	Quarter Ended September 30,
	2014					2013
(dollars in thousands)	Other Revenues			Other Expenses		Other Revenues		Other Expenses
Insurance:
Managing general agent operations	$	3,812		$	4,832	$	1,450	$	7,048
Life and annuity	1,022			8,330		160		8,789
Other	(635		)	324		322		411
	4,199			13,486		1,932		16,248
Non-Insurance:
Markel Ventures: Manufacturing	169,754			148,690		136,323		119,345
Markel Ventures: Non-Manufacturing	70,303			64,728		36,257		30,973
Abbey: Consulting services	5,732			4,289		—		—
	245,789			217,707		172,580		150,318
Total	$	249,988		$	231,193	$	174,512	$	166,566

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	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014				2013
(dollars in thousands)	Other Revenues		Other Expenses		Other Revenues		Other Expenses
Insurance:
Managing general agent operations	$	17,764	$	14,931	$	15,761	$	16,849
Life and annuity	1,208		25,615		479		13,039
Other	3,056		2,141		2,218		1,360
	22,028		42,687		18,458		31,248
Non-Insurance:
Markel Ventures: Manufacturing	395,448		355,480		381,324		336,167
Markel Ventures: Non-Manufacturing	199,457		185,648		104,898		92,227
Abbey: Consulting services	13,309		14,488		—		—
	608,214		555,616		486,222		428,394
Total	$	630,242	$	598,303	$	504,680	$	459,642

The Company's Markel Ventures operations primarily consist of controlling interests in various industrial and service businesses and are viewed by management as separate and distinct from the Company's insurance operations. While each of the companies is operated independently from one another, management aggregates financial results into two industry groups: manufacturing and non-manufacturing.

The financial results of the companies in which the Company owns controlling interests have been consolidated in our financial statements. The financial results of those companies in which the Company owns a noncontrolling interest are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

Effective January 17, 2014, the Company's non-insurance operations also include the results of the legal and professional consulting services attributable to Abbey.

10. Reinsurance

The following tables summarize the effect of reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance on premiums written and earned.



	Quarter Ended September 30,
	2014						2013
(dollars in thousands)	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	841,582		$	875,191		$	836,117		$	818,854
Assumed	254,868			301,665			240,181			331,495
Ceded	(214,669		)	(222,849		)	(233,367		)	(230,626		)
Net premiums	$	881,781		$	954,007		$	842,931		$	919,723



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014						2013
(dollars in thousands)	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	2,613,339		$	2,556,350		$	2,310,966		$	2,076,682
Assumed	1,186,246			985,981			609,612			675,286
Ceded	(694,162		)	(673,350		)	(487,378		)	(482,839		)
Net premiums	$	3,105,423		$	2,868,981		$	2,433,200		$	2,269,129

The percentage of ceded earned premiums to gross earned premiums was 19% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 20% and 18%, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

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Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses were net of reinsurance recoverables (ceded incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses) of $91.1 million and $98.0 million, respectively, for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and $330.0 million and $179.9 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

11. Net Income per Share

Net income per share was determined by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the applicable weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.



	Quarter Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014			2013		2014			2013
Net income to shareholders	$	75,803		$	65,599	$	203,587		$	182,257
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(1,259		)	—		(3,843		)	3,101
Adjusted net income to shareholders	$	74,544		$	65,599	$	199,744		$	185,358

Basic common shares outstanding	13,981			14,001		13,986			12,050
Dilutive potential common shares from conversion of options	11			16		11			11
Dilutive potential common shares from conversion of restricted stock	65			39		58			32
Diluted shares outstanding	14,057			14,056		14,055			12,093
Basic net income per share	$	5.33		$	4.69	$	14.28		$	15.38
Diluted net income per share	$	5.30		$	4.67	$	14.21		$	15.33

12. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss) includes net holding gains (losses) arising during the period, changes in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period and reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income. Other comprehensive income (loss) also includes changes in foreign currency translation adjustments and changes in net actuarial pension loss.

The following table presents the change in accumulated other comprehensive income by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.



(dollars in thousands)	Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities			Foreign Currency			Net Actuarial Pension Loss			Total
December 31, 2012	$	946,933		$	(1,075	)	$	(34,521	)	$	911,337
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	107,433			(9,931		)	—			97,502
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(27,866		)	—			1,146			(26,720		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	79,567			(9,931		)	1,146			70,782
September 30, 2013	$	1,026,500		$	(11,006	)	$	(33,375	)	$	982,119

December 31, 2013	$	1,131,507		$	(11,246	)	$	(30,456	)	$	1,089,805
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	348,214			(19,650		)	—			328,564
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(15,752		)	—			964			(14,788		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	332,462			(19,650		)	964			313,776
September 30, 2014	$	1,463,969		$	(30,896	)	$	(29,492	)	$	1,403,581

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The following table summarizes the tax expense (benefit) associated with each component of other comprehensive income (loss).



	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Change in net unrealized gains on investments:
Net holding gains (losses) arising during the period	$	(1,895	)	$	35,765		$	171,309		$	43,840
Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	31			(63		)	600			(9		)
Reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income	(1,858		)	(3,186		)	(5,535		)	(12,384		)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	(3,722		)	32,516			166,374			31,447
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	43			—			1,509			38
Change in net actuarial pension loss	80			67			241			286
Total	$	(3,599	)	$	32,583		$	168,124		$	31,771

The following table presents the details of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, by component.



	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	$	(2,851	)	$	—		$	(3,858	)	$	(4,589	)
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	9,699			10,840			25,145			44,839
Total before taxes	6,848			10,840			21,287			40,250
Income taxes	(1,858		)	(3,186		)	(5,535		)	(12,384		)
Reclassification of unrealized holding gains, net of taxes	$	4,990		$	7,654		$	15,752		$	27,866

Net actuarial pension loss:
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	$	(400	)	$	(477	)	$	(1,205	)	$	(1,432	)
Income taxes	80			67			241			286
Reclassification of net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	$	(320	)	$	(410	)	$	(964	)	$	(1,146	)

13. Contingencies

Contingencies arise in the normal course of the Company's operations and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

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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 its subsidiaries (the Company).

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 the following critical accounting estimates and assumptions quarterly: evaluating the adequacy of reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, life and annuity reinsurance benefit reserves, the reinsurance allowance for doubtful accounts and income tax liabilities, as well as analyzing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, estimating reinsurance premiums written and earned and evaluating the investment portfolio for other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value. Critical accounting estimates and assumptions for goodwill and intangible assets are reviewed in conjunction with an acquisition and goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reassessed at least annually for impairment. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Readers are urged to review our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of our critical accounting estimates.

Our Business

We are a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. Our principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. We 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 also own interests in various industrial and service businesses that operate outside of the specialty insurance marketplace. Our financial goals are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value.

On May 1, 2013, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of Alterra Capital Holdings Limited (Alterra), a Bermuda-headquartered global enterprise providing diversified specialty property and casualty insurance and reinsurance products to corporations, public entities and other property and casualty insurers. In conjunction with the continued integration of Alterra into our insurance operations, during the first quarter of 2014, we changed the way we aggregate and monitor our ongoing underwriting results. Effective January 1, 2014, we monitor and report our ongoing underwriting operations in the following three segments: U.S. Insurance, International Insurance and Reinsurance. In determining how to aggregate and monitor our underwriting results, management considers many factors, including the geographic location and regulatory environment of the insurance entity underwriting the risk, the nature of the insurance product sold, the type of account written and the type of customer served.

The U.S. Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by our insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States. The International Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by our insurance subsidiaries domiciled outside of the United States, including our syndicate at Lloyd's of London (Lloyd's). The Reinsurance segment includes all treaty reinsurance written across the Company. Results for lines of business discontinued prior to, or in conjunction with, acquisitions, are reported in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment. Underwriting results attributable to Alterra, which were previously reported in our Alterra segment, are included in each of our underwriting segments effective May 1, 2013 (the Acquisition Date). All investing activities related to our insurance operations are included in the Investing segment.

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Our U.S. Insurance segment includes both hard-to-place risks written outside of the standard market on an excess and surplus lines basis and unique and hard-to-place risks that must be written on an admitted basis due to marketing and regulatory reasons. The following products are included in this segment: catastrophe-exposed property, professional liability, products liability, general liability, commercial umbrella, marine, workers' compensation, classic automobiles and other coverages tailored for unique exposures. Business in this segment is written through our Wholesale, Specialty and Global Insurance divisions. The Wholesale division writes commercial risks, primarily on an excess and surplus lines basis, using a network of wholesale brokers managed on a regional basis. The Specialty division writes program insurance and other specialty coverages for well-defined niche markets, primarily on an admitted basis. The Global Insurance division writes risks outside of the standard market on both an admitted and non-admitted basis and is comprised of business previously written by Alterra. Global Insurance division business written by our U.S. insurance subsidiaries is included in this segment.

Our International Insurance segment writes risks that are characterized by either the unique nature of the exposure or the high limits of insurance coverage required by the insured. Risks written in the International Insurance segment are written on either a direct basis or a subscription basis, the latter of which means that loss exposures brought into the market are typically insured by more than one insurance company or Lloyd's syndicate. When we write business in the subscription market, we prefer to participate as lead underwriter in order to control underwriting terms, policy conditions and claims handling. Products offered within our International Insurance segment include primary and excess of loss property, casualty, excess liability, professional liability, equine, marine, energy and trade credit insurance. Business included in this segment is produced through our Markel International and Global Insurance divisions. The Markel International division writes business worldwide from our London-based platform, including Markel Syndicate 3000, through which our Lloyd's operations are conducted. Global Insurance division business written by our non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries, which primarily targets Fortune 1000 accounts, is included in this segment.

Our Reinsurance segment includes property, casualty and specialty treaty reinsurance products offered to other insurance and reinsurance companies globally through the broker market. Our treaty reinsurance offerings include both quota share and excess of loss reinsurance. Principal lines of business include: property (including catastrophe-exposed property), auto, general casualty, credit, surety, workers' compensation, professional liability, and marine and energy. Our reinsurance product offerings are underwritten by our Global Reinsurance division, which is primarily comprised of business previously written by Alterra, and our Markel International division.

For purposes of segment reporting, the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment includes lines of business that have been discontinued prior to, or in conjunction with, acquisitions. Alterra previously offered life and annuity reinsurance products. In 2010, Alterra ceased writing life and annuity reinsurance contracts and placed this business into run-off. Results attributable to the run-off of Alterra's life and annuity reinsurance business are included in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment. This segment also includes development on asbestos and environmental loss reserves, none of which are related to the acquisition of Alterra.

In January 2014, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Abbey Protection plc (Abbey), an integrated specialty insurance and consultancy group headquartered in London. Abbey's business is focused on the underwriting and sale of insurance products to small and medium-sized enterprises and affinity groups in the United Kingdom providing protection against legal expenses and professional fees incurred as a result of legal actions or investigations by tax authorities, as well as providing a range of complementary legal and professional consulting services. Premiums associated with Abbey's insurance operations for 2013 were in excess of $60 million. Results attributable to Abbey's insurance operations are included in the International Insurance segment. Results attributable to Abbey's consultancy operations are reported with our non-insurance operations, which are not included in a reportable segment.

In January 2013, we acquired Essentia Insurance Company, a company that underwrites insurance exclusively for Hagerty Insurance Agency and Hagerty Classic Marine Insurance Agency (collectively, Hagerty) throughout the United States. Hagerty offers insurance for classic cars, vintage boats, motorcycles and related automotive collectibles. Based on the nature of this business, we generally will experience higher claims activity during the second and third quarters of the year. Results attributable to Hagerty are included in the U.S. Insurance segment.

Through our wholly-owned subsidiary Markel Ventures, Inc. (Markel Ventures), we own interests in various industrial and service businesses that operate outside of the specialty insurance marketplace. These businesses are viewed by management as separate and distinct from our insurance operations and are comprised of a diverse portfolio of companies from different industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, consumer and business and financial services. Local management teams oversee the day-to-day operations of these companies, while strategic decisions are made in conjunction with members of our executive management team, principally our President and Chief Investment Officer. While each of these companies is operated independently, we aggregate their financial results into two industry groups: manufacturing and non-manufacturing.

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The financial results of those companies in which we own controlling interests have been consolidated in our financial statements. The financial results of those companies in which we hold a noncontrolling interest are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Our strategy in making these investments is similar to our strategy for purchasing equity securities. We seek to invest in profitable companies, with honest and talented management, that exhibit reinvestment opportunities and capital discipline, at reasonable prices. We intend to own the businesses acquired for a long period of time.

On July 23, 2014, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Cottrell, Inc. (Cottrell), a privately held company headquartered in Gainesville, Georgia. Cottrell is a leading manufacturer of over-the-road car hauler equipment and related car hauler parts. Results attributable to Cottrell are included with the Company’s non-insurance operations, which are not included in a reportable segment.

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. To mitigate the effects of short-term volatility, 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. We measure investing results by our taxable equivalent total investment return. These measures are discussed below in greater detail under "Results of Operations."

Results of Operations

The following table presents the components of net income to shareholders.



	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Underwriting profit	$	32,548		$	34,225		$	73,321		$	61,561
Net investment income	91,096			86,192			269,980			228,788
Net realized investment gains	4,195			11,238			28,709			40,701
Other revenues	249,988			174,512			630,242			504,680
Amortization of intangible assets	(13,505		)	(16,848		)	(40,992		)	(37,755		)
Other expenses	(231,193		)	(166,566		)	(598,303		)	(459,642		)
Interest expense	(29,648		)	(30,619		)	(89,136		)	(82,754		)
Income tax expense	(26,657		)	(25,167		)	(68,355		)	(70,673		)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,021		)	(1,368		)	(1,879		)	(2,649		)
Net income to shareholders	$	75,803		$	65,599		$	203,587		$	182,257

The components of net income to shareholders are discussed in detail under "Underwriting Results," "Investing Results," "Other Revenues and Other Expenses" and "Interest Expense and Income Taxes."

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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Consolidated

The following table presents selected data from our underwriting operations.



	Quarter Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2014				2013				2014				2013
Gross premium volume	$	1,096,450			$	1,076,298			$	3,799,585			$	2,920,578
Net written premiums	881,781				842,931				3,105,423				2,433,200
Net retention	80		%		78		%		82		%		83		%
Earned premiums	954,007				919,723				2,868,981				2,269,129
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	570,966				533,372				1,723,675				1,263,674
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	350,493				352,126			⁽¹⁾	1,071,985				943,894			⁽¹⁾
Underwriting profit	32,548				34,225				73,321				61,561

U.S. GAAP Combined Ratios⁽²⁾
U.S. Insurance	95		%		95		%		97		%		94		%
International Insurance	97		%		82		%		95		%		92		%
Reinsurance	97		%		98		%		97		%		108		%
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	NM			⁽³⁾	NM			⁽³⁾	NM			⁽³⁾	NM			⁽³⁾
Markel Corporation (Consolidated)	97		%		96		%		97		%		97		%

⁽¹⁾

In connection with the acquisition of Alterra, we incurred transaction and other acquisition-related costs of $8.5 million and $70.3 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, these costs include transaction costs totaling $16.0 million, which primarily consist of due diligence, legal and investment banking costs. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013, these costs also include severance costs of $3.5 million and $31.7 million, respectively, stay bonuses of $3.9 million and $10.0 million, respectively, and other compensation costs totaling $1.1 million and $12.6 million, respectively, related to the acceleration of certain long-term incentive compensation awards and restricted stock awards that were granted by Alterra prior to the acquisition.


⁽²⁾	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.


⁽³⁾	NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

Our combined ratio was 97% for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 96% and 97%, respectively, for the same periods of 2013. The quarter ended September 30, 2013 included transaction and other acquisition-related costs of $8.5 million, or one point on the combined ratio, related to the acquisition of Alterra, and $7.0 million, or one point, of underwriting losses related to catastrophe losses in the Reinsurance segment. The nine months ended September 30, 2013 included transaction and other acquisition-related costs of $70.3 million, or three points on the combined ratio, related to the acquisition of Alterra, and $32.4 million, or one point, of underwriting losses related to catastrophe losses in the Reinsurance segment. Excluding the impact of transaction and acquisition-related costs and catastrophes from both periods of 2013, the consolidated combined ratio increased in both periods of 2014 primarily due to a higher loss ratio in 2014 compared to 2013, partially offset by a lower expense ratio. The increase in the loss ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods of 2013, is primarily due to less favorable development on prior years' loss reserves. For financial reporting purposes, the net favorable development of pre-acquisition accident years' loss reserves for Alterra of $48.1 million was included in the current year losses and loss adjustment expenses in both periods of 2013. The decrease in the expense ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods of 2013 is primarily due to higher earned premiums compared to 2013.

U.S. Insurance Segment

The combined ratio for the U.S. Insurance segment was 95% and 97%, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 95% and 94%, respectively, for the same periods of 2013. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the increase in the combined ratio was due to less favorable development of prior accident years' loss reserves, partially offset by a lower current year loss ratio and a lower expense ratio.

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For financial reporting purposes in 2013, the development on pre-acquisition accident years' loss reserves for Alterra was included in current year losses and loss adjustment expenses. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the U.S. Insurance segment's current accident year loss ratio included $14.7 million of unfavorable development on pre-acquisition accident years' loss reserves for Alterra primarily on long-tail casualty lines of business. Excluding the impact of the Alterra pre-acquisition loss reserve development, the current accident year loss ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 was comparable to the same period of 2013 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 the ratio decreased compared to 2013. The decrease for the nine months was due to a favorable impact from higher earned premiums attributable to our Hagerty classic car program, which generally carries a lower loss ratio than other product lines in the U.S. Insurance segment.

The U.S. Insurance segment's combined ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 included $60.9 million and $142.4 million, respectively, of favorable development on prior years' loss reserves compared to $67.6 million and $209.9 million of favorable development for the same periods in 2013. As stated above, unfavorable development on pre-acquisition accident years' loss reserves for Alterra of $14.7 million was included in current accident year losses in 2013 compared to slight favorable development for these same lines in prior years' losses for both periods of 2014. The redundancies on prior years' loss reserves experienced within the U.S. Insurance segment during 2014 and 2013 were most significant on our casualty product lines across several accident years. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, favorable development on our casualty product lines was partially offset by adverse development of $17.6 million on our architects and engineers product line, primarily on the 2008 through 2013 accident years. The adverse development on this product line was driven by an increase in the frequency of high severity claims. Based on this experience, our actuaries increased their estimates of ultimate losses and management increased prior years' loss reserves accordingly. The quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 included $3.4 million and $5.3 million, respectively, of favorable development on Hurricane Sandy. The quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013 included $5.4 million and $20.2 million, respectively, of favorable development on Hurricane Sandy.

The U.S. Insurance segment's expense ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 was comparable to the expense ratio for the same period of 2013. The improvement in the expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was due in part to higher earned premiums compared to 2013. The increase in earned premiums was driven by a higher contribution of earned premiums attributable to Alterra in 2014 compared to 2013. Additionally, the nine months ended September 30, 2013 included $12.1 million, or one point, of transaction and acquisition-related costs attributable to the acquisition of Alterra.

International Insurance Segment

The combined ratio for the International Insurance segment was 97% and 95%, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 82% and 92%, respectively, for the same periods of 2013. For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the increase in the combined ratio included a higher current accident year loss ratio, less favorable development of prior years' loss reserves and a higher expense ratio. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 a higher current accident year loss ratio was partially offset by a lower expense ratio.

For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the increase in the International Insurance segment's current accident year loss ratio compared to the same periods of 2013 was primarily due to $23.7 million of favorable development on pre-acquisition accident years' loss reserves for Alterra that was included in current year losses in 2013. Excluding the impact of the Alterra pre-acquisition favorable loss reserve development in 2013, the current accident year loss ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased compared to the same periods of 2013. The increase in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was due to a higher contribution of premium from the Global Insurance division in 2014 compared to 2013. Our general and professional liability product lines within the Global Insurance division generally have higher attritional loss ratios than other products in the International Insurance segment.

The International Insurance segment's combined ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 included $30.8 million and $102.7 million, respectively, of favorable development on prior years' loss reserves compared to $38.5 million and $94.0 million, respectively, of favorable development for the same periods of 2013. As stated above, favorable development on pre-acquisition accident years' loss reserves for Alterra of $23.7 million was included in current year losses in both periods of 2013. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the favorable development on prior years' loss reserves was most significant in the professional and financial risks, marine, and Elliott Special Risks units within the International Insurance segment, on the 2006 to 2012 accident years. The favorable development on prior years' loss reserves in both periods of 2013 was primarily on the 2008 to 2010 accident year in the marine, specialty and Elliott Special Risks units. The loss reserve redundancies for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 also included $2.0 million and $4.5 million, respectively, of favorable loss reserve development on the 2001 and prior accident years, compared to $8.9 million and $18.7 million, respectively, in the same periods of 2013.

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The increase in the International Insurance segment's expense ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to a decrease in earned premium in 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The improvement in the expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 was primarily due to the impact of transaction and acquisition-related costs included in 2013. The nine months ended September 30, 2013 included $12.7 million of transaction and acquisition-related costs attributable to the acquisition of Alterra. The improvement in the expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was also due in part to higher earned premiums compared to 2013 and a favorable impact of higher earnings from the Global Insurance division in 2014. The Global Insurance division uses higher levels of reinsurance than the rest of the International Insurance segment, and the related ceding commissions result in a lower overall commission rate. The increase in earned premiums was driven by higher earned premiums attributable to Alterra in 2014 compared to 2013.

Reinsurance Segment

The combined ratio for the Reinsurance segment was 97% for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 98% and 108%, respectively, for the same periods of 2013. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 the decrease in the combined ratio was driven by a lower expense ratio and more favorable development of prior year loss reserves, partially offset by a higher current year loss ratio compared to the same periods of 2013.

The improvement in the Reinsurance segment's expense ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to the impact of transaction and acquisition-related costs incurred in 2013. The quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013 included $6.0 million, or three points, and $45.5 million, or 10 points, respectively, of transaction and acquisition-related costs attributable to the acquisition of Alterra. Excluding the impact of transaction and acquisition-related costs in 2013, the expense ratio for the Reinsurance segment for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 was favorable compared to 2013 primarily due to an increase in experience-rated refunds. Excluding Alterra acquisition costs, the expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was comparable to 2013.

The Reinsurance segment's combined ratio for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 included $8.3 million and $49.8 million, respectively, of favorable development on prior years' loss reserves compared to $3.6 million and $9.1 million, respectively, of favorable development for the same periods of 2013. The favorable development on prior years' loss reserves in 2014 was across many lines of business, with the largest contribution from our short-tail property lines. Favorable development on pre-acquisition accident years' loss reserves for Alterra of $39.1 million was included in current year losses in 2013.

The Reinsurance segment's current accident year loss ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 included $7.0 million, or three points, of catastrophe losses. The nine months ended September 30, 2013 included $32.4 million, or seven points, of catastrophe losses. As stated above, the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013 also included $39.1 million of favorable development on pre-acquisition accident years' loss reserves for Alterra that was included in current year losses. Excluding the impact of catastrophe losses and Alterra pre-acquisition loss reserve development in 2013, the current accident year loss ratio decreased for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013. The impact of applying our more conservative loss reserving philosophy to the Alterra products included in this segment was greater in the third quarter of 2013 than in the same period of 2014. Excluding the impact of catastrophe losses and Alterra pre-acquisition loss reserve development in 2013, the current accident year loss ratio increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013. The increase is primarily due to the impact of a higher contribution of premium in 2014 from Alterra long-tail casualty lines of business which generally carry higher attritional loss ratios than the rest of the segment.

Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)

The Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment produced an underwriting loss of $6.9 million and $34.7 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to an underwriting loss of $32.5 million and $31.4 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2013.

The underwriting loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 included $27.2 million of adverse loss reserve development on asbestos and environmental (A&E) exposures recorded in the second quarter. The underwriting loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 included $28.4 million of adverse loss reserve development on A&E exposures recorded in the third quarter. We complete an annual review of A&E exposures during the third quarter of the year unless circumstances suggest an earlier review is appropriate. We accelerated our annual review to the second quarter during 2014 due to activity on a small number of claims. For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the favorable results compared to the same period of 2013 are due to the A&E exposure review timing.

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During the annual reviews for both 2014 and 2013, we increased our expectation of the severity of the outcome of certain claims subject to litigation. As the ultimate outcome of known claims increases, our expected ultimate closure value on unreported claims also increases. As a result of these developments, we increased prior years' loss reserves accordingly. The need to increase A&E loss reserves in each of the past two years demonstrates that these reserves are subject to significant uncertainty due to potential loss severity and frequency resulting from an uncertain and unfavorable legal climate. Our A&E loss reserves are not discounted to present value and are forecast to pay out over the next 40 to 50 years. We seek to establish appropriate reserve levels for A&E exposures; however, these reserves could be subject to increases in the future.

Premiums and Net Retentions

The following tables summarize gross premium volume, net written premiums and earned premiums by segment.



Gross Premium Volume
	Quarter Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2014		2013
U.S. Insurance	$	619,510		$	600,374	$	1,876,114	$	1,657,142
International Insurance	271,045			274,724		924,401		820,909
Reinsurance	206,125			201,200		999,036		442,492
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	(230		)	—		34		35
Total	$	1,096,450		$	1,076,298	$	3,799,585	$	2,920,578

Gross premium volume for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased 2% and 30%, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2013. The increase in gross premium volume for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was due to the inclusion of premiums attributable to Alterra from May 1, 2013, which impacted all three of our ongoing underwriting segments in 2014. Foreign currency exchange rate movements did not have a significant impact on gross premium volume for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

During 2013, we saw mid-single digit favorable rate changes across much of our portfolio as market conditions improved and revenues, gross receipts and payrolls of our insureds were favorably impacted by improved economic conditions. We have continued to see modest price increases across many of our product lines during 2014 and will pursue price increases when possible. However, in the fourth quarter of 2013 and continuing into 2014 we have experienced softening prices on our international catastrophe exposed property product lines and in our property reinsurance book. 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 may vary when we alter our product offerings to maintain or improve underwriting profitability.



Net Written Premiums
	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014		2013
U.S. Insurance	$	520,511		$	498,505		$	1,554,847	$	1,429,649
International Insurance	194,639			193,419			694,311		639,917
Reinsurance	166,848			151,008			855,930		363,599
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	(217		)	(1		)	335		35
Total	$	881,781		$	842,931		$	3,105,423	$	2,433,200

Net retention of gross premium volume for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was 80% and 82%, respectively, compared to 78% and 83%, respectively, for the same periods of 2013. As part of our underwriting philosophy, we have historically sought to offer products with limits that did not require significant reinsurance. Following the acquisition of Alterra, we have certain insurance and reinsurance products that use higher levels of reinsurance. We purchase reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance in order to manage our net retention on individual risks and enable us to write policies with sufficient limits to meet policyholder needs.

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Earned Premiums
	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014		2013
U.S. Insurance	$	516,753		$	465,775		$	1,499,571	$	1,239,857
International Insurance	216,764			224,237			678,772		595,300
Reinsurance	220,513			229,712			690,117		433,937
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	(23		)	(1		)	521		35
Total	$	954,007		$	919,723		$	2,868,981	$	2,269,129

Earned premiums for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased 4% and 26%, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2013. The increase in earned premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was driven by the inclusion of a full period of earnings on the legacy Alterra product offerings in all three of our ongoing underwriting segments. Also contributing to the increase in earned premiums was higher earned premiums from the Hagerty business, which we began writing in the first quarter of 2013. The U.S. Insurance segment included $52.2 million and $150.0 million of earned premiums from Hagerty for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to $32.3 million and $53.2 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2013. Foreign currency exchange rate movements did not have a significant impact on earned premiums for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Investing Results

Net investment income for the third quarter of 2014 was $91.1 million compared to $86.2 million for the third quarter of 2013. Net investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $270.0 million compared to $228.8 million for the same period of 2013. The increase in net investment income for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 is due to higher income from municipal bonds and higher dividend income due to an increase in our equity securities portfolio compared to 2013. The increase in net investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is primarily due to an increase in the contribution of net investment income attributable to the investment portfolio acquired through the Alterra acquisition in 2014 compared to 2013. See note 4(d) of the notes to consolidated financial statements for details regarding the components of net investment income. Net investment income for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was net of $14.3 million and $46.9 million, respectively, of amortization expense as a result of establishing a new amortized cost for Alterra's fixed maturity securities as of the Acquisition Date, compared to $22.6 million and $39.2 million, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Net realized investment gains for the third quarter of 2014 were $4.2 million compared to $11.2 million for the third quarter of 2013. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, net realized investment gains were $28.7 million compared to $40.7 million for the same period of 2013. Net realized investment gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 included $3.9 million of write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments compared to $4.6 million for the same period of 2013. Net realized investment gains for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 included $2.9 million of write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments. There were no write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments for the quarter ended September 30, 2013.

We complete a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether the decline in the fair value of any investment below its cost basis is deemed other-than-temporary. At September 30, 2014, we held securities with gross unrealized losses of $59.7 million, or less than 1% of invested assets. All securities with unrealized losses 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 September 30, 2014. However, given the volatility in the debt and equity markets, we caution readers that further declines in fair value could be significant and may result in additional other-than-temporary impairment charges in future periods. Variability in the timing of realized and unrealized gains and losses is to be expected.

Other Revenues and Other Expenses

Markel Ventures Operations

Operating revenues and expenses associated with our Markel Ventures operations are included in other revenues and other expenses in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. We consolidate our Markel Ventures operations on a one-month lag. The following table summarizes the operating revenues, net income to shareholders and earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) from our Markel Ventures operations.

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	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
Operating revenues	$	240,057	$	172,580	$	594,905	$	486,222
Net income to shareholders	$	11,166	$	7,684	$	16,310	$	18,171
EBITDA	$	31,061	$	23,906	$	66,118	$	64,241

Revenues from our Markel Ventures operations increased $67.5 million and $108.7 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2013. For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the increase in revenues is primarily attributable to our acquisitions of Cottrell, Inc. (Cottrell) in July 2014 and Eagle Construction of VA LLC (Eagle) in August 2013 and higher revenues overall from our manufacturing and non-manufacturing operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, higher revenues are primarily attributable to our acquisitions of Cottrell and Eagle. Net income to shareholders and EBITDA from our Markel Ventures operations increased for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013 primarily due to our acquisitions of Cottrell and Eagle. EBITDA from our Markel Ventures operations increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013 primarily due to our acquisitions of Cottrell and Eagle, partially offset by less favorable results in our existing manufacturing operations.

Markel Ventures EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. We use Markel Ventures EBITDA as an operating performance measure in conjunction with U.S. GAAP measures, including revenues and net income, to monitor and evaluate the performance of our Markel Ventures operations. Because EBITDA excludes interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, it provides an indicator of economic performance that is useful to both management and investors in evaluating our Markel Ventures businesses as it is not affected by levels of debt, interest rates, effective tax rates or levels of depreciation and amortization resulting from purchase accounting. The following table reconciles EBITDA of Markel Ventures, net of noncontrolling interests, to consolidated net income to shareholders.



	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Markel Ventures EBITDA - Manufacturing	$	23,024		$	18,334		$	46,355		$	50,134
Markel Ventures EBITDA - Non-Manufacturing	8,037			5,572			19,763			14,107
Markel Ventures EBITDA - Total	31,061			23,906			66,118			64,241
Interest expense ⁽¹⁾	(3,629		)	(2,456		)	(8,392		)	(7,009		)
Income tax expense	(4,954		)	(4,638		)	(9,417		)	(12,031		)
Depreciation expense	(6,342		)	(4,740		)	(17,493		)	(14,128		)
Amortization of intangible assets	(4,970		)	(4,388		)	(14,506		)	(12,902		)
Markel Ventures net income to shareholders	11,166			7,684			16,310			18,171
Net income from other Markel operations	64,637			57,915			187,277			164,086
Net income to shareholders	$	75,803		$	65,599		$	203,587		$	182,257


⁽¹⁾	Interest expense for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 includes intercompany interest expense of $2.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 includes intercompany interest expense of $5.8 million and $4.8 million, respectively.

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Life and Annuity Benefits

The Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 included other revenues of $1.0 million and other expenses of $8.3 million, compared to other revenues of $0.2 million and other expenses of $8.8 million for the same period of 2013. The Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 included other revenues of $1.2 million and other expenses of $25.6 million, compared to other revenues of $0.5 million and other expenses of $13.0 million for the same period of 2013. The other revenues and other expenses included in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment are related to the life and annuity reinsurance business, which was assumed through the acquisition of Alterra on May 1, 2013. This business is in run-off and we are not writing any new life and annuity reinsurance contracts. The life and annuity benefit reserves are recorded on a discounted present value basis using assumptions that were determined at the Acquisition Date. The accretion of this discount is recognized in the statement of income and comprehensive income as other expenses. Other revenues attributable to the life and annuity business included in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment represent ongoing premium adjustments on existing contracts.

Interest Expense and Income Taxes

Interest expense was $29.6 million for the third quarter of 2014, slightly down from $30.6 million for the same period of 2013. Interest expense was $89.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $82.8 million for the same period of 2013. The increase in interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is due to interest expense associated with our 6.25% unsecured senior notes and 7.20% unsecured senior notes which were assumed in connection with the acquisition of Alterra, partially offset by the repayment of our 6.80% unsecured senior notes in February 2013. Interest expense associated with our 6.25% and 7.20% unsecured senior notes for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $4.7 million and $14.2 million, respectively, compared to $5.3 million and $8.7 million, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 also increased due to the March 2013 issuance of our 3.625% unsecured senior notes and 5.0% unsecured senior notes.

The effective tax rate was 25% and 28% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For both periods, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to anticipating a larger tax benefit related to tax-exempt investment income and a decrease in the estimated foreign earnings subject to U.S. tax in 2014 compared to 2013.

Comprehensive Income to Shareholders

Comprehensive income to shareholders was $36.5 million for the third quarter of 2014 compared to $144.4 million for the same period of 2013. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the third quarter of 2014 included a decrease in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $12.4 million, a decrease in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes, of $27.2 million and net income to shareholders of $75.8 million. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the third quarter of 2013 included an increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $76.7 million and net income to shareholders of $65.6 million.

Comprehensive income to shareholders was $517.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $253.0 million for the same period of 2013. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 included an increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $332.5 million and net income to shareholders of $203.6 million. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 included an increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $79.6 million and net income to shareholders of $182.3 million.

Financial Condition

Investments, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents (invested assets) were $18.2 billion at September 30, 2014 compared to $17.6 billion at December 31, 2013. Net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, were $1.5 billion at September 30, 2014 compared to $1.1 billion at December 31, 2013. Equity securities were $3.7 billion, or 20% of invested assets, at September 30, 2014 compared to $3.3 billion, or 18% of invested assets, at December 31, 2013.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $536.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $542.5 million for the same period of 2013. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 included higher payments for income taxes compared to 2013. These payments were offset by higher cash flows from investment income during the first nine months of 2014, primarily as a result of investment income attributable to the investment portfolio acquired through the Alterra acquisition.

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Net cash used by investing activities was $681.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $513.5 million for the same period of 2013. During 2014, we continued repositioning the investment portfolio acquired through the Alterra acquisition to be more consistent with our historical investment portfolio allocation by replacing fixed maturity corporate and mortgage-backed securities with fixed maturity tax-exempt municipal securities and equity securities. We also allocated more cash and cash equivalents to short-term investments to achieve higher returns while still maintaining adequate liquidity. Cash flow from investing activities is affected by various factors such as anticipated payment of claims, financing activity, acquisition opportunities and individual buy and sell decisions made in the normal course of our investment portfolio management. The decrease in restricted cash of $203.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to net cash paid out of escrow to acquire Abbey. Net cash used by investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 included $316.3 million of cash, net of cash acquired, used to complete acquisitions. See note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements for a discussion of acquisitions. Net cash used by investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was partially offset by a return of capital from our investment in New Point V Limited, a Bermuda-domiciled reinsurance company that offered fully-collateralized retrocessional reinsurance to the property catastrophe reinsurance market.

Net cash used by financing activities was $46.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $189.5 million for the same period of 2013. On March 8, 2013, we issued $250 million of 3.625% unsecured senior notes due March 30, 2023 and $250 million of 5.0% unsecured senior notes due March 30, 2043. Net proceeds were approximately $491.2 million. On February 15, 2013, we repaid our 6.80% unsecured senior notes, which had an outstanding principal balance of $246.7 million. Cash of $25.9 million and $56.9 million was used to repurchase shares of our common stock during the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

We seek to maintain prudent levels of liquidity and financial leverage for the protection of our policyholders, creditors and shareholders. Our target capital structure includes approximately 30% debt. Our debt to capital ratio was 24% at September 30, 2014 and 25% at December 31, 2013. From time to time, our debt to capital ratio may increase due to business opportunities that may be financed in the short term with debt. Alternatively, our debt to capital ratio may fall below our target capital structure, which provides us with additional borrowing capacity to respond when future opportunities arise.

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

On August 1, 2014, we entered into a credit agreement for a revolving credit facility, which provides $300 million of capacity for future acquisitions, investments, repurchases of our capital stock and for general corporate purposes. At our discretion, $200 million of the total capacity may be used for secured letters of credit. This facility replaced our previous $300 million revolving credit facility and expires in August 2019.

On August 1, 2014, the Company reduced the capacity of its $900 million secured credit facility to $650 million.

Our holding company had $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion of invested assets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Shareholders' equity was $7.2 billion at September 30, 2014 and $6.7 billion at December 31, 2013. Book value per share increased to $514.06 at September 30, 2014 from $477.16 at December 31, 2013 primarily due to $517.4 million of comprehensive income to shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk Disclosures

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 currency 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 have been equity price risk associated with investments in equity securities, interest rate risk associated with investments in fixed maturities and foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with our international operations. Various companies within our Markel Ventures operations are subject to commodity risk; however, this risk is not material to the Company.

As of September 30, 2014, the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets denominated in a foreign currency, which is not matched or hedged, was $275.9 million, compared to $86.3 million as of December 31, 2013. The increase is primarily due to the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Abbey that was completed in January 2014. Abbey's goodwill and intangible assets are denominated in United Kingdom Sterling. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were no other material changes to the market risk components described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Credit risk is the potential loss resulting from adverse changes in an issuer's ability to repay its debt obligations. General concern exists about the number of municipalities experiencing financial difficulties in light of the adverse economic conditions experienced over the past several years. We manage the exposure to credit risk in our municipal bond portfolio by investing in high quality securities and by diversifying our holdings, which are typically either general obligation or revenue bonds related to essential products and services.

We monitor our investment portfolio to ensure that credit risk does not exceed prudent levels. We have consistently invested in high credit quality, investment grade securities. Our fixed maturity portfolio has an average rating of "AA," with approximately 97% rated "A" or better by at least one nationally recognized rating organization. Our policy is to invest in investment grade securities and to minimize investments in fixed maturities that are unrated or rated below investment grade. At September 30, 2014, less than 1% of our fixed maturity portfolio was unrated or rated below investment grade. Our fixed maturity portfolio includes securities issued with financial guaranty insurance. We purchase fixed maturities based on our assessment of the credit quality of the underlying assets without regard to insurance.

Our fixed maturity portfolio includes securities issued by foreign governments. General concern exists about the financial difficulties facing certain European countries in light of the adverse economic conditions experienced over the past several years. We monitor developments in foreign countries, currencies and issuers that could pose risks to our fixed maturity portfolio, including ratings downgrades, political and financial changes and the widening of credit spreads. We believe that our fixed maturity portfolio is highly diversified and is comprised of high quality securities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were no material changes in the foreign exposures included in our fixed maturity portfolio.

The estimated fair value of our investment portfolio at September 30, 2014 was $18.2 billion, 80% of which was invested in fixed maturities, short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents and 20% of which was invested in equity securities. At December 31, 2013, the estimated fair value of our investment portfolio was $17.6 billion, 82% of which was invested in fixed maturities, short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents and 18% of which was invested in equity securities.

Our fixed maturities, equity securities and short-term investments are recorded at fair value, which is measured based upon quoted prices in active markets, if available. We determine fair value for these investments after considering various sources of information, including information provided by a third-party pricing service. The pricing service provides prices for substantially all of our fixed maturities and equity securities. In determining fair value, we generally do not adjust the prices obtained from the pricing service. We obtain an understanding of the pricing service's valuation methodologies and related inputs, which include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, duration, credit ratings, estimated cash flows and prepayment speeds. We validate prices provided by the pricing service by reviewing prices from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain instances.

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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 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the 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 concluded that effective Disclosure Controls were in place to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.

During the third quarter of 2014, we completed the transition of a significant part of the acquired Alterra operations to our general ledger accounting system, which allows for additional financial reporting functionality and efficiency.

There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the third quarter of 2014 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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. Such statements may use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "predict," "project" and similar expressions as they relate to us or our management.

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 2013 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;


•	the effect of cyclical trends, including demand and pricing in the insurance and reinsurance markets;


•	actions by competitors, including consolidation, and the effect of competition on market trends and pricing;


•	we offer insurance and reinsurance coverage against terrorist acts in connection with some of our programs, and in other instances we are legally required to offer terrorism insurance; in both circumstances, we actively manage our exposure, but if there is a covered terrorist attack, we could sustain material losses;


•	the frequency and severity of man-made and natural catastrophes (including earthquakes and weather-related catastrophes) may exceed expectations, are unpredictable and, in the case of weather-related catastrophes, may be exacerbated if, as many forecast, conditions in the oceans and atmosphere result in increased hurricane or other adverse weather-related activity;


•	emerging claim and coverage issues, 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;


•	reinsurance reserves are subject to greater uncertainty than insurance reserves primarily because of reliance upon the original underwriting decisions made by ceding companies and the longer lapse of time from the occurrence of loss events to their reporting to the reinsurer for ultimate resolution;


•	changes in the assumptions and estimates used in establishing reserves for our life and annuity reinsurance book (which is in runoff), for example, mortality, longevity, morbidity and interest rates, could result in material increases in our estimated loss reserves for such business;


•	adverse developments in insurance coverage litigation or other legal or administrative proceedings could result in material increases in our estimates of loss reserves;


•	the failure of any loss limitation methods employed;


•	changes in the availability, costs and quality of reinsurance coverage which may impact our ability to write certain lines of business;


•	industry and economic conditions can affect the ability 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, actual or potential defaults in sovereign debt obligations, volatility in interest and foreign currency exchange rates and changes in market value of concentrated investments can have a significant impact on the fair value of fixed maturities and equity securities, as well as the carrying value of other assets and liabilities, and this impact may be heightened by market volatility;


•	economic conditions; changes in government support for education, healthcare and infrastructure projects; changes in capital spending levels; changes in the housing market; and volatility in interest and foreign currency exchange rates, among other factors, may adversely affect the markets served by our Markel Ventures operations and negatively impact their revenues and profitability;


•	economic conditions may adversely affect access to capital and credit markets;


•	we have substantial investments in municipal bonds (approximately $4.1 billion at September 30, 2014) and, although no more than 11% of our municipal bond portfolio is tied to any one state, widespread defaults could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition;

•

we cannot predict the extent and duration of the current period of slow economic growth; the continuing effects of government intervention into the markets to address the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 (including, among other things, the effects of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and regulations adopted thereunder); the outcome of economic and currency concerns in the Eurozone; material changes to the monetary policies of the U.S. Federal Reserve; and their combined impact on our industry, business and investment portfolio;


•	we cannot predict the impacts that the political and civil unrest in Ukraine and related sanctions imposed on Russia by the U.S. and other Western European governments may have on our businesses and the markets they serve or that any disruption in European or worldwide economic conditions generally arising from this situation may have on our business, industry or investment portfolio;


•	we cannot predict the impacts that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may have on our businesses and the markets they serve or that any disruptions in Middle Eastern or worldwide economic conditions generally arising from this conflict may have on our business, industry or investment portfolio;


•	we cannot predict the impacts that health epidemics and pandemics may have on our business operations and claims activity;


•	we cannot predict the impact of the implementation of U.S. health care reform legislation and regulations under that legislation on our business;


•	our business is dependent upon the successful functioning and security of our computer systems; if our information technology systems fail or suffer a security breach, our business or reputation could be adversely impacted;


•	we have recently completed a number of acquisitions, the most significant of which was our 2013 acquisition of Alterra, and may engage in additional acquisition activity in the future, which may increase operational and control risks for a period of time;


•	the amount of the costs and charges related to our acquisition and integration of Alterra and related restructuring may exceed our expectations;


•	we may not realize the contemplated benefits, including cost savings and synergies, of our acquisitions, including those anticipated from the acquisition of Alterra and related restructuring;


•	any determination requiring the write-off of a significant portion of our goodwill and intangible assets, including $295.7 million and $207.5 million, respectively, recorded in connection with the acquisition of Alterra;


•	loss of services of any executive officers or other key personnel could impact our operations;


•	our expanding international operations expose us to increased investment, political and economic risks, including foreign currency and credit risk; and


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

Our premium volume, underwriting and investment results and results from our non-insurance operations 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 September 30, 2014.

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 Programs⁽¹⁾	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in thousands)
July 1, 2014 through July 31, 2014	—	—		—	$	287,867
August 1, 2014 through August 31, 2014	13,200	$	634.98	13,200	$	279,485
September 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014	—	—		—	$	279,485
Total	13,200	$	634.98	13,200	$	279,485

⁽¹⁾

The Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $300 million of our common stock pursuant to a share repurchase program publicly announced on November 21, 2013 (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 5^th day of November 2014.



	Markel Corporation

	By:	/s/ Alan I. Kirshner
		Alan I. Kirshner
		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

	By:	/s/ Anne G. Waleski
		Anne G. Waleski
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)

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Exhibit Index



Number	Description

2.1	Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 18, 2012, by and among Alterra Capital Holdings Limited, Markel Corporation and Commonwealth Merger Subsidiary Limited (2.1)^a

3(i)	Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (3.1)^b

3(ii)	Bylaws, as amended (3.1)^c

4.1	Form of Credit Agreement dated as of August 1, 2014 among Markel Corporation, Markel Bermuda Limited, Alterra Reinsurance USA Inc., Alterra Finance LLC, Alterra USA Holdings Limited, the lenders party from time to time thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Administrative Agent, a Fronting Bank and Swingline Lender (4.1)^d

4.2	Credit Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2011, among Alterra Capital Holdings Limited, Alterra Bermuda Limited (n/k/a Markel Bermuda Limited), the lenders parties thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (4.5)^e

4.3	First Amendment and Consent dated as of February 7, 2013, to the Credit Agreement among Alterra Capital Holdings Limited, Alterra Bermuda Limited (n/k/a Markel Bermuda Limited), the lenders parties thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (4.6)^e

4.4	Form of Second Amendment dated as of March 14, 2014, to the Credit Agreement among Alterra Capital Holdings Limited, Markel Bermuda Limited (f/k/a Alterra Bermuda Limited), the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (4.7)^f

4.5	Form of Guaranty Agreement by Markel Corporation dated March 14, 2014 in connection with the Credit Agreement dated December 16, 2011 (4.8)^f

4.6	Form of Third Amendment dated as of August 1, 2014, to the Credit Agreement among Alterra Capital Holdings Limited, Markel Bermuda Limited (f/k/a Alterra Bermuda Limited), the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (4.6)^d

4.7	Indenture dated as of June 5, 2001, between Markel Corporation and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (4.1)^g

4.8	Form of Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 13, 2004 between Markel Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly known as The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)^h

4.9	Form of Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 22, 2009 between Markel Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)ⁱ

4.10	Form of Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 2011 between Markel Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)^j

4.11	Form of Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 2, 2012 between Markel Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)^k

4.12	Form of Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 8, 2013 between Markel Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)^l

4.13	Form of Ninth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 8, 2013 between Markel Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.3)^l

4.14	Indenture dated as of September 1, 2010, among Alterra Finance LLC, Alterra Capital Holdings Limited and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (4.14)^e

4.15	Form of First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 27, 2010 between Alterra Finance LLC, Alterra Capital Holdings Limited and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, including the form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.15)^e

4.16	Form of Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 30, 2014 among Alterra Finance LLC, Alterra Capital Holdings Limited and the Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (4.16)^d

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4.17	Form of Guaranty Agreement by Markel Corporation dated as of June 30, 2014 in connection with the Alterra Finance LLC 6.25% Senior Notes due 2020 (4.17)^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's subsidiaries shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheet of the registrant at September 30, 2014 and the respective Notes thereto, included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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*

101	The following consolidated financial statements from Markel Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, filed on November 5, 2014, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.*


a.	Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2012.


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 May 13, 2011.


c.	Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on November 18, 2011.


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 June 30, 2014.


e.	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 June 30, 2013.


f.	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, 2014.


g.	Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on June 5, 2001.


h.	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 11, 2004.


i.	Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on September 21, 2009.


j.	Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on May 31, 2011.


k.	Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2012.


l.	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 7, 2013.


*	Filed with this report.