American Financial Group (AFG) vs Markel Group (MKL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
American Financial Group (AFG) has outperformed Markel Group (MKL) over the past year, losing 3.6% versus a loss of 9.6%. Over five years, MKL leads with a +34.0% price change compared with +6.7% for AFG. Markel Group is the larger company by market cap ($21.90 billion vs $11.77 billion), about 1.9 times the size.
On valuation, American Financial Group trades at a lower forward P/E (11.7x vs 15.7x for Markel Group). American Financial Group pays a dividend yielding 2.48%, while Markel Group does not currently pay one. Markel Group converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.6% versus 10.3%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AFG | MKL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $141.98 | $1,767.82 |
| Market cap | $11.77B | $21.90B |
| 1-day change | +2.13% | +2.29% |
| YTD return | +3.88% | -17.76% |
| 1-year return | -3.61% | -9.59% |
| 5-year return | +6.74% | +33.98% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 12.41 | 9.74 |
| Forward P/E | 11.74 | 15.65 |
| EPS (TTM) | $11.44 | $181.44 |
| Dividend yield | 2.48% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $3.52 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $8.17B | $15.51B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -1.80% | +4.72% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $842.00M | $2.11B |
| Operating margin | 13.13% | 20.59% |
| Net margin | 10.30% | 13.58% |
| 52-week high | $148.71 | $2,207.59 |
| 52-week low | $123.09 | $1,704.17 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -4.53% | -19.92% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +9.75% | +9.35% |
| Average volume | 378.57K | 67.72K |
| Shares outstanding | 82.92M | 12.39M |
| Employees | 8,500 | 22,900 |
| Sector | Finance | Finance |
| Industry | Property-Casualty Insurers | Property-Casualty Insurers |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- American Financial Group trades at a higher earnings multiple (12.4x vs 9.7x trailing P/E).
- American Financial Group offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.48% vs 0.00%).
- Markel Group grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+4.72% vs -1.80%).
About American Financial Group
AFG stock →American Financial Group, Inc., an insurance holding company, provides property and casualty insurance products in the United States. It operates through Property and Casualty Insurance and Other segments.
Finance · Property-Casualty Insurers · 8,500 employees
About Markel Group
MKL stock →Markel Group Inc. engages in the insurance business in the United States, the United Kingdom, Bermuda, Germany, rest of the European Union, Canada, and the Asia Pacific.
Finance · Property-Casualty Insurers · 22,900 employees
AFG vs MKL FAQ
Which is bigger, American Financial Group or Markel Group?
Markel Group (MKL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $21.90B compared with $11.77B for American Financial Group (AFG).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AFG or MKL?
AFG returned -3.61% over the past 12 months, compared with -9.59% for MKL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AFG or MKL?
MKL has the lower trailing P/E at 9.7, versus 12.4 for AFG. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, American Financial Group or Markel Group?
American Financial Group pays a dividend yielding 2.48%, while Markel Group does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are American Financial Group and Markel Group in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Property-Casualty Insurers industry within the Finance sector.