AXS
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited
Insurance - Property & Casualty
Market Cap$7.33B
5Y Perf.+164.7%
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Stock Comparison
AXS vs MKL
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
MKL
Markel Corporation
Insurance - Property & Casualty
Market Cap$22.34B
5Y Perf.+99.0%
AXS vs MKL — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | AXS | MKL |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Insurance - Property & Casualty | Insurance - Property & Casualty |
| Market Cap | $7.33B | $22.34B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $6.61B | $16.57B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $1.07B | $1.77B |
| Gross Margin | 40.5% | 61.4% |
| Operating Margin | 19.6% | 13.9% |
| Forward P/E | 7.5x | 15.9x |
| Total Debt | $1.49B | $4.30B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $820M | $3.96B |
AXS vs MKL — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
AXS
MKL
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXIS Capital Holdin… (AXS) | 100 | 264.7 | +164.7% |
| Markel Corporation (MKL) | 100 | 199.0 | +99.0% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: AXS vs MKL
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: AXS leads in 6 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. Markel Corporation is the stronger pick specifically for dividend income and shareholder returns. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
AXS
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited
The Insurance Pick
AXS carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth 9.1%, EPS growth 0.0%, 3Y rev CAGR 7.4%
- 113.6% 10Y total return vs MKL's 90.6%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.12, Low D/E 23.5%, current ratio 1.58x
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
MKL
Markel Corporation
The Insurance Pick
MKL is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability.
- Dividend streak 6 yrs, beta 0.44, yield 2.7%
- 2.7% yield, 6-year raise streak, vs AXS's 1.8%
Best for: income & stability
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | AXS | 9.1% revenue growth vs MKL's -1.0% |
| Value | AXS | Lower P/E (7.5x vs 15.9x) |
| Quality / Margins | AXS | Combined ratio 0.8 vs MKL's 0.8 (lower = better underwriting) |
| Stability / Safety | AXS | Beta 0.12 vs MKL's 0.44 |
| Dividends | MKL | 2.7% yield, 6-year raise streak, vs AXS's 1.8% |
| Momentum (1Y) | AXS | +1.3% vs MKL's -4.7% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | AXS | 3.1% ROA vs MKL's 3.0%, ROIC 14.8% vs 10.7% |
AXS vs MKL — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2024
AXS vs MKL — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLAXSLAGGINGMKL
MKLMarkel Corporation
1leads
AXSAXIS Capital Holdings…
5leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs MKLMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
AXS4/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
AXS4/5
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
AXS5/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
AXS6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
AXS2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
MKL2/2
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
AXS leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
MKL is the larger business by revenue, generating $16.6B annually — 2.5x AXS's $6.6B. AXS is the more profitable business, keeping 16.2% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to MKL's 10.7%. On growth, AXS holds the edge at +12.0% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | AXSAXIS Capital Hold… | MKLMarkel Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $6.6B | $16.6B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $1.4B | $2.5B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $1.1B | $1.8B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $169M | $2.2B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +40.5% | +61.4% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +19.6% | +13.9% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +16.2% | +10.7% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +2.6% | +13.2% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +12.0% | +6.7% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +45.6% | -2.6% |
AXS leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
AXS leads this category, winning 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 8.0x trailing earnings, AXS trades at a 24% valuation discount to MKL's 10.6x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, AXS's 6.2x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than MKL's 7.7x.
| Metric | AXSAXIS Capital Hold… | MKLMarkel Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $7.3B | $22.3B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $8.0B | $22.7B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 8.05x | 10.55x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 7.47x | 15.86x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 0.42x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 6.24x | 7.72x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 1.12x | 1.35x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.24x | 1.19x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | 8.75x |
AXS leads this category, winning 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
AXS leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
AXS delivers a 16.9% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $17 in annual profit, vs $10 for MKL. MKL carries lower financial leverage with a 0.23x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to AXS's 0.23x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), MKL scores 7/9 vs AXS's 5/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | AXSAXIS Capital Hold… | MKLMarkel Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +16.9% | +9.6% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +3.1% | +3.0% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +14.8% | +10.7% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +6.0% | +14.9% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 7 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.23x | 0.23x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $673M | $339M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $820M | $4.0B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $1.5B | $4.3B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 20.21x | 12.00x |
AXS leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
AXS leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in AXS five years ago would be worth $18,859 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $14,899 for MKL. Over the past 12 months, AXS leads with a +1.3% total return vs MKL's -4.7%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors AXS at 23.9% vs MKL's 9.1% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | AXSAXIS Capital Hold… | MKLMarkel Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -4.3% | -16.2% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +1.3% | -4.7% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +90.1% | +30.0% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +88.6% | +49.0% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +113.6% | +90.6% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +23.9% | +9.1% |
AXS leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
AXS leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
AXS is the less volatile stock with a 0.12 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than MKL's 0.44 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. AXS currently trades 90.1% from its 52-week high vs MKL's 80.9% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | AXSAXIS Capital Hold… | MKLMarkel Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.12x | 0.44x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $110.34 | $2207.59 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $88.07 | $1719.41 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +90.1% | +80.9% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 44.8 | 30.1 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 509K | 59K |
AXS leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
MKL leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates AXS as "Buy" and MKL as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 24.7% upside for AXS (target: $124) vs 9.2% for MKL (target: $1950). For income investors, MKL offers the higher dividend yield at 2.72% vs AXS's 1.81%.
| Metric | AXSAXIS Capital Hold… | MKLMarkel Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $123.88 | $1950.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 29 | 15 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +1.8% | +2.7% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 1 | 6 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.80 | $48.55 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +12.1% | +1.9% |
MKL leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
AXS leads in 5 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Valuation Metrics). MKL leads in 1 (Analyst Outlook).
Best OverallAXIS Capital Holdings Limit… (AXS)Leads 5 of 6 categories
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AXS vs MKL: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is AXS or MKL a better buy right now?
For growth investors, AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXS) is the stronger pick with 9.
1% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -1. 0% for Markel Corporation (MKL). AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXS) offers the better valuation at 8. 0x trailing P/E (7. 5x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXS) a "Buy" — based on 29 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — AXS or MKL?
On trailing P/E, AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXS) is the cheapest at 8.
0x versus Markel Corporation at 10. 6x. On forward P/E, AXIS Capital Holdings Limited is actually cheaper at 7. 5x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — AXS or MKL?
Over the past 5 years, AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXS) delivered a total return of +88.
6%, compared to +49. 0% for Markel Corporation (MKL). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: AXS returned +113. 6% versus MKL's +90. 6%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — AXS or MKL?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXS) is the lower-risk stock at 0.
12β versus Markel Corporation's 0. 44β — meaning MKL is approximately 271% more volatile than AXS relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Markel Corporation (MKL) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 23% versus 23% for AXIS Capital Holdings Limited — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — AXS or MKL?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXS) is pulling ahead at 9.
1% versus -1. 0% for Markel Corporation (MKL). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: AXIS Capital Holdings Limited grew EPS 0. 0% year-over-year, compared to -15. 1% for Markel Corporation. Over a 3-year CAGR, MKL leads at 12. 0% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — AXS or MKL?
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXS) is the more profitable company, earning 15.
4% net margin versus 12. 7% for Markel Corporation — meaning it keeps 15. 4% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: AXS leads at 18. 7% versus 16. 5% for MKL. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — MKL leads at 69. 4%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is AXS or MKL more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXS) trades at 7.
5x forward P/E versus 15. 9x for Markel Corporation — 8. 4x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for AXS: 24. 7% to $123. 88.
08Which pays a better dividend — AXS or MKL?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Markel Corporation (MKL) offers the highest yield at 2. 7%, versus 1. 8% for AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXS).
09Is AXS or MKL better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXS) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0.
12), 1. 8% yield, +113. 6% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (AXS: +113. 6%, MKL: +90. 6%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between AXS and MKL?
Both stocks operate in the Financial Services sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
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(AXS: 12.0% · MKL: 6.7%)Net Margin>
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(AXS: 16.2% · MKL: 10.7%)P/E Ratio<
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