MKL vs DG Comparison

Markel's primary business is property-casualty insurance. The company focuses primarily on specialty lines, ranging from areas such as executive liability to commercial equine insurance. The company uses capital generated by its insurance operations to buy noninsurance operations in diverse areas, such as bakery equipment manufacturing and residential homebuilding.

Since its beginning in 1939, Dollar General has grown to become the largest dollar store operator in the United States, with more than 20,000 small-box discount stores across 48 states. The firm generated over $42 billion in fiscal 2025 sales. The retailer maintains a heavy concentration of stores in rural and low-income markets underserved by big-box retailers. It's 11,000 stock-keeping units, including 2,000 priced at $1 or less, span consumables (82% of sales), seasonal items (10%), home products (5%), and apparel (3%). More than 20% of sales are derived from private label.