Swiss Re’s net income increased by 9 per cent in the first half of the year to a total of $2.8bn (£2.07bn), according to its recent results.
The half-year results detailed that return on equity reached 22.7 per cent in the first half of the year, compared with 23 per cent for the same period in 2025.
Meanwhile, the group found that its insurance service result, which reflects the underwriting profit earned in the period, reached $3.5bn (£2.6bn) compared with $3.0bn (£2.2bn) in the first half of 2025.
However, Swiss Re pointed out that its insurance revenue decreased during H1, falling to $20.3bn (£15bn) from $20.9bn (£15.5bn) during the same period in 2025.
Swiss Re group chief financial officer, Anders Malmström, specified that each of Swiss Re’s business units delivered increased net income in the first half.
“Our P&C businesses achieved strong underwriting results, supported by low large natural catastrophe experience, while L&H Re’s performance reflects healthy underwriting margins and favourable US mortality experience,” he said.
“A solid investment result in a highly volatile market further underpinned the resilience of our earnings.
“We are also making good progress on the $1.5bn (£1.1bn) share buyback which we announced in February, having completed approximately 60 per cent through the end of July.”
Additionally, Swiss Re achieved a return on investment of 4 per cent for the first half of 2026, a result which reflected strong recurring income of $2bn (£1.48bn), supported by realised gains from real estate sales in the first quarter.
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It also announced that it has increased its operating cost reduction target to $500mn (£371mn) by 2028.
The increase reflects progress towards Swiss Re’s previous reduction target of $300mn (£223mn) by 2027, as well as further opportunities to simplify how the group operates, focusing on non-client-facing teams.
Finally, Swiss Re group CEO, Andreas Berger, provided insight into the group’s future outlook, stating: “Strong earnings delivery in the first half of the year puts us well on track towards our 2026 financial targets, while we remain vigilant as we approach the peak of the hurricane season.
“Looking beyond the current year, we see demand for re/insurance and risk expertise continuing to grow in a rapidly changing world.
“By investing in data, technology and artificial intelligence, we are building the capabilities that will enable us to better capture this growing demand, help our clients navigate an increasingly complex risk landscape and create long-term value for our shareholders.”
tom.dunstan@ft.com
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