Swiss Re unveils $1bn buyback as annual profits hit record high

27th Feb 2026 11:20

(Sharecast News) - Swiss Re has announced another share buyback programme worth up to $1bn as it reported a 47% surge in profits to a record high in 2025, beating its own guidance.

The Swiss reinsurance giant said it would repurchase up $1.5bn of its own shares this year, including $500m already earmarked as part of its annual buyback strategy.

The company also proposed an annual dividend increase in respect of 2025 to $8.00 per share.

The announcement of returns came as the company delivered its full-year results, in which group net income jumped to $4.8bn from $3.2bn in 2024, coming in some $400m ahead of its own targets.

Meanwhile, return on equity improved to 19.6% from 15.0%, with results helped by strong underwriting profits in the property and casualty businesses - due to favourable catastrophe environment conditions - partially offset by the impact of a portfolio review in L&H Re.

"In 2025 we delivered on two key priorities: achieving our group financial target and strengthening the resilience of the company," said chief executive group Andreas Berger.

"Group net income reached the highest level in our history, reflecting disciplined underwriting, strong investment returns and low large loss activity outside of the first quarter."

Looking ahead to 2026, the company reiterated its target for net income of $4.5bn, with L&H Re expecting to contribute $1.7bn through a "strengthened portfolio".

"Swiss Re's 2026 targets reflect our confidence in the resilience of our Business Units, disciplined underwriting and active cycle management alongside rising demand for re/insurance," Berger said.

Swiss Re shares were up 3.9% in Zurich at CHF136.10 by 1232 GMT.