Swiss Re made a $US468 million ($609 million) net loss for the nine months to September 30 as catastrophe losses from Cyclone Debbie and hurricanes in the US and Caribbean hit profitability.

The reinsurer reported a net profit of $US3 billion ($3.9 billion) in the corresponding period last year.

“The severe natural catastrophes we have experienced so far this year have clearly impacted our results,” Group CEO Christian Mumenthaler said.

“At the same time, we are able to absorb these losses… this shows our strategy to ensure superior capitalisation at all times is paying off.”

Combined claims from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, and two earthquakes in Mexico, are about $US3.6 billion ($4.7 billion). Overall claims from natural catastrophes, including Debbie, in the nine months totalled $US4 billion ($5.2 billion).

Both the property and casualty reinsurance and corporate solutions divisions were in the red because of the catastrophes, with net losses of $US652 million ($848 million) and $US762 million ($991 million) respectively.

Swiss Re has moved to strengthen the corporate solutions division, its commercial insurance arm, with a $US1 billion ($1.3 billion) capital injection.

“Even after such a string of severe natural disasters, we demonstrate the strength of our capital position and financial flexibility,” Group CFO David Cole said.