AM Best has affirmed the credit ratings of Swiss Reinsurance Company and its rated operating affiliates after the group released its half-year financial results.

The rating agency kept the financial strength rating of A+ and the long-term issuer credit rating of aa.

“These ratings reflect AM Best’s assessment of the consolidated rating fundamentals of the Swiss Re Ltd group, namely its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, very favourable business profile and very strong enterprise risk management,” the rating agency said.

AM Best expects improved pricing in the reinsurance market and the earn-through of remedial actions taken by Swiss Re in recent years to support prospective underwriting performance.

“Swiss Re maintains a leading position in the global reinsurance market,” the rating agency said. “In AM Best’s view, the group’s strong brand and excellent geographic diversification partly insulate it from the impact of competition in the international reinsurance market and position it well to capitalise on improved reinsurance market conditions.”

Swiss Re recently reported overall net income of $US157 million ($228 million) in the June half, compared with $US1.05 billion ($1.52 billion) in the corresponding period of last year.

The Property and Casualty Reinsurance (P&C Re) arm’s first-half net income declined to $US316 million ($459 million) from $US1.28 billion ($1.86 billion) a year earlier.

AM Best says the group’s overall net income results are “reflective” of profitable non-life underwriting operations, despite elevated natural catastrophe activity and provisions of $US283 million ($411 million) booked for potential exposures to the Russia-Ukraine war.