Media Release
May 13, 2026
Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 of the Listing Rules
P&C revenues accelerate as AI drives data center construction demand and Middle Market growth broadens. Life Protection grows ahead of 2027 targets.
- Property & Casualty (P&C) gross written premiums rose 8% on a like-for-like1basis. Commercial Insurance grew 9% driven by Global Specialty and Middle Market. Retail is up 7%.
- Life delivered profitable growth as gross premiums2increased 5% at excellent margins, with protection premiums2up 9% on a like-for-like1basis.
- Farmers underlying fee income3up 4%. Farmers Exchanges4GWP up 4%, supported by policy count increase, with further acceleration in April.
- Excellent capital position, with the Swiss Solvency Test (SST) ratio estimated at 265%5as of March 31, 2026.
All our businesses started the year strongly, with growth accelerating across targeted business lines and customer segments, including Specialty, Middle Market and Life Protection. Combined with our geographic diversification, these results highlight the resilience of our business model and the strength of our franchise. Thanks to our strong capital position, we are well positioned to navigate the current uncertain environment and stay on track to meet or exceed our 2027 targets.
Claudia Cordioli, Group Chief Financial Officer
Select financial highlights (unaudited)
In USD billions, for the three months ended March 31, 2026
P&C GWP | Life GWP2 | Farmers Exchanges4GWP |
15.6 | 9.9 | 7.7 |
2025: 13.3 | 2025: 9.4 | 2025: 7.4 |
Change in USD: 17% | Change in USD: 5% | Change in USD: 4% |
Accelerated growth in strategic segments
Zurich's P&C business grew strongly in the first quarter, with GWP up 8% on a like-for-like1basis. On a reported basis, growth was 17%, reflecting the weakening of the U.S. dollar and the timing of certain large contracts.
Commercial Insurance GWP increased 9% on a like-for-like1basis, or 18% on a reported basis, supported by disciplined underwriting and strong customer demand. Growth was broad based across regions, with particularly strong performances in North America and EMEA, up 10% and 8% respectively, on a like-for-like1basis. The high margin U.S. construction business increased volume by 21% and brought the growth of GWP for the USD 10 billion Global Specialty Business to 7% like-for-like1. The Group's construction and surety portfolios are well positioned to further benefit from long-term investment trends, including data centers and infrastructure. Middle Market GWP rose 7% like-for-like1, led by an outstanding performance in EMEA, supported by investments in new capabilities. Overall, the commercial rate levels are in line with the second half of 2025, with attractive margins in many Specialty lines and in the Middle Market customer segment, while property and E&S remain softer.
Retail GWP increased 7% on a like-for-like1basis, or 15% in U.S. dollars, reflecting growth across all regions. Retail rate increases remained stable year on year, supported by disciplined underwriting and active portfolio management, contributing to continued margin expansion. Motor was the leading growth contributor, driven by higher new business volumes and average rate increases of 8%, with strong contributions from Germany, Italy and Spain. While Travel continued to perform well, the outlook remains dependent on the development of macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties indirectly affecting global travel demand.
Zurich increased its reinsurance protection for property catastrophe and U.S. casualty risks through its January and April renewal cycles, reflecting its disciplined approach as well as favorable market conditions. This included the successful placement of a USD 150 million catastrophe bond in the institutional market, providing diversified, multi-year protection against U.S. named storms and earthquakes.
Zurich's Life insurance business delivered continued top-line growth in the first quarter. GWP2increased 5% in
U.S. dollars, driven primarily by the Protection business, where premiums2grew 9% on a like-for-like1basis, reflecting strong performances across EMEA, Latin America and Asia Pacific. This strong contribution was partly offset by lower sales of lower margins savings products, following exceptionally high sales volumes in Spain in the prior year period.
Farmers Management Services continued to grow, with underlying fee income up 4%3in the first quarter, supported by growth at the Farmers Exchanges4and brokerage entities.
The Farmers Exchanges4, which are owned by their policyholders, grew GWP by 4%, supported by an increase in new business. Policy count6increased by around 84k in the quarter, with additional 49k policies added in the month of April, showing further significant acceleration of growth trends. The exclusive agency channel returned to policy count growth in March and April, benefiting from improved incentives and distribution management actions to improve agent productivity. Growth was particularly strong in the independent agency channel, supported by expanded geographic reach, enhanced pricing segmentation and agency efficiency.
Middle East exposure and broader geopolitical environment
The Group's exposure to geopolitical conflicts and tensions in the Middle East remains limited, with no material impact on performance expected. Against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty, Zurich continues to focus on supporting its customers as risks across the market continue to be reassessed.
Commentary
Property & Casualty
In USD millions, for the three months ended March 31, 2026, unless otherwise stated
Gross written premiums (GWP) Rate change, in %2026 | 2025 | Change1like-for-like | Change in USD | 2026 | Expected trend | |
Property & Casualty | 15,556 | 13,315 | 8% | 17% | 2% | Moderating |
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) | 8,063 | 6,844 | 6% | 18% | 2% | Moderating |
North America | 5,991 | 5,192 | 9% | 15% | 0% | Stabilizing |
Asia Pacific | 1,114 | 1,032 | 9% | 8% | 2% | Moderating |
Latin America | 1,032 | 827 | 20% | 25% | 3% | Stable |
2026 | 2025 | Change1like-for-like | Change in USD | |
Property & Casualty | 12,003 | 10,779 | 5% | 11% |
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) | 5,383 | 4,647 | 5% | 16% |
North America | 5,111 | 4,810 | 4% | 6% |
Asia Pacific | 1,050 | 982 | 5% | 7% |
Latin America | 946 | 770 | 18% | 23% |
In the first quarter, GWP in P&C rose 8% on a like-for-like1basis, or 17% on a reported basis. Growth was supported by overall P&C pricing increases of 2%, with Retail rates up 5%, partly offset by a 1% decline in Commercial. Within Commercial, Auto and Liability rates remain positive, while rates in E&S and large account property continued to face pressure. By contrast, there are early signs of stabilization in certain Specialty lines. In the U.S., overall rates were flat in the first quarter of the year, which is an improvement compared to the second half of 2025.
In EMEA, GWP rose 6% on a like-for-like1basis reflecting broad-based growth across both Retail and Commercial businesses. Commercial growth was driven by strong Middle Market performance, particularly in Germany, the Benelux and Spain, while Retail growth was led by sustained momentum in motor across all countries.
North America GWP increased 9% on a like-for-like1basis, supported by growth in the specialty business, led by strong momentum in construction business, alongside ongoing Middle Market expansion, with disciplined underwriting and continued focus on portfolio quality within U.S. Programs and E&S.
In Asia Pacific, GWP were 9% higher on a like-for-like1basis compared with the prior year, supported by ongoing growth in Retail across the region, especially motor in Japan and Malaysia.
Latin America recorded a 20% increase in GWP on a like-for-like1basis, benefiting from strong sales in all segments, in particular from affinity partnerships and surety in Brazil and motor in Mexico.
Life
In USD millions, for the three months ended March 31, 2026, unless otherwise stated
Gross premiums and deposits (GWP)2 Present value of new business premiums (PVNBP)2026 | 2025 | Change1,7like-for- like | Change 7in USD | 2026 | 2025 | Change1, 7like-for-like | Change7in USD | |
Life | 9,850 | 9,364 | (5%) | 5% | 4,708 | 5,079 | (15%) | (7%) |
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) | 7,286 | 6,675 | (2%) | 9% | 3,112 | 3,221 | (13%) | (3%) |
North America | 80 | 398 | (80%) | (80%) | 48 | 244 | (80%) | (80%) |
Asia Pacific | 813 | 681 | 12% | 19% | 749 | 560 | 29% | 34% |
Latin America | 1,752 | 1,680 | (5%) | 4% | 806 | 1,060 | (30%) | (24%) |
2026 | 2025 | Change1like-for- like | Change in USD | |
New business CSM | 348 | 275 | 18% | 27% |
New business margin | 7.4% | 5.4% | 2.1pts | 2.0pts |
Short-term insurance contracts: Insurance revenue | 839 | 688 | 9% | 22% |
Investment contracts: Fee revenue | 215 | 177 | 10% | 21% |
In the first quarter, gross premiums2in Life decreased by 5% on a like-for-like1basis, despite a strong protection performance across EMEA, Latin America and Asia Pacific which was offset by a reduction in low-margin savings business.
Protection business delivered an excellent performance, reaching USD 3.3 billion of gross premiums2up 9% on a like-for-like1basis. Growth was broad based, with EMEA up 8% on the back of strong sales across most major markets, particularly the UK, Italy, Ireland and Spain. Latin America recorded growth of 18%, supported by higher sales across the region, notably in Brazil and Mexico. Asia Pacific was up 4%, benefiting from continued momentum across the region.
This strong protection performance was accompanied by lower gross premiums2in unit-linked and savings and annuities, primarily reflecting product mix and prior year's volumes of a retail savings product in Spain. Unit-linked gross premiums² of USD 5.3 billion increased 3% in U.S. dollar and declined 5% on a like-for-like1basis. In EMEA, which represents the majority of the Group's unit-linked portfolio, gross premiums2increased by 5% on a like-for-like1basis, supported by strong performances in Ireland and Germany. Asia Pacific grew 91% on a like-for-like1basis, primarily driven by the successful launch of a new product in Hong Kong. This was offset by timing effects of a corporate scheme in North America and tax changes affecting pension products in Brazil.
Savings gross premiums² of USD 1.2 billion were lower year-on-year, reflecting the exceptionally high retail savings volumes in Spain in the prior-year period.
New business written in the first three months contributed USD 348 million to the contractual service margin (CSM), up 18% on a like-for-like1basis, supported by a higher-quality mix of business. Around two-thirds of new business CSM was generated in EMEA, driven by higher-margin individual life and protection products, while Asia Pacific contributed roughly a quarter, mainly from unit-linked sales. New business premiums (PVNBP) declined by 15% on a like-for-like1basis, reflecting the above mentioned premium developments. The improved business mix increased the new business margin to 7.4%, up 2 percentage points year on year.
Short-term insurance contracts, predominantly related to the Latin America protection business, generated insurance revenue of USD 839 million, up 22% in U.S. dollar terms and 9% on a like-for-like1basis, following strong growth across the region.
Fee revenue from investment contracts, mainly written in EMEA, rose by 21% to USD 215 million, or 10% on a like-for-like1basis. This growth was driven by higher assets under management, reflecting a strong performance in Ireland over the past 12 months.
Farmers
In USD millions, for the three months ended March 31, 2026, unless otherwise stated
2026 | 2025 | Change in USD | |
Farmers Exchanges4 | |||
Gross written premiums (GWP) | 7,724 | 7,400 | 4% |
Gross earned premiums (GEP) | 7,321 | 7,016 | 4% |
Surplus ratio8 | 56.4% | 52.9% | 3.5pts |
The Farmers Exchanges,4which are owned by their policyholders, continued to grow from a position of strength and excess capital. GWP increased by 4% in the first three months, reflecting 5% growth in continuing operations partly offset by a drag from discontinued business. Policy count6increased by 84k in the first quarter, supported by double-digit percentage growth in new business. Gross earned premiums were up 4% over the same period, reflecting the earn-through of gross written premium growth.
The Farmers Exchanges4surplus ratio rose by 3.5 percentage points in the first quarter, with organic surplus generation driven by underwriting performance.
2026 | 2025 | Change7in USD | |
Farmers | |||
Farmers Management Services management fees and other related revenues3 | 1,016 | 981 | 4% |
Farmers Re insurance revenue | 227 | 291 | (22%) |
Farmers Management Services underlying fee income3grew 4% compared to the prior-year period, driven by higher gross earned premiums at the Farmers Exchanges4and supported by the brokerage entities.
Farmers Re insurance revenue declined 22% compared to the prior-year period, reflecting a lower Quota Share reinsurance cession in the market by the Farmers Exchanges4and a corresponding decrease in Zurich's participation. Effective December 31, 2025, Zurich's participation rate in the Farmers Exchanges4All Lines Quota Share was reduced from 8.0% to 5.75%.
Capital position
As of March 31, 2026, Zurich's Swiss Solvency Test (SST) ratio remains very strong at 265%5, compared to 259% as of December 31, 2025, with the increase primarily driven by higher interest rates and U.S. dollar appreciation. The ratio does not reflect the impact of the USD 5 billion equity capital raise completed in March to partly finance the acquisition of Beazley Plc., which is expected to complete in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
1 Like-for-like comparisons represent the change in local currencies and after adjusting for acquisitions, disposals, methodological changes, any reclassifications and for the impact of large captive arrangements which were booked with one quarter lag in 2025.
2 Gross written premiums for Protection, gross policyholder inflows (incl. deposits) for all other lines of business (including investment and asset management contracts).
3 Reflects Farmers Management Services management fees excluding the reimbursement of certain ancillary services costs that are BOP neutral. Including those, Q1-26 revenue at USD 1,223 million (USD 1,139 million in Q1-25).
4 Zurich Insurance Group has no ownership interest in the Farmers Exchanges. Farmers Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group, and certain of its subsidiaries, provide certain non-claims and ancillary services to the Farmers Exchanges as their attorney-in-fact and receive fees for their services.
5 Estimated Swiss Solvency Test (SST) ratio as of March 31, 2026, calculated based on the Group's internal model approved by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA. The SST ratio as of December 31 has to be filed with FINMA by end of April in the subsequent year and is subject to review by FINMA.
6 Number of net policy growth refers to continued books of business. Discontinued books of business comprised 253k and 281k policies as of March 31, 2026, and December 31, 2025, respectively.
7 Parentheses around numbers represent an adverse variance.
8 Surplus ratio as of March 31, 2026, and December 31, 2025, respectively.
Q&A session for media
There will be a conference call Q&A session for media starting at 08:45 CEST. Media may dial in using the details provided below. The call will be held in English. Please dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the conference call.
Switzerland | +41 58 310 50 00 |
U.K. | +44 207 107 0613 |
U.S. | +1 631 570 5613 |
Q&A session for analysts and investors
There will be a conference call Q&A session for analysts and investors starting at 13:00 CEST. Media may listen in. A podcast of this Q&A session will be available from 17:00 CEST.
Participants who wish to attend the Live Q&A session will need to register ahead of the call under this link (Zurich Q&A call registration) and follow the on-screen instructions.
Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) is a leading global multi-line insurer founded more than 150 years ago, which has grown into a business serving more than 82 million customers in more than 200 countries and territories, while delivering industry-leading total shareholder returns.Reflecting its purpose to 'create a brighter future together,' Zurich offers protection services that go beyond traditional insurance, to support its customers in building resilience. Since 2020, the Zurich Forest project has been supporting reforestation and biodiversity restoration in Brazil's Atlantic Forest.
The Group has more than 65,000 employees and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (ZURN) is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY) program, which is traded over-the-counter on OTCQX. Further information is available at https://www.zurich.com.
Disclaimer and cautionary statementCertain statements in this document are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends, plans or objectives of Zurich Insurance Group Ltd or the Zurich Insurance Group (the Group).
Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the Group's targeted profit, return on equity targets, expenses, pricing conditions, dividend policy, underwriting and claims results, business initiatives (including, but not limited to, sustainability matters), as well as statements regarding the Group's understanding of general economic, financial and insurance market conditions and expected developments. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause actual results and plans, policies, initiatives and objectives of Zurich Insurance Group Ltd or the Group to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements (or from past results). Factors such as (i) general economic conditions and competitive factors, particularly in key markets; (ii) the risk of a global economic downturn, in the financial services industries in particular; (iii) performance of financial markets; (iv) levels of interest rates and currency exchange rates; (v) frequency, severity and development of insured claims events; (vi) mortality and morbidity experience; (vii) policy renewal and lapse rates; (viii) increased litigation activity and regulatory actions; and (ix) changes in laws and regulations and in the policies of regulators, and the possibility of conflict between different governmental standards and regulatory regimes may have a direct bearing on the results of operations of Zurich Insurance Group Ltd and the Group and on whether the targets will be achieved. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.
All references to 'Farmers Exchanges' mean Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange and their subsidiaries and affiliates. The three Exchanges are California domiciled interinsurance exchanges owned by their policyholders with governance oversight by their Boards of Governors. Farmers Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries are appointed as the attorneys-in-fact for the three Exchanges and in that capacity provide certain non-claims services and ancillary services to the Farmers Exchanges. Neither Farmers Group, Inc., nor its parent companies, Zurich Insurance Company Ltd and Zurich Insurance Group Ltd, have any ownership interest in the Farmers Exchanges. Financial information about the Farmers Exchanges is proprietary to the Farmers Exchanges but is provided to support an understanding of the performance of Farmers Group, Inc. and Farmers Reinsurance Company.
It should be noted that past performance is not a guide to future performance. Please also note that interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year results.
Persons requiring advice should consult an independent adviser.
This communication does not constitute an offer or an invitation for the sale or purchase of securities in any jurisdiction.
Contact
Zurich Insurance Group Ltd Mythenquai 2, 8002 Zurich, Switzerlandhttps://www.zurich.com
SIX Swiss Exchange/SMI: ZURN Valor: 1107539
Media Relations
Phone +41 44 625 21 00
media@zurich.com
Investor Relations
Contacts investor.relations@zurich.com
THIS COMMUNICATION DOES NOT CONTAIN AN OFFER OF SECURITIES FOR SALE IN THE UNITED STATES; SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ABSENT REGISTRATION OR EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION, AND ANY PUBLIC OFFERING OF SECURITIES TO BE MADE IN THE UNITED STATES WILL BE MADE BY MEANS OF A PROSPECTUS THAT MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ISSUER AND THAT WILL CONTAIN DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY AND MANAGEMENT, AS WELL AS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

