Thanks to below-average major-loss expenditure, a high return on investment, and very good operational performance in all business segments, the Munich Re’s Q1 net result increased significantly to EUR 2,140 million. The Group confirmed its expectations for a EUR 5 billion profit in 2024.

“Munich Re kicked off the new financial year with great momentum. Our Q1 net result this year is nearly 70% higher than in 2023. Every line of business played a role in this impressive performance. In addition, we got a boost from the treaty renewals at 1 April, where we tapped into attractive growth opportunities against a backdrop of continuing high rates. We still expect to generate a profit of EUR 5 billion in 2024. In fact, it has become more likely that we will surpass that target,” Christoph JURECKA, CFO, Munich Re.

Insurance revenue from insurance contracts issued rose to EUR 15,061 million, which is primarily attributable to organic growth in the reinsurance segment and at ERGO International. The total technical result rose to EUR 2,785 million (1,809 million in Q1 2023) and the currency result amounted to EUR 176 million (–145 million) on account of gains against the USD in particular. The operating result rose to EUR 2,928 million (1,768 million) and the effective tax rate was 25.9% (26.4%).

Equity as at 31 March 2024 was EUR 31,226 million, higher than at 1 January 2024 (29,772 million). Munich Re’s solvency ratio increased to 273% (31 December 2023: 267%), thus remaining above the optimal range of 175–220%. A share buy-back with a volume of EUR 1.5bn has already been planned.

The annualized return on equity (RoE) for Q1 2024 was 27.3% (17.6%).

Reinsurance: Net result of EUR 1,888 million

The reinsurance field of business contributed EUR 1,888 million (1,051 million) to the net result in Q1, for a large year-on-year increase. Insurance revenue from insurance contracts issued rose to EUR 9,858 million (9,232 million). The total technical result was up, at EUR 2,203 million (1,248 million), as was the operating result of EUR 2,592 million (1,467 million).

Life and health reinsurance generated a higher Q1 total technical result of EUR 586 million (320 million). The contribution to the net result from the release of the contractual service margin was in line with expectations. Strong growth in new business more than offset the amount released. The segment’s net result increased to EUR 552 million (291 million); insurance revenue from insurance contracts issued rose to EUR 3,027 million (2,733 million).

The property-casualty reinsurance segment generated a net result of EUR 1,336 million (760 million) in Q1; insurance revenue from insurance contracts issued rose to EUR 6,831 million (6,498 million). The combined ratio was only 75.3% (86.5%) of net insurance revenue. The normalized combined ratio was 79.5%.

Major losses in excess of EUR 30 million each totaled EUR 650 million (1,035 million). These figures include gains and losses from the run-off of major losses from previous years. Major-loss expenditure corresponded to 9.9% (16.4%) of net insurance revenue, far below the expected average of 14%. Man-made major losses increased to EUR 418 million (165 million); the largest individual loss was the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Major losses from natural catastrophes fell to EUR 232 million (870 million). The major-loss figures above take account of the effects of discounting and risk adjustment.

In the reinsurance renewals as of 1 April 2024, Munich Re was able to increase the volume of business written to EUR 2.6bn (+6.1%). The company selectively exploited the ongoing favorable market conditions to expand attractive business, with growth opportunities being realized particularly in India, Latin America and Europe. These involved both strengthening existing client relationships and establishing new ones. At the same time, Munich Re willingly discontinued business that was no longer appealing.

Price development was stable overall, and for the most part more than compensated for the higher loss estimates in some areas, which were primarily attributable to inflation and other loss trends. Primary insurance prices also increased in many markets, with Munich Re benefiting as regards proportional reinsurance contracts. Overall, the high price level of Munich Re’s portfolio was practically unchanged, with a decrease of just –0.7%. When adjusted for portfolio diversification effects, rates rose by 0.6%. These figures are, as always, risk-adjusted. In other words, price increases are offset if they are associated with increased risk and, consequently, elevated loss expectations.

Despite market pressure increasing slightly, Munich Re expects the environment to remain positive in the upcoming July renewal round.

ERGO: Result of EUR 252 million

In the ERGO field of business, Munich Re posted a very good net result of EUR 252 million (219 million) in Q1. Insurance revenue from insurance contracts issued increased to EUR 5,203 million (5,041 million), driven by the International segment in particular.

The ERGO Property-casualty Germany segment made a very good contribution of EUR 150 million (166 million) to the net result. Q1 2024 was underpinned by very low major losses, good operational performance, seasonally low expenses in acquisition cash flows, and a robust investment result. The very high result in Q1 2023 had been driven by extraordinarily low basic and major losses.

The ERGO International segment generated a noticeably higher net result of EUR 65 million (12 million) – buoyed in large part by profitable growth, very good major-loss experience, and strong operational performance in property-casualty business. ERGO International likewise benefited from a significant result contribution driven by the good underwriting performance of its international life and health business.

The ERGO Life and Health Germany segment posted a net result of EUR 36 million (41 million) – primarily attributable to the consistently high amounts released from the contractual service margin in long-term life and health business as well as higher claims expenditure in short-term business for health and travel insurance.

The total technical result for this field of business rose to EUR 582 million (561 million); the operating result was EUR 336 million (301 million). In the Property-casualty Germany segment, the combined ratio was 84.4% (81.2%); the combined ratio in the International segment decreased to 89.5% (95.4%).

Investments: Investment result of EUR 2,163 million

Munich Re’s Q1 investment result rose year on year to EUR 2,163 million (1,612 million). Regular income from investments increased to EUR 1,807 million (1,601 million), owing in part to sustained high interest rates. The balance from write-ups and write-downs was –EUR 48 million (–28 million); the balance from gains and losses on the disposal of investments came to –EUR 55 million (166 million). The change in fair value was EUR 586 million (73 million). Munich Re was able to generate substantial profits here, mainly on account of positive developments in equity markets.

Overall, the investment result for Q1 represents a return of 3.8% on the average market value of the portfolio, which is considerably higher than our forecast of above 2.8% for the full year. The running yield was 3.2% and the reinvestment yield was 4.6%. As at 31 March 2024, the equity-backing ratio (including equity-linked derivatives) amounted to 2.8% (as at 31 December 2023: 3.7%). The carrying amount of the investment portfolio as at 31 March 2024 was EUR 219,852 million (218,462 million). 

Outlook for 2024: Full-year target of EUR 5 billion confirmed

Anticipating sustained advantageous business opportunities in coming quarters, Munich Re is aiming to generate a net result of EUR 5.0 billion for the 2024 financial year. The probability of surpassing our full-year profit guidance has increased, given the strong Q1 result. The targets communicated for 2024 in Munich Re’s Group Annual Report 2023 remain unchanged.

All figures have been rounded. As usual, this projection is subject to increased uncertainties stemming from geopolitical and macroeconomic developments, to major losses remaining within normal bounds, and to the income statement not being impacted by severe fluctuations in the currency or capital markets, significant changes in the tax environment, or other one-off effects.