Good morning and welcome to Mapfre's activity update for the first quarter of 2026. This is Leandra Clark, Head of Investor Relations and Capital Markets. Thank you very much for joining us. We are pleased to have with us José Manuel Inchausti, Vice President of Mapfre, who will open the presentation with some remarks and an overview of recent business trends.
He will be followed by José Luis Jiménez, our Group CFO, who will review the main financial highlights. Felipe Navarro, Deputy General Manager of the Finance Area, will walk you through the balance sheet as well as the 2025 embedded value figures, which were also released this morning on our website. Before we go into the details, I would like to mention that we have adapted the format of this presentation to reflect your feedback on disclosure. We are aware that many analysts are modeling our business on a regional rather than segment approach, and we have adapted the presentation accordingly.
We hope this updated format better meets your needs, and as always, we are open to any further feedback. As a reminder, Mapfre reports its IFRS financial information on a half-year basis. The information included in this activity update has been prepared under the accounting policies applicable in each country, which generally do not apply IFRS 17 and IFRS 9. Finally, as a reminder, you can submit questions at any point during the call using the Ask a Question link, and we will address them during the Q&A session at the end of the presentation. With that, I will now hand the floor over to José Manuel Inchausti.
Thank you, Leandra. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. Let me begin by highlighting the strength of Mapfre results this quarter. With a net profit of EUR 311 million, an excellent performance in most of our core markets. This once again demonstrates the capacity of our business model to deliver solid results even in a complex and demanding market. From a macroeconomic perspective, the current global environment is one of moderate growth, with an orderly slowdown in developed economies and greater resilience in many emerging markets. After a period of gradually normalizing inflation, this trend has reversed in recent weeks, and as you are aware, geopolitical uncertainty remains very high. In addition to this challenging macro and geopolitical backdrop, we are now facing increased competition and pricing pressure in some markets.
Our highly diversified business model, both geographically and by business lines, allow us to continue growing in a balanced and sustainable manner. This diversification is once again proving to be a key strength, especially in times of uncertainty. A good example of this is Latin America, a strategic region where Mapfre is the leading multinational insurance group. We believe the region is less exposed to the direct economic consequences of the current geopolitical context. During the quarter, LatAm as a whole continued to perform positively, providing stability to results. Another relevant factor this quarter has been the evolution of currencies. After several years with a very negative impact, this headwind is starting to moderate. The U.S. dollar is recovering this year, and this should feed through into our accounts in the coming quarters.
From a technical perspective, results were clearly supported by the motor business, which continues to consolidate the improvements achieved in recent quarters as reflected in the non-life combined ratio. I would also like to highlight the excellent performance of Mapfre Re. Profit grew once again during the quarter, supported by the absence of significant catastrophic events, while continue to provide stability and diversification to the group underpinned by prudent management and strength reserves.
Now, I would like to spend a few minutes on the key figures which show that Mapfre is on track to meet the updated targets announced at the AGM in March. Premiums are still seeing an impact from currencies, but to a lesser extent than prior years. Growth is relatively flat at constant exchange rates, confirming that the underlying business is strong and that we will be able to return to growth.
As a reminder, the growth target is a three-year average of premium growth of 6%, excluding life savings at constant exchange rates. Our profitability continues improving. The non-life combined ratio stands at an excellent 93.2%, down nearly 1 point, and at the lower end of the updated target range, 93%-94%. Performance is consistent with our focus on profitable growth.
The net result of EUR 311 million is nearly 13% higher than the previous year, with the ROE reaching 12.9%, 13.8% excluding extraordinaries. Put us well on track to achieve our 13% ROE target for the last year of the strategic plan. Our solid balance sheet and stable financial position are evident in our solvency ratio, 205% at December, above the midpoint of our target range. I will now hand the floor over to José Luis to walk us through the details of the quarter.
Let me walk you through the main highlights of the profit and loss account. Starting with non-life, premiums continue to be affected by currency movements, particularly the U.S. dollar. Beyond North America, this has also had a relevant impact on Mapfre and on some Latin American businesses, where property portfolios are often dollar-denominated. In euros, non-life premiums are down 2.6%, reaching over EUR 6.6 billion, while at constant exchange rates they are broadly flat. The non-life technical result increased by 16.6%, supported by prudent technical management and the absence of large catastrophic events. The loss ratio is down 1.7 points, driven by better risk selection and effective claims management, which more than offset the slight uptick in the spend ratio.
Non-life net financial income increased by around EUR 30 million, supported by high portfolio yields and an increase in realized gains as we reduce the risk exposure of our portfolios at the beginning of the year. Gross realized gains amounted to EUR 38 million this quarter, almost EUR 19 million more than last year. Turning now to the life business. Premiums were broadly stable at EUR 1.8 billion, down 0.6% in euros. Life protection continues to show solid growth, especially Iberia and Latin America, with a combined ratio below 86%. Gross realized gains were up around EUR 4 million year-over-year. Regarding Other Business activities, which mainly include holding company items, results were affected by a EUR 5 million increase in debt expenses as well as some timing difference in other holdings company cost.
The high interest rate, the higher interest expenses is following the early refinancing of EUR 1 billion in January to replace the senior bond maturing in May. Finally, hyperinflation adjustments were relatively stable year-on-year at EUR 16 million. We continue to deliver strong earnings growth driven by improved underwriting performance, disciplined costs and risk control, and active investment portfolio management.
Now I will spend some time walking through the different regions and business unit. Overall, Iberia delivered solid performance during the quarter, driven by technical improvements and a well-diversified business model. Net profit reached almost EUR 138 million, up 14%. To date, premiums remain stable year-on-year. Life premiums are down, while non-life premium growth is supported by motor and Accident & Health.
The combined ratio improved by 1.5 points, reaching around 94%, and the return on equity is now close to 14%. Motor continues to improve, and earnings have more than doubled year-on-year to EUR 46 million. While the combined ratio has improved almost 6 points to 92.5%. Premiums are up over 2%, supported by a rise in the average premium of around 6%, slightly above the 5% market increase. The vehicle fleet is only slightly down year-to-date, showing clear signs of stabilization. In addition, we are increasing the number of clients, particularly in health and homeowners. We have also achieved a new milestone, reaching 200,000 clients through our agreement with Banco Santander.
The accident health business is also delivering solid performance with a noteworthy combined ratio of 88.7%, an improvement of 1.7 points. This reflects not only favorable claims experience during the quarter, but also the benefit of portfolio pruning. In general P&C, premiums declined by 3.9%, mainly due to extraordinary insurance in the transport line in the first quarter of 2025. The combined ratio increased by just over 4 points to 101%, reflecting the impact of the storms affecting homeowners and condominiums, which were not covered by the consortium in many cases. We expect the impact of the combined ratio to taper off in the coming quarters. Turning to the life business, premiums were down 5%, reflecting lower activity in savings compared to last year due to the timing of product maturities.
Life protection is growing nearly 6% with an excellent combined ratio of 65%. Regarding financial income, realized gains are in line with the previous year, but with a higher contribution from life compared to non-life. Brazil remains a key driver of profitability. Net profit reached EUR 65 million, up nearly 6%, and the return on equity remains well over 26%, with improved technical ratios and strong investment returns. The non-life combined ratio is outstanding at 75%. In euros, premiums are down 0.2% as growth is conditioned by the high interest rates which are affecting credit-linked insurance products, mainly agro and life protection. The currency is now a tailwind. All the general P&C lines, both in retail and industrial clients, are contributing positively to growth.
The combined ratio was stable at 68%, supported by Agro which remains below 60%, very much in line with previous quarters. The Auto combined ratio has also improved slightly. Regarding the Life business, premiums are down 3% and earnings remain stable year-on-year with a protection combined ratio of 84%. In all LatAm, premiums are growing 4% driven by Life as well as Accident and Health which offset lower in swing in the Property line which has many dollar-denominated policies. The Mexican and the Colombian peso appreciation also contributed positively, up 5% and 1% respectively. The combined ratio stand at 96.7%, up 1.5 points driven by Motor and Accident and Health. The Life business is growing with the strong contributions from Mexico, Peru, and Colombia with a EUR 16 million net result.
In Mexico, premiums are over 16% with life growing 19%. Accident and health is up 38% supported by BAT and related tariff increases. The combined ratio is 96.4% with a net result close to EUR 12 million. In Peru, premiums are down 1.7% due to currency depreciation while the net result has improved 24% to EUR 50 million. In Colombia, premiums are up over 4% while the combined ratio is up 5 points, but remains at an excellent level of 89.9%. North America continues to show solid performance and improved technical profitability. Premiums are down just over 10% in EUR mainly due to the U.S. dollar depreciation. The vehicle fleet is stabilizing with policy growth is moving faster than expected.
The combined ratio continues to improve down 2.4 points to 95% with general P&C at an outstanding 89% despite winter weather impacts. Results are up to about EUR 30 million. Mapfre includes reinsurance and global risks and both are affected by market softening as well as the U.S. dollar. Global risk premiums are down 13% affected by the large policy issue last year. Reinsurance is down 6%, 4.5% at cost and exchange rates. The combined ratio improved to 96.8% in the absence of significant claims in the first quarter, with the exception of the storms in Southern Europe. Additionally, there was a 5-point impact from reserving prudence remaining in the upper end of our confidence interval. The global risk business also improved its combined ratio to around 89%.
The non-life financial result is up EUR 36 million supported by solid investment yields and the realization of EUR 32 million in gross gains, EUR 26 million more than last year. EMEA is reporting its fourth consecutive quarter of profit, reaching EUR 2 million with a strong turnaround in Germany, now in positive territory. The non-life combined ratio is down 2 points driven mainly by motor, while general P&C was affected by the floods in southern Turkey.
In Turkey, the business remained conditioned by hyperinflation adjustments, although in line with the previous years as well as 20% lira depreciation. Financial income continues to benefit from high interest rates. MAWDY is contributing positively to the group with operating revenue growing over 7% and we are also seeing a continued improvement in profitability. I will now hand the floor over to Felipe to walk us through the balance sheet and capital related topics.
Thank you, José Luis. Shareholders' equity remains robust at over EUR 8.9 billion in line with year-end. Positive currency conversion differences, mainly from the Brazilian real and the U.S. dollar appreciating 7% and 2% respectively, offset the impact of markets on the performance of the investment portfolio. Leverage stands at 26%, up almost 6 points.
Following a prudent approach in January, we completed a successful dual tranche senior transaction at very attractive levels given the current market conditions. These bonds will replace the senior bond maturing in May. Excluding this, leverage would be at 21.5%. On the top right, we have included the 2025 embedded value V figures which reflect the use of the CSM net of tax under IFRS for the multi-year business. Embedded value is flat at just over EUR 7 billion.
The value of in-force business is down due to a lower contribution from protection products in Brazil and Iberia, which was offset by the multi-year business in Iberia, LatAm and EMEA. The return on embedded value was almost 10% with a positive contribution from the Spanish savings business, driven by higher premium volumes and margins. The value added from new business is also up, with new business margin increasing 30 basis points to 3.6%. The Solvency II ratio continues within the target range, over 205% at the close of 2025, according to provisional data. Final data will be disclosed with a group SFCR in May 20, 2026. Total assets under management stand at over EUR 67 billion, growing 4% year-to-date. Our investment portfolio amounts to EUR 46 billion, reaching EUR 50 billion if we include Unit-Linked.
On the right, we are now presenting the investment portfolio weights, including Unit-Linked, to better reflect our risk profile. At the beginning of the year, we decided to slightly reduce equity given the high degree of market uncertainty. This was mainly reinvested in European govies, including France and, to a lesser extent, Belgium and Germany, as well as some high-quality credit.
We would like to highlight that alternative investments are a small share of our portfolio, around EUR 1.8 billion invested. More than half is invested in prime European real estate, around EUR 900 million. Less than 30% is allocated to corporate private debt via funds of funds, mainly in Europe, focused on senior loans with a defensive positions in terms of diversification and duration. Infrastructure and renewable energy are 13% of alternatives, while private equity amounts to 8%.
Regarding third-party assets, they are up 6% to over EUR 17 billion. We are the top non-bank asset manager in Spain and remain a benchmark in financial planning. Mutual funds are growing 12% this year. Brazil continues to be the main contributor to this growth, with an increase in assets under management of over 30% during the quarter. We are also seeing solid growth in Spain. I will now comment on our relevant fixed income portfolios, which are mostly actively managed. These amount to around EUR 20 billion.
The remaining EUR 15 billion is allocated to cash flow or duration matched portfolios focused on minimizing interest rate risk. Regarding the Euro area, overall yields and duration are slightly up. In our other markets, the Brazilian portfolio shows a marginally lower yield of 12.5%, while duration is stable. In North America, yields and duration remains unchanged. As you can see, our portfolios are well-positioned to navigate the current volatile environment. I will now hand the floor over to José Manuel to make a few closing remarks.
To wrap up, we have had a very solid start to the year. The first quarter results clearly confirm the strength and resilience of Mapfre's business model. We are seeing improving profitability trends across geographies and products, reflecting a gradual recovery, while maintaining a robust financial position with high solvency levels and disciplined capital management. At the same time, we continue to operate in a highly uncertain global environment and in a competitive market, with signs of softening in certain insurance and reinsurance segments. Our discipline and technical excellence is more important than ever, and we remain firmly committed to profitable growth, sound underwriting, and prudent reserving. As proven in the past, Mapfre has successfully navigated complex market cycles, and we are well prepared to do so once again.
We are well-positioned for our return to growth, maintaining leading positions in Spain, where we are growing in the total number of clients, especially in homeowners and health. We are also proud to say that our recent NPS figures show that we hold leading positions and that our clients appreciate our efficiency, reliability, and proximity with our wide physical network. We will leverage on these strengths.
As I already mentioned, we feel Latin America should keep providing stability, and is a region that could benefit from the current geopolitical situation. Mapfre Re should continue to deliver strong results with a diversified product mix, prudent underwriting, and solid reserving. Our diversified business model, prudent risk management, and disciplined strategic execution are key strengths that allow us to navigate the current cycle from a position of resilience and strength.
We are well-positioned to meet our targets, reinforcing our strong commitment to shareholders while maintaining discipline in a demanding market. Additionally, currencies are becoming less of a headwind, and financial income remain strong. In conclusion, after years of hard work, we are now where we want to be. Performance is excellent, our balance sheet is strong, and we can leverage our leading market positions to return to growth. I will now give the floor to Leandra to begin the Q&A session.
Thank you, José Manuel. As a reminder, you can use the Q&A tool on the bottom of your screen. We will group the questions by topic and answer them as time allows. Now let's start with the first group of questions. We've received some questions regarding the Mapfre Re business. In particular, Juan Pablo and Paz Ojeda from Santander and Banco Sabadell would like to know, you've been increasing the prudence and reserves for several quarters. Should we expect this to continue in the next quarters? Given the already conservative stance in 2025, could you quantify or give us an idea of the level of provisioning of the Mapfre Re business?
Okay. Thank you very much, Leandra, and thank you, Juan Pablo, for your question. In terms of reserve in Mapfre Re, it is true that we have a probably better than expected quarter in terms of weather-related events. For that reason we did a provision in Mapfre Re around five points of combined ratio that in quantifying terms was about EUR 50 million. You know, we are just at the beginning of the year. Probably the most difficult season for us in terms of weather-related events could be the second and the third quarter, so we prefer to be prudent.
Thank you. We've received another question again regarding the reinsurance business. Specifically, Maks from JB Capital would like to know the impact of the storms in Southern Europe on the combined ratio in Mapfre Re. I can take this question, Maks, and we can follow up after the call. We're looking at a pre-tax impact between EUR 40 million and EUR 50 million, which you can calculate later the impact on combined ratio and on the reinsurance business. We've also received another question regarding CAT and weather-related events. Juan Pablo from Santander would like to know what was the impact of these same storms on the combined ratio for the general P&C business in Iberia.
Well, I think it's quite difficult to make a guess regarding the rest of the year. It is true that January and February were extremely rainy in Spain and in Portugal. Probably we have heard some comments that probably January was the most rainy country in the world in case of Spain. Looking at the statistics, probably we were around 85% above the average of the last 25 years. This has affected to some extent homeowners and condominiums. On the other hand, probably we perceive that there were less traffic in the first quarter of the year, and probably it has benefit as well to auto.
Thank you, José Luis. Maybe just to add, specifically, as José Luis said, that the large majority was in the homeowners and condominiums business. We're estimating a 7%-8% impact on the combined ratio for general P&C. The next question is regarding our solvency position, the evolution between September and December. We've received questions from Francisco Riquel at Alantra, as well as Juan Pablo at Santander. They would like to know what is behind this quarter-over-quarter reduction, what should we expect for 2026?
Thanks, Leandra. The change in the solvency position is mainly driven by the increase in both equity exposure and the equity risk capital charge. As you know, the capital charge for listed equity is 39% plus the symmetric adjustment. This adjustment is designed to reflect the fact that when equity markets are trading above the average levels of recent years, the potential impact of a market downturn is higher than when markets have already declined. Since December, equity exposure has increased by EUR 360 million due to the rise in equity markets, and the symmetric adjustment has increased from 2.86% to 7.90%. This implies that the equity capital charge will increase by 12% over the year. In the last quarter, equity exposure increased by EUR 261 million, while the symmetric adjustment increased by 1%. You ask about what our guess regarding the future.
Probably this will gradually reverse because you're in the first quarter, and looking at the different situation in the financial markets, we prefer to be more prudent in our investment portfolio. We slightly reduce in January, in February, as well as in March, our exposure to equity markets. Probably we expect an improvement in the solvency ratio looking forward.
Thank you. We also have a question regarding the asset management business. We've seen that assets under management are quite strongly up quarter-on-quarter, over 12%. Could you break down the contribution from market performance and net inflows?
Well, if you look at market performance, I think it's quite difficult to assess because probably January and February were very good month. When you come to March, and we have the problem in the Middle East, you know, what we saw was high interest rates and lower equity valuations. Probably it's more a subscription effort rather than market valuation.
Thank you. On a similar note, we have another question related to the asset management business. Juan Pablo at Banco Santander would like to know if we would consider inorganic growth in this area, particularly in light of recent press reports regarding potential sales in the market.
I mean, we don't usually comment any kind of transaction on the M&A until it's done. In any case, this is an area where we showed certain interest in the past. We have a very good agreement with Abante. I think that José Luis could comment after how we are developing this line of business. We are showing figures that are very encouraging on our own in these last months. This is what I can tell you. I mean, those kind of interest that we have been showing on the M&A side, we've been already exposing the last quarter. If you want any kind further, any further confirmation on the areas where we want to expand, I will be glad to with a follow-up call.
Thank you, Felipe. We've received several questions today on the topic of growth, in particular, regarding certain one-offs or the specific evolution of the general P&C business in Iberia, motor, the reinsurance business, the life business. Maybe we can start with some general comments on growth, and then we can move on to the specific questions.
Yes. Thank you, Leandra. Just for going, a general statement about growth. It's true that the first quarter has been affected for some factors. The first one is the exchange ratios, which are still a headwind. They have taken out 2 points of growth from us. The second thing is some important one-off effects in Spain regarding life-saving products that we have a extraordinary quarter due to maturities in 2025, what hasn't been the case in 2026. Then in property casualty in Spain, we had a big issuance on the transport branch.
Also in global risk, we have suffered these effects of different maturity renewal of certain business that has affected the first quarter. The last effect has been this, the market softening that we are seeing, especially in the renewals, the Mapfre renewals. Having said that, we have a positive outlook on growth for the next quarters based on exchange rates effects will be reducing their impacts. We even think that by the end of the year, it will be exchange rates effect will be a tailwind, not a headwind. We will see, we will not have these one-off effects in the next quarters. We'll see opposite effects in the incoming quarters.
Based on the solid, technical work that we have been doing in the last years, we are in an excellent, starting point to growth in the coming quarters. There are many initiatives. We are very focused on growth with profitability, always with profitability. We, have a positive look on the growth for the next quarters in the company.
Thank you. Maybe we should start with the Spanish motor business. We've received a few questions. I think the first was regarding the evolution of the insured fleet during the year. When do we expect this change in the vehicle fleet to plateau, to stabilize? What's our outlook for pricing going forward in Spanish motor, and are we looking to gain market share?
Well, regarding motor in Spain, I think we have had, obviously, a really good quarter. As we said at the beginning, probably maybe a little bit affected by the weather, probably less frequency than expected. We have an excellent combined ratio. It's gonna be difficult to maintain such levels, but probably it will be, as we have said on the AGM, we aim to get something around 96, 97, even lower if possible. We are working hard on that area. Regarding growth, as José Manuel has pointed out, I think we are really looking for growth, but at reasonable prices. I mean, we want to grow, we don't want to damage. We don't want to affect the combined ratio.
We will look at the different opportunities. I think in terms of fleet, I think we are more or less stabilized. I think we have reached the point where we feel comfortable. This was the pruning of this part of the business, were an area of improvement during the last two years. I think that we have reached a point that probably rather than to decline, probably we will see more increases looking forward. We are positive in the position that we currently are. The important thing is we are really prepared for growth.
Thank you. Moving on to the reinsurance business, we had a few questions. The first was from Carlos Peixoto. He would like to know how we're seeing the evolution of tariffs at MAPFRE Re after the recent renewal period. Also, what's our expectation for pricing throughout the rest of the year? Do you think this will feed into the gross written premiums figures?
First of all, I think that the trend is confirmed. I mean, we are looking at the same kind of trends that we are announcing by the end of the year on the renewals of the part of the portfolio. The renewals of April are not the most important for the group. It is only, we are speaking of around 15% of the renewals. There was a reduction on the pricing, we are as well confirming and opening new markets. I mean, these were affecting mainly the Asian markets, we are now opening an office in India.
That is that will be contributing to the growth in the future. What we have right now is an environment on the reinsurance business in general that is still compatible with profitability. I think that prices have been adjusted, but they are still in the margins that where the companies can make profits. The proof of it is the excellent results that we are presenting at the first quarter. That should be following during the year.
Let me, let me add that, in spite of the, of the reducing of the, of the average premium, because the, the softening of the, of the market, which is a phenomenon for every company and every market, and we can do little for, to avoid that. In spite of that, we have a very positive impression of the renewal process because we have seen consolidating our relationship with our long-term customers. We have acquired new customers, and we are developing the business lines that we, that we wanted to promote in the, in the, in the future in Mapfre Re, like, life insurance, line. We are happy with the renewal process, and we are optimistic about the, the next renewal processes that will be coming along the year.
Thank you. We've also received a few questions regarding another one of our core business units, Brazil. Both Carlos Peixoto from Caixa BPI, Maks from JB Capital, and Juan Pablo from Santander. They would like to see the outlook of premiums for this year. In particular, if there will be an impact from the diesel and fertilizer shortage on the agricultural business.
Okay. I think it's a really long question. Let's split the question in several answers. I mean, Brazil is doing pretty well. I mean, results remain strong, supported by sustained technical and operational improvements. I mean, probably is where the business unit where we have the highest return on equity. The weaker top line is concentrated in agro and in life rotation, which are closely linked to credit and the interest rate cycle. It is true that this year there has been a reduction, around 25 basis points if I'm not wrong, on the Selic. There's still, I mean, there is more area for improvement in rates.
Probably if rates decline, if things normalize a little bit in Middle East, we are sure that most interest rates in Latin America probably could fall a bit, which could help us as well in terms of premiums. Despite all these challenges, I think that Mapfre has shown strong resilience and execution capability, and I think we look for growth in nominal terms.
Also, as we mentioned at the beginning of this position, you know, the currency movements, the last year we suffer a bit after the announcements of the tariff war. I think they are having some kind of mean revision, as we have pointed out on previous quarter results. Right now, the BRL is stronger, around 10% compared to December last year. If we have a little bit of tailwind coming from the currency, and we continue with our growth, multi-channel expansion, our operational efficiency, probably we will see positive growth, not just in nominal, in real, but also in euros significantly.
If I may, José, just for the question of the fertilizers and the cost of diesel on the Brazilian market, I think that you have to remind that maybe this region in the world is less affected by the Strait of Hormuz blockage right now. What we should expect is, of course, there will be some kind of increase of costs for the fertilizers and the diesel. They're going to be much milder than the ones that we are going to experience in other regions, mainly in Asia. All in all, the outlook is more positive than the rest of the world, and any kind of impact is going to be more moderated.
Thank you, Felipe. We have one last, one final question on growth. We touched upon it briefly at the beginning regarding the life business. Specifically, Juan Pablo at Santander would like to know if the weakness in the quarter reflects stronger competition from the banks. I don't know if we would like to add anything more in our outlook for the competitive environment for the rest of the year.
To be honest, we don't see an increased competition coming from banks. It is true that some of the player has moved maybe from deposits to life insurance products and so on. We see that we have an incredible opportunity. You know, we have the aim to become the leader in financial planning in Spain. You know, we have more than 3,000 branches, more than 10,000 people really specialized in investments and savings. We would like to leverage on such capability. As you, most of you already know, we have changed a little bit the commercial structure at the beginning of the year. We think that that plus the new branding, that I think is gonna help a lot to develop the business. We are positive, and we will continue growing.
Thank you. Now we're going to move on to a few questions regarding the combined ratio evolution and across different geographies. The first one is regarding Brazil. This question is from Carlos Peixoto at Banco BPI. He would like to know our outlook for 2026.
Okay. The outlook continues to be quite stable. I mean, I think that the main concern in the Brazilian market right now is the high interest rate that they're still showing, and then the consequences on the growth of premium. The combined ratio in the absence of any if dramatic climate event should continue to be quite stable and positive.
On the other side, we still think that the combined ratio that we are showing in the motor business is compatible with profitability. Probably if there's a slowdown or a lower interest rate there for the end of the year, probably the combined ratio should improve in general in the market, in the motor business. All in all, I think that the trends that we are showing in the combined ratio in Brazil should remain at the same, the similar levels.
Thank you. Regarding the Iberian business, many analysts have highlighted the strong improvement from Q4 last year to Q1 this year. I think the questions are have there been any one-off extraordinary impacts that we need to keep in mind, and how sustainable is the current level?
Regarding if there is any specific one-off benefit, probably, I don't know, we could say that the weather probably was worse than expected, more rainy, and less frequency afterwards. We don't have any other issue that could have fed as a one-off during the quarter. It is true that we have achieved this level after two years of hard working, trying to reduce the combined ratio. I think we still try to compete in terms of quality in the marketplace.
You know, according to our features, our internal studies, I think that our customers are really happy with the service that they receive, much more than any one of our competitors, and we will continue working on that line. If this is sustainable or not, time will tell. Probably the achievement in such a short period of time probably is really high. Probably as our Chairman has said in the AGM, having a combined ratio around 96% probably, it is a target that we are working on. If better than level, perfect. Once again, we want to grow, but we don't want to damage the combined ratio.
Thank you. In addition, we've received a few questions regarding our view on the impact of the current softening of the reinsurance market on the combined ratio for this year.
No major comments on this as I think that we said what we are seeing in the market is that there is a softening. On the other side, we can still say that the attachment points and the conditions that we are showing in the contracts are still on the more conservative side. We see that these combined ratios could be compatible with profitability.
Once again, what we have right now in the combined ratio is that there is a 5 points impact coming from the reinforcement of reserves, these EUR 50 million that José Luis already mentioned. The combined ratio of Mapfre we should be continuing to be quite positive in the absence of big cat events. I mean, you know that we already say that we already said that the second and third quarter are key for the development of Mapfre reinsurance profitability and performance during the year.
Thank you. We've also received a question regarding the nat cat budget for the year. Just as a reminder, we're usually looking at 10 to 12 points on combined ratio. The question was whether the quarter, how it compared to this nat cat budget. We don't provide a nat cat budget on a quarterly basis, but as we signaled clearly and together with the strengthening, it was a benign quarter from a nat cat point of view. We have one final question from in Mapfre regarding financial income. Juan Pablo from Santander has commented that the results were very strong this quarter, both in life and non-life, and were there any one-offs? I think we've touched on the provisioning side. Maybe in financial income we can give a little more color.
Sure. As we described at the beginning of the Q&A session, you know, at the beginning of the year, after an excellent 2025, we thought that probably financial markets were in a point that, you know, everything could happen. For the reason we decide to reduce a little bit our risk profile in our investment portfolio. For such reason, rather than to be over-weighted in equities, we prefer to be under-weighted in equity. If we do any mistake, we prefer to do the mistake in the most conservative space. For that reason, we reduce exposure. We did capital gains. Thanks God, the majority of it before the crisis in the Middle East. We did around EUR 50 million capital gains coming from, on equity.
Which probably is, I don't know, around EUR 20 million-EUR 25 million more than last year for the same period. It was exceptional due to the situation of the financial markets. Right now we have to wait and see what financial markets, how they will perform depending on the conflict. As I say, the most important thing for us is if this is a short-term conflict or a medium-, long-term conflict, because the impact that this could have in inflation probably, it could be high if this is a medium-term, long-term conflict. This is the reason of the one-off in the financial income.
Thank you. Before we move on to the more strategy and target-related questions, we have one that just came in now from Paz Ojeda at Banco Sabadell regarding the U.S. business. We mentioned that policies were beginning to stabilize, although premiums are down in local currency. Could you elaborate on the current market and pricing dynamics in the U.S.?
Yes. Policies are stabilizing, which is quite a very good news for us. The gross written premiums are quite stable in local currency. That give us a view, a point of view that the situation in the U.S. market is prepared to what José Manuel already stated, that we were ready to start slowly growing and stabilizing the portfolio. On the other side, we are showing excellent combined ratio in the first quarter. That was affected, of course, by the good climate during the first quarter. We don't expect any kind of any kind of change unless there is any kind of big event.
What we see from the gross written premium is that the market is continuing to adapt prices to the reality. It is true that the increase of prices are much, much lower than during the last years, and they were already fed into the profit and loss, all the price increases that we did in the past. The market is already competitive and stable. We look forward for continuing to improve the profitability in the future quarters.
If I may add, we are particularly satisfied with the first quarter results in U.S.A, not only for the technical result, which are quite well with this 95% of combined ratio, but also for the commercial KPIs. We, after some quarters of technical, very hard technical job, in this quarter we have seen an increase in customers, and we have seen an increase in market share, quota market share. I say after many quarters of work, working mainly in the technical aspect. We are particularly happy with these results in our U.S.A. operation.
Thank you. We're now going to move on to the final set of questions. They're surrounding our recently announced targets at the AGM. As a reminder, our main public targets are the growth target, which is 6% on average over the three-year strategic plan, excluding life savings at constant exchange rates. We also have our combined ratio target and our ROE target. Specifically they would like to know, how do we see ourselves positioned to meet both the growth target and the combined ratio target, and what risks are there from now until the year-end for the combined ratio to move upward from the current level?
What I say is that, I can say that, we maintain the commitments, the public commitments that were adopted in the AGM. Regarding ROE and regarding combined ratio, we are fully on track to fulfill the commitment by the end of the year. We also maintain the growth commitment, the 6%, which is a constant exchange rates, it's an average, we still maintain the commitment that was recently done in the AGM.
Thank you. Would we like to make a few closing remarks? We've no further questions.
Yes. If you make me, thank you for your question. If you make me some closing remarks, the first thing is that we present what I would call a fantastic first quarter from the point of view of the technical result. Very solid results based main absolutely on technical improvement. No extraordinary results coming from the business or coming from the financial results. That is the results of many years of some years of working in the technical aspect, in pricing, in containing expenses, etc. This is the first thing. The second thing I would like to speak a little bit more about on growth. It is true that in the first quarter we have suffered from some punctual, non-favorable effects.
We are positive. We still have a positive outlook of coming quarters. The first thing that this negative one-off effects that we have had in the first quarter, we will not have it in the next quarter. The second thing is the solid technical result that we have got and this is a very good starting point to have a profitable growth in the future. There is another thing we usually we don't mention, but we have got excellent NPS, Net Promoter Score qualification in our main geography. This is a very important basic point as well. We are in the process of deploying or already deployed many commercial initiatives on track at a corporate level and also in the main geographies.
This is why we think that we could take that 6% of commitment on average by the end of the year, and we will see growth in the next quarters. The third thing I would like to highlight is the process transformation is ongoing. We have deployed a very strong data governance in almost all the geographies in which we operate. We have an internal database, which is called Atenea, which is being deployed gradually in the main countries. We are deploying AI in the main processes of the company across the company, across the geographies. To give just an example, in Spain, we have 100 users case with EUR 28 million of positive impact on the profit and loss account.
Our main IT system transformation plans are on track in Spain and U.S.A., in Germany and in other countries, and we are working even in new ways of working more efficient and more agile within the company. The last thing I would like to highlight is the brand transformation process that we have suffered at the beginning of the year. It will not have a short-term impact on the company, on the growth, but it has been received with a very positive feedback and the KPIs relating to this brand recognition, brand valuation, etc.
We have seen a very positive impact, and we have no doubt that in the midterm, will be a strong contributor to the development of the company. Overall, taking into account the, of course, the geopolitical situation that is we are monitoring it every day, we have for the internal strengths that we have, we have a positive outlook, a reasonable positive outlook for the rest of the year.
Thank you. Thank you, José Manuel, José Luis, and Felipe for your time today. Thank you for all of you who've connected. Before we close, as a reminder, all the documents are available on our website in addition to the 2025 embedded value figures. Also, as a reminder, we're hosting a meeting next Monday afternoon in Madrid for analysts and investors. You should have received the invitation. If you haven't or haven't confirmed yet, please reach out to us. Thank you.