Jan 31 (Reuters) - Insurance brokerage firm Aon

reported a higher fourth-quarter profit on Friday, helped by

robust performance in its commercial risk solutions business.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Strong demand trends across the sector have boosted income

for insurance brokers such as Aon, who pocket commissions based

on insurance premiums.

Insurance spending has remained steady even amid economic

uncertainties and inflationary pressures, as businesses and

individuals prioritized financial security over discretionary

expenses.

BY THE NUMBERS

Adjusted net income attributable to Aon's shareholders rose

to $965 million, or $4.42 per share, in the fourth quarter ended

Dec. 31, from $785 million, or $3.89 per share, a year earlier.

The average analyst estimate was for a fourth-quarter profit

of $4.25 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Revenue from Aon's commercial risk solutions unit jumped 15%

to $2.19 billion.

The company's health solutions business reported revenue of

$1.07 billion, compared with $763 million.

CONTEXT

Peers Marsh McLennan ( MMC ) and Brown & Brown ( BRO ) also

beat profit estimates earlier in the week.

Aon's shares gained about 23% in 2024.