Feb 11 (Reuters) - Assurant ( AIZ ) reported a

better-than-expected fourth-quarter profit on Tuesday, driven by

growth in its global housing insurance business.

The New York-based insurer posted adjusted earnings of $4.79

per share, topping Wall Street estimates of $4.13, according to

data compiled by LSEG.

The company's global housing unit, which provides

lender-placed homeowners, manufactured housing and flood

insurance, reported net earned premiums, fees and other income

of $647.4 million.

This represents a 19% increase year-on-year, buoyed by a

strong performance in the homeowners' business segment,

attributed to the growth in policies in-force and higher average

premiums, the company said.

With natural disasters and extreme weather events on the

rise, businesses and homeowners have prioritized insurance

coverage, helping boost demand for policies. Insurers like

Assurant ( AIZ ) have benefited from this trend.

Assurant ( AIZ ) expects its 2025 annual adjusted earnings per

share, excluding major catastrophes, to increase modestly, or by

high single digits.

Shares of Assurant ( AIZ ) have gained about 26.6% in 2024 and

closed at $212.80 on Tuesday.