Feb 4 (Reuters) - Insurance broker Willis Towers Watson ( WTW )

beat Wall Street estimates for fourth-quarter profit on

Tuesday, driven by a strong performance in its risk and

brokerage business.

Businesses increased spending on insurance products as they

prioritized financial security to safeguard against risks,

despite higher premium prices.

Insurance brokers' commissions are tied to the premiums

insurers charge.

Revenue from Willis Towers Watson's ( WTW ) risk and broking unit,

which advises clients on risk management and lets them negotiate

and place policies with insurers, rose 6% from a year earlier to

$1.14 billion, on the back of higher new business activity and

strong client retention.

However, the company's shares are down 4.1% at $317.1.

"The stock's decline is likely tied to concerns around free

cash flow, buyback levels and reinsurance costs," said TD Cowen

analyst Andrew Kligerman.

"Organic revenue growth of 5% was in line with

consensus, but below 3Q24's 6%, so investors may be disappointed

in that as well," he added.

Meanwhile, the company's largest segment - health, wealth

and career - saw revenue rise to $1.85 billion from $1.80

billion a year earlier, boosted by increased project work and

brokerage income in North America.

Willis Tower Watson posted adjusted net income of $827

million, or $8.13 per share, for the three months ended Dec. 31,

compared with $775 million, or $7.44 per share, a year earlier.

Analysts on average were expecting earnings of $8.03 per

share, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Total revenue in the quarter jumped 4% from a year earlier

to $3.04 billion.