Oct 31 (Reuters) - Insurance broker WTW's

third-quarter adjusted profit rose 27% on Thursday, helped by

robust performance in its risk and brokerage business.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Lower inflation, a strong labor market, wage growth and

expectations of a soft landing have spurred higher spending on

insurance by individuals and businesses.

The firm, in an effort to concentrate on its long-term free

cash flow margin goals, agreed in October to divest its

direct-to-consumer insurance distribution business, Tranzact.

The company reported pre-tax non-cash losses and impairment

charges exceeding $1.0 billion each, associated with the pending

sale.

BY THE NUMBERS

Revenue from health, wealth and career - the company's

largest segment - grew 4% to $1.33 billion in the quarter ended

Sept. 30 from a year earlier, while revenue in the risk and

broking arm rose nearly 10% to $940 million.

Total revenue for the company came in at $2.29 billion, up

from $2.17 billion a year earlier.

Adjusted net income was $299 million, or $2.93 per share, in

the July-September quarter compared with $236 million, or $2.24

per share, a year earlier.