WTW says the company is proving resilient in a complex risk and economic environment, reporting a 4% first-quarter revenue increase and a stronger operating margin. 
 
“The first quarter was a solid start to the year for WTW,” CEO Carl Hess said. “Our investments in talent and technology, along with the momentum in our business, helped us achieve excellent revenue increases on both a reported and an organic basis.” 
 
Revenue rose to $US2.24 billion ($3.32 billion), while adjusted operating income increased 13% to $US418 million ($619 million). Reported net income rose 65% to $US206 million ($305 million). 
 
“Our top-line revenue growth, together with our expense discipline, the successful execution of our transformation efforts and initiatives to simplify our company drove operating margin expansion over the prior year,” Mr Hess said. 
 
Revenues from the health, wealth and career business rose 3% to $US1.29 billion ($1.91 billion), while risk and broking revenues were up 1% to $US904 million ($1.34 billion). 
 
WTW says corporate risk and broking generated “excellent organic revenue growth” across all geographies, mainly driven by new business and increased retention in global lines, notably in aerospace, financial solutions and natural resources. Insurance consulting and technology had organic revenue growth primarily from software sales. 
 
The company expects to deliver “mid-single digit organic revenue growth” for the full year and to achieve adjusted operating margin expansion.