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Willis Towers Watson (WTW)
NASDAQ:WTW

Willis Towers Watson (WTW) AI Stock Analysis

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Willis Towers Watson

(NASDAQ:WTW)

65Neutral
Willis Towers Watson's overall stock score is 65, reflecting strengths in organic growth and strategic execution, along with robust gross margins and free cash flow generation. However, challenges such as negative net income, valuation concerns, and geopolitical risks create a balanced yet cautious outlook.
Positive Factors
Investment Opportunity
WTW is seen as an attractive investment opportunity because its shares are currently undervalued compared to its peers, providing an entry point for investors.
Operational Performance
The adjusted operating income margin of 21.6% exceeded consensus expectations, indicating strong operational performance.
Strategic Expansion
WTW is exploring expansion opportunities in the mid-market segment to enhance its business mix and improve its presence in the insurance value chain.
Negative Factors
Earnings Performance
WTW reports 1Q25 operating EPS of $3.13, which is a miss compared to estimates.
Financial Performance
Free cash flow was negative $87 million and missed the consensus of positive $39 million.
Revenue Challenges
Revenue was slightly below consensus in both HWC and R&B segments, reflecting challenges in meeting sales expectations.

Willis Towers Watson (WTW) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Willis Towers Watson Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWillis Towers Watson Public Limited Company operates as an advisory, broking, and solutions company worldwide. It operates through two segments, Health, Wealth and Career; and Risk and Broking. The company offers actuarial support, plan design, and administrative services for traditional pension and retirement savings plans; plan management consulting, broking, and administration services for health and group benefit programs; and benefits outsourcing services. It also provides advice, data, software, and products to address clients' total rewards and talent issues. In addition, the company offers risk advice, insurance brokerage, and consulting services in the areas of property and casualty, aerospace, construction, and marine. Further, it offers investment consulting and discretionary management services to insurance and reinsurance companies; insurance consulting and technology, risk and capital management, pricing and predictive modeling, financial and regulatory reporting, financial and capital modeling, merger and acquisition, outsourcing, and business management services; wholesale insurance broking services to retail and wholesale brokers; and underwriting and capital management, capital market, and advisory and brokerage services. Additionally, the company provides primary medical and ancillary benefit exchange, and outsourcing services to active employees and retirees in the group and individual markets, as well as delivers healthcare and reimbursement accounts, including health savings accounts, health reimbursement arrangements, flexible spending accounts, and other consumer-directed accounts. The company was formerly known as Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company and changed its name to Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company in January 2016. Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company was founded in 1828 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyWillis Towers Watson generates revenue through a diversified business model that encompasses several key streams. The company primarily earns money by providing consulting and advisory services in human capital and benefits, which include strategic human resource consulting, employee benefits brokerage, and administration services. Additionally, WTW's corporate risk and broking segment generates income through insurance brokerage services, where they act as an intermediary between clients and insurers to negotiate and place insurance coverage. In the investment, risk, and reinsurance segment, WTW earns revenue by offering investment consulting, risk management services, and reinsurance brokerage. The company also benefits from software sales and licensing fees from its proprietary software solutions designed to support risk management and human resource functions. Strategic partnerships and alliances with insurers, reinsurers, and other service providers further enhance WTW's ability to serve its clients and contribute to its revenue growth.

Willis Towers Watson Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Willis Towers Watson's financial performance is mixed. The company shows strong gross profit margins and free cash flow generation. However, there are challenges in revenue growth and profitability, with negative net income and declining stockholder equity posing potential risks.
Income Statement
65
Positive
The company's TTM data shows a decline in revenue and a negative net income, indicating profitability challenges. Gross profit margin stands at 52.7%, which is robust. However, EBIT and EBITDA margins are declining, reflecting cost pressures. Revenue growth is negative compared to the previous annual period, highlighting a concerning trend.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet displays moderate financial leverage with a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 0.65, suggesting manageable debt levels. The equity ratio is 29%, which provides a cushion against liabilities. However, declining stockholder equity over time could pose risks if not addressed.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
The cash flow statement shows strong free cash flow generation, with a positive free cash flow to net income ratio despite net losses. Operating cash flow remains positive, indicating good cash management practices. However, fluctuations in cash flow due to financing activities could impact liquidity.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
9.93B9.48B8.87B9.00B9.35B
Gross Profit
4.43B4.14B3.62B4.55B3.73B
EBIT
627.00M1.36B1.18B2.20B1.61B
EBITDA
627.00M2.02B1.88B2.40B2.38B
Net Income Common Stockholders
-98.00M1.05B1.01B2.16B996.00M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
1.89B1.42B1.26B4.69B2.09B
Total Assets
27.68B29.09B31.77B34.97B38.53B
Total Debt
5.93B5.94B5.47B5.47B6.71B
Net Debt
4.04B4.52B4.21B785.00M4.62B
Total Liabilities
19.66B19.50B21.68B21.66B27.60B
Stockholders Equity
7.94B9.52B10.02B13.26B10.82B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
1.27B1.10B608.00M1.86B1.49B
Operating Cash Flow
1.51B1.34B812.00M2.06B1.77B
Investing Cash Flow
250.00M-1.08B-173.00M2.77B-160.00M
Financing Cash Flow
-459.00M-1.20B-3.44B-3.11B-434.00M

Willis Towers Watson Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price309.07
Price Trends
50DMA
322.60
Negative
100DMA
320.66
Negative
200DMA
307.17
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-4.32
Negative
RSI
44.61
Neutral
STOCH
67.88
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WTW, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 309.07 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 313.55, below the 50-day MA of 322.60, and above the 200-day MA of 307.17, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -4.32 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 44.61 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 67.88 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for WTW.

Willis Towers Watson Risk Analysis

Willis Towers Watson disclosed 39 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Willis Towers Watson reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Willis Towers Watson Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
BRBRO
77
Outperform
$31.64B30.7816.18%0.50%12.57%10.52%
AJAJG
74
Outperform
$84.67B50.939.27%0.72%14.07%31.44%
MMMMC
73
Outperform
$111.70B27.7930.51%1.44%7.56%3.39%
72
Outperform
$16.82B30.9732.38%1.49%15.05%26.80%
AOAON
69
Neutral
$77.29B30.2974.17%0.76%19.57%-8.09%
WTWTW
65
Neutral
$30.49B-0.60%1.15%2.42%-103.64%
64
Neutral
$12.58B9.717.88%16985.68%12.28%-5.68%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WTW
Willis Towers Watson
309.07
58.39
23.29%
AON
Aon
354.32
67.39
23.49%
AJG
Arthur J Gallagher & Co
338.18
90.75
36.68%
BRO
Brown & Brown
111.32
24.21
27.79%
ERIE
Erie Indemnity Company
353.20
-44.47
-11.18%
MMC
Marsh & Mclennan Companies
226.85
24.26
11.97%

Willis Towers Watson Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 24, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: -5.10%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 24, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflected a balanced view with strong organic growth, margin expansion, and strategic wins highlighting the company's resilience. However, geopolitical and economic uncertainties pose challenges, particularly in the North America career business and free cash flow performance.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Organic Growth
The company delivered 5% organic growth, aligning with expectations and supporting its trajectory towards full-year goals.
Adjusted Operating Margin Expansion
Achieved 100 basis points of adjusted operating margin expansion, reaching 21.6%, indicating improved operational efficiency.
Record EPS
Adjusted EPS reached $3.13, reflecting an 8% increase over the prior year, excluding the impact of the TRANZACT divestiture.
Successful Strategic Wins
Secured several key mandates, including a complex construction project in Europe and a major global airline mandate, demonstrating effective cross-selling and specialization strategies.
Technological Advancements
Introduction of Neuron, a digital trading platform, which enhances efficiency and value by connecting brokers and insurers in real-time.
Negative Updates
Geopolitical and Economic Headwinds
The heightened geopolitical uncertainty and economic volatility have created challenges, particularly affecting the North America career business and investments segment.
Free Cash Flow Challenges
Reported negative $86 million free cash flow for the quarter, a decrease of $50 million from the prior year, primarily due to the absence of cash collections related to TRANZACT.
Headwinds from Tariff and Trade Uncertainty
Concerns about global trade and tariff impacts have created risks, affecting certain industries unevenly, which may impact client advisory work.
Career Segment Sensitivity
Economic uncertainty has led to some clients deferring advisory work in the career segment, reflecting its sensitivity to macroeconomic conditions.
Company Guidance
During the Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company's first quarter 2025 earnings call, guidance was provided indicating a 5% organic growth rate for the quarter, with an adjusted operating margin expansion of 100 basis points to 21.6% and an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.13. The company reiterated its confidence in achieving a full-year outlook of mid-single-digit organic growth, continued adjusted operating margin expansion, and EPS growth. The Health, Wealth, and Career (HWC) segment is expected to achieve mid-single-digit growth, despite some economic headwinds impacting certain areas. The Risk and Broking segment reported 7% revenue growth and is expected to maintain mid to high single-digit growth for the year. The company's free cash flow margin is anticipated to improve, with a focus on share repurchases and strategic M&A aligned with its growth objectives.

Willis Towers Watson Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Willis Towers Watson Announces Leadership Transition in 2025
Positive
Mar 3, 2025

On March 3, 2025, Willis Towers Watson announced that Paul Thomas, the current Non-Executive Chair of the Board, will retire at the end of his term and not seek re-election at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. Paul Reilly, an independent director since October 2022, has been selected to succeed Thomas as the Non-Executive Chair, pending his re-election. This leadership transition is expected to further strengthen WTW’s strategic direction and performance, with Reilly’s extensive experience in global financial and professional services anticipated to be beneficial in driving the company’s future success.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.