Willis Towers Watson

1. Review the company's financial statements: Start by examining the company's financial reports, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. These statements will provide important insights into the company's financial health, profitability and cash flow.
2. Analyze key financial ratios: Calculate and review key financial ratios such as return on equity (ROE), return on assets (ROA), and profit margin. These ratios help in understanding how efficiently the company is generating profits and utilizing its assets.
3. Assess revenue and growth trends: Look at the company's revenue and growth trends over the past few years to evaluate its financial performance. A consistent and steady increase in revenue and growth is a positive sign.
4. Compare with industry peers: Compare the company's financials with its competitors to get a better understanding of its position in the market. This will help to identify any strengths or weaknesses of the company compared to its peers.
5. Examine the solvency and liquidity ratios: Solvency and liquidity ratios such as debt-to-equity, current ratio, and quick ratio provide insights into the company's ability to meet its short-term and long-term financial obligations. A company with low debt and strong liquidity is considered financially stable.
6. Evaluate investment in assets: Assess the company's investment in assets such as property, plant, and equipment (PP&E) and their depreciation over time. This will provide information on the company's capital expenditure and its strategy for future growth.
7. Consider the underwriting performance: For insurance brokers, the underwriting performance indicates the company's ability to price policies effectively and manage risks. Look for a combined ratio of less than 100%, which indicates profitable underwriting.
8. Analyze the investment portfolio: Insurance brokers often invest premiums received from clients in various investments. Evaluate the company's investment portfolio and the returns generated to understand its investment strategy and risk management.
9. Examine the company's debt and leverage: Look at the company's total debt, interest coverage ratio and debt maturity to evaluate its debt levels and risk of default.
10. Consider external factors: In addition to the company's financials, consider external factors such as industry trends, regulatory changes, and economic conditions that could impact the company's financial performance in the future.

The cost structures and profit margins in the insurance brokers industry can vary depending on the size of the brokerage, the type of insurance products offered, and the location of the brokerage. However, there are some common cost structures and profit margins that are typically observed in this industry.
1. Cost Structures:
- Staffing and Compensation: This is the largest cost component for insurance brokers, as they need to hire staff to help customers with insurance inquiries, process applications, and handle claims. Employee salaries, benefits, and commissions make up a significant portion of the broker's expenses.
- Technology and Infrastructure: Insurance brokers need to invest in technology to keep up with the latest industry trends, manage client data, and communicate with clients and underwriters. They also need to lease office space and maintain other infrastructure, such as telephone systems, computers, and office supplies.
- Marketing and Advertising: Insurance brokers need to invest in marketing and advertising to attract new clients and retain existing ones. This can include a variety of expenses, such as website development, social media marketing, print ads, and events.
- Licensing and Certification: Insurance brokers need to be licensed and certified to sell insurance products, which can involve upfront costs and ongoing fees.
- Professional Fees: Insurance brokers may also need to pay for professional services, such as legal, accounting, and consulting services, to ensure compliance with regulations and industry standards.
2. Profit Margins:
- Commission Income: The main source of revenue for insurance brokers is the commission they receive from insurance companies on the sale of policies. This is typically a percentage of the premium paid by the policyholder, and it can vary depending on the type of insurance and the negotiations between the broker and the insurer.
- Fee Income: In addition to commission income, some insurance brokers may also charge service fees to their clients. These fees can range from a flat fee for a specific service to a percentage of the premium.
- Contingent Income: Some insurance brokers may also earn contingent income, which is additional commission paid by insurance companies based on the performance of the insurance policies they have sold.
- Investment Income: Insurance brokers may also earn investment income from managing and investing their clients' premiums until they are paid out to insurance companies.
Overall, profit margins in the insurance brokers industry can range from 10% to 20%, depending on the size and efficiency of the brokerage, the mix of insurance products sold, and the geographic location.