UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
8-K
CURRENT
REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date
of report (Date of earliest event reported): October 22, 2008
Willis Group Holdings Limited |
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) |
Bermuda |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) |
001-16503 |
98-0352587 |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
c/o Willis Group Limited 51 Lime Street London EC3M 7DQ, England |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
(44) (20) 7488-8111 |
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code) |
Not Applicable |
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report) |
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
⃞ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item
2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On October 22, 2008, Willis Group Holdings Limited (“WGHL”) issued a press release reporting results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item
9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
99.1 Press Release of WGHL dated October 22, 2008
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: |
October 22, 2008 |
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WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED |
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By: |
/s/ Adam G. Ciongoli |
Name: Adam G. Ciongoli |
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Title: General Counsel |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. |
Description |
99.1 | Press Release of WGHL dated October 22, 2008 |
Exhibit 99.1
Willis Group Reports Third Quarter 2008 Results
3 Percent Growth in Reported Commissions and Fees;
2 Percent Organic Growth in Commissions and Fees despite Soft Insurance Market
Acquisition of HRH Completed October 1, 2008
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--October 22, 2008--Willis Group Holdings Limited (NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, today reported results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008.
“Willis continues to deliver impressive growth relative to the industry despite very soft market conditions,” said Joe Plumeri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We increased our organic commissions and fees by two percent this quarter, as we continue to drive growth from our existing client base, win new business, and take advantage of growth opportunities in international markets and in key global specialty areas.”
“We’re focused on driving solid business performance while building our long-term growth potential,” said Plumeri. “We’re gaining momentum with our Shaping our Future strategy for profitable growth, especially in the areas of Marketing and Client Profitability. We continue to execute disciplined expense management to help navigate these difficult economic times, while generating the resources to invest in future profitable growth.”
Third Quarter 2008 Financial Results
Reported net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 was $36 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, compared with $67 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, a year ago. The results for the third quarter 2008 were impacted by financing and integration costs totaling $10 million ($7 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, after tax) associated with the acquisition of Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company (HRH) which closed on October 1, 2008.
Excluding these costs and net loss on disposal of operations, adjusted earnings per diluted share were $0.32 in the third quarter 2008, a decrease of 30 percent from $0.46 in the third quarter 2007. The impact of foreign currency decreased third quarter 2008 earnings per diluted share by $0.09 compared with the third quarter 2007.
Total reported revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 were $579 million compared with $574 million for the same period last year, an increase of 1 percent. The effect of foreign currency increased reported revenues by 1 percent.
Organic growth in commissions and fees was 2 percent in the third quarter 2008 compared with third quarter 2007. This reflected net new business won of 5 percent offset by a negative 3 percent impact from declining premium rates tempered by other market factors, such as higher commission rates, higher insured values and changes in limits and exposures. Steady, strong client retention levels and momentum from Shaping our Future growth initiatives, such as Shaping our Future Marketing and Client Profitability also contributed to organic growth.
The International business segment contributed 10 percent organic growth in commissions and fees in the third quarter 2008 compared with the same period in 2007. There was continued strength in Europe, especially Spain, Denmark and Norway, Latin America, Asia, especially Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as our emerging market countries including Russia and China.
The North America segment reported organic growth in commissions and fees of negative 2 percent compared with third quarter 2007 in a soft insurance market. North America had strong performance in key growth markets including New York, Boston and Chicago. Organic growth was tempered by the impact of the soft insurance market on placements of North America business in London and Bermuda.
The Global segment, which comprises Global Specialties and Reinsurance, recorded negative 2 percent organic growth in commissions and fees in the third quarter 2008 compared with third quarter 2007. Global Specialties had positive organic growth in commissions and fees across many specialty businesses. Reinsurance reported negative organic growth in commissions and fees with growth in international operations more than offset by reduced US revenues due to declining rates, lower primary premium volumes, and decreased reinsurance purchasing by the primary carriers.
Reported operating margin was 11.4 percent for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 compared with 16.2 percent for the same period last year. Excluding certain items, adjusted operating margin was 12.1 percent for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 compared with 16.2 percent a year ago, as we continue to reinvest growth in strategic hires and key initiatives. Foreign exchange translation had a negative 260 basis point impact on the adjusted operating margin in the third quarter 2008.
Nine Months 2008 Financial Results
Reported net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $241 million, or $1.70 per diluted share, compared with $314 million or $2.12 a year ago. The results for the first nine months of 2008 were significantly impacted by pre-tax charges totaling $95 million for the 2008 expense review and pre-tax financing and integration costs of $10 million associated with the acquisition of HRH.
Excluding these items and net loss on disposal of operations, which are reviewed in detail later in this release, adjusted earnings per diluted share increased 6 percent to $2.24 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $2.12 a year ago. Foreign currency translation had zero impact on earnings per diluted share for the first nine months of 2008 compared with the first nine months of 2007.
Total reported revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $2,035 million compared with $1,939 million for the same period last year, an increase of 5 percent. The effect of foreign currency translation increased reported revenues by 3 percent.
Organic growth in commissions and fees was 3 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared with the same period in 2007. This growth was attributed to net new business won of 5 percent offset by a negative 2 percent impact from declining premium rates tempered by other market factors such as higher commission rates, higher insured values and changes in limits and exposures.
Reported operating margin was 18.1 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to 24.2 percent for the same period last year. Excluding certain items, adjusted operating margin was 22.9 percent for the nine months ended September 2008, compared to 24.2 percent for the same period last year. Foreign exchange had a negative 80 basis point impact on the adjusted operating margin through the first nine months of 2008.
The effective underlying tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was 27.0 percent, excluding the tax effects of the disposal of the London headquarters and the benefit of the release of tax provisions relating to the resolution of prior period tax positions.
Capital
The Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on the Company’s common stock of $0.26 per share, an annual rate of $1.04 per share. The dividend is payable on January 16, 2009 to shareholders of record on December 31, 2008.
As at September 30, 2008, cash and cash equivalents totaled $156 million, total debt was $1.4 billion and total stockholders’ equity was $1.4 billion. There were no share repurchases during the quarter and $75 million has been repurchased to date under the existing $1 billion buyback authorization.
Acquisition of Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company
On October 1, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company (HRH), the eighth largest insurance and risk management intermediary in the United States.
Total consideration paid by Willis was approximately $1.7 billion, which was comprised of approximately 24.4 million shares of common stock valued at $773 million and $942 million of cash. The total purchase price of approximately $2.1 billion included the assumption of approximately $400 million of HRH existing debt.
The Company funded the transaction on October 1, 2008 with $1.0 billion from a 364-day interim credit facility and $525 million from a $700 million 5-year term loan facility. In addition, the Company repaid the outstanding balance on its existing revolving credit facility and replaced this with a new $300 million line of credit. Over time, the Company plans to repurchase the majority of the shares issued in connection with the merger under its existing $1 billion buyback authorization.
Outlook
The Shaping our Future strategy is a series of initiatives designed to deliver profitable growth, and as previously reported, the Company has decided to invest in further key hires and initiatives in 2008 and 2009. In light of current global economic uncertainty, the Company continues to review vigorously the expense base. The Company incurred a pre-tax charge of $95 million through the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Currently the Company does not anticipate further charges in conjunction with this ongoing exercise. The Company anticipates achieving a higher level of cost savings than originally estimated to enable continued funding for growth.
The Company completed the acquisition of HRH on October 1, 2008 and its results of operations will be included in reported results from that day forward. Hence, previously stated 2008 financial goals for Willis on a stand alone basis of adjusted earnings per diluted share in the range of $2.85 - $2.95 and adjusted operating margin of approximately 24 percent have been revised. The Company currently expects adjusted earnings per diluted share to be in the range of $2.60-$2.70 and adjusted operating margin of approximately 22 percent for the full year 2008, excluding the impact of foreign exchange movements in the fourth quarter.
In light of current global economic uncertainty, the Company is also reviewing its current stated financial goals for 2009 and 2010. While the Company hopes to reaffirm these goals, the potential impact of this uncertainty on current insurance pricing or on potential changes in the buying decisions of clients cannot be predicted at this time. The Company expects to update financial goals with the release of full year 2008 results.
“These are unprecedented times, and we are responding with an appropriate sense of urgency,” Plumeri said. “We will continue to execute Shaping our Future strategies for profitable growth and have already begun the integration of the HRH acquisition. We are striving to meet the stated financial goals for 2009 and 2010, yet we need time to assess the potential impact of the current global economic uncertainty on the current outlook. Therefore, we will update those goals when we announce year-end results.”
Conference Call and Web Cast
A conference call to discuss third quarter 2008 results will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2008, at 8:00 AM Eastern Time. To participate in the live teleconference, please dial (866) 617-1526 (domestic) or +1 (210) 795-0624 (international) with a pass code of "Willis”. The live audio web cast (which will be listen-only) may be accessed at www.willis.com. This call will be available by replay starting at approximately 10:00 AM Eastern Time, and through November 24, 2008 at 11:00 PM Eastern Time, by calling (866) 372-3809 (domestic) or +1 (203) 369-0248 (international) with no pass code, or by accessing the website.
Willis Group Holdings Limited is a leading global insurance broker, developing and delivering professional insurance, reinsurance, risk management, financial and human resource consulting and actuarial services to corporations, public entities and institutions around the world. Willis has more than 400 offices in nearly 120 countries, with a global team of approximately 20,000 Associates serving clients in some 190 countries. Additional information on Willis may be found at www.willis.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
We have included in this document ‘‘forward-looking statements’’ within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this document that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as the potential benefits of the business combination transaction involving Willis and HRH, our outlook and guidance regarding future adjusted operating margin and adjusted earnings per diluted share, future capital expenditures, expected growth in commissions and fees, business strategies, competitive strengths, goals, the anticipated benefits of new initiatives, growth of our business and operations, plans, and references to future successes are forward-looking statements. Also, when we use the words such as ‘‘anticipate’’, ‘‘believe’’, ‘‘estimate’’, ‘‘expect’’, ‘‘intend’’, ‘‘plan’’, ‘‘probably’’, or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements.
There are important uncertainties, events and factors that could cause our actual results or performance to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained in this document, including regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions and the following:
The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and new factors may emerge from time to time that could also affect actual performance and results. For additional factors see also Part I, Item 1A ‘‘Risk Factors’’ included in Willis’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and Item 1A of HRH’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, and similar sections of each company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2008. Copies of said 10-Ks and 10-Qs are available online at http://www.sec.gov or on request from the applicable company.
Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and therefore also the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could themselves prove to be inaccurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this document, our inclusion of this information is not a representation or guarantee by us that our objectives and plans will be achieved.
Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and we will not update these forward-looking statements unless the securities laws require us to do so. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this document may not occur, and we caution you against unduly relying on these forward-looking statements.
This press release includes supplemental financial information which may contain references to non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G of SEC rules. Consistent with Regulation G, a reconciliation of this supplemental financial information to our generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) information is in the note disclosures that follow. We present such non-GAAP supplemental financial information, as we believe such information is of interest to the investment community because it provides additional meaningful methods of evaluating certain aspects of the Company’s operating performance from period to period on a basis that may not be otherwise apparent on a GAAP basis. This supplemental financial information should be viewed in addition to, not in lieu of, the Company’s condensed consolidated income statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and balance sheet as at that date.
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED | ||||||||||||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS | ||||||||||||||||
(in millions, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Three months ended
September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
Commissions and fees | $ | 556 | $ | 542 | $ | 1,969 | $ | 1,853 | ||||||||
Investment income | 22 | 25 | 64 | 72 | ||||||||||||
Other income | 1 | 7 | 2 | 14 | ||||||||||||
Total Revenues | 579 | 574 | 2,035 | 1,939 | ||||||||||||
Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Salaries and benefits | 359 | 352 | 1,198 | 1,089 | ||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 131 | 116 | 421 | 341 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets | 20 | 16 | 53 | 49 | ||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of London headquarters | - | (3 | ) | (8 | ) | (9 | ) | |||||||||
Net loss on disposal of operations | 3 | - | 3 | - | ||||||||||||
Total Expenses | 513 | 481 | 1,667 | 1,470 | ||||||||||||
Operating Income | 66 | 93 | 368 | 469 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | 32 | 17 | 69 | 48 | ||||||||||||
Income before Income Taxes, Interest in Earnings of Associates and Minority Interest | 34 | 76 | 299 | 421 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 2 | 12 | 74 | 116 | ||||||||||||
Income before Interest in Earnings of Associates and Minority Interest | 32 | 64 | 225 | 305 | ||||||||||||
Interest in earnings of associates, net of tax | 6 | 5 | 29 | 20 | ||||||||||||
Minority interest, net of tax | (2 | ) | (2 |
) |
(13 |
) |
(11 |
) |
||||||||
Net Income | $ | 36 | $ | 67 | $ | 241 | $ | 314 | ||||||||
Earnings per Share | ||||||||||||||||
- Basic | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.47 | $ | 1.70 | $ | 2.15 | ||||||||
- Diluted | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.46 | $ | 1.70 | $ | 2.12 | ||||||||
Average Number of Shares Outstanding | ||||||||||||||||
- Basic | 142 | 143 | 142 | 146 | ||||||||||||
- Diluted | 142 | 145 | 142 | 148 |
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED | ||||||
SUMMARY BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||
(in millions) (unaudited) | ||||||
September 30, 2008 |
December 31, 2007 |
|||||
Assets | ||||||
Cash & cash equivalents | $ | 156 | $ | 200 | ||
Fiduciary funds—restricted | 1,699 | 1,520 | ||||
Short-term investments | 35 | 40 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net | 9,937 | 8,241 | ||||
Fixed assets, net | 313 | 315 | ||||
Goodwill and intangibles, net | 1,729 | 1,726 | ||||
Investments in associates | 237 | 193 | ||||
Pension benefits asset | 487 | 404 | ||||
Other assets | 368 | 309 | ||||
Total Assets | $ | 14,961 | $ | 12,948 | ||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 11,157 | $ | 9,265 | ||
Deferred revenue and accrued expenses | 293 | 388 | ||||
Net deferred tax liabilities | 39 | 5 | ||||
Income taxes payable | 30 | 43 | ||||
Long-term debt | 1,370 | 1,250 | ||||
Liability for pension benefits | 46 | 43 | ||||
Other liabilities | 576 | 559 | ||||
Total Liabilities | 13,511 | 11,553 | ||||
Minority interest | 46 | 48 | ||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 1,404 | 1,347 | ||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | $ | 14,961 | $ | 12,948 |
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(in millions) (unaudited)
1. Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We believe that investors’ understanding of the Company’s performance is enhanced by our disclosure of the following non-GAAP financial measures. Our method of calculating these measures may differ from those used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited.
Organic commissions and fees growth
Organic commissions and fees growth excludes the impact of foreign currency translation and acquisitions and disposals from reported commissions and fees. We use organic commissions and fees growth as a measure of business growth generated by operations that were part of the Company at the end of the period.
Adjusted operating income and adjusted net income
Our results have been impacted by the charges related to the 2008 expense review and costs associated with the acquisition of HRH, together with net gains/losses on disposal of operations. We believe that excluding these items from operating income and net income as applicable, along with the GAAP measures, provides a more complete and consistent comparative analysis of our results of operations.
2. Analysis of Commissions and Fees
Organic growth in commissions and fees is defined as growth in commissions and fees excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and acquisitions and disposals. The percentage change in reported commissions and fees is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, and the following tables reconcile this change to organic growth in commissions and fees by business unit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008:
Three months ended
September 30, |
Change attributable to |
|||||||||||||||
2008 |
2007 (a) |
%
Change |
Foreign currency translation | Acquisitions and disposals |
Organic commissions and fees
growth |
|||||||||||
Global | $ 159 | $ 161 |
(1 |
)% |
0 | % | 1 | % | (2 | )% | ||||||
North America | 175 | 180 | (3 | )% | 0 | % | (1 | )% | (2 | )% | ||||||
International | 222 | 201 | 10 | % | 1 | % | (1 | )% | 10 | % | ||||||
Commissions and fees
|
$ 556 | $ 542 | 3 | % | 1 | % | 0 | % | 2 | % |
a) With effect from January 1, 2008, gains on the disposal of intangible assets, which were previously reported within ‘Commissions and fees’ are now reported separately as ‘Other income’. As a result of this change, $5 million previously reported within North America’s commissions and fees in third quarter 2007 and $2 million previously reported within International’s commissions and fees is now reported within other income. There was no impact on organic commissions and fees growth as originally reported for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.
Nine months ended
September 30, |
Change attributable to |
||||||||||
2008 |
2007 (b) |
%
Change |
Foreign currency translation | Acquisitions and disposals |
Organic commissions and fees
growth |
||||||
Global | $ 627 | $ 608 | 3% | 3% | 0% | 0% | |||||
North America | 559 | 558 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | |||||
International | 783 | 687 | 14% | 6% | 0% | 8% | |||||
Commissions and fees
|
$ 1,969 | $ 1,853 | 6% | 3% | 0% | 3% |
b) With effect from January 1, 2008, gains on the disposal of intangible assets, which were previously reported within ‘Commissions and fees’ are now reported separately as ‘Other income’. As a result of this change, $12 million previously reported within North America’s commissions and fees and $2 million previously reported in International’s commissions and fees in first nine months of 2007, is now reported within other income. There was no impact on organic commissions and fees growth as originally reported for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
3. 2008 Expense Review
The Company is conducting a thorough review of all businesses to identify additional opportunities to rationalize its expense base. Consequently, the Company incurred a pre-tax charge of $95 million ($68 million or $0.47 per diluted share after tax) in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 for contract buyouts, severance and other costs as analyzed in the following table:
Three months ended September 30, 2008 |
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 |
|||
Pre-tax | Pre-tax | |||
Salaries and benefits – severance (a) | $ - | $ 24 | ||
Salaries and benefits – other (b) | - | 42 | ||
Other operating expenses (primarily relating to property and systems rationalization) | - | 29 | ||
$ - | $ 95 |
a) Severance costs relate to approximately 350 positions through the nine months ended September 30, 2008, which have been, or are in the process of being, eliminated.
b) Other salaries and benefits costs relate primarily to contract buyouts.
4. Adjusted Operating Income
Adjusted operating income is defined as operating income excluding integration costs associated with the acquisition of HRH, net gains/losses on disposal of operations and the charges related to the 2008 expense review. Operating income is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, and the following tables reconcile adjusted operating income to operating income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:
Three months ended
September 30, |
||||||||
2008 | 2007 |
% Change |
||||||
Operating Income, GAAP basis | $ 66 | $ 93 | (29 | )% | ||||
Excluding: | ||||||||
HRH integration costs | 1 | - | ||||||
Net loss on disposal of operations | 3 | - | ||||||
Adjusted Operating Income | $ 70 | $ 93 | (25 | )% | ||||
Operating Margin, GAAP basis, or Operating Income as a percentage of Total Revenues |
11.4 |
% |
16.2 |
% |
||||
Adjusted Operating Margin, or Adjusted Operating Income as a percentage of Total Revenues |
12.1 |
% |
16.2 |
% |
Nine months ended
September 30, |
||||||||
2008 | 2007 |
% Change |
||||||
Operating Income, GAAP basis | $ 368 | $ 469 | (22 | )% | ||||
Excluding: | ||||||||
HRH integration costs | 1 | - | ||||||
Net loss on disposal of operations | 3 | - | ||||||
Salaries and benefits – severance (a) | 24 | - | ||||||
Salaries and benefits – other (b) | 42 | - | ||||||
Other operating expenses (primarily relating to property and systems rationalization) | 29 | - | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Adjusted Operating Income | $ 467 | $ 469 | 0 | % | ||||
Operating Margin, GAAP basis, or Operating Income as a percentage of Total Revenues |
18.1 |
% |
24.2 |
% |
||||
Adjusted Operating Margin, or Adjusted Operating Income as a percentage of Total Revenues |
22.9 |
% |
24.2 |
% |
a) Severance costs relate to approximately 350 positions which have been, or are in the process of being, eliminated as part of the 2008 expense review. Severance costs also arise in the normal course of business and these charges (pre-tax) amounted to $2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 ($2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007).
b) Other salaries and benefits costs relate primarily to contract buyouts.
5. Adjusted Net Income
Adjusted net income is defined as net income excluding financing and integration costs associated with the acquisition of HRH, net gains/losses on disposal of operations and the charges related to the 2008 expense review. Net income is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, and the following tables reconcile adjusted net income to net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:
Three months ended September 30, |
Per diluted share
Three months ended September 30, |
||||||||||||
2008 |
2007 |
% Change |
2008 |
2007 |
% Change |
||||||||
Net Income, GAAP basis | $ 36 | $ 67 | (46 | )% | $ 0.25 | $ 0.46 | (46 | )% | |||||
Excluding: | |||||||||||||
HRH financing and integration costs, net of tax ($3) |
7 | - | 0.05 | - | |||||||||
Net loss on disposal of operations, net of tax ($1) |
2 | - | 0.02 | - | |||||||||
Adjusted Net Income | $ 45 | $ 67 | (33 | )% | $ 0.32 | $ 0.46 | (30 | )% | |||||
Diluted shares outstanding, GAAP basis |
142 | 145 |
Nine months ended September 30, |
Per diluted share
Nine months ended September 30, |
||||||||||||
2008 |
2007 |
% Change |
2008 |
2007 |
% Change |
||||||||
Net Income, GAAP basis | $ 241 | $ 314 | (23 | )% | $ 1.70 | $ 2.12 | (20 | )% | |||||
Excluding: | |||||||||||||
HRH financing and integration costs, net of tax ($3) |
7 | - | 0.05 | - | |||||||||
Net loss on disposal of operations, net of tax ($1) |
2 | - | 0.02 | - | |||||||||
Salaries and benefits – severance, net of tax ($7) (a) |
17 | - | 0.12 | - | |||||||||
Salaries and benefits – other, net of tax ($12) (b) |
30 | - | 0.21 | - | |||||||||
Other operating expenses (primarily relating to property and systems rationalization), net of tax ($8) |
21 | - | 0.14 | - | |||||||||
Adjusted Net Income | $ 318 | $ 314 | 1 | % | $ 2.24 | $ 2.12 | 6 | % | |||||
Diluted shares outstanding, GAAP basis | 142 | 148 |
a) Severance costs relate to approximately 350 positions through the nine months ended September 30, 2008, which have been, or are in the process of being, eliminated as part of the 2008 expense review. Severance costs also arise in the normal course of business and these charges (pre-tax) amounted to $2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 ($2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007).
b) Other salaries and benefits costs relate primarily to contract buyouts.
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | FY | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q3 YTD | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commissions and fees | $ 711 | $ 600 | $ 542 | $ 610 | $ 2,463 | $ 772 | $ 641 | $ 556 | 1,969 | ||||||||||||||||
Investment income | 24 | 23 | 25 | 24 | 96 | 22 | 20 | 22 | 64 | ||||||||||||||||
Other income (a) | 4 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 19 | 1 | - | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Revenues | 739 | 626 | 574 | 639 | 2,578 | 795 | 661 | 579 | 2,035 | ||||||||||||||||
Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Salaries and benefits | 377 | 360 | 352 | 359 | 1,448 | 411 | 428 | 359 | 1,198 | ||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 111 | 114 | 116 | 119 | 460 | 149 | 141 | 131 | 421 | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets |
16 |
17 |
16 |
17 |
66 |
16 |
17 |
20 |
53 |
||||||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of London headquarters | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | (5 | ) | (14 | ) | (6 | ) | (2 | ) | - | (8) | |||||||||
Net loss/(gain) on disposal of operations | - | - | - | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | - | - | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||
Total Expenses | 501 | 488 | 481 | 488 | 1,958 | 570 | 584 | 513 | 1,667 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating Income | 238 | 138 | 93 | 151 | 620 | 225 | 77 | 66 | 368 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating Income margin | 32.2% | 22.0% | 16.2% | 23.6% | 24.0% | 28.3% | 11.6% | 11.4% | 18.1% | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 12 | 19 | 17 | 18 | 66 | 16 | 21 | 32 | 69 | ||||||||||||||||
Income before Income Taxes, Interest in Earnings of Associates and Minority Interest |
226 |
119 |
76 |
133 |
554 |
209 |
56 |
34 |
299 |
||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 68 | 36 | 12 | 28 | 144 | 60 | 12 | 2 | 74 | ||||||||||||||||
Income before Interest in Earnings of Associates and Minority Interest |
158 |
83 |
64 |
105 |
410 |
149 |
44 |
32 |
225 | ||||||||||||||||
Interest in earnings of associates, net of tax | 19 | (4 | ) | 5 | (4 | ) | 16 | 26 | (3 | ) | 6 | 29 | |||||||||||||
Minority interest, net of tax | (8 | ) | (1 | ) | (2 | ) | (6 | ) | (17 | ) | (9 | ) | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | (13) | ||||||||
Net Income | $ 169 | $ 78 | $ 67 | $ 95 | $ 409 | $ 166 | $ 39 | $ 36 | $ 241 | ||||||||||||||||
Earnings per Share | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
- Diluted | $ 1.10 | $ 0.54 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.66 | $ 2.78 | $ 1.16 | $ 0.27 | $ 0.25 | $ 1.70 | ||||||||||||||||
Average Number of Shares Outstanding |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
- Diluted | 154 | 145 | 145 | 145 | 147 | 143 | 142 | 142 | 142 |
a) Other income represents the gains on the disposal of intangible assets, including books of business. This income was previously recorded within commissions and fees.
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED SEGMENTAL SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (in millions) (unaudited) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | FY | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q3 YTD | ||||||||||||||||||
Commissions and Fees (a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global | 261 | 186 | 161 | 142 | 750 | 277 | 191 | 159 | 627 | |||||||||||||||||
North America | 184 | 194 | 180 | 193 | 751 | 191 | 193 | 175 | 559 | |||||||||||||||||
International | 266 | 220 | 201 | 275 | 962 | 304 | 257 | 222 | 783 | |||||||||||||||||
Total Commissions and Fees | 711 | 600 | 542 | 610 | 2,463 | 772 | 641 | 556 | 1,969 | |||||||||||||||||
Total Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global | 272 | 197 | 173 | 154 | 796 | 285 | 199 | 167 | 651 | |||||||||||||||||
North America | 193 | 202 | 190 | 201 | 786 | 196 | 197 | 179 | 572 | |||||||||||||||||
International | 274 | 227 | 211 | 284 | 996 | 314 | 265 | 233 | 812 | |||||||||||||||||
Total Revenues | 739 | 626 | 574 | 639 | 2,578 | 795 | 661 | 579 | 2,035 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating Income (b) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global | 122 | 56 | 37 | 10 | 225 | 133 | 58 | 21 | 212 | |||||||||||||||||
North America | 27 | 44 | 32 | 49 | 152 | 27 | 32 | 17 | 76 | |||||||||||||||||
International | 87 | 43 | 27 | 94 | 251 | 104 | 58 | 37 | 199 | |||||||||||||||||
Corporate and Other (c) | 2 | (5 |
) |
|
(3 |
) |
|
(2 |
) |
|
(8 |
) |
|
(39 |
) |
|
(71 |
) |
|
(9 |
) |
|
(119 | ) | ||
Total Operating Income | 238 | 138 | 93 | 151 | 620 | 225 | 77 | 66 | 368 | |||||||||||||||||
Organic Commissions and Fees Growth | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global | 3 | % | 0 | % | 2 | % | (7 | )% | 0 | % | 2 | % | 0 | % | (2 | )% | 0 | % | ||||||||
North America | 6 | % | 5 | % | 2 | % | (7 | )% | 1 | % | 3 | % | (1 | )% | (2 | )% | 0 | % | ||||||||
International | 8 | % | 7 | % | 7 | % | 9 | % | 8 | % | 5 | % | 10 | % | 10 | % | 8 | % | ||||||||
Total Organic Revenue Growth | 6 | % | 4 | % | 4 | % | 0 | % | 3 | % | 3 | % | 3 | % | 2 | % | 3 | % | ||||||||
Operating Margin (b) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global | 44.9 | % | 28.4 | % | 21.4 | % | 6.5 | % | 28.3 | % | 46.7 | % | 29.1 | % | 12.6 | % | 32.6 | % | ||||||||
North America | 14.0 | % | 21.8 | % | 16.8 | % | 24.4 | % | 19.3 | % | 13.8 | % | 16.2 | % | 9.5 | % | 13.3 | % | ||||||||
International | 31.8 | % | 18.9 | % | 12.8 | % | 33.1 | % | 25.2 | % | 33.1 | % | 21.9 | % | 15.9 | % | 24.5 | % | ||||||||
Total Operating Margin | 32.2 | % | 22.0 | % | 16.2 | % | 23.6 | % | 24.0 | % | 28.3 | % | 11.6 | % | 11.4 | % | 18.1 | % |
a) With effect from January 1, 2008, gains on the disposal of intangible assets, which were previously reported within ‘Commissions and fees,’ are now reported separately as ‘Other income.’ As a result of this change, $17 million previously reported within North America’s commissions and fees and $2 million previously reported within International in full year 2007, are now reported within other income. There was no impact on organic commissions and fees growth as originally reported for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.
b) Also with effect from January 1, 2008, the Company changed its basis of segmental allocation for central costs. In particular, all accounting adjustments for hedging transactions are now held at the Corporate level, together with certain legal costs. As a result of this change, an additional $1 million net operating loss for full year 2007, previously reported within Corporate, has been allocated to the operating segments.
c) Corporate and Other includes the costs of the holding company, foreign exchange hedging activities, amortization of intangible assets, net gains and losses on disposal of operations, certain legal costs, and, in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the $95 million charge for the 2008 expense review ($33 million in first quarter and $62 million in second quarter 2008) and integration costs associated with the acquisition of HRH.
CONTACT:
Investors:
Kerry K. Calaiaro, 212-915-8084
kerry.calaiaro@willis.com
OR
Media:
Valerie
Di Maria, 212-915-8272
valerie.dimaria@willis.com
OR
Will
Thoretz, 212-915-8251
will.thoretz@willis.com