UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One) | |
ý |
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarter ended September 30, 2004 |
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or |
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o |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission file number: 001-16503
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Bermuda (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
98-0352587 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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c/o Willis Group Limited Ten Trinity Square, London EC3P 3AX, England (Address of principal executive offices) |
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(011) 44-20-7488-8111 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ý No o
As of October 31, 2004, there were outstanding 155,899,219 shares of common stock, par value $0.000115 per share of the registrant.
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
Table of Contents
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Page |
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PART IFinancial Information | |||
Item 1Financial Statements |
2 |
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Item 2Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
29 |
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Item 3Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk |
34 |
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Item 4Controls and Procedures |
34 |
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PART IIOther Information |
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Item 1Legal Proceedings |
35 |
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Item 2Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
35 |
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Item 5Other Information |
36 |
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Item 6Exhibits |
37 |
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Signatures |
38 |
INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We have included in this document forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that state our intentions, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated, depending on a variety of factors such as general economic conditions in different countries around the world, fluctuations in global equity and fixed income markets, changes in premium rates, the competitive environment and the actual cost of resolution of contingent liabilities. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable we can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. All forward-looking statements contained in this document are qualified by reference to this cautionary statement.
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
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Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
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2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
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(millions, except per share data) (unaudited) |
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REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||
Commissions and fees | $ | 472 | $ | 434 | $ | 1,636 | $ | 1,446 | |||||||
Interest income | 18 | 18 | 51 | 53 | |||||||||||
Total revenues | 490 | 452 | 1,687 | 1,499 | |||||||||||
EXPENSES: |
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General and administrative expenses (excluding non-cash compensation) | 365 | 339 | 1,151 | 1,036 | |||||||||||
Non-cash compensationperformance options | 4 | 4 | 10 | 17 | |||||||||||
Depreciation expense | 10 | 8 | 31 | 26 | |||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | |||||||||||
Net gain on disposal of operations | | (6 | ) | (5 | ) | (10 | ) | ||||||||
Total expenses | 381 | 346 | 1,191 | 1,071 | |||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 109 | 106 | 496 | 428 | |||||||||||
Interest expense | 6 | 12 | 15 | 40 | |||||||||||
Premium on redemption of subordinated notes | | | 17 | | |||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST | 103 | 94 | 464 | 388 | |||||||||||
INCOME TAXES | 31 | (3 | ) | 155 | 102 | ||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST | 72 | 97 | 309 | 286 | |||||||||||
EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES | 3 | 3 | 15 | 14 | |||||||||||
MINORITY INTEREST | | (1 | ) | (5 | ) | (4 | ) | ||||||||
NET INCOME | $ | 75 | $ | 99 | $ | 319 | $ | 296 | |||||||
NET INCOME PER SHARE (Note 6) | |||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.48 | $ | 0.65 | $ | 2.02 | $ | 1.96 | |||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.45 | $ | 0.59 | $ | 1.89 | $ | 1.75 | |||||||
AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING (Note 6) | |||||||||||||||
Basic | 157 | 153 | 158 | 151 | |||||||||||
Diluted | 167 | 168 | 169 | 169 | |||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
2
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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September 30, 2004 |
December 31, 2003 |
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(millions, except share data) (unaudited) |
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ASSETS | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 270 | $ | 364 | |||||
Fiduciary fundsrestricted | 1,480 | 1,502 | |||||||
Short-term investments | 68 | 61 | |||||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $32 in 2004 and $32 in 2003 | 7,590 | 6,980 | |||||||
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $182 in 2004 and $161 in 2003 | 236 | 249 | |||||||
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $125 in 2004 and $121 in 2003 | 1,435 | 1,345 | |||||||
Investment in associates | 127 | 118 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets | 135 | 141 | |||||||
Other assets | 294 | 198 | |||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 11,635 | $ | 10,958 | |||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
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Accounts payable | $ | 8,822 | $ | 8,210 | |||||
Deferred revenue and accrued expenses | 242 | 327 | |||||||
Income taxes payable | 161 | 137 | |||||||
Long-term debt (Note 7) | 450 | 370 | |||||||
Other liabilities | 610 | 571 | |||||||
Total liabilities | 10,285 | 9,615 | |||||||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8) | |||||||||
MINORITY INTEREST |
18 |
19 |
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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: |
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Common shares, $0.000115 par value; authorised: 4,000,000,000; issued and outstanding, 156,454,747 shares in 2004 and 159,083,048 shares in 2003 | | | |||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 888 | 1,100 | |||||||
Retained earnings | 597 | 367 | |||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 10) | (136 | ) | (126 | ) | |||||
Treasury stock, at cost, 728,991 shares in 2004 and 811,370 shares in 2003 | (17 | ) | (17 | ) | |||||
Total stockholders' equity | 1,332 | 1,324 | |||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | 11,635 | $ | 10,958 | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
3
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
Nine months ended September 30, |
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2004 |
2003 |
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(millions) (unaudited) |
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CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||
Net income | $ | 319 | $ | 296 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||
Depreciation | 31 | 26 | ||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 4 | 2 | ||||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts | 2 | 3 | ||||||||
Minority interest | 1 | (1 | ) | |||||||
Provision for deferred income taxes | 11 | (14 | ) | |||||||
Subordinated debt redemption expense | 17 | | ||||||||
Non-cash compensationperformance options | 10 | 17 | ||||||||
Other | | 1 | ||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of subsidiaries: | ||||||||||
Fiduciary fundsrestricted | 23 | (73 | ) | |||||||
Accounts receivable | (579 | ) | (816 | ) | ||||||
Accounts payable | 567 | 864 | ||||||||
Other assets and liabilities | (87 | ) | 18 | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 319 | 323 | ||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||
Proceeds on disposal of fixed assets | 4 | 4 | ||||||||
Additions to fixed assets | (34 | ) | (40 | ) | ||||||
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired | (78 | ) | (85 | ) | ||||||
Investments in and advances to associates | (3 | ) | | |||||||
Purchase of short-term investments | (70 | ) | (44 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds on sale of short-term investments | 63 | 29 | ||||||||
Net cash proceeds from sale of operations | 10 | 13 | ||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (108 | ) | (123 | ) | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||
Repayments of debt | (370 | ) | (120 | ) | ||||||
Draw down of term loans | 450 | | ||||||||
Subordinated debt redemption expense | (17 | ) | | |||||||
Repurchase of shares | (311 | ) | | |||||||
Purchase of treasury stock | | (1 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds from issue of shares | 30 | 21 | ||||||||
Dividends paid | (85 | ) | (38 | ) | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (303 | ) | (138 | ) | ||||||
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (92 | ) | 62 | |||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (2 | ) | 7 | |||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | 364 | 211 | ||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD | $ | 270 | $ | 280 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
1. THE COMPANY AND ITS OPERATIONS
Willis Group Holdings Limited ("Willis Group Holdings") and subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") provide a broad range of value-added risk management consulting and insurance brokerage services, both directly and indirectly through its associates, to a diverse base of clients internationally. The Company provides specialized risk management advisory and other services on a global basis to clients in various industries, including the construction, aerospace, marine and energy industries. In its capacity as an advisor and insurance broker, the Company acts as an intermediary between clients and insurance carriers by advising clients on risk management requirements, helping clients determine the best means of managing risk, and negotiating and placing insurance risk with insurance carriers through the Company's global distribution network. The Company also provides other value-added services.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying consolidated financial statements (hereinafter referred to as the "Interim Financial Statements") have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP").
The Interim Financial Statements are unaudited but include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which the Company's management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position as of such dates and the operating results and cash flows for those periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The results of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2004 may not necessarily be indicative of the operating results that may be incurred for the entire fiscal year.
The December 31, 2003 balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by US GAAP. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These Interim Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and changes in stockholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.
Stock-based compensationThe Company accounts for its stock option and stock-based compensation plans using the intrinsic-value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees ("APB 25"). Accordingly, the Company computes compensation costs for each employee stock option granted as the amount by which the quoted market price of the Company's shares on the date of the grant exceeds the amount the employee must pay to acquire the shares.
Had compensation expense for such plans been determined consistent with the fair value method prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 123, Accounting for
5
Stock-Based Compensation, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, the Company's pro forma net income and net income per share would have been:
|
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
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2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
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(millions, except per share data) |
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Net income, as reported | $ | 75 | $ | 99 | $ | 319 | $ | 296 | |||||||
Add: Non-cash compensation expenseperformance options included in reported net income, net of related tax of $(2), $(1), $(3) and $(5) | 2 | 3 | 7 | 12 | |||||||||||
One-off tax benefit determined under APB 25 (Note 4) | | (37 | ) | | (35 | ) | |||||||||
Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under FAS 123 for all awards, net of related tax of $3, $1, $5 and $2 | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | (10 | ) | (5 | ) | |||||||
One-off tax benefit as determined under FAS 123 | | 3 | | 3 | |||||||||||
Net income, pro forma | $ | 74 | $ | 66 | $ | 316 | $ | 271 | |||||||
Net income per share: | |||||||||||||||
Basic: | |||||||||||||||
As reported | $ | 0.48 | $ | 0.65 | $ | 2.02 | $ | 1.96 | |||||||
Pro forma | $ | 0.47 | $ | 0.43 | $ | 2.00 | $ | 1.79 | |||||||
Diluted: | |||||||||||||||
As reported | $ | 0.45 | $ | 0.59 | $ | 1.89 | $ | 1.75 | |||||||
Pro forma | $ | 0.45 | $ | 0.40 | $ | 1.89 | $ | 1.61 | |||||||
3. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The financial risks the Company manages through the use of financial instruments are interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The Company's Board of Directors reviews and agrees on policies for managing each of these risks. The Company has applied SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ("SFAS 133"), as amended by SFAS 149, in accounting for these financial instruments.
The fair values of both interest rate contracts and foreign currency contracts are recorded in other assets and other liabilities on the balance sheet. For contracts that are qualifying cash flow hedges as defined by SFAS 133, changes in fair value are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. Amounts are reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. For contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting as defined by SFAS 133, changes in fair value are recorded in general and administrative expenses.
6
The changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments have been recorded as follows:
|
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
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2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
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(millions) |
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General and administrative expenses: | |||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | $ | 1 | $ | | $ | 1 | $ | (1 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency contracts | | | | (2 | ) | ||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income: |
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Interest rate contracts (net of tax of $nil, $3, $6 and $3) | 1 | (5 | ) | (14 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||
Foreign currency contracts (net of tax of $2, $nil, $nil and $nil) | (5 | ) | (3 | ) | | (1 | ) |
4. INCOME TAXES
In the third quarter of 2003, certain changes to UK tax legislation were enacted regarding the taxation of employee stock options. When UK-based employees exercise their stock options, the Company obtains a corporate tax deduction equal to the market price of the Company's shares on the date of exercise less the option exercise price paid by the employee. This change largely brought UK tax legislation into line with US tax legislation.
Non-cash compensation amounting to $123 million in respect of UK performance options was expensed in periods prior to June 30, 2003 without any income tax benefit being recognized. Accordingly, following the change in UK tax legislation, an income tax benefit of $37 million, and a corresponding deferred asset, were recognized in the third quarter of 2003. Of the $37 million, $2 million related to the first six months of 2003.
5. PENSIONS PLANS
The components of the net periodic benefit cost (income) of the UK and US defined benefit plans are as follows:
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Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
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UK pension benefits |
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2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
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(millions) |
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Components of net periodic benefit cost (income): | |||||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 10 | $ | 7 | $ | 31 | $ | 22 | |||||||
Interest cost | 21 | 17 | 61 | 50 | |||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (27 | ) | (24 | ) | (83 | ) | (72 | ) | |||||||
Amortization of unrecognized prior service gain | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||
Net periodic benefit cost (income) | $ | 3 | $ | (1 | ) | $ | 7 | $ | (2 | ) | |||||
7
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Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
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US pension benefits |
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2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
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(millions) |
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Components of net periodic benefit cost: | |||||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 5 | $ | 4 | $ | 15 | $ | 12 | |||||||
Interest cost | 7 | 7 | 21 | 21 | |||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (7 | ) | (7 | ) | (22 | ) | (21 | ) | |||||||
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss | | 1 | | 3 | |||||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 5 | $ | 5 | $ | 14 | $ | 15 | |||||||
As of September 30, 2004, the Company had paid contributions of $23 million to the UK plan and $20 million to the US plan. The Company expects to contribute a further $7 million to the UK plan in the fourth quarter of 2004.
6. NET INCOME PER SHARE
Basic and diluted net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the average number of shares outstanding during each period. The computation of diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if dilutive securities and other contracts to issue shares were exercised or converted into shares or resulted in the issue of shares that then shared in the net income of the Company.
At September 30, 2004, time-based and performance-based options to purchase 18.0 million and 5.2 million (2003: 19.2 million and 8.1 million) shares, respectively, and 0.5 million restricted shares (2003: 0.4 million), were outstanding. Basic and diluted net income per share are as follows:
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Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
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2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
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(millions, except per share data) |
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Basic average number of shares outstanding | 157 | 153 | 158 | 151 | |||||||||
Dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares | 10 | 15 | 11 | 18 | |||||||||
Diluted average number of shares outstanding | 167 | 168 | 169 | 169 | |||||||||
Basic net income per share | $ | 0.48 | $ | 0.65 | $ | 2.02 | $ | 1.96 | |||||
Dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares | (0.03 | ) | (0.06 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (0.21 | ) | |||||
Diluted net income per share | $ | 0.45 | $ | 0.59 | $ | 1.89 | $ | 1.75 | |||||
Options to purchase 5.1 million shares for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2004 were not included in the computation of the dilutive effect of stock options because the effect was antidilutive (2003: nil).
8
7. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following:
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September 30, 2004 |
December 31, 2003 |
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(millions) |
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Senior credit facility, term loans | $ | 450 | $ | | ||
9% senior subordinated notes, due 2009 | | 370 | ||||
$ | 450 | $ | 370 | |||
On December 4, 2003, the Company entered into a credit agreement providing a $450 million term loan facility and a $150 million revolving credit facility. $150 million of the term loan facility matures on each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the agreement. The revolving credit facility is available until December 4, 2008.
On February 2, 2004, the Company redeemed all the outstanding 9% senior subordinated notes at a redemption price of 104.5%. On the same day, the Company drew down $300 million of term loans under the senior credit facility. The remaining $150 million under the senior credit facility was drawn down on June 1, 2004.
At September 30, 2004, there remained undrawn $150 million under the revolving credit facility.
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Regulatory and Other Proceedings Relating to Contingent Compensation ArrangementsBeginning in April 2004, the New York Attorney General issued subpoenas to a number of insurance carriers and insurance brokerage firms, including the Company. These subpoenas requested information regarding, among other things, arrangements pursuant to which insurers compensated insurance brokers for distribution and other services provided to insurers. The New York Department of Insurance also requested information concerning these compensation arrangements. In October 2004, the New York Attorney General filed suit against one of the insurance brokers, accusing that broker of steering clients to insurers with which it has these compensation arrangements and of soliciting false or fictitious quotes from insurers (the "NY AG Complaint"). The New York Attorney General has stated publicly that he has broadened his investigation of the insurance industry to cover other practices and other possible violations of law, including violations of fiduciary duty, securities laws, and antitrust laws. The New York Attorney General has also publicly stated that civil and criminal charges may be filed against both individuals and other industry participants. After the New York Attorney General commenced his investigation, insurance commissioners and attorneys general of other states have announced that they are conducting similar investigations and have issued subpoenas to a number of insurance carriers and insurance brokerage firms, including the Company. The Company is co-operating fully with these investigations and is producing documents and other information in response to these subpoenas.
In August 2004, a state court proceeding was commenced against the Company in California by an organization purporting to act in a representative capacity on behalf of the California general public. The complaint alleges that the compensation arrangements between the Company and insurance carriers constitute deceptive trade practices, and it seeks both injunctive and equitable relief, including restitution. A purported class action has also been filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York naming various insurance carriers and insurance brokerage firms,
9
including the Company, as defendants. The complaint alleges conduct by the defendants similar to the conduct alleged in the NY AG Complaint and also alleges, among other things, the existence of a conspiracy among the insurance carriers and brokers whereby they have engaged in violations of the federal RICO statute. It is expected that further lawsuits may be filed. The Company disputes these allegations and intends to defend itself vigorously against these actions.
The compensation arrangements, which were initially the subject of the investigation by the New York Attorney General, are a longstanding and common practice within the insurance industry and have been disclosed by the Company. On October 21, 2004, the Company announced that it was voluntarily abolishing these compensation arrangements immediately in North America and by December 31, 2004 outside North America. It is not possible at this time to predict what the ultimate outcome of these proceedings or any possible future proceedings may be. On the basis of current information, the Company does not expect that such proceedings will ultimately have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.
Other Claims, Lawsuits and ProceedingsThe Company is subject to various actual and potential claims, lawsuits and proceedings relating principally to alleged errors and omissions in connection with the placement of insurance and reinsurance in the ordinary course of business. Similar to other corporations, the Company is also subject to a variety of other claims, including those relating to the Company's employment practices. Some of those claims, lawsuits and proceedings seek damages in amounts which could, if assessed, be significant.
Most of these other claims, lawsuits and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business are covered by professional indemnity or other appropriate insurance. In respect of self-insured deductibles, the Company has established provisions against these items which are believed to be adequate in the light of current information and legal advice, and the Company adjusts such provisions from time to time according to developments. On the basis of current information, the Company does not expect that the outcome of these other claims, lawsuits and proceedings to which the Company is subject or of which it is aware will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.
10
9. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Supplemental disclosures regarding cash flow information and non-cash flow investing and financing activities are as follows:
|
Nine months ended September 30, |
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|
2004 |
2003 |
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(millions) |
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Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: | ||||||||
Cash payments for income taxes | $ | 89 | $ | 96 | ||||
Cash payments for interest | $ | 25 | $ | 46 | ||||
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash flow investing and financing activities: | ||||||||
Issue of stock on acquisition of subsidiaries | $ | 28 | $ | 12 | ||||
Deferred payments on acquisitions of subsidiaries | (7 | ) | 2 | |||||
Acquisitions: | ||||||||
Fair value of assets acquired | 37 | 9 | ||||||
Less: liabilities assumed | (34 | ) | | |||||
cash acquired | (7 | ) | | |||||
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | $ | (4 | ) | $ | 9 | |||
10. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
The components of comprehensive income are as follows:
|
Three months ended September 30, |
Nine months ended September 30, |
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|
2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
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(millions) |
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Net income | $ | 75 | $ | 99 | $ | 319 | $ | 296 | |||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | 1 | (2 | ) | 4 | | ||||||||||
Unrealized holding loss | | (1 | ) | | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Net loss on derivative instruments (net of tax of $2, $3, $6 and $3) | (4 | ) | (8 | ) | (14 | ) | (7 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive loss | (3 | ) | (11 | ) | (10 | ) | (9 | ) | |||||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 72 | $ | 88 | $ | 309 | $ | 287 | |||||||
11
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
|
September 30, 2004 |
December 31, 2003 |
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|
(millions) |
|||||||
Net foreign currency translation adjustment | $ | (8 | ) | $ | (12 | ) | ||
Net minimum pension liability adjustment | (149 | ) | (149 | ) | ||||
Net gain on derivative instruments | 21 | 35 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ | (136 | ) | $ | (126 | ) | ||
11. COMMON STOCK
On July 23, 2003, the Board of Directors authorized an open-ended plan to purchase, from time to time in the open market or through negotiated trades with persons who are not affiliates of the Company, shares of the Company's common stock at an aggregate purchase price of up to $100 million. On February 4, 2004, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the authorization to $300 million. This was further increased to $500 million as announced on September 8, 2004. During the first nine months of 2004, the Company repurchased 9.0 million shares for a total consideration of $327 million, of which $311 million had been settled by September 30, 2004. Repurchased shares were subsequently cancelled.
12. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company conducts its worldwide insurance brokerage activities through three operating segments: Global, North America and International. Each operating segment exhibits similar economic characteristics, provides similar products and services and distributes same through common distribution channels to a common type of class of customer. In addition, the regulatory environment in each region is similar. Consequently, for financial reporting purposes the Company has aggregated these three operating segments into one reportable segment.
13. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Willis North America Inc. ("Willis North America") debt securities registered in April 2003 will be, if issued, jointly and severally, irrevocably and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Willis Group Holdings, Willis Group Limited, Trinity Acquisition Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited and TA IV Limited.
Presented below is condensed consolidating financial information for: i) Willis Group Holdings, which will be a guarantor, on a parent company only basis; ii) the other Guarantors which are all wholly owned subsidiaries of the parent; iii) the Issuer, Willis North America; iv) Other, which are the non-guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis; v) Eliminations; and vi) Consolidated Company and subsidiaries. The equity method has been used for all investments in subsidiaries.
The entities included in the other Guarantors column are Willis Group Limited, Trinity Acquisition Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited and TA IV Limited.
12
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
|
Three months ended September 30, 2004 |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
|||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Commissions and fees | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 472 | $ | | $ | 472 | |||||||||
Interest income | | | 2 | 22 | (6 | ) | 18 | ||||||||||||||
Total revenues | | | 2 | 494 | (6 | ) | 490 | ||||||||||||||
EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses (excluding non-cash compensation) | 3 | 1 | 12 | 350 | (1 | ) | 365 | ||||||||||||||
Non-cash compensationperformance options | | | | 4 | | 4 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation expense | | | | 10 | | 10 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | | | | | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||
Net loss (gain) on disposal of operations | | | 573 | | (573 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Total expenses | 3 | 1 | 585 | 364 | (572 | ) | 381 | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME | (3 | ) | (1 | ) | (583 | ) | 130 | 566 | 109 | ||||||||||||
Investment income from Group undertakings | | 54 | 11 | | (65 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | | (51 | ) | (8 | ) | (19 | ) | 72 | (6 | ) | |||||||||||
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES | (3 | ) | 2 | (580 | ) | 111 | 573 | 103 | |||||||||||||
INCOME TAXES | | | (3 | ) | 40 | (6 | ) | 31 | |||||||||||||
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES | (3 | ) | 2 | (577 | ) | 71 | 579 | 72 | |||||||||||||
EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES | | | | 3 | | 3 | |||||||||||||||
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES | 78 | 76 | 590 | | (744 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
NET INCOME | $ | 75 | $ | 78 | $ | 13 | $ | 74 | $ | (165 | ) | $ | 75 | ||||||||
13
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
|
Three months ended September 30, 2003 |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
|||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Commissions and fees | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 434 | $ | | $ | 434 | |||||||||
Interest income | | | 3 | 19 | (4 | ) | 18 | ||||||||||||||
Total revenues | | | 3 | 453 | (4 | ) | 452 | ||||||||||||||
EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses (excluding non-cash compensation) | 1 | (2 | ) | 2 | 315 | 23 | 339 | ||||||||||||||
Non-cash compensationperformance options | | | | 4 | | 4 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation expense | | | 1 | 7 | | 8 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | | | | | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||
Net loss (gain) on disposal of operations | | | | 6 | (12 | ) | (6 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total expenses | 1 | (2 | ) | 3 | 332 | 12 | 346 | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME | (1 | ) | 2 | | 121 | (16 | ) | 106 | |||||||||||||
Investment income from Group undertakings | 18 | 135 | 45 | 21 | (219 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | | (53 | ) | (17 | ) | (16 | ) | 74 | (12 | ) | |||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST | 17 | 84 | 28 | 126 | (161 | ) | 94 | ||||||||||||||
INCOME TAXES | | | (2 | ) | (3 | ) | 2 | (3 | ) | ||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST | 17 | 84 | 30 | 129 | (163 | ) | 97 | ||||||||||||||
EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES | | | | 2 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||||||||
MINORITY INTEREST | | | | | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES | 82 | 16 | | | (98 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
NET INCOME | $ | 99 | $ | 100 | $ | 30 | $ | 131 | $ | (261 | ) | $ | 99 | ||||||||
14
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
|
Nine months ended September 30, 2004 |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
|||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Commissions and fees | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 1,636 | $ | | $ | 1,636 | |||||||||
Interest income | | | 6 | 60 | (15 | ) | 51 | ||||||||||||||
Total revenues | | | 6 | 1,696 | (15 | ) | 1,687 | ||||||||||||||
EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses (excluding non-cash compensation) | 4 | (1 | ) | 11 | 1,152 | (15 | ) | 1,151 | |||||||||||||
Non-cash compensationperformance options | | | | 10 | | 10 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation expense | | | 3 | 28 | | 31 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | | | | | 4 | 4 | |||||||||||||||
Net loss (gain) on disposal of operations | | | 573 | 568 | (1,146 | ) | (5 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total expenses | 4 | (1 | ) | 587 | 1,758 | (1,157 | ) | 1,191 | |||||||||||||
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME | (4 | ) | 1 | (581 | ) | (62 | ) | 1,142 | 496 | ||||||||||||
Investment income from Group undertakings | 254 | 1,353 | 69 | 88 | (1,764 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | | (152 | ) | (22 | ) | (58 | ) | 217 | (15 | ) | |||||||||||
Premium on redemption of subordinated notes | | | (17 | ) | | | (17 | ) | |||||||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES, EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST | 250 | 1,202 | (551 | ) | (32 | ) | (405 | ) | 464 | ||||||||||||
INCOME TAXES | | 4 | (6 | ) | 161 | (4 | ) | 155 | |||||||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST | 250 | 1,198 | (545 | ) | (193 | ) | (401 | ) | 309 | ||||||||||||
EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES | | | | 15 | | 15 | |||||||||||||||
MINORITY INTEREST | | | | (1 | ) | (4 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||||||||||
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES | 69 | (875 | ) | 606 | | 200 | | ||||||||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 319 | $ | 323 | $ | 61 | $ | (179 | ) | $ | (205 | ) | $ | 319 | |||||||
15
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
|
Nine months ended September 30, 2003 |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
|||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Commissions and fees | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 1,446 | $ | | $ | 1,446 | |||||||||
Interest income | | | 7 | 58 | (12 | ) | 53 | ||||||||||||||
Total revenues | | | 7 | 1,504 | (12 | ) | 1,499 | ||||||||||||||
EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses (excluding non-cash compensation) | 2 | (5 | ) | 8 | 1,024 | 7 | 1,036 | ||||||||||||||
Non-cash compensationperformance options | | | | 17 | | 17 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation expense | | | 4 | 22 | | 26 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | | | | | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||
Net loss (gain) on disposal of operations | | | | 8 | (18 | ) | (10 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total expenses | 2 | (5 | ) | 12 | 1,071 | (9 | ) | 1,071 | |||||||||||||
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME | (2 | ) | 5 | (5 | ) | 433 | (3 | ) | 428 | ||||||||||||
Investment income from Group undertakings | 41 | 339 | 121 | 57 | (558 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | | (161 | ) | (56 | ) | (47 | ) | 224 | (40 | ) | |||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST | 39 | 183 | 60 | 443 | (337 | ) | 388 | ||||||||||||||
INCOME TAXES | | | (8 | ) | 103 | 7 | 102 | ||||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST | 39 | 183 | 68 | 340 | (344 | ) | 286 | ||||||||||||||
EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES | | | | 13 | 1 | 14 | |||||||||||||||
MINORITY INTEREST | | | | | (4 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||||||||
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES | 257 | 115 | 3 | | (375 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
NET INCOME | $ | 296 | $ | 298 | $ | 71 | $ | 353 | $ | (722 | ) | $ | 296 | ||||||||
16
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
|
As at September 30, 2004 |
|||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||
ASSETS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 10 | $ | | $ | 118 | $ | 142 | $ | | $ | 270 | ||||||||
Fiduciary fundsrestricted | | | 78 | 1,402 | | 1,480 | ||||||||||||||
Short-term investments | | | | 68 | | 68 | ||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | 34 | 2,465 | 1,242 | 8,733 | (4,884 | ) | 7,590 | |||||||||||||
Goodwill and other intangible assets | | | | 153 | 1,282 | 1,435 | ||||||||||||||
Other assets | | 91 | 15 | 754 | (68 | ) | 792 | |||||||||||||
Equity accounted subsidiaries | 1,405 | 2,114 | 999 | 1,781 | (6,299 | ) | | |||||||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 1,449 | $ | 4,670 | $ | 2,452 | $ | 13,033 | $ | (9,969 | ) | $ | 11,635 | |||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 85 | $ | 3,196 | $ | 1,314 | $ | 9,135 | $ | (4,908 | ) | $ | 8,822 | |||||||
Deferred revenue and accrued expenses | 3 | | 1 | 246 | (8 | ) | 242 | |||||||||||||
Income taxes payable | | 124 | | 82 | (45 | ) | 161 | |||||||||||||
Other liabilities | 29 | | 484 | 516 | 31 | 1,060 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 117 | 3,320 | 1,799 | 9,979 | (4,930 | ) | 10,285 | |||||||||||||
MINORITY INTEREST | | | | 1 | 17 | 18 | ||||||||||||||
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | 1,332 | 1,350 | 653 | 3,053 | (5,056 | ) | 1,332 | |||||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | 1,449 | $ | 4,670 | $ | 2,452 | $ | 13,033 | $ | (9,969 | ) | $ | 11,635 | |||||||
17
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
|
As at December 31, 2003 |
|||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||
ASSETS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 48 | $ | 9 | $ | 148 | $ | 159 | $ | | $ | 364 | ||||||||
Fiduciary fundsrestricted | | | 97 | 1,405 | | 1,502 | ||||||||||||||
Short-term investments | | | | 61 | | 61 | ||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | 7 | 2,687 | 876 | 7,808 | (4,398 | ) | 6,980 | |||||||||||||
Goodwill and other intangible assets | | | | 159 | 1,186 | 1,345 | ||||||||||||||
Other assets | | 52 | 69 | 673 | (88 | ) | 706 | |||||||||||||
Equity accounted subsidiaries | 1,295 | 1,449 | 1,049 | 1,714 | (5,507 | ) | | |||||||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 1,350 | $ | 4,197 | $ | 2,239 | $ | 11,979 | $ | (8,807 | ) | $ | 10,958 | |||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | | $ | 2,811 | $ | 1,246 | $ | 8,575 | $ | (4,422 | ) | $ | 8,210 | |||||||
Deferred revenue and accrued expenses | | 1 | 12 | 329 | (15 | ) | 327 | |||||||||||||
Income taxes payable | | 91 | | 64 | (18 | ) | 137 | |||||||||||||
Other liabilities | 26 | | 419 | 442 | 54 | 941 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 26 | 2,903 | 1,677 | 9,410 | (4,401 | ) | 9,615 | |||||||||||||
MINORITY INTEREST | | | | 1 | 18 | 19 | ||||||||||||||
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | 1,324 | 1,294 | 562 | 2,568 | (4,424 | ) | 1,324 | |||||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | 1,350 | $ | 4,197 | $ | 2,239 | $ | 11,979 | $ | (8,807 | ) | $ | 10,958 | |||||||
18
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
|
Nine months ended September 30, 2004 |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
|||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES | $ | (2 | ) | $ | 8 | $ | 52 | $ | 261 | $ | | $ | 319 | ||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired | (41 | ) | | (573 | ) | (610 | ) | 1,146 | (78 | ) | |||||||||||
Other | | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | (25 | ) | | (30 | ) | |||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (41 | ) | (3 | ) | (575 | ) | (635 | ) | 1,146 | (108 | ) | ||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Repayments of debt | | | (370 | ) | | | (370 | ) | |||||||||||||
Draw down of term loans | | | 450 | | | 450 | |||||||||||||||
Repurchase of shares | (311 | ) | | | | | (311 | ) | |||||||||||||
Amounts owed by and to Group undertakings | 68 | 208 | 393 | 477 | (1,146 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Dividends paid | 170 | (225 | ) | 37 | (67 | ) | | (85 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other | 78 | 3 | (17 | ) | (51 | ) | | 13 | |||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 5 | (14 | ) | 493 | 359 | (1,146 | ) | (303 | ) | ||||||||||||
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (38 | ) | (9 | ) | (30 | ) | (15 | ) | | (92 | ) | ||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | | | | (2 | ) | | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | 48 | 9 | 148 | 159 | | 364 | |||||||||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD | $ | 10 | $ | | $ | 118 | $ | 142 | $ | | $ | 270 | |||||||||
19
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
|
Nine months ended September 30, 2003 |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
|||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES | $ | (2 | ) | $ | 12 | $ | (32 | ) | $ | 345 | $ | | $ | 323 | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired | | | | (85 | ) | | (85 | ) | |||||||||||||
Additions to fixed assets | | | 8 | (48 | ) | | (40 | ) | |||||||||||||
Purchase of short-term investments | | | | (44 | ) | | (44 | ) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds on sale of short-term investments | | | | 29 | | 29 | |||||||||||||||
Other | | | 1 | 16 | | 17 | |||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | | | 9 | (132 | ) | | (123 | ) | |||||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Repayments of debt | | (1 | ) | (119 | ) | | | (120 | ) | ||||||||||||
Amounts owed by and to Group undertakings | (12 | ) | 30 | 108 | (126 | ) | | | |||||||||||||
Dividends paid | 4 | (42 | ) | 81 | (81 | ) | | (38 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other | 19 | 1 | | | | 20 | |||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 11 | (12 | ) | 70 | (207 | ) | | (138 | ) | ||||||||||||
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 9 | | 47 | 6 | | 62 | |||||||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | | | | 7 | | 7 | |||||||||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | 1 | | 97 | 113 | | 211 | |||||||||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD | $ | 10 | $ | | $ | 144 | $ | 126 | $ | | $ | 280 | |||||||||
14. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Trinity Acquisition Limited debt securities registered in April 2003 will be, if issued, jointly and severally, irrevocably and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Willis Group Holdings, TA I Limited, TA II Limited and TA III Limited.
20
Presented below is condensed consolidating financial information for: i) Willis Group Holdings, which will be a guarantor, on a parent company only basis; ii) the other Guarantors, which are all wholly owned subsidiaries of the parent; iii) the Issuer, Trinity Acquisition Limited; iv) Other, which are the non-guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis; v) Eliminations; and vi) Consolidated Company and subsidiaries. The equity method has been used for all investments in subsidiaries.
The entities included in the other Guarantors column are TA I Limited, TA II Limited and TA III Limited.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
|
Three months ended September 30, 2004 |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
|||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Commissions and fees | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 472 | $ | | $ | 472 | |||||||||
Interest income | | | | 24 | (6 | ) | 18 | ||||||||||||||
Total revenues | | | | 496 | (6 | ) | 490 | ||||||||||||||
EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses (excluding non-cash compensation) | 3 | | | 363 | (1 | ) | 365 | ||||||||||||||
Non-cash compensationperformance options | | | | 4 | | 4 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation expense | | | | 10 | | 10 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | | | | | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||
Net loss on disposal of operations | | | | 573 | (573 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Total expenses | 3 | | | 950 | (572 | ) | 381 | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME | (3 | ) | | | (454 | ) | 566 | 109 | |||||||||||||
Investment income from Group undertakings | | | 40 | 25 | (65 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | | | (12 | ) | (66 | ) | 72 | (6 | ) | ||||||||||||
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES | (3 | ) | | 28 | (495 | ) | 573 | 103 | |||||||||||||
INCOME TAXES | | | 7 | 30 | (6 | ) | 31 | ||||||||||||||
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES | (3 | ) | | 21 | (525 | ) | 579 | 72 | |||||||||||||
EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES | | | | 3 | | 3 | |||||||||||||||
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES | 78 | 78 | 57 | | (213 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 75 | $ | 78 | $ | 78 | $ | (522 | ) | $ | 366 | $ | 75 | ||||||||
21
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
|
Three months ended September 30, 2003 |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
|||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Commissions and fees | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 434 | $ | | $ | 434 | |||||||||
Interest income | | | | 22 | (4 | ) | 18 | ||||||||||||||
Total revenues | | | | 456 | (4 | ) | 452 | ||||||||||||||
EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses (excluding non-cash compensation) | 1 | | | 315 | 23 | 339 | |||||||||||||||
Non-cash compensationperformance options | | | | 4 | | 4 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation expense | | | | 8 | | 8 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | | | | | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||
Net loss (gain) on disposal of operations | | | | 6 | (12 | ) | (6 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total expenses | 1 | | | 333 | 12 | 346 | |||||||||||||||
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME | (1 | ) | | | 123 | (16 | ) | 106 | |||||||||||||
Investment income from Group undertakings | 18 | 58 | 40 | 103 | (219 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | | | (13 | ) | (73 | ) | 74 | (12 | ) | ||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST | 17 | 58 | 27 | 153 | (161 | ) | 94 | ||||||||||||||
INCOME TAXES | | | 8 | (13 | ) | 2 | (3 | ) | |||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST | 17 | 58 | 19 | 166 | (163 | ) | 97 | ||||||||||||||
EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES | | | | 2 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||||||||
MINORITY INTEREST | | | | | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES | 82 | 42 | 81 | | (205 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
NET INCOME | $ | 99 | $ | 100 | $ | 100 | $ | 168 | $ | (368 | ) | $ | 99 | ||||||||
22
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
|
Nine months ended September 30, 2004 |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
|||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Commissions and fees | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 1,636 | $ | | $ | 1,636 | |||||||||
Interest income | | | | 66 | (15 | ) | 51 | ||||||||||||||
Total revenues | | | | 1,702 | (15 | ) | 1,687 | ||||||||||||||
EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses (excluding non-cash compensation) | 4 | | | 1,162 | (15 | ) | 1,151 | ||||||||||||||
Non-cash compensationperformance options | | | | 10 | | 10 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation expense | | | | 31 | | 31 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | | | | | 4 | 4 | |||||||||||||||
Net loss (gain) on disposal of operations | | | | 1,141 | (1,146 | ) | (5 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total expenses | 4 | | | 2,344 | (1,157 | ) | 1,191 | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME | (4 | ) | | | (642 | ) | 1,142 | 496 | |||||||||||||
Investment income from Group undertakings | 254 | 764 | 195 | 551 | (1,764 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | | | (32 | ) | (200 | ) | 217 | (15 | ) | ||||||||||||
Premium on redemption of subordinated notes | | | | (17 | ) | | (17 | ) | |||||||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES, EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST | 250 | 764 | 163 | (308 | ) | (405 | ) | 464 | |||||||||||||
INCOME TAXES | | | 27 | 132 | (4 | ) | 155 | ||||||||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST | 250 | 764 | 136 | (440 | ) | (401 | ) | 309 | |||||||||||||
EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES | | | | 15 | | 15 | |||||||||||||||
MINORITY INTEREST | | | | (1 | ) | (4 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||||||||||
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES | 69 | (441 | ) | 187 | | 185 | | ||||||||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 319 | $ | 323 | $ | 323 | $ | (426 | ) | $ | (220 | ) | $ | 319 | |||||||
23
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
|
Nine months ended September 30, 2003 |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
|||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Commissions and fees | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 1,446 | $ | | $ | 1,446 | |||||||||
Interest income | | | | 65 | (12 | ) | 53 | ||||||||||||||
Total revenues | | | | 1,511 | (12 | ) | 1,499 | ||||||||||||||
EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses (excluding non-cash compensation) | 2 | | (1 | ) | 1,028 | 7 | 1,036 | ||||||||||||||
Non-cash compensationperformance options | | | | 17 | | 17 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation expense | | | | 26 | | 26 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | | | | | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||
Net loss (gain) on disposal of operations | | | | 8 | (18 | ) | (10 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total expenses | 2 | | (1 | ) | 1,079 | (9 | ) | 1,071 | |||||||||||||
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME | (2 | ) | | 1 | 432 | (3 | ) | 428 | |||||||||||||
Investment income from Group undertakings | 41 | 125 | 119 | 273 | (558 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | | | (42 | ) | (222 | ) | 224 | (40 | ) | ||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES, EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST | 39 | 125 | 78 | 483 | (337 | ) | 388 | ||||||||||||||
INCOME TAXES | | | 24 | 71 | 7 | 102 | |||||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES AND MINORITY INTEREST | 39 | 125 | 54 | 412 | (344 | ) | 286 | ||||||||||||||
EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF ASSOCIATES | | | | 13 | 1 | 14 | |||||||||||||||
MINORITY INTEREST | | | | | (4 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||||||||
EQUITY ACCOUNT FOR SUBSIDIARIES | 257 | 173 | 244 | | (674 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
NET INCOME | $ | 296 | $ | 298 | $ | 298 | $ | 425 | $ | (1,021 | ) | $ | 296 | ||||||||
24
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
|
As at September 30, 2004 |
|||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||
ASSETS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 10 | $ | | $ | | $ | 260 | $ | | $ | 270 | ||||||||
Fiduciary fundsrestricted | | | | 1,480 | | 1,480 | ||||||||||||||
Short-term investments | | | | 68 | | 68 | ||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | 34 | 246 | 1,445 | 10,749 | (4,884 | ) | 7,590 | |||||||||||||
Goodwill and other intangible assets | | | | 153 | 1,282 | 1,435 | ||||||||||||||
Other assets | | | | 860 | (68 | ) | 792 | |||||||||||||
Equity accounted subsidiaries | 1,405 | 1,348 | 630 | 4,397 | (7,780 | ) | | |||||||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 1,449 | $ | 1,594 | $ | 2,075 | $ | 17,967 | $ | (11,450 | ) | $ | 11,635 | |||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 85 | $ | 244 | $ | 626 | $ | 12,775 | $ | (4,908 | ) | $ | 8,822 | |||||||
Deferred revenue and accrued expenses | 3 | | | 247 | (8 | ) | 242 | |||||||||||||
Income taxes payable | | | 101 | 105 | (45 | ) | 161 | |||||||||||||
Other liabilities | 29 | | | 1,000 | 31 | 1,060 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 117 | 244 | 727 | 14,127 | (4,930 | ) | 10,285 | |||||||||||||
MINORITY INTEREST | | | | 1 | 17 | 18 | ||||||||||||||
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | 1,332 | 1,350 | 1,348 | 3,839 | (6,537 | ) | 1,332 | |||||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | 1,449 | $ | 1,594 | $ | 2,075 | $ | 17,967 | $ | (11,450 | ) | $ | 11,635 | |||||||
25
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
|
As at December 31, 2003 |
|||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
|||||||||||||||||||
ASSETS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 48 | $ | | $ | | $ | 316 | $ | | $ | 364 | ||||||||
Fiduciary fundsrestricted | | | | 1,502 | | 1,502 | ||||||||||||||
Short-term investments | | | | 61 | | 61 | ||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | 7 | 20 | 1,511 | 9,840 | (4,398 | ) | 6,980 | |||||||||||||
Goodwill and other intangible assets | | | | 159 | 1,186 | 1,345 | ||||||||||||||
Other assets | | | | 794 | (88 | ) | 706 | |||||||||||||
Equity accounted subsidiaries | 1,295 | 1,292 | 455 | 3,878 | (6,920 | ) | | |||||||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 1,350 | $ | 1,312 | $ | 1,966 | $ | 16,550 | $ | (10,220 | ) | $ | 10,958 | |||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | | $ | 18 | $ | 601 | $ | 12,013 | $ | (4,422 | ) | $ | 8,210 | |||||||
Deferred revenue and accrued expenses | | | | 342 | (15 | ) | 327 | |||||||||||||
Income taxes payable | | | 73 | 82 | (18 | ) | 137 | |||||||||||||
Other liabilities | 26 | | | 861 | 54 | 941 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 26 | 18 | 674 | 13,298 | (4,401 | ) | 9,615 | |||||||||||||
MINORITY INTEREST | | | | 1 | 18 | 19 | ||||||||||||||
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | 1,324 | 1,294 | 1,292 | 3,251 | (5,837 | ) | 1,324 | |||||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | 1,350 | $ | 1,312 | $ | 1,966 | $ | 16,550 | $ | (10,220 | ) | $ | 10,958 | |||||||
26
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
|
Nine months ended September 30, 2004 |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
|||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES | $ | (2 | ) | $ | | $ | 88 | $ | 233 | $ | | $ | 319 | ||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired | (41 | ) | | | (1,183 | ) | 1,146 | (78 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other | | | | (30 | ) | | (30 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (41 | ) | | | (1,213 | ) | 1,146 | (108 | ) | ||||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Repayments of debt | | | | (370 | ) | | (370 | ) | |||||||||||||
Draw down of term loans | | | | 450 | | 450 | |||||||||||||||
Repurchase of shares | (311 | ) | | | | | (311 | ) | |||||||||||||
Amounts owed by and to Group undertakings | 68 | | 91 | 987 | (1,146 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Dividends paid | 170 | | (179 | ) | (76 | ) | | (85 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other | 78 | | | (65 | ) | | 13 | ||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 5 | | (88 | ) | 926 | (1,146 | ) | (303 | ) | ||||||||||||
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (38 | ) | | | (54 | ) | | (92 | ) | ||||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | | | | (2 | ) | | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | 48 | | | 316 | | 364 | |||||||||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD | $ | 10 | $ | | $ | | $ | 260 | $ | | $ | 270 | |||||||||
27
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
|
Nine months ended September 30, 2003 |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Willis Group Holdings |
The Other Guarantors |
The Issuer |
Other |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
|||||||||||||||
|
(millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES | $ | (2 | ) | $ | (1 | ) | $ | 80 | $ | 246 | $ | | $ | 323 | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired | | | | (85 | ) | | (85 | ) | |||||||||||||
Additions to fixed assets | | | | (40 | ) | | (40 | ) | |||||||||||||
Purchase of short-term investments | | | | (44 | ) | | (44 | ) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments | | | | 29 | | 29 | |||||||||||||||
Other | | | | 17 | | 17 | |||||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | | | | (123 | ) | | (123 | ) | |||||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Repayments of debt | | | (1 | ) | (119 | ) | | (120 | ) | ||||||||||||
Amounts owed by and to Group undertakings | (12 | ) | 1 | (37 | ) | 48 | | | |||||||||||||
Dividends paid | 4 | | (42 | ) | | | (38 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other | 19 | | | 1 | | 20 | |||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 11 | 1 | (80 | ) | (70 | ) | | (138 | ) | ||||||||||||
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 9 | | | 53 | | 62 | |||||||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | | | | 7 | | 7 | |||||||||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | 1 | | | 210 | | 211 | |||||||||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD | $ | 10 | $ | | $ | | $ | 270 | $ | | $ | 280 | |||||||||
28
Item 2Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Executive Summary
Results
Revenues for third quarter 2004 increased by 8% to $490 million compared with third quarter 2003. Net new business growth across all businesses generated approximately 4% of this increase, with 2% attributable to foreign currency translation and 2% to the net effects of acquisitions and disposals. For the nine months to September 30, 2004, revenues increased by 13% compared with the corresponding period of 2003, with approximately 6% coming from net new business growth, 4% from the effects of foreign currency translation and 3% from the net effect of acquisitions and disposals.
Our operating margin was 22.2% in third quarter 2004, compared with 23.4% in the corresponding period of 2003. Excluding non-cash compensation charges for performance-based stock options and gains on disposal of operations, our operating margin was 23.1% in third quarter 2004, compared with 23.0% a year ago. For the first nine months of 2004, our operating margin was 29.4%, up from 28.6% in the corresponding period of 2003. Excluding non-cash compensation charges for performance-based stock options and gains on disposal of operations, our operating margin was 29.7% in the first nine months of 2004, up from 29.0% a year ago.
Net income per diluted share in third quarter 2004 was 24% lower than in the corresponding period of 2003 which benefited from a $37 million tax adjustment following a change in UK tax legislation. Excluding non-cash compensation charges for performance-based stock options, gains on disposal of operations and the one-time tax benefit, third quarter 2004 net income per diluted share was up 24% compared with third quarter 2003. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, net income per diluted share was up 8% over the corresponding period of 2003 on a reported basis and 25% excluding non-cash compensation charges for performance-based stock options, gains on disposal of operations, the one-time tax benefit and a non-recurring premium paid on the redemption of subordinated debt in February 2004.
On June 23, 2004 we announced agreement in principle to acquire a 56% shareholding in Coyle Hamilton, the Republic of Ireland's largest privately owned insurance broker with annualized revenues of approximately $60 million. We completed the acquisition on October 1, 2004 and have options to acquire the remaining 44% of Coyle Hamilton in 2007 and 2009. On August 17, 2004 we announced that we had final approval and certification for our joint venture operation, Willis Pudong Insurance Brokers Co., Ltd., to engage in insurance and reinsurance broking activities throughout the People's Republic of China.
During the quarter, we repurchased 3,474,200 shares of our common stock at a cost of $124 million, bringing our total repurchases in the nine months to September 30, 2004 to 8,974,200 shares of common stock at a cost of $327 million. On September 8, 2004, we announced an increase in the authorization limit of the share repurchase program to $500 million.
Impact of abolishing volume and profit-related commissions and future outlook
On October 21, 2004 we announced that we were abolishing volume and profit-related commissions and restructuring other market-related arrangements with insurers. In North America, we discontinued these commissions as of October 21, 2004 and outside North America we are discontinuing these commission arrangements by December 31, 2004. We had anticipated that we would receive some $160 million in total market derived revenues for fiscal 2004: $80 million of predominantly volume and profit-related contingent commissions and $80 million of other market service revenues. Of the $80 million of volume and profit-related revenues, we had recognized $50 million in the first nine months of 2004. Our decision could therefore reduce full year 2004
29
revenues by approximately $30 million, pre-tax, or $0.12 per diluted share. Because the situation is developing rapidly, the actual impact on 2004 could be more or less than these estimates.
In the rapidly changing industry environment, we see new opportunities to enhance our global market share, especially with middle market and large accounts. Our efforts to grow market share will include increased marketing, aggressive targeting of new accounts and continued hiring of new business producers and other staff.
Regulatory and other proceedings relating to contingent compensation arrangements
See Note 8Commitments and Contingencies of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Critical accounting estimates
The accounting estimates or assumptions that management considers to be the most important to the presentation of the Company's financial condition or operating performance were discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. There were no significant additions or changes to these estimates or assumptions in the first nine months of 2004.
Revenues
Premium rates continued to decline across most lines of insurance during the quarter. However, there are signs that some risk managers are beginning to take advantage of lower premium rates to buy more coverage. Despite the tough business environment, all our divisions reported growth in their third quarter 2004 revenues compared with third quarter 2003 and for year-to-date revenues compared with last year.
Our Global and International divisions earn significant revenues in currencies other than the US dollar: in 2004, reported revenues in our Global and International divisions benefited from the impact of foreign currency translation, largely as a result of both the euro and sterling strengthening against the dollar. In International, this benefit was partly offset by the strength of the dollar relative to Latin American currencies throughout 2004.
30
Acquisitions and disposals led to a 15% increase in International's third quarter 2004 revenue compared with the prior year. The increase was mainly attributable to the acquisition of a controlling interest in Willis A/S, our Danish subsidiary, which was consolidated from January 1, 2004.
|
Revenues |
Change attributable to: |
||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2004 |
2003 |
% change |
Foreign currency translation |
Acquisitions and disposals |
Net new business growth |
||||||||||
|
(millions) |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Three months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||
Global | $ | 251 | $ | 236 | 6 | % | 4 | % | | 2 | % | |||||
North America | 158 | 152 | 4 | % | | | 4 | % | ||||||||
International | 81 | 64 | 27 | % | 4 | % | 15 | % | 8 | % | ||||||
Total revenues | $ | 490 | $ | 452 | 8 | % | 2 | % | 2 | % | 4 | % | ||||
Nine months ended September 30, |
||||||||||||||||
Global | $ | 893 | $ | 815 | 10 | % | 5 | % | 1 | % | 4 | % | ||||
North America | 482 | 449 | 7 | % | | | 7 | % | ||||||||
International | 312 | 235 | 33 | % | 9 | % | 14 | % | 10 | % | ||||||
Total revenues | $ | 1,687 | $ | 1,499 | 13 | % | 4 | % | 3 | % | 6 | % | ||||
Global: Net new business growth in our Global business of 2% in third quarter 2004 and 4% in the first nine months of 2004 reflected good performances by all business units despite noticeable downward pressure on premium rates.
North America: Net new business growth in our North America business of 4% in third quarter 2004 and 7% in the first nine months of 2004 was attributable to solid contributions from our middle market, large account and specialty practices (notably executive risk, employee benefits and construction). There was a modest negative impact from premium rates. Premium rates are down 10 to 20% on average, but we are working hard to keep fees and commission rates steady in monetary terms thereby mitigating the impact of falling premium rates on our revenues.
International: Net new business growth in our International business of 8% in third quarter 2004 and 10% in the first nine months of 2004 was driven by good performances in Asia and Latin America. There was a modest negative impact from premium rates on average, although the effect varied by country and by line of business.
Expenses
General and administrative expenses (excluding non-cash compensation for performance-based stock options) were $365 million in third quarter 2004, up 8% from the third quarter of 2003. Approximately 4% of the reported increase was attributable to foreign currency translation and 4% to the net effect of acquisitions and disposals. Adjusting for these items, general and administrative expenses in third quarter 2004 were broadly in line with the corresponding period of 2003 as we maintained expense discipline. Salaries and benefits, including incentive-based compensation, remained relatively steady at 50% on a trailing twelve month basis but amounted to 56% of revenues in third quarter 2004, our lowest revenue quarter on a cyclical basis.
31
For the nine months to September 30, 2004, general and administrative expenses were 11% higher than in 2003 but only 3% higher after excluding the effects of acquisitions and disposals, 3%, and foreign currency translation, 5%.
We recorded a non-cash charge for performance-based stock options of $4 million in third quarter 2004 and $10 million in the nine months compared with $4 million and $17 million in the same periods a year ago. This charge recognizes performance-based stock options granted to management for exceeding 2001 and 2002 performance targets. On a cumulative basis as at September 30, 2004, we had recognized $268 million, or approximately 98%, of the estimated total charge. The remaining charge of approximately $4 million will be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2004, when substantially all performance options will have vested.
Operating income
Operating income increased by 3% to $109 million in third quarter 2004 and by 16% to $496 million in the first nine months of 2004. Excluding the non-cash compensation charge for performance-based stock options ($4 million in third quarter 2004 and $4 million in the third quarter of 2003) and gains on disposal of operations ($nil in third quarter 2004 and $6 million in the third quarter of 2003), operating income increased by 9% to $113 million in third quarter 2004 compared to the third quarter of 2003. Excluding the non-cash compensation charge for performance-based stock options and the gains on disposal of operations, operating income increased by 15% to $501 million in the first nine months of 2004 compared with the first nine months of 2003. We use operating income excluding non-cash compensation and gains on disposals as a measure of cash generated by the businesses.
Interest expense
Interest expense was $6 million in third quarter 2004 and $15 million in the nine months compared with $12 million and $40 million in the corresponding periods a year ago, reflecting lower average debt during the first nine months of 2004 and lower interest rates on our new borrowing facilities.
Income taxes
Income tax expense for third quarter 2004 amounted to $31 million and $155 million for the nine months to September 30, 2004. Through June 30, 2004, the company estimated an underlying full year tax rate of 34%. However, due to the actual geographic mix of our results, the full year's effective tax rate in 2004 is now estimated to be 33%.
In the third quarter of 2003, certain changes to UK tax legislation were enacted regarding the taxation of employee stock options. When UK-based employees exercise stock options, the Company obtains a corporate tax deduction equal to the market price of the Company's shares on the date of exercise less the option exercise price paid by the employee. Consequently, a one-time income tax benefit of $37 million, and a corresponding deferred asset, was recognized in the third quarter of 2003.
Net income
Net income in third quarter 2004 fell by 24% to $75 million ($0.45 per diluted share) from $99 million ($0.59 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2003 which benefited from a $37 million one-time income tax benefit arising from changes in UK tax legislation regarding the taxation of employee stock options. Excluding the non-cash charge for performance options ($2 million net of tax in third quarter 2004 and $3 million in the third quarter of 2003), the net gain on disposal of operations ($nil net of tax in third quarter 2004 and $3 million in third quarter 2003) and the one-time income tax benefit of $37 million in third quarter 2003, net income increased by 24% to $77 million
32
from $62 million in third quarter 2003 and net income per diluted share rose by 24% to $0.46 from $0.37 a year ago.
For the nine months, net income increased by 8% to $319 million ($1.89 per diluted share) from $296 million ($1.75 per diluted share) in the corresponding period of 2003. Excluding the non-cash charge for performance options ($7 million net of tax in the first nine months of 2004 and $14 million in the first nine months of 2003), the net gain on disposal of operations ($3 million net of tax in the first nine months of 2004 and $6 million in the first nine months of 2003), the one-time income tax benefit of $37 million in the first nine months of 2003, and a $10 million net of tax premium paid on the redemption of subordinated debt, net income increased by 25% to $333 million ($1.97 per diluted share) from $267 million ($1.58 per diluted share) in the corresponding period of 2003. Foreign currency translation added approximately $0.01 per diluted share in the first nine months of 2004 and had no impact in third quarter 2004. Acquisitions added approximately $0.02 per diluted share when compared with the first nine months of 2003 and had no impact when compared with third quarter 2003. The change in the underlying tax rate from 34% to 33% added $0.03 per diluted share in third quarter 2004 and $0.03 per diluted share for the first nine months of 2004.
Liquidity and capital resources
On February 2, 2004, we redeemed all the $370 million then outstanding of our 9% Senior Subordinated Notes. To finance the repayment, we drew down $300 million of bank loans under our senior credit facility with the remaining balance of $70 million and call premium of $17 million being financed using cash from operations. On June 1, 2004, we drew down the remaining $150 million of bank loans in accordance with our credit facility arrangements.
During 2004, we began a program of share buy backs. In third quarter 2004 we repurchased and subsequently cancelled 3,474,200 shares of common stock at a cost of $124 million. The total repurchases under the program at September 30, 2004 were 8,974,200 shares of common stock at a cost of $327 million. On September 8, 2004, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the authorization limit of our share repurchase program to $500 million.
Net cash provided by operations, which excludes fiduciary cash movements, was $319 million in the first nine months of 2004 compared with $323 million in the first nine months of 2003.
Net cash used in investing activities amounted to $108 million in the first nine months of 2004 compared with $123 million in the first nine months of 2003. Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2004 and 2003, less the proceeds from disposals of fixed assets, were $30 million and $36 million, respectively. Capital expenditure in 2004 related primarily to information technology systems and continues to be managed in a disciplined manner with future information technology expenditures not being committed ahead of cash generation.
Cash used for acquisitions in the first nine months of 2004 amounted to $78 million (net of cash acquired), relating to an additional 70% interest in Willis A/S in Denmark, the acquisition of two reinsurance businesses in Denmark and Italy and an additional 20% interest in our retail operation in Argentina.
Cash used in financing activities amounted to $303 million in the first nine months of 2004 compared with $138 million in the corresponding period of 2003, reflecting the redemption of our subordinated debt and repurchase of our shares as described above. The cash dividends paid during the first nine months of 2004 were $85 million compared with $38 million in the corresponding period of 2003.
As of September 30, 2004, we had cash and cash equivalents of $270 million. We expect that internally generated funds will continue to meet our operating cash requirements, capital expenditures
33
and dividend payments. Additionally our undrawn $150 million revolving credit facility gives us significant future financial flexibility.
As reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, we will become subject to new regulations in the UK in January 2005 regarding fiduciary funds held by insurance intermediaries. These regulations will require fiduciary funds to be held in designated trust accounts, restrict the financial instruments in which such funds may be invested and affect the timing of transferring commissions from fiduciary funds to own funds.
We intend to phase in the new regulations so that we will be in full compliance by January 2005. As a consequence, we currently expect that the cash held in own funds in January 2005 will be approximately $150 million to $200 million lower than it would otherwise have been as a result of the one-time effect of the new regulations. Thereafter, we do not expect any significant impact on our cash flow from operating activities on a full-year basis.
Contractual obligations
Apart from the redemption of the 9% Senior Subordinated Notes amounting to $370 million in February 2004, and the draw down of $450 million of term loans, as described in Note 7 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, there have been no other material changes in our contractual obligations since December 31, 2003.
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
Disclosures regarding commitments and contingencies are given in Note 8 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Item 3Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Our policy is to minimize our exposure to increases in interest rates on our variable rate borrowings. During the second quarter of 2004, we entered into interest rate swaps to convert the variable rate of interest on our $450 million bank loan to reflect a fixed rate of interest until December 2006.
Apart from the above, there has been no material change with respect to market risk from that described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Item 4Controls and Procedures
Based on an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls, as of September 30, 2004, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all material information required to be included in the Company's filings or submissions under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is made known to them in a timely fashion.
There have been no significant changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
34
Regulatory and Other Proceedings Relating to Contingent Compensation ArrangementsBeginning in April 2004, the New York Attorney General issued subpoenas to a number of insurance carriers and insurance brokerage firms, including the Company. These subpoenas requested information regarding, among other things, arrangements pursuant to which insurers compensated insurance brokers for distribution and other services provided to insurers. The New York Department of Insurance also requested information concerning these compensation arrangements. In October 2004, the New York Attorney General filed suit against one of the insurance brokers, accusing that broker of steering clients to insurers with which it has these compensation arrangements and of soliciting false or fictitious quotes from insurers (the "NY AG Complaint"). The New York Attorney General has stated publicly that he has broadened his investigation of the insurance industry to cover other practices and other possible violations of law, including violations of fiduciary duty, securities laws, and antitrust laws. The New York Attorney General has also publicly stated that civil and criminal charges may be filed against both individuals and other industry participants. After the New York Attorney General commenced his investigation, insurance commissioners and attorneys general of other states have announced that they are conducting similar investigations and have issued subpoenas to a number of insurance carriers and insurance brokerage firms, including the Company. The Company is co-operating fully with these investigations and is producing documents and other information in response to these subpoenas.
In August 2004, a state court proceeding was commenced against the Company in California by an organization purporting to act in a representative capacity on behalf of the California general public. The complaint alleges that the compensation arrangements between the Company and insurance carriers constitute deceptive trade practices, and it seeks both injunctive and equitable relief, including restitution. A purported class action has also been filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York naming various insurance carriers and insurance brokerage firms, including the Company, as defendants. The complaint alleges conduct by the defendants similar to the conduct alleged in the NY AG Complaint and also alleges, among other things, the existence of a conspiracy among the insurance carriers and brokers whereby they have engaged in violations of the federal RICO statute. It is expected that further lawsuits may be filed. The Company disputes these allegations and intends to defend itself vigorously against these actions.
The compensation arrangements, which were initially the subject of the investigation by the New York Attorney General, are a longstanding and common practice within the insurance industry and have been disclosed by the Company. On October 21, 2004, the Company announced that it was voluntarily abolishing these compensation arrangements immediately in North America and by December 31, 2004 outside North America. It is not possible at this time to predict what the ultimate outcome of these proceedings or any possible future proceedings may be. On the basis of current information, the Company does not expect that such proceedings will ultimately have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.
Item 2Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
During the period January 1, 2002 to September 30, 2004 the Company issued a total of 1,365,377 shares of common stock without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in reliance upon the exemption under Section 4(2) of such Act relating to sales by an issuer not involving a public offering, none of which involved the sale of more than 1% of the outstanding common stock of the
35
Company. All the sales related to part consideration for the acquisition of interests in the following companies, previously disclosed on either Forms 20-F or Forms 10-K:
Date of Sale |
Number of Shares |
Acquisition |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
November 1, 2002 | 34,990 | Propacta Pensionsplanering A.B., Sweden | ||
December 17, 2002 | 9,155 | Special Risk Advisors International LLC, USA | ||
January 30, 2003 | 243,402 | Willis Iberia Correduria de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A. | ||
August 29, 2003 | 24,618 | T.C.T Insurance Services, Inc., USA | ||
September 1, 2003 | 24,476 | Willis Iberia Correduria de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A. | ||
September 25, 2003 | 159,717 | Willis Italia Holdings s.r.l., Italy | ||
January 5, 2004 | 17,904 | Cogdill Bonding & Insurance Services, Inc., USA | ||
January 15, 2004 | 92,359 | Ital Re S.p.A., Italy | ||
January 16, 2004 | 74,935 | Kirecon Holdings ApS, Denmark | ||
January 16, 2004 | 297,954 | Willis A/S, Denmark | ||
March 10, 2004 | 54,673 | Richard N Goldman & Co, USA | ||
April 16, 2004 | 127,087 | Bradstock GIS Pty Limited, Australia | ||
July 14, 2004 | 204,107 | Willis A/S, Denmark |
The following shares of the Company's common stock were repurchased by the Company during the quarter on a trade date basis:
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period |
Total Number of Shares Purchased |
Average Price per Share |
Total Number of Shares Purchased as part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs |
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Plans or Programs |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
July 1, to July 31, 2004 | 836,000 | $ | 33.817 | 836,000 | $ | 68,788,000 | ||||
August 1, to August 31, 2004 | 338,000 | $ | 34.429 | 338,000 | $ | 57,151,000 | ||||
September 1, to September 30, 2004 | 2,300,200 | $ | 36.466 | 2,300,200 | $ | 173,272,000 | ||||
Total | 3,474,200 | $ | 35.630 | 3,474,200 | ||||||
On July 23, 2003, the Board of Directors authorized an open-ended plan to purchase, from time to time in the open market or through negotiated trades with persons who are not affiliates of the Company, shares of the Company's common stock at an aggregate purchase price of up to $100 million. On February 4, 2004, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the authorization to $300 million and then on September 8, 2004, an increase in the authorization to $500 million.
On November 2, 2004, Willis North America Inc. amended its 401(k) plan, the Willis North America Inc. Financial Security Partnership Plan (the "Plan"). Previously the Willis North America Inc. matching contributions were invested in stock of the Company. As a result of the amendments, employees of Willis North America Inc. including Officers of the Company who are eligible to participate in the Plan will be allowed to choose between a list of investment funds, including the Company's stock, designated by Willis North America Inc. for investing Willis North America Inc.'s matching contributions. Also, all current restrictions on transfer of the Company's stock held in the Plan by participants were lifted.
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On November 8, 2004, Willis North America Inc. adopted the Willis U.S. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Deferred Compensation Plan"). Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, certain employees of Willis North America Inc. and its affiliates including Officers of the Company who satisfy certain eligibility requirements may make annual irrevocable elections to defer a specified portion of their base salary and bonus to be earned during the following calendar year. Account balances will be credited with income, gains and losses based on the performance of investment funds selected by the participant from a list of funds designated by Willis North America Inc. Participants are at all times 100% vested in the amounts credited to their deferral accounts. Participants will be eligible to receive distributions of the amounts credited to their accounts at or after their termination of employment in a lump sum or installments pursuant to elections made under the rules of the Deferred Compensation Plan. Key employees must wait six months after termination of employment to receive a distribution.
Exhibits:
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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 thereunto duly authorized.
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED (Registrant) |
|||
By: |
/s/ THOMAS COLRAINE Thomas Colraine Vice Chairman, Co-Chief Operating Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer |
Dated: London, November 9, 2004
38
WILLIS U.S. 2005 DEFERRED
COMPENSATION PLAN
WILLIS U.S. 2005 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
Table of Contents
|
|
Page |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
ARTICLE I Definitions |
||||
1.1 |
Account |
5 |
||
1.2 | Administrator | 5 | ||
1.3 | Affiliate | 5 | ||
1.4 | Base Salary | 5 | ||
1.5 | Beneficiary | 5 | ||
1.6 | Base Salary Deferral | 5 | ||
1.7 | Board of Directors | 5 | ||
1.8 | Bonus/Incentive Pay | 5 | ||
1.9 | Bonus/Incentive Pay Deferral | 5 | ||
1.10 | Code | 5 | ||
1.11 | Compensation | 5 | ||
1.12 | Corporation | 5 | ||
1.13 | Deferral Election | 5 | ||
1.14 | Effective Date | 6 | ||
1.15 | Eligible Employee | 6 | ||
1.16 | Employee | 6 | ||
1.17 | Employer | 6 | ||
1.18 | Employer Award | 6 | ||
1.19 | Employment Agreement | 6 | ||
1.20 | In-Service Distribution | 6 | ||
1.21 | Investment Option | 6 | ||
1.22 | Key Employee | 6 | ||
1.23 | Participant | 6 | ||
1.24 | Person | 6 | ||
1.25 | Plan | 6 | ||
1.26 | Plan Year | 6 | ||
1.27 | Retirement | 6 | ||
1.28 | Separation from Service | 7 | ||
1.29 | Termination for Cause | 7 | ||
1.30 | Total and Permanent Disability | 7 | ||
1.31 | Trust or Trust Fund | 7 | ||
1.32 | Unforeseeable Emergency | 7 | ||
ARTICLE II Purpose |
||||
2.1 |
Purpose |
7 |
||
ARTICLE III Participation |
||||
3.1 |
Commencement of Participation |
7 |
||
2
ARTICLE IV Contributions |
||||
4.1 | Base Salary Deferrals | 8 | ||
4.2 | Bonus/Incentive Pay Deferrals | 8 | ||
4.3 | Minimum Annual Deferral | 8 | ||
ARTICLE V Vesting |
||||
5.1 |
Vesting |
9 |
||
ARTICLE VI Accounts |
||||
6.1 |
Accounts |
9 |
||
6.2 | Investments, Gains & Losses | 10 | ||
6.3 | Employer Award | 10 | ||
ARTICLE VII Distributions |
||||
7.1 |
Distribution Eligibility |
10 |
||
7.2 | Distribution Due to Unforeseeable Emergency | 10 | ||
7.3 | Distribution Payments | 11 | ||
7.4 | Change in Time and Form of Distribution | 11 | ||
ARTICLE VIII Beneficiaries |
||||
8.1 |
Beneficiaries |
11 |
||
ARTICLE IX Funding |
||||
9.1 |
Prohibition Against Funding |
12 |
||
9.2 | Withholding of Employee Contributions | 12 | ||
ARTICLE X Benefit Plans |
||||
10.1 |
Benefit Plans |
12 |
||
3
ARTICLE XI General Provisions |
||||
11.1 | Administrator | 12 | ||
11.2 | No Assignment | 13 | ||
11.3 | No Employment Rights | 13 | ||
11.4 | Incompetence | 13 | ||
11.5 | Identity | 13 | ||
11.6 | Other Benefits | 13 | ||
11.7 | No Liability | 13 | ||
11.8 | Expenses | 14 | ||
11.9 | Amendment and Termination | 14 | ||
11.10 | Employer Determinations | 14 | ||
11.11 | Construction | 14 | ||
11.12 | Governing Law | 14 | ||
11.13 | Severability | 14 | ||
11.14 | Headings | 14 | ||
11.15 | Terms | 14 | ||
11.16 | Withholding Payroll Taxes | 15 | ||
11.17 | Law Changes | 15 |
4
WILLIS U.S. 2005 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
WHEREAS, the Employer desires to adopt the Willis U.S. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Plan") for the purposes of (i) establishing a program that would enable it to attract and retain Employees of outstanding competence, (ii) providing additional benefits for selected management and highly compensated Employees, and (iii) providing for the future income security of selected management and highly compensated employees; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Employer hereby adopts the Plan, under the name the "Willis U.S. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan," as follows:
Definitions
1.1 Account. Account means the bookkeeping account established for each Participant as provided in section 6.1 hereof.
1.2 Administrator. Administrator means the Benefits Committee of the Corporation or its designee, except as otherwise determined by either the board of directors of the Corporation or the Executive Management Committee of Willis Group Holdings.
1.3 Affiliate. Affiliate means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint share company, trust, unincorporated association, joint, venture, governmental authority or other entity of whatever nature.
1.4 Base Salary. Base Salary means the Participant's Compensation excluding the following: auto allowances; Bonus/Incentive Pay; welfare benefits; fringe benefits and any other non-cash remuneration; grants of restricted stock; amounts realized from the sale, exchange or other disposition of stock acquired under a stock option or any other similar arrangement; and moving expense reimbursements.
1.5 Beneficiary. Beneficiary has the meaning ascribed thereto in ARTICLE VIII.
1.6 Base Salary Deferral. Base Salary Deferral means the portion of Base Salary that a Participant elects to defer in accordance with section 4.1 hereof.
1.7 Board of Directors. Board of Directors or Board means the board of Willis Group Holdings Limited.
1.8 Bonus/Incentive Pay. Bonus/Incentive Pay means the portion of the Participant's Compensation which consists of payments made pursuant to the Employer's annual incentive plans, production incentive plans, sales commissions plans, any other incentive or bonus plans established by the Employer, as well as any other miscellaneous bonus including, without limitation, signing bonuses.
1.9 Bonus/Incentive Pay Deferral. Bonus/Incentive Pay Deferral means the portion of Bonus/Incentive Pay that a Participant elects to defer in accordance with section 4.2 hereof.
1.10 Code. Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
1.11 Compensation. Compensation means the Participant's earned income from the Employer as reported on Forms W-2 for federal income tax purposes.
1.12 Corporation. Corporation means Willis North America Inc. or any successor thereto.
1.13 Deferral Election. Deferral Election means the separate written agreement, submitted to the Administrator, by which an Eligible Employee agrees to participate in the Plan and make Base Salary Deferrals and/or Bonus/Incentive Pay Deferrals thereto in accordance with the provisions of sections 4.1 and 4.2 hereof, and any delay in distributions pursuant to section 7.4 hereof.
5
1.14 Effective Date. Effective Date means November 10, 2004, the date the Plan shall become effective.
1.15 Eligible Employee. Eligible Employee means any Employee of the Employer who is considered to be a select group of management or is highly compensated within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and who is selected and designated in writing as an Eligible Employee by the chief executive officer or chief operating officer of the Corporation.
1.16 Employee. Employee means any person employed by the Employer in a regular full-time capacity as defined by the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual of the Corporation.
1.17 Employer. Employer means the Corporation and any of its majority-owned subsidiaries, or any other U.S. corporation part of the Willis Group Holdings Limited affiliated group.
1.18 Employer Award. Employer Award means a discretionary contribution made by the Employer that is credited to one or more Participant's Accounts in accordance with the terms of section 6.3 hereof.
1.19 Employment Agreement. Employment Agreement means an employment agreement which has been approved by a vote of the Compensation Committee of the board of directors of Willis Group Holdings Limited.
1.20 In-Service Distribution. In-Service Distribution means a distribution to a Participant while still employed by the Employer based upon the occurrence of the date designated by Participant in his or her Deferral Election; provided, however, that an In-Service Distribution shall be made no earlier than the expiration of the five (5) year period ending at the end of the calendar year in which the deferral is made.
1.21 Investment Option. Investment Option has the meaning ascribed thereto in section 6.2.
1.22 Key Employee. A Key Employee is (1) an officer who earns greater than $130,000 in Compensation (as adjusted under section 416(i)(1) of the Code), (2) an owner of five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding common stock of Willis Group Holdings Limited, (3) an owner of one percent (1%) or more of the outstanding common stock of Willis Group Holdings Limited who earns greater than $150,000 in Compensation, or (4) as such term is defined in any amendment to Section 416(i) of the Code. For purposes of 1.22(1), no more than 50 employees shall be treated as officers.
1.23 Participant. An Eligible Employee who has either (1) submitted a Deferral Election agreeing to participate in the Plan, or (2) been credited with a deferred compensation benefit under an Employment Agreement with Employer, or (3) been granted an Employer Award; and whose Account has not been fully paid out.
1.24 Person. Person means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint share company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, governmental authority or other entity of whatever nature.
1.25 Plan. The Willis U.S. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan, as in effect and as may be amended from time to time.
1.26 Plan Year. The twelve (12) consecutive month period beginning January 1 and ending December 31.
1.27 Retirement. In the event the Participant has an Employment Agreement that defines the term Retirement, as defined therein. If not, Retirement means a Separation From Service at such time as the Participant is eligible to receive an immediate benefit under the terms of the Willis North America Pension Plan or successor plan thereto.
6
1.28 Separation From Service. Separation From Service means the severance of a Participant's employment with the Employer for any reason, including without limitation, death, Retirement or Total and Permanent Disability, voluntary or involuntary resignation, or termination with or without cause, or as defined within Section 409A of the Code.
1.29 Termination for Cause. In the event the Participant has an Employment Agreement which defines the term Termination For Cause, as defined therein. If not, Termination for Cause means the termination of a Participant's employment by the Employer for chronic absenteeism (other than for medical reasons, as determined by a physician), chronic inattention to duties, material dishonesty in the conduct of the business of the Employer, the commission of a willful act or willful omission intended materially to injure the business of the Employer, or for any reason which constitutes a termination for cause under the Participant's Employment Agreement, or for any other reason that the Administrator reasonably decides is a termination for cause.
1.30 Total and Permanent Disability. In the event the Participant has an Employment Agreement which defines Total and Permanent Disability or a similar term, as defined therein. If not, Total and Permanent Disability means any medically determinable physical or mental disorder that renders a Participant incapable of continuing in the employment of the Employer and is considered a long-term disability under the Employer's Long-Term Disability Plan and qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits or as such term is defined within Section 409A of the Code.
1.31 Trust or Trust Fund. Trust or Trust Fund means any trust established to hold amounts set aside by the Corporation in accordance with Article 6.1.
1.32 Unforeseeable Emergency. Unforeseeable Emergency means a severe financial hardship to the Participant resulting from an illness or accident of the Participant or of a dependent of the Participant, loss of the Participant's property due to casualty, or other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant, or as such term is defined in any amendment to Section 409A(2)(B)(ii). The circumstances that will constitute an Unforeseeable Emergency would depend upon the facts of each case, but, in any case, payment may not be made in the event that such hardship is or may be relieved:
(a) Through reimbursement or compensation by insurance or otherwise,
(b) By liquidation of the Participant's assets, to the extent that liquidation of such assets would not itself cause severe financial hardship, or
(c) By cessation of deferrals under the Plan.
The need to send a Participant's child to college or the desire to purchase a home shall not be an Unforeseeable Emergency.
Purpose
2.1 Purpose. The purpose of this Plan is to secure for the Employer the benefits of the continued employment of certain of the Employer's management and highly compensated Employees by making deferred compensation arrangements for their benefit as herein provided.
Participation
3.1 Commencement of Participation. An Eligible Employee shall become a Participant at the earliest of i) the date on which his or her Deferral Election first becomes effective, ii) the date on which an Employer Award is first credited to his or her Account, or iii) the date on which such Employee is credited with a benefit in his or her Account pursuant to an Employment Agreement with the Employer.
7
Contributions
4.1 Base Salary Deferral.
(a) Each Participant shall be entitled to defer receipt of any percentage amount or any fixed dollar amount of the portion of his or her Base Salary which is not taken into account for qualified retirement plan purposes due to the application of a compensation limit, either an amount that mirrors the company limit set for qualified plans, the provisions of section 401(a)(17) of the Code, or its successor provision, for the Plan Year.
(b) The Employer shall credit to the Account of a Participant an amount equal to the amount designated in the Participant's Deferral Election as his or her Base Salary Deferral for that Plan Year. Such amounts shall not be made available to such Participant, except as provided in ARTICLE VII, and shall reduce such Participant's Compensation from the Employer in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Deferral Election; provided, however, that all such amounts shall be subject to the rights of the general creditors of the Employer as provided in ARTICLE IX.
(c) Each Eligible Employee shall deliver a Deferral Election to the Employer before any Base Salary Deferral can become effective. Such Deferral Election shall be void with respect to any Base Salary Deferral unless submitted on or before December 31 of the preceding calendar year during which the amount to be deferred will be earned; provided, however, that in the year in which the Plan is first adopted or an Employee is first eligible to participate, such Deferral Election shall be filed within thirty (30) days of the date on which the Plan is adopted or the date on which an Employee is first eligible to participate, respectively, with respect to Base Salary earned for the remainder of the calendar year subsequent to the date the Deferral Election is delivered to the Employer.
(d) The Deferral Election shall, subject to the limitation set forth in section 4.1 hereof, designate the portion and period of deferral of Base Salary deferred by each Participant, the beneficiary or beneficiaries of the Participant, the timing and form of payment of distribution, and such other items as the Administrator may prescribe.
4.2 Bonus/Incentive Pay Deferral.
(a) Each Participant shall be entitled to make an annual election to defer receipt of any percentage amount or any fixed dollar amount of Bonus/Incentive Pay otherwise payable to Participant by the Employer.
(b) Each Eligible Employee shall deliver a Deferral Election to the Employer before any Bonus/Incentive Pay Deferral can become effective. Such Deferral Election shall be void with respect to any Bonus/Incentive Pay Deferral unless submitted on or before December 31 of the preceding calendar year during which the amount to be deferred will be earned; provided, however, that in the year in which the Plan is first adopted or an Employee is first eligible to participate, such Deferral Election shall be filed within thirty (30) days of the date on which the Employee is first eligible to participate.
(c) The Deferral Election shall, subject to the limitation set forth in section 4.2 hereof, designate the portion and period of deferral of Bonus/Incentive Pay deferred by each Participant, the beneficiary or beneficiaries of the Participant, the timing and form of payment of distribution and such other information as the Administrator shall prescribe.
4.3 Minimum Annual Deferral. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, for any Plan Year, a Participant's Deferral Election shall not be for less than $5,000.00 unless their account balance in the Plan at the time of election is more than $10,000.
8
Vesting
5.1 Vesting.
(a) Except as otherwise provided by the Plan, a Participant shall have a fully vested right to the portion of his or her Account attributable to Base Salary Deferral(s), Bonus/Incentive Pay Deferral(s), or credits under the Plan provided in an Employment Agreement, (subject to the terms of the Employment Agreement), and any earnings (or losses) attributable to such Participant's Account. Except as otherwise provided by the Plan, or pursuant to an Employment Agreement with Employer, Employer Awards, and any earnings (or losses) on the investment of such amounts, shall vest in accordance with the vesting schedule established at the time a contribution is made; provided, however, that all such amounts shall be subject to the rights of the general creditors of the Employer as provided in ARTICLE IX.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, a Participant who has a Separation from Service due to death or Total and Permanent Disability shall be fully vested in the amounts credited to his or her Account.
(c) Except as provided in (b) above, any amounts credited to a Participant's Account that are not vested at the time of his or her Separation from Service with the Employer shall be forfeited.
Accounts
6.1 Accounts.
(a) The Administrator shall establish and maintain a bookkeeping account in the name of each Participant. The Administrator may also establish any subaccounts that it feels may be appropriate. The accounts specified in this Article 6.1 are established under the Plan to record the liability of the Corporation to Participants. All accounts may be maintained on the books of the Corporation, and the Corporation is under no obligation to segregate assets to provide for these liabilities. Should the Corporation elect to segregate assets into a trust fund pursuant to article 6.1(d) herein, the accounts specified in this article 6.1(a) may be maintained on the books of such fund.
(b) Each Participant's Account balance shall reflect his or her aggregate deferrals, amounts credited pursuant to an Employment Agreement with Employer or pursuant to an Employer Award, and any earnings (or losses) attributable to such amounts, and shall be reduced by administrative, investment, and other fees necessary for the administration of the Plan which are not the obligation of the Employer. Each Participant's Account also shall be reduced by any distributions made plus any expenses allocated to the Plan pursuant to section 11.8 herein.
(c) At the sole discretion of the Administrator, any amount (including deferrals and earnings or losses thereon) credited to a bookkeeping account on behalf of Participant with respect to any other nonqualified deferred compensation arrangement maintained by the Employer shall be reflected in Participant's Account pursuant to the Plan whereupon the other nonqualified deferred compensation arrangement shall cease and terminate with respect to such Participant.
(d) The Corporation may, but is not required to establish a Trust Fund and make contributions to it corresponding to any or all amounts accrued under Articles 4 or 6 of the Plan. These contributions are credited with income, expense, gains and losses in accordance with the investment experience of the Trust Fund. The Administrator may direct the trustee to establish investment funds within the Trust Fund and to permit Participants to direct the allocation of their account balances among the funds in accordance with rules prescribed by the Administrator. The Administrator may alter the available funds or the procedures for allocating account balances among them at any time.
9
(e) Status of the Trust Fund. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, all assets of the Trust Fund remain the property of the Corporation and are subject to the claims of its creditors in accordance with the Trust terms. No participant has any priority claim on Trust assets or any security interest or other rights in or to them superior to the rights of general creditors of the Corporation.
6.2 Investments, Gains & Losses.
(a) The amount in each Participant's Account shall be deemed to be invested and reinvested, as designated by the Participant as provided in subsection (b), below, in one or more of the mutual funds designated by the Administrator and set forth on the Deferral Election, hereunder referred to as the "Investment Option".
(b) Each participant shall designate how his or her deferrals and, if applicable, any Employer Award are to be allocated among the available Investment Options established by the Plan. The initial allocation with respect to deferrals shall be made by the Participant in the Deferral Election with respect to the Base Salary Deferral and Bonus/Incentive Pay Deferral. Once made, an investment allocation request shall remain in effect for all subsequent deferrals, including any Employer Awards, until changed by the Participant. Each Participant may change his or her investment allocation in such manner and at such times as permitted by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.
(c) The Employer shall not be required to purchase an interest in the Investment Option designated by the Participant. The only obligation of the Employer is its contractual obligation to make payments to Participants as set forth in the Plan. To the extent that the Employer does, in its discretion, purchase an interest in an Investment Option designated by a Participant, the same shall remain the sole property of the Employer, subject to the claims of its general creditors, and shall not be a part of nor deemed to be a part of the Participant's Account.
(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, other than otherwise provided in an Employment Agreement, if any Participant is Terminated for Cause at any time or voluntarily resigns from the employ of the Employer within three (3) years from the date that such Participant submitted his or her first Deferral Election agreeing to participate in the Plan, the amount of benefits due the Participant under the Plan with respect to deferral elections shall be no greater than the sum of the amounts deferred by the Participant plus the lesser of: (i) the earnings (or losses) allocable to Participant based on the Investment Option(s) designated by Participant in his or her Deferral Election(s), or (ii) interest accrued on the amounts deferred (from the effective date of each deferral) at a fixed rate equal to the one (1) year U.S. Treasury rate in effect, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, on the date that the Participant is Terminated for Cause or voluntarily resigns.
6.3 Employer Award. The Employer may make, at its sole discretion, an Employer Award to the account of a Participant which vests under such terms and conditions as the Employer, in its sole discretion, determines at the time of such Employer Award.
Distributions
7.1 Distribution Eligibility. Distribution of benefits from the Plan shall be made no earlier than (i) the Participant's Separation from Service or, in the case of Key Employees, six months following their Separation from Service, (ii) the date selected as an In-Service Distribution, (iii) in the event of an approved financial hardship due to an Unforeseeable Emergency, or (iv) solely with respect to amounts attributable to an Employer Award, at such time and in such manner as designated in such Employer Award, subject to the requirements set forth in Section 409A of the Code.
7.2 Distribution Due to Unforeseeable Emergency. A participant may request a distribution due to Unforeseeable Emergency by submitting a written request to the Administrator accompanied by evidence to demonstrate that the circumstances being experienced qualify as an Unforeseeable
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Emergency. The Administrator shall have the authority to require such evidence as it deems necessary to determine if a distribution is warranted and has the sole discretion to approve or disapprove a distribution due to Unforeseeable Emergency If an application for a distribution due to an Unforeseeable Emergency is approved, the distribution is limited to an amount sufficient to meet the emergency net of applicable withholding taxes. The approved distribution shall be payable in a method determined by the Administrator as soon as possible after approval of such distribution.
A Participant who has commenced receiving installment payments in accordance with the provisions of section 7.3 hereof, may request acceleration of such payments in the event of an Unforeseeable Emergency. The Administrator may permit accelerated payments to the extent such accelerated payment is permitted under Section 409A of the Code and does not exceed the amount necessary to meet the emergency and pay any applicable taxes.
7.3 Distribution Payments.
(a) Form of Retirement or Disability Distributions. Distributions resulting from a Separation from Service on account of Retirement or Total and Permanent Disability shall be payable to the Participant or beneficiary in cash in either one lump-sum or in five (5) annual installments (on a pro rata basis) as elected by the Participant or beneficiary at the time of his Deferral Election.
(b) Other Distributions. Distributions resulting from a Separation from Service for any reason other than Retirement or Total and Permanent Disability shall be paid in one lump-sum. In-Service distributions shall be made in such permitted form and commence at such permitted time as designated by Participant in his/her Deferral Election.
(c) Commencement of Distributions Due to Separation from Service. Distribution of benefits to a Participant under the Plan shall commence as early as administratively feasible, but in any event, no later than sixty (60) days after there is a Separation from Service or in which a Participant is eligible for an In-Service Distribution; provided, however that in the case of Key Employees, such Distribution shall not commence until after six (6) months from the Separation from Service.
(d) Commencement of Distributions Of Employer Award. An Employer Award, after taking into account any earnings (or losses) attributable thereto in such amounts and at such time as designated in the respective Employer Award.
7.4 Change of Timing or Form of Distribution. A Participant may elect to delay the timing of receipt and/or the form of a distribution provided that the new Deferral Election (1) is not effective for at least twelve (12) months; (2) is made at least twelve (12) months prior to a scheduled distribution; and (3) provides for a deferral for a period of not less than five (5) years from the date such distribution would otherwise have been made. If a Participant does elect to delay a distribution, a distribution cannot be made pursuant to a Separation from Service or Retirement if such Separation from Service or Retirement occurs before the end of the five (5) year period beginning on the date such distribution would have otherwise have been made, and subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
Beneficiaries
8.1 Beneficiaries. Each Participant may from time to time designate one or more persons as his or her Beneficiary under the Plan. Such designation shall be made by filing a written notice of such designation with the Administrator on a form prescribed by the Administrator. Each Participant may at any time and from time to time, revoke or modify any previous beneficiary designation, without notice to or consent of any previously designated Beneficiary, by a further written designation. In the event a Beneficiary dies before receiving all the payments due to such beneficiary pursuant to this Plan, the
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then-remaining payments shall be paid to the Beneficiary's estate. The Participant's beneficiary designation shall be deemed automatically revoked if the Beneficiary does not survive the Participant or, if the Beneficiary is the Participant's spouse, in the event of a divorce or legally binding separation If no beneficiary designation shall be in effect at the time when any benefits payable under this Plan shall become due, all benefits due shall be paid to the Participant's estate.
Funding
9.1 Prohibition Against Funding. This Plan is unfunded both for tax purposes and for purposes of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Should any investment be acquired in connection with the liabilities assumed under this Plan, it is expressly understood and agreed that the Participants and beneficiaries shall not have any right with respect to, or claim against, such assets nor shall any such purchase be construed to create a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Employer and the Participants, their beneficiaries or any other person. Any such assets (including any amounts deferred by a Participant or contributed by the Employers pursuant to ARTICLE IV) shall be and remain a part of the general, unpledged, unrestricted assets of the Employer, subject to the claims of its general creditors. Each Participant and beneficiary shall be required to look to the provisions of this Plan and to the Employer itself for enforcement of any and all benefits due under this Plan, and to the extent any such person acquires a right to receive payment under this Plan, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Employer. The Employer shall be designated owner and beneficiary of investments acquired in connection with its obligation under this Plan.
9.2 Withholding of Employee Contributions. The Administrator is authorized to make any and all necessary arrangements with the Employer in order to withhold the Participant's Base Salary Deferrals under section 4.1 hereof and/or Bonus/Incentive Pay Deferrals under section 4.2 hereof from his or her pay. The Administrator shall determine the amount and timing of such withholding.
Benefit Plans
10.1 Benefit Plans. The amount of each Participant's Base Salary and/or Bonus/Incentive Pay which he or she elects to defer under the Plan shall not be deemed to be compensation for the purpose of calculating the amount of a Participant's benefits or contributions under a pension plan or retirement plan qualified under section 401(a) of the Code.
General Provisions
11.1 Administrator.
(a) Except as provided by an Employment Agreement with Employer, the Administrator is expressly empowered to limit the amount of Compensation that may be deferred; to interpret the Plan, and to determine all questions arising in the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan; to employ actuaries, accountants, counsel, and other persons it deems necessary in connection with the administration of the Plan; to request any information from the Employer it deems necessary to determine whether the Employer would be considered insolvent or subject to a proceeding in bankruptcy; and to take all other necessary and proper actions to fulfill its duties as Administrator.
(b) The Administrator shall not be liable for any actions by it hereunder, unless due to its own negligence, willful misconduct or lack of good faith.
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(c) The Administrator shall be indemnified and saved harmless by the Employer from and against all personal liability to which it may be subject by reason of any act done or omitted to be done in its official capacity as Administrator in good faith in the administration of the Plan, including all expenses reasonably incurred in its defense in the event the Employer fails to provide such defense upon the request of the Administrator. The Administrator is relieved of all responsibility in connection with its duties hereunder to the fullest extent permitted by law, short of breach of duty to the beneficiaries.
11.2 No Assignment. Benefits or payments under this Plan shall not be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge, whether voluntary or involuntary, and any attempt to so anticipate, alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber or charge the same shall not be valid, nor shall any such benefit or payment be in any way liable for or subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagement or torts of any Participant or beneficiary, or any other person entitled to such benefit or payment pursuant to the terms of this Plan, except to such extent as may be required by law. If any Participant or beneficiary or any other person entitled to a benefit or payment pursuant to the terms of this Plan becomes bankrupt or attempts to anticipate, alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber or charge any benefit or payment under this Plan, in whole or in part, or if any attempt is made to subject any such benefit or payment, in whole or in part, to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements or torts of the Participant or beneficiary or any other person entitled to any such benefit or payment pursuant to the terms of this Plan, then such benefit or payment, in the discretion of the Administrator, shall cease and terminate with respect to such Participant or beneficiary, or any other such person.
11.3 No Employment Rights. Participation in this Plan shall not be construed to confer upon any Participant the legal right to be retained in the employ of the Employer, or give a Participant or beneficiary, or any other person, any right to any payment whatsoever, except to the extent of the benefits provided for hereunder. Each Participant shall remain subject to discharge to the same extent as if this Plan had never been adopted.
11.4 Incompetence. If the Administrator determines that any person to whom a benefit is payable under this Plan is incompetent by reason of physical or mental disability, the Administrator shall have the power to cause the payments becoming due to such person to be made to another for his or her benefit without responsibility of the Administrator or the Employer to see to the application of such payments. Any payment made pursuant to such power shall, as to such payment, operate as a complete discharge of the Employer and the Administrator.
11.5 Identity. If, at any time, any doubt exists as to the identity of any person entitled to any payment hereunder or the amount or time of such payment, the Administrator shall be entitled to hold such sum until such identity or amount or time is determined or until an order of a court of competent jurisdiction is obtained. The Administrator shall also be entitled to pay such sum into court in accordance with the appropriate rules of law. Any expenses incurred by the Employer and the Administrator incident to such proceeding or litigation shall be charged against the Account of the affected Participant.
11.6 Other Benefits. The benefits of each Participant or beneficiary hereunder shall be in addition to any benefits paid or payable to or on account of the Participant or beneficiary under any other pension, disability, annuity or retirement plan or policy whatsoever.
11.7 No Liability. No liability shall attach to or be incurred by any manager of the Employer or the Administrator under or by reason of the terms, conditions and provisions contained in this Plan, or for the acts or decisions taken or made thereunder or in connection therewith; and as a condition precedent to the establishment of this Plan or the receipt of benefits thereunder, or both, such liability, if any, is expressly waived and released by each Participant and by any and all persons claiming under or through any Participant or any other person. Such waiver and release shall be conclusively evidenced by any act or participation in or the acceptance of benefits or the making of any election under this Plan.
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11.8 Expenses. Except as otherwise provided herein, all expenses incurred in the administration of the Plan, whether incurred by the Employer or the Plan, shall be paid by the Employer or charged to the Plan at the discretion of the Administrator. Any investment-related expenses shall be charged directly to the Account for which such investments were made. To the extent that the Employer may be liable for social security tax withholding, other withholding tax regarding any deferred contributions under sections 4.1 and 4.2 hereof, or any federal or state income tax liability resulting from any investments made by Employer as a hedge against Employer's liability under the Plan, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may charge such expenses to the Plan.
11.9 Amendment and Termination.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section or pursuant to an Employment Agreement, the Corporation shall have the sole authority to modify, amend or terminate this Plan; provided, however, that any modification or termination of this Plan shall not reduce, alter or impair, without the consent of a Participant, a Participant's right to any amounts already credited to his or her Account on the day before the effective date of such modification or termination.
(b) The Corporation reserves the right to make any modification or amendment to the Plan that it deems necessary to comply with any requirements of law or to insure favorable tax treatment under the Plan.
11.10 Employer Determinations. Any determinations, actions or decisions of the Employer shall be made by the board of directors of the Employer in accordance with its established procedures or by such other individuals, groups or organizations that have been properly delegated by the board of directors to make such determination or decision.
11.11 Construction. All questions of interpretation, construction or application arising under or concerning the terms of this Plan shall be decided by the Administrator, in its sole and final discretion, whose decision shall be final, binding and conclusive upon all persons.
11.12 Governing Law. This Plan shall be governed by, construed and administered in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and any other applicable federal law, provided, however, that to the extent not preempted by federal law or agreed to in an Employment Agreement with Employer this Plan shall be governed by, construed and administered under the laws of the State of Tennessee.
11.13 Severability. If any provision of this Plan is held invalid or unenforceable, its invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Plan and this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such provision had not been included therein. If the inclusion of any Employee (or Employees) as a Participant under this Plan would cause the Plan to fail to comply with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, then the Plan shall be severed with respect to such Employee or Employees, who shall be considered to be participating in a separate arrangement.
11.14 Headings. The ARTICLE headings contained herein are inserted only as a matter of convenience and for reference and in no way define, limit, enlarge or describe the scope or intent of this Plan nor in any way shall they affect this Plan or the construction of any provision thereof.
11.15 Terms. Capitalized terms shall have meanings as defined herein. Singular nouns shall be read as plural, masculine pronouns shall be read as feminine, and vice versa, as appropriate.
11.16 Withholding Payroll Taxes. To the extent required by law, Employer shall withhold any taxes required to be withheld for federal, state, or local government purposes with respect to any amounts deferred and/or distributed pursuant to the Plan.
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11.17 Law Changes. To the extent necessary to protect the tax status of deferrals under the Plan, notwithstanding anything in this agreement, the Plan will be deemed to provide and be administered to comply with changes in applicable tax laws or interpretation and to comply with Section 409A of the Code.
In
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Plan to be executed and be effective this
day of,
2004.
Willis North America Inc.
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WILLIS NORTH AMERICA INC.
FINANCIAL SECURITY PARTNERSHIP PLAN
As Amended and Restated Effective November 3, 2004
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Introduction | 1 | |||
Article I |
Definitions |
2 |
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Article II |
Eligibility to Participate |
12 |
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Article III |
Contributions |
13 |
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Article IV |
Participant Accounts and Investment Funds |
25 |
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Article V |
Vesting and Forfeitures |
28 |
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Article VI |
Distributions |
31 |
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Article VII |
In-Service Withdrawals |
37 |
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Article VIII |
Plan Administration |
41 |
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Article IX |
Amendment and Termination |
45 |
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Article X |
General Provisions |
47 |
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Article XI |
Top Heavy Provisions |
50 |
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Article XII |
Adoption of the Plan by Other Entities |
53 |
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Article XIII |
The Trustee |
54 |
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Appendix A |
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Appendix B |
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Appendix C |
60 |
Establishment of the Plan
The Willis North America Inc. Financial Security Partnership Plan was first established effective January 1, 1986 as the Corroon & Black Financial Security Partnership Plan by Corroon & Black Corporation for the benefit of its eligible employees. Prior to 1986, this Plan was known as "The Corroon & Black Corporation Thrift Plan," the "Corroon & Black Employees' Savings and Stock Investment Plan," and the "Corroon & Black of Tennessee, Inc. Employee Incentive Thrift Plan." It was amended and restated to be generally effective January 1, 1989, except that the provisions of Article III, unless otherwise specified, were generally effective January 1, 1987. Effective November 1, 1990, the name of the Plan was changed to the Willis Corroon Corporation Financial Security Partnership Plan. Willis Corroon Corporation is the successor by merger to Corroon & Black Corporation. The Plan was further amended and restated effective October 1, 1997, September 18, 1998, October 1, 1999, and September 1, 2001. Effective October 1, 1999, the name of the Plan was changed to the Willis North America Inc. Financial Security Partnership Plan as the result of Willis Corroon Corporation's name change to Willis North America Inc. The Plan was again amended and restated to be generally effective January 1, 2003. The Plan has now been amended and restated to be generally effective November 3, 2004.
The rights and benefits of Participants shall be determined as provided herein, except as specifically provided or changed by subsequent amendment. The document in effect prior to this amendment and restatement shall govern the rights and benefits of Participants who separated from service prior to the effective date.
The Plan has been amended and restated to comply with the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and certain other laws and regulations including, without limitation, the Unemployment Compensation Amendments of 1992, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, the Retirement Protection Act of 1994, the Small Business Jobs Protection Act of 1996, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, and the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and the Reform Act of 1998 which have become effective since the Plan was last amended. It is intended that the Plan, together with the Trust Agreement, meet all the requirements of ERISA as amended and qualify under Sections 401(a) and 501(a) of the Code. The Plan shall be interpreted, wherever possible, to comply with the terms of the Code, ERISA and all regulations and rulings issued thereunder.
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Definitions
As used herein, the following words and phrases have the meanings ascribed to them in Article I unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context. Some of the words and phrases used in the Plan are not defined in this Article I, but, for convenience, are defined as they are introduced into the text. Words in the masculine gender shall be deemed to include the feminine gender and words in the feminine gender shall be deemed to include the masculine gender. Nouns and pronouns when stated in the singular shall include the plural and when stated in the plural shall include the singular whenever appropriate. Any headings used herein are included for ease of reference only, and are not to be construed so as to alter any of the terms of the Plan.
2
in the Plan Year and would have been received by the Employee within 21/2 months after the close of the Plan Year but for the deferral election,
If the Participant has no Spouse at the time of death, or if no other person designated as Beneficiary survives the Participant, the Beneficiary shall be the Participant's estate.
Plan Compensation shall not include overtime pay, annual bonuses (including bonuses under Management Annual Incentive Plans and Christmas bonuses) or bonuses received for reasons other than for production, placement or servicing of business, amount of premiums paid by Employer for group term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, dividends received on stock granted under the Restricted Stock Award Program, value of
3
amounts which vest under the Restricted Stock Award Program (including both stock and cash), compensation resulting from the exercise of a non-qualified stock option, disqualifying disposition of stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option or resulting from the award or vesting of performance shares under the Long Term Incentive Plan, moving expenses, car allowances, finders fees, special prizes or awards, or any other amounts that might otherwise be includible as compensation on a Form W-2. Only compensation for the portion of any Plan Year during which an Employee is a Participant shall be taken into account for purposes of the Plan. Furthermore, any amounts paid to the Employee after the last day of the last pay period of the month in which falls the date sixty (60) days after the date the Employee separates from service shall not be included in Plan Compensation and may not be deferred pursuant to Section 3.01.
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Compensation for the purposes of this Section for any determination period shall not exceed the limit on Compensation prescribed in Section 401(a)(17) of the Code (the "Section 401(a)(17) Limit"). This limit is one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), as adjusted for increases in the cost of living in accordance with Section 401(a)(17)(B) of the Code. The cost of living adjustment in effect on January 1 of any calendar year shall apply to any determination period beginning in such calendar year. For this purpose, the "determination period" is any period not exceeding twelve (12) months over which Compensation is determined. If a determination period consists of fewer than twelve (12) months, the Section 401(a)(17) Limit will be multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months in the determination period, and the denominator of which is twelve (12). Plan Compensation disregarded for the purpose of determining the maximum Company Matching Deposit and the maximum Year-End Company Matching Deposit shall likewise be disregarded for the purpose of applying the 401(a)(17) Limit to such determinations.
For Plan Years beginning before January 1, 1997, in determining the Compensation of a Participant for purposes of this limitation, the rules of Section 414(q)(6) of the Code shall apply, except in applying such rules, the term "family" shall include only the Spouse of the Participant and any lineal descendant of the Participant who has not attained age nineteen (19) before the close of the year. If, as a result of the application of such rules, the adjusted Section 401(a)(17) Limit is exceeded, then (except for purposes of determining the portion of Compensation up to the integration level), the limitation shall be prorated among the affected individuals in proportion to each such individual's Compensation as determined under this Section prior to the application of this limitation. This paragraph shall not apply for Plan Years beginning on and after January 1, 1997.
5
the employee representative and the Employer but shall not include any person who is a member of a class of Employees excluded from participating in the Plan by action of the Board.
Notwithstanding the above, an individual receiving remuneration for Services rendered to the Employer on a temporary basis shall not be an Eligible Employee until such person is credited with one thousand (1,000) Hours of Service within an Eligibility Computation Period.
Employee also means a leased employee within the meaning of Section 414(n) of the Code. Effective January 1, 1997, the term "leased employee" means any person (other than an employee of the recipient) who pursuant to an agreement between the recipient and any other person ("leasing organization") has performed services for the recipient (or for the recipient and related persons determined in accordance with Section 414(n)(6) of the Code) on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least one year, and such services are performed under the primary direction and control of the recipient employer. Contributions or benefits provided a leased employee by the leasing organization that are attributable to services performed for the recipient employer shall be treated as provided by the recipient employer.
A leased employee shall not be considered an employee of the recipient employer if: (i) such employee is covered by a money purchase pension plan providing: (1) a nonintegrated employer contribution rate of at least ten percent (10%) of compensation, as defined in Section 415(c)(3) of the Code, but including amounts contributed pursuant to a salary reduction agreement which are excludible from the employee's gross income under Sections 125, 402(e)(3), 402(h) or 403(b) of the Code, (2) immediate participation, and (3) full and immediate vesting; and (ii) leased employees do not constitute more than twenty percent (20%) of the recipient employer's nonhighly compensated workforce.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, employees who are nonresident aliens and who receive no earned income from the Employer or a member of the Affiliated Group which constitutes income from sources within the United States shall be disregarded for all purposes of this Section.
The Employer's top-paid group election as described above, shall be used consistently in determining Highly Compensated Employees for determination years of all employee benefit plans of the Employer and members of the Affiliated Group for which Section 414(q) of the Code applies (other than a multiemployer plan) that begin with or within the same calendar year, until such election is changed by Plan amendment in accordance with IRS requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the consistency provision in the preceding sentence shall not apply for the Plan Year beginning in 1997, and for Plan Years beginning in 1998 and 1999, shall apply only with respect to all qualified retirement plans (other than a multiemployer plan) of the Employer and members of the Affiliated Group.
The provisions of this Section shall be further subject to such additional requirements as shall be described in Section 414(q) of the Code and its applicable regulations, which shall override any aspects of this Section inconsistent therewith.
7
and provisions were fully set forth herein. The Company may establish more than one trust agreement with different trustees and may designate the Plan assets held pursuant to the terms of each Trust Agreement.
The Committee may direct a special Valuation Date in order to avoid prejudice either to continuing Participants or to terminating Participants. Such special Valuation Date shall be deemed equivalent to a regular Valuation Date. Adjustments hereunder shall apply uniformly to all accounts hereunder.
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The above rule shall apply only if the Employee furnishes to the Committee such timely information as it may require to establish that the absence was for the reasons referred to above and the period for which there was such an absence.
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Hours of Service for reasons other than the performance of duties shall be determined and credited in accordance with Department of Labor Regulation § 2530.200b-2(b) and (c), which is incorporated herein by reference. In no event shall the same Hours of Service be credited under more than one of the applicable (A), (B), (C), or (D) above.
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The above rule shall apply only if the Employee furnishes to the Plan Administrator such timely information as it may require to establish that the absence was for the above reasons and to determine the number of days of such absence.
Hours of Service shall be credited in the Computation Period in which the absence from work begins if such credit is necessary to prevent a Break in Service in that period. In any other case, such Hours of Service be credited in the immediately following Computation Period. In no event shall more than five hundred one (501) Hours of Service be credited because of such pregnancy or placement.
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Eligibility to Participate
Notwithstanding the above, no Eligible Employee shall become a Participant prior to the Plan's Effective Date with respect to that Eligible Employee.
The Board, in its discretion, may waive the three (3) months Service requirement (or, effective September 1, 2003, the thirty (30) day Service requirement) with respect to an Eligible Employee of any entity subsequently acquired by the Company who had previously been a participant in such entity's Section 401(k) plan.
12
Contributions
Such deposits shall be allocated to the Participant for whom such contributions were made and credited to the Participant Account maintained for such Participant pursuant to Section 4.01.
However, no Basic Company Matching Deposit shall be made on behalf of a Participant for a Contribution Period ending before the first day of the calendar month beginning after the Participant completes a Year of Service. Plan Compensation earned prior to the Contribution Period ending before the first day of the calendar month beginning after the Participant completes a Year of Service shall likewise be disregarded.
The Board, in its discretion, may waive the one (1) Year of Service requirement with respect to an Eligible Employee of any entity subsequently acquired by the Company who had previously been a participant in such entity's Section 401(k) plan.
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A Participant must be actively employed by the Employer on the last day of the Plan Year to receive a Year End Company Matching Deposit with respect to the Plan Year. A Participant shall not be considered to be other than an active Employee on such date solely because the Participant is absent from employment because of a leave of absence under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
The Board, in its discretion, may waive the one (1) Year of Service requirement in subparagraph (i) with respect to an Eligible Employee of any entity subsequently acquired by the Company who had previously been a participant in such entity's Section 401(k) plan.
Company Matching Deposits shall be contributed to the Trust by the Employer no later than the time prescribed by law for the filing of its federal income tax return for the taxable year in which the Plan Year ends, including extensions which have been granted for filing such return.
Such deposits shall be allocated to the Participant for whom such contributions were made and credited to the Participant Account maintained for such Participant pursuant to Section 4.01.
Effective January 1, 2002, the Company Matching Deposit (which includes both the Basic Company Matching Deposit and the Year End Company Matching Deposit) for a Participant for a Plan Year shall not exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000).
Effective only for the calendar year 2004, the Company Matching Deposit (which includes both the Basic Company Matching Deposit and the Year End Company Matching Deposit) shall not be made for a Participant whose annual compensation exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). For this purpose annual compensation shall mean the Participant's base pay plus commissions, production incentives and AIP received during the 2003 calendar year. With respect to any employee who first becomes a Participant during 2004, the twelve month period ending on the day immediately preceding the Entry Date shall be substituted for the 2003 calendar year in the preceding sentence.
A Participant may change the level of Before-Tax Deposits at any time to be effective with the first pay period of any calendar month provided that the Committee receives notice on or
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before the last day of the previous month or such other date reasonably determined by the Plan Administrator.
A Participant may cease making Before-Tax Deposits at any time provided that he notifies the Committee as soon as practicable prior to the date contributions are to cease. No Company Matching Deposits shall be made on behalf of a Participant during any period during which Before-Tax Deposits are suspended.
A Participant may resume payroll deduction on the first day of any month after appropriate notice to the Employer.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, to the extent that a Participant, because of his position with the Employer, is restricted by law from trading in Common Stock during specified periods, such Participant shall not exercise the elections in this Section in any manner that would violate such restrictions.
Any notice provided by the Participant pursuant to this Section shall be given in accordance with rules and procedures established by the Plan Administrator and provided to the Participant upon request.
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such Participant in the next Limitation Year and each succeeding Limitation Year, if necessary.
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Number of Months in the Short Limitation Year | ||||
12 |
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Provided, however, that if the Plan satisfied the applicable requirements of Section 415 as in effect for all Limitation Years beginning before January 1, 1987, an amount shall be subtracted from the numerator of the defined contribution plan fraction as prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury so that the sum of the Defined Benefit Fraction and the Defined Contribution Fraction does not exceed one for such Limitation Year.
Transition Fraction.The term "Transition Fraction" means a fraction
17
The claim must specify the Participant's Excess Deferral Amount for such year and must be accompanied by the Participant's written statement that if such amounts are not distributed, such Excess Deferral Amount, when added to amounts deferred under other plans or arrangements described in Sections 401(k), 408(k) or 403(b) of the Code, will exceed the limit imposed on the Participant by Section 402(g) of the Code for the year in which the deferral occurred. To the extent that a Participant has an Excess Deferral Amount for the calendar year taking into account only Before-Tax Deposits under this Plan and any elective deferrals under any other plan of the Employer, the Participant is deemed to have notified the Employer of and to have requested a return of such Excess Deferral Amount pursuant to this Section 3.05(b).
With respect to each Plan Year commencing on or after January 1, 1997, the Actual Deferral Percentage for that Plan Year for Highly Compensated Employees who are Participants or eligible to become Participants for that Plan Year shall not exceed the greater of:
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employer may elect to use the Actual Deferral Percentage for non-Highly Compensated Employees for the Plan Year preceding the Plan Year being tested rather than the Plan Year being tested provided that such election must be evidenced by a Plan amendment and once made may not be changed except as provided by the Secretary of the Treasury.
The Plan Administrator may implement rules limiting the Before-Tax Deposits that may be made on behalf of some or all Highly Compensated Employees so that this limitation is satisfied.
With respect to each Plan Year commencing on or after January 1, 1997, the Actual Contribution Percentage for that Plan Year for Highly Compensated Employees who are Participants or eligible to become Participants for that Plan Year shall not exceed
18
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employer may elect to use the Actual Contribution Percentage for non-Highly Compensated Employees for the Plan Year preceding the Plan Year being tested rather than the Plan Year being tested provided that such election must be evidenced by a Plan amendment and once made may not be changed except as provided by the Secretary of the Treasury.
19
or satisfies such other tests as may be promulgated under Section 401(m) of the Code and the regulations thereunder.
20
21
Excess Contributions shall be distributed from the Participant's Before-Tax Deposit Account and from his Qualified Matching Contribution Account if applicable) in proportion to the Participant's Before-Tax Deposits and Qualified Matching Contributions used in the test under Section 3.06 for the Plan Year. Excess Contributions shall be distributed from the Participant's Qualified Nonelective Contribution Account only to the extent the Excess Contributions exceed the balance in the Participant's Before-Tax Deposit Account and Qualified Matching Contribution Account.
In the event any Before-Tax Deposits returned under this Section were matched by Company Matching Deposits other than Qualified Matching Contributions, such corresponding Company Matching Deposits, with Earnings thereon, shall be forfeited. Such forfeitures shall be treated in the same manner as forfeitures arising under Article V, except that forfeitures arising under this Section shall not be allocated to the account of any Highly Compensated Employee.
22
forfeiture have been distributed to the Participant, the Employer shall make reasonable efforts to recover the contributions from the Participant.
23
24
Participant Accounts and Investment Funds
The valuation shall reflect the effect on each Account or subaccount of Deposits, income credited or accrued, realized and unrealized appreciation or depreciation, distributions, withdrawals, inter-fund transfers, expenses, and all other transactions affecting the respective Investment Funds since the end of the last preceding Valuation Date. All routine Plan
25
administrative expenses (for such services as account recordkeeping, required audits, government filings and selection of investment contracts) as are incurred by the Plan from third party service providers shall be charged against the Plan investment earnings before such earnings are distributed to Plan Participants, or the Company may elect to pay such expenses directly.
Willis
Fixed Income Account
PIMCO Total Return Fund
PIMCO High Yield Fund
Harris Associates-Oakmark Fund
MetLife Stock Market Index Guarantee Account
Janus Fund
Harris Associates-Oakmark Select Fund
Baron Asset Fund
Baron Growth Fund
Loomis Sayles Small Cap Value Fund
Templeton Foreign Fund
Self-Directed Brokerage Account
Willis Stock Fund (effective September 4, 2001)
Deposits will be accepted and allocated to an Investment Fund only to the extent the Participant has filed an election in accordance with this Section directing the investment of such Deposits.
Any amounts deposited into the Participant's Accounts and any interest thereon may be transferred among any of the Investment Funds in accordance with the limitations set forth in Section 4.04.
The investment of future deposits may be changed effective as soon as administratively feasible after the election has been received by the Benefits Committee or its delegate. Elections must be made in accordance with the rules and procedures established by the Plan Administrator and provided to the Participant prior to his Entry Date, or with respect to subsequent changes in such rules and procedures, the effective date of such changes.
26
to the Stock-Based Company Matching Deposit Account. Effective November 3, 2004, this subsection shall no longer apply and all contributions made on behalf of the Participant shall be allocated pursuant to the Participant's election under Section 4.03(a) and the remainder of this Section, without regard to any distinction based on the type of Account specified in Section 4.01(b) to which the contribution is attributable.
Such election shall be effective as soon as administratively feasible after the election has been received by the Benefits Committee or its delegate.
Amounts may be allocated under this subsection (b) in multiples of one percent (1%) or in a specific dollar amount.
Effective November 3, 2004, the restrictions of this subsection shall no longer apply and the Participant may elect to transfer amounts from one Investment Fund to another pursuant to Section 4.04(a) and the remainder of this Section.
27
Vesting and Forfeitures
Completed Years of Service |
Vested Percentage Applicable to Company Matching Deposits |
|
---|---|---|
02 | 0% | |
3 | 25% | |
4 | 50% | |
5 or more | 100% |
A Participant shall have a nonforfeitable right to the balance in his Prior Plan Account according to the vesting schedule prescribed by the relevant prior plan.
Provided however, that any person who is a Participant and an Eligible Employee employed by Management Science Associates, Inc. on April 1, 1996 shall have a nonforfeitable right to the entire value of his Company Matching Deposit Account and Predecessor Plan Company Matching Deposit Account as of that date.
Provided further, that any person who is a Participant and an Eligible Employee employed by Willis Corroon Corporation of Sacramento on May 31, 1996 shall have a nonforfeitable right to the entire value of his Company Matching Deposit Account and Predecessor Plan Company Matching Deposit Account as of that date.
Provided further, any person listed in Appendix A who was not offered permanent employment continuing after November 10, 1996 with the Employer in a position comparable to the position the Participant held prior to November 11, 1996 shall have a nonforfeitable right to the entire value of his Company Matching Deposit Account, Predecessor Plan Company Matching Deposit Account, and Prior Plan Account as of November 11, 1996.
Provided further, any person listed in Appendix B who was not offered permanent employment continuing after November 30, 1996 with the Employer in a position comparable to the position the Participant held prior to December 1, 1996 shall have a nonforfeitable right to the entire value of his Company Matching Deposit Account, Predecessor Plan Company Matching Deposit Account, and Prior Plan Account as of November 30, 1996.
28
occurs while he is employed by the Affiliated Group. Furthermore, the Participant shall be fully vested upon termination of the Plan or upon the occurrence of another event described in Section 9.03, if such event occurs prior to the time the Participant has incurred a forfeiture.
If a Participant separates from service prior to acquiring a nonforfeitable right to the entire value of his Unrestricted Company Matching Deposit Account (prior to September 1, 2001, the Company Matching Deposit Account), and Predecessor Plan Company Matching Deposit Account, the nonvested portion of such Account shall be forfeited upon the earlier to occur of (c) or (d) below where:
Such forfeitures shall be used to reduce subsequent Employer contributions used for Company Matching Deposits.
29
prior to November 3, 2004, his Stock-Based Company Matching Deposit Account, pursuant to Article VII, or
shall have the vested portion of the Unrestricted Company Matching Deposit Account (prior to September 1, 2001, the Company Matching Deposit Account) computed by the formula P (A + D) D, where P equals the Vesting Percentage at the relevant time, A equals the Company Deposit Account balance at the relevant time, and D equals the amount of the previous withdrawal or unrepaid distribution.
30
Distributions
A Participant shall also be eligible to receive a distribution of his vested Accrued Benefit upon: (a) termination of this Plan without establishment or maintenance of a successor plan (as described in Section 401(k)(10) of the Code and the regulations thereunder) or (b) upon disposition by his Employer of substantially all of the assets (within the meaning of Section 409(d)(2) of the Code) used by such Employer in a trade or business or upon the disposition by such Employer of its interest in a subsidiary (within the meaning of Section 409(d)(3) of the Code), but only if: (i) the Participant continues employment with the corporation acquiring such assets or with such subsidiary, as the case may be; (ii) the acquiring entity is not a member of the Affiliated Group; and (iii) the acquiring entity does not maintain the Plan. An event shall not be treated as described in this paragraph with respect to any Participant unless the Participant receives a lump sum distribution as described in Section 401(k)(10)(B) of the Code.
Distributions shall be payable as provided in Sections 6.02 and 6.03.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any distribution under the Plan which is in the form of an annuity having an annuity starting date one day later than the earlier of (i) the ninetieth (90th) day after the Participant receives notice of this provision in a manner that complies with Department of Labor Regulation Section 29 CFR 2520.104b-3 and (ii) January 1, 2003 (the first day of the second plan year following the plan year in which this provision became effective (September 1, 2001), such distribution from the Plan shall instead be made solely in the form of a single lump sum distribution, so long as such single lump sum distribution is otherwise identical to the optional form of benefit that would have been available to the Participant before the application of this paragraph.
In the event that the Participant does not elect an "in kind distribution" pursuant to the previous paragraph, the Participant shall receive his distribution from the Plan totally in cash. The Participant shall make such election by specifying in writing that he desires either an "in
31
kind distribution" or a "cash-only distribution" on such form or forms as the Benefits Committee deems appropriate for such election. For the purpose of this "cash-only distribution", the value of the Participant's Common Stock accumulated in the Participant's Accounts shall be equal to the actual proceeds from the sale of such Common Stock. For the purpose of this subsection, any transfer of shares by the Trustee from the account of the Participant receiving a distribution to another Account shall be considered a "sale" and the Market Value on the date of such transfer shall be considered "proceeds" hereunder.
If a Qualified Election had not been made prior to the Participant's death, the Participant's surviving Spouse may elect to defer distribution of the Participant's Account until a date which is no later than the date which would have been the Participant's Normal Retirement Date.
A Qualified Election means an election made by the Participant providing that the balance of the Participant's Accounts will not be distributed in full to the surviving Spouse, and
Any consent by a Spouse pursuant to this paragraph shall be effective only with respect to such Spouse. Spousal consent is irrevocable unless the Participant revokes his Qualified Election in order to designate another Beneficiary who is other than the Participant's Spouse. In such case, a new Qualified Election must be made in accordance with this paragraph.
32
with this Article VI within a reasonable period following the earliest of (i) the last day of the Plan Year in which the Participant attains his Normal Retirement Age; (ii) the last day of the Plan Year in which the Participant dies; or (iii) the date on which the Participant files an election with the Plan Administrator to have his entire vested Accrued Benefit distributed to him. Such distribution shall be in the form of a single sum benefit and shall be valued as of the Valuation Date coinciding with the date of distribution.
33
Required minimum distributions will be determined under this subsection (f) beginning with the first Distribution Calendar Year and up to and including the Distribution Calendar Year that includes the Participant's date of death.
If the Spouse is the Participant's sole Designated Beneficiary and the Spouse dies before payments begin, subsequent distributions are required under this subsection (except for paragraph 2) as if the surviving Spouse was the Participant.
34
35
36
In-Service Withdrawals
For the purposes of this Section, dependents shall be those persons considered to be dependents for the purposes of Section 152 of the Code.
37
Qualified Matching Contributions, Qualified Non-elective Contributions and income credited on Before-Tax Deposits after December 31, 1988 shall not be available for hardship withdrawal.
Withdrawals under this Section will be made available as soon as administratively feasible after a request has been received by the Benefits Committee or its delegate and approved for payment. The value of accounts will be determined as of the Valuation Date preceding the date the withdrawal is paid.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this plan, hardship withdrawals are not available with respect to contributions made with respect to Contribution Periods during which the Participant is compensated for services rendered in the United Kingdom.
Withdrawals under this Section will be made available as soon as administratively feasible after a request has been received by the Benefits Committee or its delegate and approved for payment. The value of accounts will be determined as of the Valuation Date preceding the date the withdrawal is paid.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this plan, age 591/2 withdrawals are not available with respect to contributions made with respect to Contribution Periods during which the Participant is compensated for services rendered in the United Kingdom.
Withdrawals from a Prior Plan Account shall be permitted only to the extent such withdrawal would have been permitted under the plan from which such amounts were transferred.
Withdrawals under this Section will be made available as soon as administratively feasible after a request has been received by the Benefits Committee or its delegate and approved for payment. The value of accounts will be determined as of the Valuation Date preceding the date the withdrawal is paid.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this plan, withdrawals under this Section are not available with respect to contributions made with respect to Contribution Periods during which the Participant is compensated for services rendered in the United Kingdom.
Withdrawals under this Section will be made available as soon as administratively feasible after a request has been received by the Benefits Committee or its delegate and approved for payment. The value of accounts will be determined as of the Valuation Date preceding the date the withdrawal is paid.
38
Notwithstanding any other provision of this plan, withdrawals under this Section are not available with respect to contributions made with respect to Contribution Periods during which the Participant is compensated for services rendered in the United Kingdom.
For purposes of this Section, the Participant's vested Accrued Benefit shall be determined as of the Valuation Date preceding the date of the loan. However, under no circumstances may the loan amount exceed the Participant's vested Accrued Benefit as of the date the loan is disbursed.
39
40
Plan Administration
41
42
The Claimant or his duly authorized representative may review the pertinent documents and submit written comments, documents, records, and other information for consideration by the Benefits Committee. The Claimant shall be provided, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the Claimant's claim for benefits. If the Claimant does not request a review of the Benefits Committee's determination within such sixty (60) day period, he shall be barred and estopped from challenging the Benefits Committee's determination.
43
be made by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion. Any construction of the terms of the Plan that is adopted by the Plan Administrator and for which there is a rational basis shall be final and legally binding on all parties.
Any interpretation of the Plan or other action of the Plan Administrator shall be subject to review only if such interpretation or other action is without rational basis. Any review of a final decision or action of the Plan Administrator shall be based only on such evidence presented to or considered by the Plan Administrator at the time it made the decision that is the subject of review. If any participating Employer and/or any Eligible Employee who performs services for a participating Employer that is or may be compensated for in part by benefits payable pursuant to this Plan, such an individual shall be treated as agreeing with and consenting to any decision that the Plan Administrator makes in its sole discretion and further agrees to the limited standard of review described by this Section 8.10 by the acceptance of such benefits.
44
Amendment and Termination
45
In the event of termination of the Plan only with respect to the Employees of the Adopting Company, the Benefits Committee shall direct that the portion of the Fund attributable to Employees of the Adopting Company be segregated by the Trustee into a separate fund.
The portion of the Fund which is so segregated shall be retained in a separate trust fund and applied in one of the following methods, at the discretion of the Benefits Committee:
46
General Provisions
The Company shall have exclusive responsibility for the specific matters delegated to it by the Plan. The Trustee shall have responsibility for management and control of the assets of the Plan as provided in the Trust Agreement.
The Committee shall establish a written procedure to determine the qualified status of domestic relations orders and to administer distributions under such qualified orders.
47
the right to be retained in the service of the Employer or to interfere with the right of the Employer to discharge any Participant or Employee at any time regardless of the effect which such discharge shall have upon such individual as a Participant in the Plan.
Earnings attributable to the contribution shall not be returned to the Employer, but losses attributable to such excess contribution must reduce the amount to be so returned.
48
49
Top Heavy Provisions
The following provisions shall become effective in any year in which the Plan is determined to be a Top Heavy Plan.
The aggregation rules of Section 414(b), (c), and (m) of the Code do not apply for purposes of determining ownership in the Employer.
50
51
Completed Years of Service |
Vesting Percentage Applicable to Company Deposits |
|
---|---|---|
01 | 0% | |
2 | 20% | |
3 | 40% | |
4 | 60% | |
5 | 100% |
In the event that the aggregate of the sum of the Accounts of Participants who are Key Employees under the Plan exceeds sixty percent (60%) but is not more than ninety percent (90%) of the aggregate of the sum of the Accounts of all Participants, Section 11.02(a) shall be modified by substituting "four percent (4%)" for "three percent (3%)" wherever it appears therein.
52
Adoption of the Plan by Other Entities
The Participation Agreement may modify any of the terms of the Plan as applied to employees of such entity. The administrative powers and control of the Company as provided in the Plan shall not be deemed diminished under the Plan by reason of the participation of other companies in the Plan. However, each Participating Employer shall have the obligation to pay the contributions for its own employees and no other corporation shall have such obligation.
53
The Trustee
Except as provided in ERISA Section 405, the Trustee under each Trust shall be responsible only for the property actually received by it hereunder. It shall have no duty or authority to compute any amount to be paid to it by the Employer or to bring any action or proceeding to enforce the collection from the Employer of any contribution to the Trust Fund.
Title to the portion of the Trust Fund allocated to a Trustee, including all funds and investments held under a Trust Agreement by the applicable Trustee, shall be and remain in the Trustee, and no Participant, Retired Participant or Beneficiary shall have any legal or equitable right or interest in the Trust Fund except to the extent that such rights or interests are expressly granted under the provisions of the Plan.
54
time as an investment through any such medium shall exist, the Declaration of Trust of such fund shall constitute a part of this Agreement. The Trustee shall diversify such investments so as to minimize the risk of large losses, unless under the circumstances it is clearly prudent not to do so.
The Trustee may retain in cash such amounts as the Trustee considers advisable and as permitted by applicable law and to deposit any cash so retained in any depository (which may be affiliated with the Trustee) which the Trustee may select, without liability for interest.
The Trustee may invest and reinvest the funds of the Trust Fund which are transferred from predecessor plans ("the Transferred Fund") in any property, real, personal or mixed, wherever situate, and whether or not productive of income or consisting of wasting assets, including, without limitation, common and preferred stock, bonds, notes, debenture, leaseholds, mortgages (including without limitation, any collective or part interest in any bond and mortgage or note and mortgage), certificates of deposit, and oil, mineral or gas properties, royalties, interests or rights (including equipment pertaining thereto), without being limited to the classes of property in which trustees are authorized by law or any rule of court to invest trust funds and without regard to the proportion any such property may bear to the entire amount of the Trust Fund.
55
by it as part of the corpus of the trust estate herein created, notwithstanding the name in which the same may be held.
The Trustee shall have no duty to question any direction of the Investment Manager with respect to the portion of the Transferred Fund managed by the Investment Manager or to review any securities or property held in such portion, or to make any suggestions with respect to the investment and reinvestment of such portion. The Trustee shall be fully protected in acting in accordance with the directions of the Investment Manager or for failing to act in the absence of such directions.
All or any portion of the Transferred Fund, as shall be designated by the Investment Committee, shall be invested and reinvested under a group annuity or similar type of insurance contract or contracts which the Trustee shall have entered into with an insurance company at the direction of the Investment Committee.
56
notice or direction purporting to have been signed on behalf of the Benefits Committee which the Trustee believes to have been signed by the Benefits Committee or the person or persons authorized to act for the Committee. The Trustee may rely upon any certificate, notice or direction of the employer that the Trustee believes to have been signed by a duly authorized officer or agent of the Employer. The Trustee may request instructions in writing from the Committee on other matters and may rely and act thereon.
The Trustee shall also provide the Company and the Benefits Committee with such other information in its possession as may be necessary for the Benefits Committee to comply with the reporting and disclosure requirements of ERISA.
Upon the expiration of ninety (90) days from the date of filing such report and to the maximum extent permitted by federal regulations, the Trustee shall be forever released and discharged from all liability and accountability to anyone with respect to the recording of its acts and transactions shown in such statement, except with respect to any such acts or transactions as to which the Company or Benefits Committee shall file with the Trustee written objections within such ninety (90) days period.
57
Plan. The Trustee shall also, with the approval of the Benefits Committee, have the authority to abolish said fund(s) and to take all actions necessary in reinvesting the cash or property of said abolished fund(s) in any of the remaining fund(s).
58
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this amended and restated Plan is hereby executed on the day of , 20 , to be effective November 3, 2004.
|
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|
WILLIS NORTH AMERICA INC. | |||
ATTEST: (SEAL) |
By: |
||
By: |
|||
Trustee |
59
This Appendix is adopted to reflect certain provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 ("EGTRRA"). This Appendix is intended as good faith compliance with the requirements of EGTRRA and is to be construed in accordance with EGTRRA and guidance issued thereunder. Except as otherwise provided, this Appendix shall be effective as of January 1, 2002.
This Appendix shall supersede the provisions of the Plan to the extent those provisions are inconsistent with the provisions of this Appendix.
The compensation limit referred to in (b) shall not apply to any contribution for medical benefits after separation from service (within the meaning of Section 401(h) or Section 419A(f)(2) of the Code) which is otherwise treated as an annual addition.
The annual compensation of each participant taken into account in determining allocations for any plan year beginning after December 31, 2001, shall not exceed $200,000, as adjusted for cost-of-living increases in accordance with Section 401(a)(17)(B) of the Code. Annual compensation means compensation during the plan year or such other consecutive 12-month period over which compensation is otherwise determined under the Plan (the determination period). The cost-of-living adjustment in effect for a calendar year applies to annual compensation for the determination period that begins with or within such calendar year.
60
Section 416(i)(1) of the Code and the applicable regulations and other guidance of general applicability issued thereunder.
Matching contributions. Employer matching contributions shall be taken into account for purposes of satisfying the minimum contribution requirements of Section 416(c)(2) of the Code and the Plan. The preceding sentence shall apply with respect to matching contributions under the Plan or, if the Plan provides that the minimum contribution requirement shall be met in another plan, such other plan. Employer matching contributions that are used to satisfy the minimum contribution requirements shall be treated as matching contributions for purposes of the actual contribution percentage test and other requirements of Section 401(m) of the Code.
No minimum contribution shall be made under this Plan for any plan year in which each participant who is a Non-Key Employee has a benefit under a defined benefit plan maintained by the Employer that: (i) meets the benefit requirements of Section 416(c)(1) of the Code; and (ii) is guaranteed under the defined benefit plan under provisions intended to take effect in any year during which such plan is Top Heavy. A defined benefit plan shall be considered for purposes of this subsection only if it is in the aggregation group of which this Plan is a part.
61
Years of vesting service |
Nonforfeitable percentage |
|
---|---|---|
2 | 20 | |
3 | 40 | |
4 | 60 | |
5 | 100 |
With respect to Prior Plan Accounts attributable to matching contributions that result from a future merger or acquisition, the election in Section 9.01(f) of the Plan shall apply except to the extent accelerated vesting is provided under the relevant acquisition or merger agreement.
With respect to Prior Plan Accounts attributable to matching contributions that are in existence on the date the amendment adding this Appendix is executed:
62
However, such portion may be transferred only to an individual retirement account or annuity described in Section 408(a) or (b) of the Code, or to a qualified defined contribution plan described in Section 401(a) or 403(a) of the Code that agrees to separately account for amounts so transferred, including separately accounting for the portion of such distribution which is includible in gross income and the portion of such distribution which is not so includible.
The Plan will accept participant rollover contributions and/or direct rollovers of distributions made after December 31, 2001, from the following types of plans, beginning on January 1, 2002.
Direct Rollovers:
Participant Rollover Contributions from Other Plans:
Participant Rollover Contributions from IRAs:
The Plan will accept a participant rollover contribution of the portion of a distribution from an "conduit" individual retirement account or annuity described in Section 408(a) or 408(b) of the Code that is eligible to be rolled over and would otherwise be includible in gross income. (A "conduit" individual retirement account is an individual retirement account that was originally established with an eligible rollover distribution from another employer's plan described above and to which no other contributions have been made. After tax money cannot be rolled over to the Plan in this manner.)
The multiple use test described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.401 (m)-2 and Section 3.08 of the Plan shall not apply for plan years beginning after December 31, 2001.
No participant shall be permitted to have elective deferrals made under this Plan, or any other qualified plan maintained by the Employer during any taxable year, in excess of the dollar limitation contained in Section 402(g) of the Code in effect for such taxable year, except to the extent permitted under item IX of this and Section 414(v) of the Code, if applicable.
Catch-up Contributions shall apply to contributions after February 28, 2002.
63
All Employees who are eligible to make elective deferrals under this Plan and who have attained age 50 before the close of the plan year shall be eligible to make catch-up contributions in accordance with, and subject to the limitations of, Section 414(v) of the Code. Such catch-up contributions shall not be taken into account for purposes of the provisions of the Plan implementing the required limitations of Sections 402(g) and 415 of the Code. The Plan shall not be treated as failing to satisfy the provisions of the Plan implementing the requirements of Section 401(k)(3), 401(k)(11), 401(k)(12), 410(b), or 416 of the Code, as applicable, by reason of the making of such catch-up contributions.
Except as provided below, Catch-up contributions shall not require a separate election. Before-Tax Deposits shall automatically be treated as Catch-up contributions beginning with the first dollar that a participant defers in excess of the limit under Code Section 402(g). Other amounts deferred will be reclassified as Catch-up contributions to the extent necessary to enable the Plan to satisfy other applicable limitations. Catch-up contributions shall not be considered as Before-Tax Deposits for the purpose of determining the Company Matching Deposit pursuant to section 3.01(b) of the Plan. Catch-up contributions shall, however, be subject to the Plan's maximum limit on employee deferrals applicable to Before-Tax Deposits that is specified in section 3.01(a).
In the event that a participant could have made a Catch-up contribution if this Item IX had become effective on the first day of the plan year, but (a) as of the end of the first payroll period ending after February 28, 2002 would otherwise be prohibited from making additional deferrals due to the application of the Code Section 401(a)(17) limit or (b) as of the end of the first payroll period ending after March 31, 2002 would otherwise be prohibited from making additional deferrals due to the application of the Code Section 401(a)(17) limit and is precluded from making the maximum Catch-up Contribution during the month of March 2002 due to the plan's administrative procedures, such participant may elect to make a Catch-up contribution of an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) but only with respect to the first two payroll periods ending after March 31, 2002, provided that such deferral does not exceed the amount that the participant could have deferred under the Plan for such payroll period if the participant had earned no compensation prior to April 1, 2002.
A participant who receives a distribution of elective deferrals after December 31, 2001, on account of hardship shall be prohibited from making elective deferrals and employee contributions under this and all other plans of the employer for 6 months after receipt of the distribution.
A participant who receives a distribution of elective deferrals in calendar year 2001 on account of hardship shall be prohibited from making elective deferrals and employee contributions under this and all other plans of the employer for 6 months after receipt of the distribution or until January 1, 2002, if later.
64
Such deposits shall be allocated to the Participant for whom such contributions were made and credited to the Participant Account maintained for such Participant pursuant to Section 4.01.
65
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)
I, Joseph J. Plumeri, certify that:
Date: November 9, 2004
By: |
/s/ JOSEPH J. PLUMERI Joseph J. Plumeri Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)
I, Thomas Colraine, certify that:
Date: November 9, 2004
By: |
/s/ THOMAS COLRAINE Thomas Colraine Vice Chairman, Co-Chief Operating Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer |
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, of Willis Group Holdings Limited (the "Company"), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Joseph J. Plumeri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, certify that:
Date: November 9, 2004
By: |
/s/ JOSEPH J. PLUMERI Joseph J. Plumeri Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Willis Group Holdings Limited and will be retained by Willis Group Holdings Limited and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, of Willis Group Holdings Limited (the "Company"), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Thomas Colraine, Co-Chief Operating Officer, Vice Chairman and Group Chief Financial Officer of the Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, certify that:
Date: November 9, 2004
By: |
/s/ THOMAS COLRAINE Thomas Colraine Vice Chairman, Co-Chief Operating Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Willis Group Holdings Limited and will be retained by Willis Group Holdings Limited and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.