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Willis Group Holdings 10-Q 2008
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UNITED STATES FORM 10-Q
Commission file number: 001-16503 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
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 a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ý As of April 30, 2008, there were outstanding 141,220,207 shares of common stock, par value $0.000115 per share of the registrant.
2
We have included in this document "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this document that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward looking statements include statements we make in "Item 2—Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Summary—2008 expense review" and—"Financial targets" and elsewhere regarding such things as our outlook and guidance regarding future operating margin and adjusted earnings per diluted share, future capital expenditures, expected growth in commissions and fees, business strategies, competitive strengths, goals, the anticipated benefits of new initiatives, growth of our business and operations, plans, and references to future successes. Also, when we use the words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", "probably", or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. There are important uncertainties, events and factors that could cause our actual results or performance to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained in this document, including regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions and the following:
The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and new factors may emerge from time to time that could also affect actual performance and results. See also Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" for additional factors included in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed on February 27, 2008. 3
Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and therefore also the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could themselves prove to be inaccurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this document, our inclusion of this information is not a representation or guarantee by us that our objectives and plans will be achieved. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and we will not update these forward-looking statements unless the securities laws require us to do so. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this document may not occur and we caution you against unduly relying on these forward-looking statements. 4 Item 1—Financial Statements
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. 5
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. 6
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. 7
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS Willis Group Holdings Limited ("Willis Group Holdings") and subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") provide a broad range of insurance brokerage, reinsurance and risk management consulting services to its worldwide clients, both directly and indirectly through its associates. The Company provides both specialized risk management advisory and consulting services on a global basis to clients worldwide in specific industrial and commercial activities, and services to small, medium and major corporates through its retail operations. 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. 2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements ("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 three month period ended March 31, 2008 may not necessarily be indicative of the operating results for the entire fiscal year. The December 31, 2007 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, 2007 and 2006, 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, 2007 included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Fair value measurement—adoption of FAS 157 The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 ("FAS 157") on January 1, 2008. FAS 157:
8 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) FAS 157 requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company's assets and liabilities by the FAS 157 fair value hierarchy at March 31, 2008:
The Company's fiduciary funds-restricted and short-term investments consist mainly of cash and time deposits. Fair values are based on quoted market values. The fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments is computed based on a market approach using information generated by market transactions involving comparable instruments. Other Income Other income comprises gains on the disposals of intangible assets, which primarily arise on the disposal of books of business. Prior to January 1, 2008, the Company reported these gains within "Commissions and fees". Comparatives have been adjusted accordingly. Although the Company is not in the business of selling intangible assets (mainly books of business), from time to time the Company will dispose of a book of business (a customer list) or other intangible asset that does not produce adequate margins or fit with our strategy. 3. SEVERANCE COSTS As part of the Company's 2008 expense review, the Company incurred $15 million of severance costs relating to approximately 150 positions that have been, or are in the process of being, eliminated. Severance costs for these employees were recognized pursuant to the terms of their existing benefit arrangements or employee agreements. Of the $15 million charge for severance costs in first quarter 9 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 3. SEVERANCE COSTS (Continued) 2008, $4 million was paid in the first quarter and $11 million has been carried forward at March 31, 2008. In some countries, termination cash payments are spread over periods of up to two years. Severance costs also arise in the normal course of business and these charges amounted to $1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008 (2007: $1 million). 4. EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income by the average number of shares outstanding during each period. The computation of diluted earnings 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 March 31, 2008, time-based and performance-based options to purchase 14.8 million and 0.2 million (2007: 14.5 million and 0.3 million) shares, respectively, and 1.7 million (2007: 1.6 million) restricted shares, were outstanding. Basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:
Options to purchase 12.9 million shares were not included in the computation of the dilutive effect of stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2008 because the effect was antidilutive (Three months ended March 31, 2007: 5.6 million). 10 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 5. PENSION PLANS The components of the net periodic benefit cost of the UK and US defined benefit plans are as follows:
As of March 31, 2008, the Company had contributed $37 million and $2 million of contributions to the UK and US defined benefit pension plans (2007: $37 million and $4 million), respectively. The Company expects to contribute approximately $150 million to the UK defined benefit pension plan and $25 million to the US plan for the full year 2008. However, 2008 contributions to the UK plan may decrease subject to the outcome of the full triennial valuation of the UK plan which will be completed later this year. 6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Claims, Lawsuits and Other Proceedings The Company is subject to various actual and potential claims, lawsuits and other 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 the claims, lawsuits and other proceedings seek damages in amounts which could, if assessed, be significant. Errors and omissions claims, lawsuits and other proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business are covered in part by professional indemnity or other appropriate insurance. The terms of this insurance vary by policy year and self-insured risks have increased significantly in recent years. In respect of self-insured risks, the Company has established provisions 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 actual claims, lawsuits and other proceedings, to which the Company is subject, or potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings relating to matters of which it is aware will ultimately have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible 11 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued) that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods. The most significant actual or potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings, of which we are currently aware are: Inquiries and Investigations In April 2005, the Company entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance ("NY AOD") with the New York Attorney General and the New York Superintendent of Insurance resolving the investigation commenced by the New York Attorney General in April 2004 which concerned, among other things, arrangements pursuant to which insurers compensated insurance brokers for distribution and other services provided to insurers and, as the investigation of brokers and insurers continued, broadened into an investigation of other possible violations of law, including violations of fiduciary duty, securities laws, and antitrust laws. Pursuant to the NY AOD, the Company has paid $50 million to eligible customers. The Company also agreed to continue certain business reforms it had already implemented and to implement certain other business reforms. These reforms include an agreement not to accept contingent compensation; and an undertaking to disclose to customers any compensation the Company will receive in connection with providing policy placement services to the customer. The Company also resolved a similar investigation commenced by the Minnesota Attorney General in 2005 by entering into an Assurance of Discontinuance pursuant to which the Company paid $1 million to Minnesota customers and implemented the business reforms described in the NY AOD. In July 2007 the Company resolved a similar investigation by the Florida Attorney General, the Florida Department of Financial Services and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation by agreeing to reimburse approximately $2.6 million to Florida public entities who were customers and to reimburse the state for its investigatory costs. The Company has responded to requests for documents and information by the regulators and/or attorneys general of more than twenty other states, the District of Columbia, one US city, Canada, and Australia that conducted similar investigations. The Company has co-operated fully with these investigations and has engaged in discussions with regulators and attorneys general about their investigations but cannot predict at this time how or when those investigations will be resolved. The European Commission issued questionnaires pursuant to its Sector Inquiry or, in respect of Norway, the European Free Trade Association Surveillance Authority, related to insurance business practices, including compensation arrangements for brokers, to at least 150 European brokers including our operations in nine European countries. The Company responded to the European Commission questionnaires and has filed the European Free Trade Association Surveillance Authority for two of its Norwegian entities. The European Commission reported on a final basis on September 25, 2007 expressing concerns over potential conflicts of interest in the industry relating to remuneration and binding authorities when assuming a dual role for clients and insurers and also over the nature of the coinsurance market. The Company continues to co-operate with both the European Commission and the European Free Trade Association Surveillance Authority. Since August 2004, various plaintiffs have filed purported class actions in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, the Northern District of Illinois, the Northern District of 12 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued) California, the New Jersey District court, and the Circuit Court for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Seminole County, Florida Civil Division, under a variety of legal theories, including state tort, contract, fiduciary duty and statutory theories, and federal antitrust and RICO theories. Other than a federal suit in Illinois that was voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff in May 2005, all of these federal actions have been consolidated into two actions in federal court in New Jersey. One of the consolidated actions addresses employee benefits, while the other consolidated action addresses all other lines of insurance. In addition to the two federal actions, the Company was also named as a defendant in a purported class action in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Seminole County, Florida Civil Division. Both the consolidated federal actions and the Florida state action name various insurance carriers and insurance brokerage firms, including the Company, as defendants. In July 2007, class action suits, similar to the suits consolidated in New Jersey, were filed in the United States District Courts in the Southern District of Florida and the Southern District of New York. The complaints seek monetary damages and equitable relief and make allegations regarding the practices and conduct that has been the subject of the investigation of state attorneys general and insurance commissioners, including allegations that the brokers have breached their duties to their clients by entering into contingent compensation agreements with either no disclosure or limited disclosure to clients and entered into other improper activities. The complaints also allege the existence of a conspiracy among the insurance carriers and brokers and the federal court complaints allege violations of the federal RICO statute. In separate decisions issued in August and September 2007, the Judge in the two consolidated federal actions dismissed the antitrust and RICO claims with prejudice and dismissed certain of the state claims without prejudice. Plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal regarding these dismissal rulings. In January 2008, the Judge dismissed the ERISA claims with prejudice in the employee benefits suit. Additional actions could be brought in the future by individual policyholders. The Company disputes the allegations in all of these suits and intends to defend itself vigorously against these actions. The outcomes of these lawsuits, however, including any losses or other payments that may occur as a result, cannot be predicted at this time. Reinsurance Market Dispute Various legal proceedings are pending, have been concluded or may commence between reinsurers, reinsureds and in some cases their intermediaries, including reinsurance brokers, relating to personal accident excess of loss reinsurance for the years 1993 to 1998. The proceedings principally concern allegations by reinsurers that they have sustained substantial losses due to an alleged abnormal "spiral" in the market in which the reinsurance contracts were placed, the existence and nature of which, as well as other information, was not disclosed to them by the reinsureds or their reinsurance broker. A "spiral" is a market term for a situation in which reinsureds and reinsurers reinsure each other with the effect that the same loss or portion of that loss moves through the market multiple times. The reinsurers concerned have taken the position that, despite their decisions to underwrite risks or a group of risks, they are no longer bound by their reinsurance contracts. As a result, they have stopped settling claims and are seeking to recover claims already paid. The Company also understands that there have been at least two arbitration awards in relation to a spiral, among other things, in which the reinsurer successfully argued that it was no longer bound by parts of its reinsurance program. Willis Limited, the Company's principal insurance brokerage subsidiary in the United Kingdom, acted as the reinsurance broker or otherwise as intermediary, but not as an underwriter, for numerous personal 13 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued) accident reinsurance contracts, including two contracts that were involved in one of the arbitrations. Due to the small number of reinsurance brokers generally, Willis Limited was one of a small number of brokers active in the market for this reinsurance during the relevant period. Willis Limited also utilized other brokers active in this market as sub-agents, including brokers who are parties to the legal proceedings described above, for certain contracts and may be responsible for any errors and omissions they may have made. In July 2003, one of the reinsurers received a judgment in the English High Court against certain parties, including a sub-broker Willis Limited used to place two of the contracts involved in this trial. Although neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries were a party to this proceeding or any arbitration, Willis Limited entered into tolling agreements with certain of the principals to the reinsurance contracts tolling the statute of limitations pending the outcome of proceedings between the reinsureds and reinsurers. Two former clients of Willis Limited, American Reliable Insurance Company and one of its associated companies ("ARIC") and CNA Insurance Company Limited and two of its associated companies ("CNA") have each terminated their respective tolling agreements with Willis Limited and commenced litigation in the English Commercial Court against Willis Limited. ARIC has alleged conspiracy between a former Willis Limited employee and the ARIC underwriter as well as negligence and CNA has alleged deceit and negligence by the same Willis Limited employee both in connection with placements of personal accident reinsurance in the excess of loss market in London and elsewhere. The Company disputes these allegations and intends to vigorously defend itself against these actions. ARIC's asserted claim is approximately $257 million (plus unspecified interest and costs) and CNA's asserted claim is approximately $251 million (plus various unspecified claims for exemplary damages, interest and costs). The Company cannot predict at this time what, if any, damages might result from this action but believes that any amounts likely required to resolve the claims will be covered by errors and omissions insurance. Various arbitrations continue to be active and from time to time the principals request co-operation from the Company and suggest that claims may be asserted against the Company. Such claims may be made against the Company if reinsurers do not pay claims on policies issued by them. The Company cannot predict at this time whether any such claims will be made or the damages that may be alleged. Gender Discrimination Class Action A federal district court action was commenced against the Company in 2001 on behalf of an alleged nationwide class of present and former female officer and officer equivalent employees alleging that the Company discriminated against them on the basis of their gender and seeking injunctive relief, money damages, attorneys' fees and costs. The court denied plaintiffs' motions to certify a nationwide class or to grant nationwide discovery, but did certify a class of female officers and officer equivalent employees based in the Northeast (New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts) offices. The class consists of approximately 200 women. In June 2007 the parties reached a settlement in principle on the class claims and with the two remaining named plaintiffs on their individual claims for an amount that will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. The parties have agreed on the terms of the written settlement agreement including the terms of the injunctive relief that the Company will agree to provide under the settlement which was approved by the court in February 2008. The judge is currently determining the amount of attorney fees the plaintiffs are entitled to receive, which is not material to the Company. A former female employee, whose motion to intervene in the class action 14 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued) was denied, has filed a purported class action with almost identical allegations as those contained in this suit, except seeking a class period of 1998 to the time of trial. The Company's motion to dismiss this suit was denied and the court did not grant the Company permission to immediately file an appeal from the denial of its motion to dismiss. The parties are in the discovery phase of the litigation. The Company cannot predict at this time what, if any, damages might result from this action. World Trade Center We acted as the insurance broker, but not as an underwriter, for the placement of both property and casualty insurance for a number of entities which were directly impacted by the September 11, 2001 destruction of the World Trade Center complex, including Silverstein Properties LLC, which acquired a 99-year leasehold interest in the twin towers and related facilities from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in July 2001. Although the World Trade Center complex insurance was bound at or before the July 2001 closing of the leasehold acquisition, consistent with standard industry practice, the final policy wording for the placements was still in the process of being finalized when the twin towers and other buildings in the complex were destroyed on September 11, 2001. There are a number of lawsuits pending in the United States between the insured parties and the insurers for several placements, with the Silverstein property placement being the most significant of these lawsuits. There were two jury trials in the Silverstein property suit in which the principal issue was whether the September 11 events constituted one or more occurrences for the purposes of the relevant insurance policies. The outcome from the two jury trials is that Silverstein has $4.6 billion in coverage as opposed to the $7 billion it was seeking. On appeal, the verdicts from both jury trials were upheld. Silverstein and a few insurers have filed petitions with the appellate court for reargument. In May 2007, Silverstein reached a settlement with all of its property insurers, putting an end to the property litigation. In June 2007, a state court action was commenced in the New York County Supreme Court by The Westfield Group against Silverstein and Willis seeking to recover the costs it incurred in establishing its insured status under Silverstein's liability policy. In January 2008 the Company reached a settlement in principle with The Westfield Group for an amount which will be covered by errors and omissions insurance. Other disputes may also arise in respect of the World Trade Center insurance placed by us which could affect Willis including claims by one or more of the insureds that we made culpable errors or omissions in connection with our brokerage activities. However, we do not believe that our role as broker will lead to liabilities which in the aggregate would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. 15 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 7. LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consists of the following:
8. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION Supplemental disclosures regarding cash flow information and non-cash flow investing and financing activities are as follows:
16 NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 9. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
10. SEGMENT INFORMATION During the periods presented, the Company operated through three segments: Global; North America and International. Global provides specialist brokerage and consulting services to clients worldwide for specific industrial and commercial activities and is organized by specialism. North America and International predominantly comprise our retail operations which provide services to small, medium and major corporates, accessing Global's specialist expertise when required. 17 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 10. SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued) The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on organic revenue growth and operating income. For internal reporting and segmental reporting, the following items are excluded from segmental expenses as they are not directly controlled by segment management:
With effect from January 1, 2008, the Company changed its basis of segmental allocation for central costs. In particular, all accounting adjustments for hedging transactions are now held at the Corporate level, together with certain legal costs. As a result of this change, an additional $1 million net operating loss for full year 2007, previously reported within Corporate, has been allocated to the operating segments. The accounting policies of the operating segments are consistent with those described in Note 2. There are no inter-segment revenues, with segments operating on a revenue-sharing basis equivalent to that used when sharing business with other third-party brokers. Selected information regarding the Company's operating segments is as follows:
18 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 10. SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
The following table reconciles total consolidated operating income, as disclosed in the operating segment tables above, to consolidated income before income taxes, interest in earnings of associates and minority interest:
11. SHARE BUYBACKS On November 1, 2007, the Board authorized a new share buyback program for $1 billion. This replaced the previous $1 billion buyback program and its remaining $308 million authorization. The program is an open-ended plan to repurchase the Company's shares from time to time in the open market or through negotiated sales with persons who are not affiliates of the Company. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company repurchased 2.3 million shares, for $75 million, at an average price of $33.12. Repurchased shares were subsequently canceled. 19 NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 12. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES On July 1, 2005, Willis North America Inc. ("Willis North America") issued debt securities totaling $600 million under its April 2003 registration statement. On March 28, 2007, Willis North America issued further debt securities totaling $600 million under its June 2006 registration statement (Note 7). The debt securities are 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 is a guarantor, on a parent company only basis; ii) the Other Guarantors which are all 100% 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. 20 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 12. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
21 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 12. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
22 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 12. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
23 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 12. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
24 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 12. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
25 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 12. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
26 NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 13. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES The Company filed a shelf registration on Form S-3 on June 21, 2006 under which Willis Group Holdings may offer debt securities, preferred stock, common stock and other securities. In addition, Trinity Acquisition Limited may offer debt securities ("the Subsidiary Debt Securities"). The Subsidiary Debt Securities, if issued, will be guaranteed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries. 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. 27 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 13. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
28 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 13. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
29 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 13. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
30 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 13. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
31 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 13. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
32 WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (Unaudited) 13. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENT GUARANTOR, OTHER GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES AND NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES (Continued) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
33 Item 2—Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This discussion includes references to non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G of SEC rules. We present such non-GAAP financial measures, as we believe such information is of interest to the investment community because it provides additional meaningful methods of evaluating certain aspects of the Company's operating performance from period to period on a basis that may not be otherwise apparent on a GAAP basis. These financial measures should be viewed in addition to, not in lieu of, the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2008. This discussion includes forward-looking statements, including under the heading "Summary—2008 Expense Review" and "—Financial Targets". Please see "Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" for certain cautionary information regarding forward-looking statements and a list of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements. SUMMARY Overview
The difficult market conditions in 2007 have continued into first quarter 2008 with further rate decreases across most sectors of the market in which we operate. We believe premium rate declines were between 10 to 40 percent in the United States and 5 to 20 percent elsewhere during first quarter 2008. In the reinsurance market, we continue to see a combination of declining rates and high retentions at the primary underwriter level. Despite these difficult trading conditions, we reported 3 percent organic commissions and fees growth spread across our businesses. Operating margin for first quarter 2008 was 28 percent, 4 percentage points lower than in 2007 with the decrease primarily attributable to a $33 million charge for our 2008 expense review, discussed below, partly mitigated by improved productivity. Results Net income in first quarter 2008 was $166 million, or $1.16 per diluted share, compared with $169 million, or $1.10 per diluted share, in 2007 as the benefits of increased revenues, a lower tax rate and an increased contribution from associates were more than offset by the impact of the lower margin and increased interest expense. Total revenues at $795 million were $56 million, or 8 percent, higher than in first quarter 2007 of which 5 percent was attributable to foreign currency translation. Organic revenue growth was 3 percent reflecting net new business growth of 4 percent and a 1 percent negative impact from declining rates and other market factors. Operating margin at 28 percent was 4 percentage points lower than in first quarter 2007 with the decrease mainly reflecting:
partly offset by
34
2008 expense review Our Shaping our Future strategy is a series of initiatives designed to deliver profitable growth. As previously announced, we have decided:
and, in order to fund a portion of these initiatives,
In first quarter 2008, we incurred a pre-tax charge of $33 million ($23 million net of tax, equivalent to $0.16 per diluted share) in connection with this expense review comprising:
We expect that we will incur additional pre-tax charges in the remainder of 2008 and currently estimate that total charges for the 2008 expense review will be approximately $65 to $85 million. We anticipate that these charges will lead to cost savings in the range of $25 million to $35 million in 2008, rising in 2009. These savings are in addition to the anticipated annualized net benefit from the 2006 Shaping our Future charges of $101 million. The net benefit from these charges is currently estimated to be approximately $30 million in 2008 and $45 million by 2009. Financial targets Excluding the charge for the 2008 expense review, we continue to expect an adjusted operating margin (operating margin excluding net gains and losses on disposals and other one-time items) of approximately 24 percent in 2008, as underlying business growth and cost savings are reinvested. We also continue to expect adjusted operating margins to expand in 2009 to 26 percent and in 2010 to reach our previously stated goal of 28 percent or more. In addition, we also expect to deliver adjusted diluted earnings per share (diluted earnings per share excluding net gains and losses on disposals and other one-time items) in the range of $2.85-$2.95 in 2008, $3.30-$3.40 in 2009, and $4.00-$4.10 in 2010. These figures include minimal accretion in 2008 from share buybacks increasing to $0.30 by 2010. Acquisitions On January 2, 2008 we purchased an additional 4 percent of the voting rights in Gras Savoye for $31 million, bringing our total voting rights to 42 percent. Share buybacks On November 1, 2007, the Board authorized a new share buyback program for $1 billion. This replaced our previous $1 billion buyback program and its remaining $308 million authorization. In first quarter 2008, we repurchased 2.3 million shares at a cost of $75 million under the new authorization. Share buybacks will continue to be a key part of our capital management strategy, absent a significant acquisition with a very strong strategic fit. Cash and financing Cash at March 31, 2008 was $195 million, $5 million lower than at December 31, 2007. Net cash from operating activities of $9 million, together with a $165 million drawdown on our revolving credit facility, were used to fund: share buybacks of $75 million; dividend payments of $36 million; fixed asset additions of $44 million of which $28 million related to our new UK headquarters building; and acquisitions of $36 million. Total long-term debt at March 31, 2008 was $1,415 million (December 31, 2007: $1,250 million) and total stockholders' equity was $1,437 million (December 31, 2007: $1,347 million) giving a capitalization ratio (total long-term debt to total long-term debt and stockholders' equity) of 50 percent at March 31, 2008 compared with 48 percent at December 31, 35
2007. The increase in this ratio principally reflects the $75 million of share buybacks and the $165 million drawdown under our revolving credit facility. We continue to generate strong operating cash flows on an annual basis and we believe that these allow us flexibility in our capital planning. London headquarters We completed the move from Ten Trinity Square into our new London headquarters on Lime Street in April 2008. We entered into an agreement to lease the Lime Street building in November 2004, and took control of the building in June 2007, under a 25 year lease. Annual rentals are $41 million per year and we have subleased or agreed to sublease approximately 25 percent of the site under leases up to 15 years long. The outstanding contractual obligation for lease rentals at March 31, 2008 was $941 million and the amounts receivable from committed subleases were $158 million. BUSINESS AND MARKET OVERVIEW
We provide a broad range of insurance brokerage and risk management consulting services to our worldwide clients. Our core Global businesses include Aerospace; Energy; Marine; Construction; Financial and Executive Risks; Fine Art, Jewelry and Specie; Special Contingency Risks; and Reinsurance. Our North America and International retail businesses provide services to small, medium and major corporate clients, accessing Global's specialist expertise when required. In our capacity as an advisor and insurance broker, we act as an intermediary between our clients and insurance carriers by advising our clients on their risk management requirements, helping clients determine the best means of managing risk, and negotiating and placing insurance risk with insurance carriers through our global distribution network. We derive most of our revenues from commissions and fees for brokerage and consulting services and we do not determine the insurance premiums on which our commissions are generally based. From 2000 through 2003 we benefited from a hard market with premium rates stable or increasing. During 2004, we saw a rapid transition from a hard market to a soft market, with premium rates falling in most markets. The soft market continued through 2005 and 2006 with rates declining in most sectors, with the exception of catastrophe exposed markets. In 2007, the market softened further and this has continued into first quarter 2008 with year on year premium rate decreases in North America of between 10 and 40 percent and between 5 and 20 percent elsewhere. 36 OPERATING RESULTS—GROUP Revenues
Our first quarter 2008 revenues at $795 million were $56 million, or 8 percent, higher than in 2007 of which 5 percent was attributable to foreign currency translation. Our International and Global operations earn a significant portion of their revenues in currencies other than the US dollar. In first quarter 2008, reported revenues in International and Global benefited significantly from the year on year effect of foreign currency translation, in particular due to the weakening of the dollar against the Euro, compared with first quarter 2007. Net acquisitions and disposals added 1 percent to North America's commissions and fees, primarily attributable to the acquisition of InsuranceNoodle in second quarter 2007. Organic growth in commissions and fees in 2008 was 3 percent compared with 2007 reflecting:
business growth benefited from a 1 percentage point improvement in client retention rates to 91 percent in first quarter 2008 compared with 90 percent for full year 2007; partly offset by
Organic revenue growth by segment is discussed further in "Operating Results—Segment Information" below. 37 General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses at $560 million for first quarter 2008 were $72 million, or 15 percent, higher than in 2007. This increase was mainly attributable to:
Salaries and benefits were 52 percent of first quarter 2008 revenues, compared with 51 percent in 2007, with the increase reflecting:
partly offset by
employee were approximately $188,000 compared with $186,000 for full year 2007;
Other expenses were 19 percent of revenues in first quarter 2008 compared with 15 percent in 2007, with the increase reflecting:
partly offset by
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