-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, JN6al2aR+oMc7Ri9WMKzS9CmDHi81vbIVY4NypDzjHmtSMpIKus7mICVnJh9sIrD aa8T7WodtiMY0XM9xwJ9VA== 0001157523-10-004412.txt : 20100729 0001157523-10-004412.hdr.sgml : 20100729 20100728185226 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001157523-10-004412 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20100728 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20100729 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20100728 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS PLC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001140536 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: INSURANCE AGENTS BROKERS & SERVICES [6411] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: L2 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-16503 FILM NUMBER: 10975424 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O WILLIS GROUP LIMITED STREET 2: 51 LIME STREET CITY: LONDON ENGLAND STATE: X0 ZIP: EC3M 7DQ BUSINESS PHONE: 44-20-3124-6000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O WILLIS GROUP LIMITED STREET 2: 51 LIME STREET CITY: LONDON ENGLAND STATE: X0 ZIP: EC3M 7DQ FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LTD DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20010514 8-K 1 a6375236.htm WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS PUBLIC LIMITED CO. 8-K


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 28, 2010

Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ireland   001-16503   98-0352587
(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission (IRS Employer
incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)


c/o Willis Group Limited, 51 Lime Street, London, EC3M 7DQ, England and Wales
(Address, including Zip Code, of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (011)  44-20-3124-6000

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))


Item 2.02.       Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On July 28, 2010, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company issued a press release reporting results for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.  A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.



Item 9.01.       Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits

Exhibit
Number
  Description
 
99.1

Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company Earnings Press Release issued July 28, 2010.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date:

July 28, 2010

WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS

PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Adam L. Rosman

 

Adam L. Rosman

 

Group Deputy General Counsel


INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number
  Description
 
99.1

Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company Earnings Press Release issued July 28, 2010.

EX-99.1 2 a6375236ex99_1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Willis Group Reports Second Quarter 2010 Results

$0.52 reported, or $0.54 adjusted, net income per diluted share from continuing operations

2 percent reported, or 4 percent organic, growth in commissions and fees compared with second quarter of 2009, driven by 16 percent new business growth and solid client retention

21.2 percent reported operating margin; 21.4 percent adjusted operating margin, up 20 basis points compared with second quarter of 2009

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 28, 2010--Willis Group Holdings plc (NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, today reported results for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010.

“Our second quarter results continue to reflect the strength of our geographic diversity and our relentless focus on building the business,” said Joe Plumeri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Willis Group Holdings. “Organic growth in commissions and fees was 4 percent, driven by 16 percent new business growth and solid client retention. This result was in the face of a continued soft insurance market and challenging economic conditions. We continue to exercise disciplined expense management while funding investments for future growth.”

Second Quarter 2010 Financial Results

Reported net income from continuing operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 was $89 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, compared with $87 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, in the same period a year ago. Reported net income from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2010 was impacted by a net loss on disposal of operations of $3 million after tax, or $0.02 per diluted share, and for the second quarter of 2009 by certain items, which are detailed later in this release.


Adjusted net income per diluted share from continuing operations increased 4 percent to $0.54 in the second quarter of 2010 compared with $0.52 in the second quarter of 2009. Foreign currency movements favorably impacted earnings by $0.03 per diluted share compared with the second quarter of 2009. In addition, a pre-tax gain of $12 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, was recognized on the curtailment of the US pension plan in the second quarter of 2009.

Total reported revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 were $799 million compared with $784 million for the same period last year, an increase of 2 percent. Total commissions and fees were $789 million, an increase of 2 percent from $772 million in the second quarter of 2009. Foreign currency movements unfavorably impacted reported commissions and fees by 2 percent. Investment income was $10 million in the second quarter of 2010, compared with $12 million in the second quarter of 2009. This decline was principally due to lower interest rates.

Organic growth in commissions and fees was 4 percent in the second quarter of 2010 compared with the second quarter of 2009. Net new business growth of 6 percent reflected strong new business generation of 16 percent and solid client retention. Partially offsetting net new business growth was a 2 percent negative impact from declining premium rates and other market factors.

The North America segment reported a 2 percent decline in commissions and fees in the second quarter of 2010 compared with the second quarter of 2009. Organic commissions and fees declined 1 percent in the second quarter of 2010 compared with an 8 percent decline in the same period a year ago. North America generated new business growth in the teens, with improved client retention, and also benefited from positive growth in the employee benefits practice. In addition, there was a $2.9 million favorable impact from a one-time accounting adjustment related to the HRH acquisition within the specialty businesses. The segment continues to be impacted by headwinds from soft insurance market conditions and ongoing weakness in the US economy. Operating margin was 20.5 percent in the second quarter of 2010. This compares with operating margin of 22.3 percent in second quarter of 2009, which included the pre-tax gain of $9 million from the curtailment of the US pension plan.

The International business segment reported 6 percent growth in commissions and fees and contributed 8 percent organic growth in commissions and fees in the second quarter of 2010 compared with the same period in 2009. Growth was recorded across all regions, with double- digit expansion in Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe. The UK and Ireland retail market recorded modestly positive growth after several negative quarters. Operating margin was 23.5 percent in the second quarter of 2010.

The Global segment, which comprises the Reinsurance, Global Specialties, Faber & Dumas, and Willis Capital Markets & Advisory divisions, reported 4 percent growth in commissions and fees and 7 percent organic growth in commissions and fees in the second quarter of 2010 compared with the second quarter of 2009. Willis Capital Markets & Advisory was the primary driver of organic growth in the second quarter as a result of increased capital market activity. Reinsurance and Global Specialties also contributed positive growth in commissions and fees. Reinsurance continues to generate strong new business despite market softness, while the Global Specialties practices, especially Financial and Executive Risks and Energy, were significant contributors to organic growth in the second quarter. Operating margin was 31.8 percent in the second quarter of 2010.


Reported salaries and benefits were $456 million in the second quarter of 2010 compared with $443 million in the second quarter of 2009. Salaries and benefits, as a percentage of revenues, were 57.1 percent in the second quarter of 2010 compared with 56.5 percent in the second quarter of 2009. Salaries and benefits in the second quarter of 2010 include $32 million of amortization of cash retention payments compared with $26 million in the second quarter of 2009. As of June 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009, the Company included $217 million, $98 million, and $142 million, respectively, in other assets on the balance sheet, which represented the unamortized portion of cash retention payments made before those dates. Salaries and benefits in the second quarter of 2009 included the pre-tax gain of $12 million on the curtailment of the US pension plan.

Reported other operating expenses were $135 million in the second quarter of 2010 compared with $139 million in the second quarter of 2009. Other operating expenses, as a percentage of revenues, were 16.9 percent in the second quarter of 2010 compared with 17.7 percent in the second quarter of 2009.

Reported operating margin was 21.2 percent for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 compared with 21.0 percent for the same period last year. The operating margin in second quarter of 2009 was impacted by the pre-tax gain of $12 million on the curtailment of the US pension plan. Excluding certain items, which are detailed later in this release, adjusted operating margin was 21.4 percent for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 compared with 21.2 percent a year ago. Adjusted operating margin reflected continued solid growth in organic commissions and fees, rigorous expense management, and favorable foreign currency movements, partially offset by amortization of retention payments.

Six Months 2010 Financial Results

Reported net income from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $293 million, or $1.71 per diluted share, compared with $279 million, or $1.66 per diluted share, in the same period a year ago. Reported net income from continuing operations for the first six months of 2010 was impacted by a charge of $12 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, relating to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency and a net loss on disposal of operations of $3 million after tax, or $0.02 per diluted share. Reported net income from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was impacted by certain items, which are detailed later in this release.

Adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations increased 7 percent to $1.80 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared with $1.68 in the comparable period of 2009. Foreign currency movements positively impacted adjusted earnings per diluted share by $0.09 in the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. In the first half of 2009, adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations were positively impacted by the US pension curtailment gain of $12 million pre-tax, or $0.04 per diluted share.

Total reported revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2010 were $1,771 million compared with $1,714 million for the same period last year, an increase of 3 percent. Foreign currency movements increased reported revenues by 1 percent.

Organic growth in commissions and fees was 4 percent in the first half of 2010 compared with the comparable period of 2009. This growth reflected net new business won of 6 percent partially offset by a negative 2 percent impact from declining premium rates and other market factors.


Reported operating margin was 26.5 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared with 25.6 percent for the same period last year. Excluding items detailed later in this release, adjusted operating margin was 27.3 percent for the first half of 2010 compared with 25.8 percent a year ago. Operating margin in the first half of 2009 included the pre-tax gain of $12 million on the curtailment of the US pension plan.

Tax

The effective tax rate was 27.3 percent for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 and 26.4 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2010. Excluding the impact of nonrecurring items, the underlying tax rate for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010 was approximately 26.0 percent, the same as the 2009 full year rate.

Capital

As of June 30, 2010, cash and cash equivalents totaled $139 million and total debt was $2.3 billion. Total equity was $2.4 billion.

Dividends

The Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on the Company’s ordinary shares of $0.26 per share (an annual rate of $1.04 per share). The dividend is payable on October 15, 2010 to shareholders of record on September 30, 2010.

Conclusion

“I am pleased with the progress we have made in growing our business through the first six months of 2010. While the external environment is still challenging, we are up to the challenge. We continue to manage the business to maximize the opportunity for success in any environment, growing and investing in our business, while keeping a sharp focus on expense management,” Plumeri said.

Conference Call and Web Cast

A conference call to discuss the second quarter 2010 results will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2010, at 8:00 AM Eastern Time. To participate in the live teleconference, please dial (866) 803-2143 (domestic) or +1 (210) 795-1098 (international) with a pass code of “Willis”. The live audio web cast (which will be listen-only) may be accessed at www.willis.com. This call will be available by replay starting at approximately 10:00 AM Eastern Time, and through August 29, 2010 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, by calling (888) 568-0518 (domestic) or +1 (203) 369-3480 (international) with no pass code, or by accessing the website.

About Willis

Willis Group Holdings plc is a leading global insurance broker. Through its subsidiaries, Willis develops and delivers professional insurance, reinsurance, risk management, financial and human resource consulting and actuarial services to corporations, public entities and institutions around the world. Willis has more than 400 offices in nearly 120 countries, with a global team of approximately 17,000 employees serving clients in virtually every part of the world. Additional information on Willis may be found at www.willis.com.


Forward-Looking Statements

We have included in this document ‘‘forward-looking statements’’ within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as our outlook, future capital expenditures, growth in commissions and fees, business strategies, competitive strengths, goals, the benefits of new initiatives, growth of our business and operations, plans and references to future successes, are forward-looking statements. Also, when we use the words such as ‘‘anticipate’’, ‘‘believe’’, ‘‘estimate’’, ‘‘expect’’, ‘‘intend’’, ‘‘plan’’, ‘‘probably’’, or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements.

There are important uncertainties, events and factors that could cause our actual results or performance to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained in this document, including the following:

  • the impact of any regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market, environmental and regulatory conditions on our global business operations;
  • the impact of current financial market conditions on our results of operations and financial condition, including as a result of any insolvencies of or other difficulties experienced by our clients, insurance companies or financial institutions;
  • our ability to continue to manage our significant indebtedness;
  • our ability to compete effectively in our industry;
  • our ability to implement and realize anticipated benefits of the Shaping Our Future, Right Sizing Willis, Funding for Growth initiatives or any other new initiatives;
  • material changes in commercial property and casualty markets generally or the availability of insurance products or changes in premiums resulting from a catastrophic event, such as a hurricane, or otherwise;
  • the volatility or declines in other insurance markets and premiums on which our commissions are based, but which we do not control;
  • our ability to retain key employees and clients and attract new business;
  • the timing or ability to carry out share repurchases or take other steps to manage our capital and the limitations in our long-term debt agreements that may restrict our ability to take these actions;
  • any fluctuations in exchange and interest rates that could affect expenses and revenue;
  • rating agency actions that could inhibit our ability to borrow funds or the pricing thereof;
  • a significant decline in the value of investments that fund our pension plans or changes in our pension plan funding obligations;
  • our ability to achieve the expected strategic benefits of transactions;
  • changes in the tax or accounting treatment of our operations;
  • any potential impact from the new US healthcare reform legislation;
  • the potential costs and difficulties in complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and regulations and any related changes, given the global scope of our operations;
  • our involvements in and the results of any regulatory investigations, legal proceedings and other contingencies;
  • underwriting, advisory or reputational risks associated with non-core operations;
  • our exposure to potential liabilities arising from errors and omissions and other potential claims against us; and
  • the interruption or loss of our information processing systems or failure to maintain secure information systems.

The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and new factors may emerge from time to time that could also affect actual performance and results. For more information see the section entitled ‘‘Risk Factors’’ included in Willis’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies are available online at http://www.sec.gov or www.willis.com.

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.


Non-GAAP Supplemental Financial Information

This press release contains references to non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G of SEC rules. Consistent with Regulation G, a reconciliation of this supplemental financial information to our GAAP information is in the note disclosures that follow. We present such non-GAAP supplemental financial information, as we believe such information is of interest to the investment community because it provides additional meaningful methods of evaluating certain aspects of the Company’s operating performance from period to period on a basis that may not be otherwise apparent on a GAAP basis. This supplemental financial information should be viewed in addition to, not in lieu of, the Company’s condensed financial statements.


             

WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS plc

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

(in millions, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 
  Three months ended

June 30,

Six months ended

June 30,

2010 2009 2010 2009
Revenues      
Commissions and fees $ 789 $ 772 $ 1,752 $ 1,687
Investment income 10 12 19 25
Other income -   -   -     2  
Total revenues 799   784   1,771     1,714  
Expenses
Salaries and benefits 456 443 942 923
Other operating expenses 135 139 284 277
Depreciation expense 16 14 31 28
Amortization of intangible assets 21 23 42 47
Loss on disposal of operations 2   -   2     -  
Total expenses 630   619   1,301     1,275  
Operating Income 169 165 470 439
Interest expense 41   43   84     81  
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes and Interest in Earnings of Associates 128 122 386 358
Income taxes 35   31   102     93  
Income from Continuing Operations before Interest in Earnings of Associates 93 91 284 265
Interest in (loss) earnings of associates, net of tax (2 ) -   18     26  
Income from Continuing Operations 91 91 302 291
Discontinued Operations, net of tax -   -   -     1  
Net Income $ 91 $ 91 $ 302 $ 292
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (2 ) (4 ) (9 )   (12 )
Net Income attributable to Willis Group Holdings plc $ 89   $ 87   $ 293     $ 280  
 
Amounts attributable to Willis Group Holdings plc shareholders
Income from Continuing Operations, net of tax $ 89 $ 87 $ 293 $ 279
Income from Discontinued Operations, net of tax -   -   -     1  
Net Income attributable to Willis Group Holdings plc $ 89   $ 87   $ 293     $ 280  
   
Earnings per share – Basic and Diluted
Basic Earnings per Share:
Continuing Operations $ 0.52 $ 0.52 $ 1.73 $ 1.67
Discontinued Operations -   -   -   0.01  
Net Income attributable to Willis Group Holdings plc shareholders $ 0.52       $ 0.52   $ 1.73   $ 1.68  
Diluted Earnings per Share:
Continuing Operations $ 0.52 $ 0.52 $ 1.71 $ 1.66
Discontinued Operations -       -   -   0.01  
Net Income attributable to Willis Group Holdings plc shareholders $ 0.52       $ 0.52   $ 1.71   $ 1.67  
Average Number of Shares Outstanding
- Basic 170 168 169 167
- Diluted 171 168 171 168
Shares Outstanding at June 30 (thousands) 170,216 168,082 170,216 168,082

     

WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS plc

SUMMARY DRAFT BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions) (unaudited)

 
June 30,

2010

December 31,

2009

Assets
Cash & cash equivalents $ 139 $ 191
Fiduciary funds—restricted 1,977 1,683
Accounts receivable, net 9,687 8,638
Fixed assets, net 346 352
Goodwill and intangibles, net 3,799 3,849
Investments in associates 151 156
Deferred tax assets 91 82
Pension benefits asset 121 69
Other assets   709     603
Total Assets $ 17,020   $ 15,623
 
Liabilities and Equity
Accounts payable $ 10,975 $ 9,686
Deferred revenue and accrued expenses 240 301
Deferred tax liabilities 28 29
Income taxes payable 93 46
Short-term debt 193 209
Long-term debt 2,154 2,165
Liability for pension benefits 171 187
Other liabilities   737     771
Total Liabilities $ 14,591   $ 13,394
 
Equity attributable to Willis Group Holdings plc 2,401 2,180
Noncontrolling interests   28     49
Total Equity $ 2,429   $ 2,229
Total Liabilities and Equity $ 17,020   $ 15,623
 

WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS plc

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(in millions, except per share data) (unaudited)

1. Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We believe that investors’ understanding of the Company’s performance is enhanced by our disclosure of the following non-GAAP financial measures. Our method of calculating these measures may differ from those used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited.

Organic commissions and fees growth

Organic commissions and fees growth excludes: (i) the impact of foreign currency translation; (ii) the first twelve months of net commission and fee revenues generated from acquisitions; (iii) the net commission and fee revenues related to operations disposed of in each period presented; (iv) in North America, legacy contingent commissions assumed as part of the HRH acquisition and that had not been converted into higher standard commission; and (v) investment income and other income from reported revenues. We believe organic growth in commissions and fees provides a measure that the investment community may find helpful in assessing the performance of operations that were part of our operations in both the current and prior periods, and provide a measure against which our businesses may be assessed in the future.

Adjusted operating income and adjusted net income

Adjusted operating income and adjusted net income are calculated by excluding the impact of certain items from operating income and net income, respectively the most directly comparable GAAP measures. We believe that excluding these items, as applicable, from operating income and net income, provides a more complete and consistent comparative analysis of our results of operations.

2. Analysis of Commissions and Fees

The following tables reconcile organic commissions and fees growth by business unit to the percentage change in reported commissions and fees for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively:

  Three months ended

June 30,

 

Change attributable to

   

Foreign

 

Acquisitions

  Organic

%

currency

and

commissions

2010

2009

Change

translation

disposals

and fees

 

 

 

 

 

growth (a)

Global $ 216 $ 207 4 % (2 )% (1 )% 7 %
North America 326 332 (2 )% - % (1 )% (b) (1 )%
International   247   233 6 % (4 )% 2 % 8 %
Commissions

and fees

$ 789 $ 772 2 % (2 )% - % 4 %
   
Six months ended

June 30,

Change attributable to

   

Foreign

 

Acquisitions

  Organic

%

currency

and

commissions

2010

2009

Change

translation

disposals

and fees

 

 

 

 

 

growth (a)

Global $ 517 $ 482 7 % 1 % (1 )% 7 %
North America 687 703 (2 )% - % (2 )% (b) - %
International   548   502 9 % 1 % 2 % 6 %
Commissions

and fees

$ 1,752 $ 1,687 4 % 1 % (1 )% 4 %
 

(a) Organic commissions and fees growth excludes: (i) the impact of foreign currency translation; (ii) the first twelve months of net commission and fee revenues generated from acquisitions; (iii) the net commission and fee revenues related to operations disposed of in each period presented; (iv) in North America, legacy contingent commissions assumed as part of the HRH acquisition and that had not been converted into higher standard commission; and (v) investment income and other income from reported revenues.


(b) Included in North America reported commissions and fees were legacy HRH contingent commissions of $2 million in the second quarter of 2010 compared with $4 million in the second quarter of 2009 and $10 million in the first six months of 2010 compared with $24 million in the first six months of 2009.

Note: Our methods of calculating these measures may differ from those used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited.

3. Adjusted Operating Income

The following tables reconcile adjusted operating income to operating income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively:

 
Three months ended

June 30,

2010   2009  

%

Change

Operating Income, GAAP basis $ 169 $ 165 2 %
Excluding:
Loss on disposal of operations 2 -
HRH integration costs - 1
   
Adjusted Operating Income $ 171   $ 166   3 %

Operating Margin, GAAP basis, or Operating Income as a percentage of Total Revenues

 

21.2

%

 

21.0

%

Adjusted Operating Margin, or Adjusted Operating Income as a percentage of Total Revenues

 

21.4

%

 

21.2

%

 
Six months ended

June 30,

2010   2009  

%

Change

Operating Income, GAAP basis $ 470 $ 439 7 %
Excluding:
Venezuela currency devaluation (a) 12 -
Loss on disposal of operations 2 -
HRH integration costs - 4
   
Adjusted Operating Income $ 484   $ 443   9 %

Operating Margin, GAAP basis, or Operating Income as a percentage of Total Revenues

 

26.5

%

 

25.6

%

Adjusted Operating Margin, or Adjusted Operating Income as a percentage of Total Revenues

 

27.3

%

 

25.8

%

 

(a) With effect from January 1, 2010, the Venezuelan economy was designated as hyper-inflationary. The Venezuelan government also devalued the Bolivar Fuerte in January 2010. As a result of these actions, the Company recorded a one-time charge in other operating expenses to reflect the re-measurement of its net assets denominated in Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte.


4. Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations

The following tables reconcile adjusted net income to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively:

   

Three months ended

June 30,

Per diluted share

Three months ended June 30,

2010   2009   %

Change

2010   2009   %

Change

Net Income from Continuing Operations, GAAP basis $ 89 $ 87 2 % $ 0.52 $ 0.52 - %
 
Excluding:
Loss on disposal of operations, net of tax ($(1)) 3 - 0.02 -
HRH integration costs,

net of tax ($nil)

- 1 - -
       
Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations $ 92 $ 88 5 % $ 0.54 $ 0.52 4 %
 
Diluted shares outstanding, GAAP basis   171   168
   

Six months ended

June 30,

Per diluted share

Six months ended June 30,

2010   2009   %

Change

2010   2009   %

Change

Net Income from Continuing Operations, GAAP basis $ 293 $ 279 5 % $ 1.71 $ 1.66 3 %
 
Excluding:
Venezuela currency devaluation, net of tax ($nil) (a) 12 - 0.07 -
Loss on disposal of operations, net of tax ($(1)) 3 - 0.02 -
HRH integration costs,

net of tax ($1)

- 3 - 0.02
       
Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations $ 308 $ 282 9 % $ 1.80 $ 1.68 7 %
 
Diluted shares outstanding, GAAP basis   171   168

(a) With effect from January 1, 2010, the Venezuelan economy was designated as hyper-inflationary. The Venezuelan government also devalued the Bolivar Fuerte in January 2010. As a result of these actions, the Company recorded a one-time charge in other expenses to reflect the re-measurement of its net assets denominated in Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte.


5. Condensed Consolidated Income Statements by Quarter

     
2009 2010

Q1

   

Q2

   

Q2

   

Q3

   

Q4

   

FY

Q1

   

Q2

   

Q2

 

 

YTD

 

 

 

 

 

YTD

Revenues
Commissions and fees $ 915 $ 772 $ 1,687 $ 714 $ 809 $ 3,210 $ 963 $ 789 $ 1,752
Investment income 13 12 25 10 15 50 9 10 19
Other income   2     -     2     1     -     3     -     -     -  
Total Revenues   930     784     1,714     725     824     3,263     972     799     1,771  
Expenses
Salaries and benefits 480 443 923 449 455 1,827 486 456 942
Other operating expenses 138 139 277 151 167 595 149 135 284
Depreciation expense 14 14 28 15 17 60 15 16 31
Amortization of intangible assets 24 23 47 29 24 100 21 21 42
Net loss/(gain) on disposal of operations   -     -     -     (1 )   (12 )   (13 )   -     2     2  
Total Expenses   656     619     1,275     643     651     2,569     671     630     1,301  
Operating Income 274 165 439 82 173 694 301 169 470
Interest expense   38     43     81     47     46     174     43     41     84  

Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes and Interest in Earnings of Associates

236

 

122

 

358

 

35

 

127

 

520

 

258

 

128

 

386

 

Income tax charge/(credit)   62     31     93     (29 )   32     96     67     35     102  
Income from Continuing Operations before Interest in Earnings of Associates

174

 

91

 

265

 

64

 

95

 

424

 

191

 

93

 

284

 

Interest in earnings of associates, net of tax   26     -     26     16     (9 )   33    

20

    (2 )   18  
Income from continuing operations 200 91 291 80 86 457 211 91 302
Discontinued operations, net of tax   1     -     1     1     -     2     -     -     -  
Net income 201 91 292 81 86 459 211 91 302
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (8 )   (4 )   (12 )   (2 )   (7 )   (21 )   (7 )   (2 )   (9 )
Net Income attributable to Willis Group Holdings plc $ 193   $ 87   $ 280   $ 79   $ 79   $ 438   $ 204   $ 89   $ 293  
Diluted Earnings per Share
- Continuing Operations $ 1.15 $ 0.52 $ 1.66 $ 0.46 $ 0.47 $ 2.58 $ 1.20 $ 0.52 $ 1.71
- Discontinued Operations   0.01     -     0.01     0.01     -     0.01     -     -     -  
Net Income attributable to Willis Group Holdings plc shareholders $ 1.16   $ 0.52   $ 1.67   $ 0.47   $ 0.47   $ 2.59   $ 1.20   $ 0.52   $ 1.71  
Average Number of Shares Outstanding
- Diluted   167     168     168     169     169     169     170     171     171  
 

6. Segment Information by Quarter

     
2009 2010

Q1

   

Q2

   

Q2

   

Q3

   

Q4

   

FY

Q1

   

Q2

   

Q2

 

 

YTD

 

 

 

 

 

YTD

Commissions and Fees
Global $ 275 $ 207 $ 482 $ 175 $ 165 $ 822 $ 301 $ 216 $ 517
North America 371 332 703 320 345 1,368 361 326 687
International   269     233     502     219     299     1,020     301     247     548  
Total Commissions and Fees $ 915   $ 772   $ 1,687   $ 714   $ 809   $ 3,210   $ 963   $ 789   $ 1,752  
 
Total Revenues
Global $ 278 $ 209 $ 487 $ 176 $ 172 $ 835 $ 303 $ 217 $ 520
North America 377 336 713 325 348 1,386 365 331 696
International   275     239     514     224     304     1,042     304     251     555  
Total Revenue $ 930   $ 784   $ 1,714   $ 725   $ 824   $ 3,263   $ 972   $ 799   $ 1,771  
 
Operating Income
Global $ 127 $ 74 $ 201 $ 33 $ 21 $ 255 $ 138 $ 69 $ 207
North America 94 75 169 70 89 328 93 68 161
International 96 55 151 30 95 276 103 59 162
Corporate and Other (a)   (43 )   (39 )   (82 )   (51 )   (32 )   (165 )   (33 )   (27 )   (60 )
Total Operating Income $ 274   $ 165   $ 439   $ 82   $ 173   $ 694   $ 301   $ 169   $ 470  
 
Organic Commissions and Fees Growth
Global 5 % 7 % 6 % 4 % 1 % 4 % 7 % 7 % 7 %
North America (5 )% (8 )% (7 )% (3 )% 1 % (3 )% 1 % (1 )% 0 %
International   5 %   5 %   5 %   3 %   3 %   4 %   3 %   8 %   6 %
Total Organic Commissions and fees Growth   2 %   1 %   2 %   2 %   2 %   2 %   3 %   4 %   4 %
 
Operating Margin
Global 45.7 % 35.4 % 41.3 % 18.8 % 12.2 % 30.5 % 45.5 % 31.8 % 39.8 %
North America 24.9 % 22.3 % 23.7 % 21.5 % 25.6 % 23.7 % 25.5 % 20.5 % 23.1 %
International 34.9 % 23.0 % 29.4 % 13.4 % 31.3 % 26.5 % 33.9 % 23.5 % 29.2 %
Total Operating Margin   29.5 %   21.0 %   25.6 %   11.3 %   21.0 %   21.3 %   31.0 %   21.2 %   26.5 %

(a) Corporate and Other includes the costs of the holding company, foreign exchange loss from the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency, foreign exchange hedging activities, foreign exchange on the UK pension plan asset, foreign exchange gains and losses from currency purchases and sales, amortization of intangible assets, net gains and losses on disposal of operations, certain legal costs, integration costs associated with the acquisition of HRH and the costs associated with the redomicile of the Company’s parent company from Bermuda to Ireland.

CONTACT:
Willis Group
Investors:
Kerry K. Calaiaro, 212-915-8084
kerry.calaiaro@willis.com
or
Media:
Will Thoretz, 212-915-8251
will.thoretz@willis.com

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