-----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, F8l3HgUYgCXCJxLfyD6WXEzVqr2Hr3ZVoFUjpg5cHPS6zOTZbmC+sdO0oLV/A7XT 5yE+zMB3Edg2m7C2F35YlA== 0001193125-09-183826.txt : 20090828 0001193125-09-183826.hdr.sgml : 20090828 20090828151821 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-09-183826 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20090828 ITEM INFORMATION: Other Events ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20090828 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090828 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MARSH & MCLENNAN COMPANIES, INC. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000062709 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: INSURANCE AGENTS BROKERS & SERVICES [6411] IRS NUMBER: 362668272 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-05998 FILM NUMBER: 091043103 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1166 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10036 BUSINESS PHONE: 2123455000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1166 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10036 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: MARSH & MCLENNAN COMPANIES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: MARLENNAN CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19760505 8-K 1 d8k.htm FORM 8-K Form 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) August 28, 2009

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

Delaware   1-5998   36-2668272

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation)

  (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)

1166 Avenue of the Americas,

New York, NY 10036

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(212) 345-5000

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

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 8.01 Other Events

As disclosed in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009, during such period Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (“MMC”) classified Kroll Government Services (“KGS”), a subsidiary of Kroll, as a discontinued operation. In order to reflect this classification, MMC has attached hereto as Exhibits 99.1, 99.2 and 99.3, respectively, amended presentations of the following sections of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008:

 

  ¡  

Item 6. Selected Financial Data;

 

  ¡  

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; and

 

  ¡  

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data (including segment data and related disclosures contained in MMC’s audited consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2008 and 2007 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008).

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(d)   Exhibits

 

12.1   Amended Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
23.1   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
99.1   Amended Item 6. Selected Financial Data of MMC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
99.2   Amended Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of MMC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
99.3   Amended Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of MMC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

 

2


SIGNATURES

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

 

    MARSH & McLENNAN COMPANIES, INC.
Date: August 28, 2009   By:  

/s/    LUCIANA FATO

   

 

Name:

 

 

Luciana Fato

    Title:   Deputy General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

 

3


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Exhibit

12.1    Amended Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
99.1    Amended Item 6. Selected Financial Data of MMC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
99.2    Amended Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of MMC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
99.3    Amended Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of MMC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

 

4


INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

MMC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, including the disclosure therein that is restated by exhibits 99.1, 99.2 and 99.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, contains “forward-looking statements,” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which express management’s current views concerning future events or results, use words like “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project” and similar terms, and future or conditional tense verbs like “could,” “may,” “might,” “should,” “will” and “would.” For example, we may use forward-looking statements when addressing topics such as: market and industry conditions, including competitive and pricing trends; changes in our business strategies and methods of generating revenue; the development and performance of our services and products; changes in the composition or level of MMC’s revenues; our cost structure and the outcome of cost-saving or restructuring initiatives; the outcome of contingencies; dividend policy; the expected impact of acquisitions and dispositions; pension obligations; cash flow and liquidity; future actions by regulators; and the impact of changes in accounting rules.

Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements include:

 

¡  

the potential impact of an adverse ruling in, or the settlement of, the purported securities class action against MMC, Marsh and certain of their former officers concerning the late 2004 decline in MMC’s share price and the purported ERISA class action pending against MMC and various current and former employees, officers and directors on behalf of participants and beneficiaries of an MMC retirement plan, both of which are scheduled for trial in early 2010;

 

¡  

our exposure to potential liabilities arising from errors and omissions claims against us, including claims of professional negligence in providing actuarial services, such as those alleged by the Alaska Retirement Management Board in a pending lawsuit against Mercer that is scheduled for trial in the spring of 2010;

 

¡  

the impact of current financial market conditions on our results of operations and financial condition;

 

¡  

the potential impact of legislative, regulatory, accounting and other initiatives which may be taken in response to the current financial crisis;

 

¡  

our ability to meet our financing needs by generating cash from operations and accessing external financing sources, including the impact of current economic conditions on our cost of financing or ability to borrow;

 

¡  

the potential impact of rating agency actions on our cost of financing and ability to borrow, as well as on our operating costs and competitive position;

 

¡  

the impact on our net income caused by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates;

 

¡  

changes in the funded status of our global defined benefit pension plans and the impact of any increased pension funding resulting from those changes;

 

¡  

the impact on risk and insurance services commission revenues of changes in the availability of, and the premiums insurance carriers charge for, insurance and reinsurance products, including the impact on premium rates and market capacity attributable to catastrophic events;

 

¡  

the extent to which we retain existing clients and attract new business, and our ability to incentivize and retain key employees;

 

¡  

the challenges we face in achieving profitable revenue growth and improving operating margins at Marsh;

 

¡  

the impact on our consulting segment of pricing trends, utilization rates, the general economic environment and legislative changes affecting client demand;

 

5


¡  

the impact of competition, including with respect to pricing, the emergence of new competitors, and the fact that many of Marsh’s competitors are not constrained in their ability to receive contingent commissions;

 

¡  

our ability to successfully obtain payment from our clients of the amounts they owe us for work performed;

 

¡  

the impact of, and potential challenges in complying with, legislation and regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate, particularly given the global scope of our businesses and the possibility of conflicting regulatory requirements across the jurisdictions in which we do business;

 

¡  

our exposure to potential criminal sanctions or civil remedies if we fail to comply with foreign and U.S. laws and regulations that are applicable to our international operations, including import and export requirements, U.S. laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to government officials;

 

¡  

our ability to make strategic acquisitions and dispositions and to integrate, and realize expected synergies, savings or strategic benefits from, the businesses we acquire;

 

¡  

our ability to successfully recover should we experience a disaster or other business continuity problem;

 

¡  

changes in applicable tax or accounting requirements; and

 

¡  

potential income statement effects from the application of FIN 48 (“Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”) and SFAS 142 (“Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”), including the effect of any subsequent adjustments to the estimates MMC uses in applying these accounting standards.

The factors identified above are not exhaustive. MMC and its subsidiaries operate in a dynamic business environment in which new risks may emerge frequently. Accordingly, MMC cautions readers not to place undue reliance on its forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made. MMC undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which it is made. Further information concerning MMC and its businesses, including information about factors that could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition, is contained in MMC’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” section of MMC’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

6

EX-12.1 2 dex121.htm AMENDED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Amended Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

EXHIBIT 12.1

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

(In millions, except ratios)

 

      Years Ended December 31,
      2008     2007    2006    2005    2004

Earnings

             

Income before income taxes

   $ 604 (a)    $ 855    $ 904    $ 296    $ 280

Interest expense

     220        267      303      332      219

Portion of rents representative of the interest factor

     156        170      170      149      153
     $ 980      $ 1,292    $ 1,377    $ 777    $ 652

Fixed Charges

             

Interest expense

   $ 220      $ 267    $ 303    $ 332    $ 219

Portion of rents representative of the interest factor

     156        170      170      149      153
     $ 376      $ 437    $ 473    $ 481    $ 372

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     2.6        3.0      2.9      1.6      1.8

 

(a) Excludes the non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $540 million recorded in the Risk Consulting & Technology segment in 2008.
EX-23.1 3 dex231.htm CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the previously filed Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Registration File Nos. 2-58660, 33-32880, 33-48803, 33-44804, 33-48807, 33-54349, 33-59603, 33-63389, 333-35741, 333-35739, 333-29627, 333-41828, 333-41830, 333-41832, 333-69774, 333-69776, 333-69778, 333-107195, 333-127637, and 333-146400), Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Registration File Nos. 333-67543, 333-108566 and 333-136820), and in Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration File Nos. 33-24124 and 333-155571) of our report dated February 27, 2009, August 28, 2009 as to Notes 1, 2, 5, 7, 17 and 18, relating to the financial statements of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s retrospective adjustment of the financial statements for discontinued operations) appearing in this Current Report on Form 8-K of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2008.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

New York, New York

August 28, 2009

EX-99.1 4 dex991.htm AMENDED ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA Amended Item 6. Selected Financial Data

EXHIBIT 99.1

AMENDED ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF MMC’S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008.

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

FIVE-YEAR STATISTICAL SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions, except per share figures)

   2008     2007     2006     2005     2004    

Compound

Growth Rate

2003-2008

Revenue

   $ 11,518      $ 11,135      $ 10,293      $ 9,875      $ 9,863      3%

Expenses:

            

Compensation and Benefits

     7,181        6,937        6,434        6,279        6,071      3%

Other Operating Expenses

     3,549        3,344        2,919        3,165        2,848      4%

Goodwill Impairment Charge

     540                                 

Regulatory and Other Settlements

                          30        618     

Total Expenses

     11,270        10,281        9,353        9,474        9,537      3%

Operating Income

     248 (a)      854 (a)      940 (a)      401 (a)      326      (5)%

Interest Income

     48        95        60        44        20     

Interest Expense

     (220     (267     (303     (332     (219  

Investment Income (Loss)

     (12     173        207        183        153      N/A

Income Before Income Taxes

     64        855        904        296        280      (26)%

Income Taxes

     133        298        269        93        99     

(Loss) Income From Continuing Operations

     (69     557        635        203        181      N/A

Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax

     7        1,932        363        207        3      18%

Net (Loss) Income

   $ (62   $ 2,489      $ 998      $ 410      $ 184      N/A

Less: Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests

     11        14        8        6        8     

Net (Loss) Income attributable to MMC

   $ (73   $ 2,475      $ 990      $ 404      $ 176     

Basic (Loss) Income Per Share Information:

            

(Loss) Income From Continuing Operations

   $ (0.14   $ 0.98      $ 1.12      $ 0.37      $ 0.33      N/A

Income from Discontinued Operations

   $ 0.01      $ 3.51      $ 0.65      $ 0.37      $ 0.01      N/A

Net (Loss) Income attributable to MMC

   $ (0.13   $ 4.49      $ 1.77      $ 0.74      $ 0.34      N/A

Average Number of Shares Outstanding

     514        539        550        538        529     

Diluted (Loss) Income Per Share Information:

            

(Loss) Income From Continuing Operations

   $ (0.15   $ 0.98      $ 1.11      $ 0.36      $ 0.33      N/A

(Loss) Income From Discontinued Operations

   $ 0.01      $ 3.47      $ 0.62      $ 0.37      $      N/A

Net (Loss) Income attributable to MMC

   $ (0.14   $ 4.45      $ 1.73      $ 0.73      $ 0.33      N/A

Average Number of Shares Outstanding

     514        542        553        541        529     

Dividends Paid Per Share

   $ 0.80      $ 0.76      $ 0.68      $ 0.68      $ 1.30     

Return on Average Stockholders’ Equity

     N/A        36     18     8     3  

Year-end Financial Position:

            

Working capital

   $ 1,398      $ 1,961      $ 1,058      $ 1,390      $ (258  

Total assets

   $ 15,206      $ 17,359      $ 18,137      $ 17,892      $ 18,498     

Long-term debt

   $ 3,194      $ 3,604      $ 3,860      $ 5,044      $ 4,691     

Stockholders’ equity

   $ 5,760      $ 7,853      $ 5,842      $ 5,402      $ 5,101     

Total shares outstanding (net of treasury shares)

     514        520        552        546        527     

Other Information:

            

Number of employees

     54,000        55,700        52,300        51,900        59,300     

Stock price ranges—

            

U.S. exchanges— High

   $ 36.82      $ 33.90      $ 32.73      $ 34.25      $ 49.69     

                        — Low

   $ 20.96      $ 23.12      $ 24.00      $ 26.67      $ 22.75       

 

  (a) Includes net restructuring costs of $335 million, $98 million, $87 million and $317 million in 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, appearing under Part II, Item 7 of this report, for discussion of significant items affecting our results of operations in 2008, 2007 and 2006.

 

1

EX-99.2 5 dex992.htm AMENDED ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION Amended Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition

EXHIBIT 99.2

AMENDED ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF MMC’S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008.

As discussed in Note 1 of these consolidated financial statements included in Amended Item 8, during the second quarter of 2009, Kroll sold Kroll Government Services (“KGS”). Accordingly, we have amended the consolidated results of operations, segment data and related disclosures contained in this management’s discussion and analysis to reflect the results of KGS as a discontinued operation.

The disclosures in this amended item 7 also include the effects of (1) the retrospective application of SFAS 160, “Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB 51” and FASB Staff Position EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities”; and (2) an immaterial correction to the statements of cash flows, each of which is discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.

General

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries (“MMC”) is a global professional services firm providing advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy, and human capital. MMC’s subsidiaries include Marsh, which provides risk and insurance services; Guy Carpenter, which provides reinsurance services; Mercer, which provides human resource and related financial advice and services; Oliver Wyman Group, which provides management consulting and other services and Kroll, which provides risk consulting and technology services. MMC’s approximately 54,000 employees worldwide provide analysis, advice and transactional capabilities to clients in over 100 countries.

MMC’s business segments are based on the services provided. Risk and Insurance Services includes risk management and insurance and reinsurance broking and services, provided primarily by Marsh and Guy Carpenter. Consulting, which comprises the activities of Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group, includes human resource consulting and related investment and outsourcing services, and specialized management, economic and brand consulting services. Risk Consulting & Technology, conducted through Kroll, includes risk consulting and related investigative, intelligence, financial, security and technology services. During the second quarter of 2009, Kroll sold Kroll Government Services (“KGS”), which has been classified as a discontinued operation. During the fourth quarter of 2008, MMC disposed of its U.S. and U.K. restructuring businesses to their respective management teams in separate leveraged buyouts.

We describe the primary sources of revenue and categories of expense for each segment below, in our discussion of segment financial results. A reconciliation of segment operating income to total operating income is included in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. The accounting policies used for each segment are the same as those used for the consolidated financial statements.

This MD&A contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. See “Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” at the outset of this report.

 

1


Consolidated Results of Operations

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions, except per share figures)

     2008        2007      2006

Revenue

     $ 11,518         $ 11,135      $ 10,293

Expense

              

Compensation and benefits

       7,181           6,937        6,434

Other operating expenses

       3,549           3,344        2,919

Goodwill impairment charge

       540                 

Operating expenses

       11,270           10,281        9,353

Operating Income

     $ 248         $ 854      $ 940

(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations

     $ (69      $ 557      $ 635

Discontinued Operations, net of tax

       7           1,932        363

Net (Loss) Income

     $ (62      $ 2,489      $ 998

Net (Loss) Income Attributable to MMC

     $ (73      $ 2,475      $ 990

(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations Per Share:

                            

Basic

     $ (0.14      $ 0.98      $ 1.12

Diluted

     $ (0.15      $ 0.98      $ 1.11

Net (Loss) Income Per Share Attributable to MMC:

                            

Basic

     $ (0.13      $ 4.49      $ 1.77

Diluted

     $ (0.14      $ 4.45      $ 1.73

Average number of shares outstanding:

                            

Basic

       514           539        550

Diluted

       514           542        553

Shares outstanding at December 31,

       514           520        552

Consolidated operating income was $248 million in 2008 compared with $854 million in the prior year. The 2008 results include the negative impact of a $540 million goodwill impairment charge related to the Risk Consulting & Technology segment and restructuring related items of $388 million in 2008, including the $28 million loss on the sale of the U.K. restructuring businesses, compared with restructuring costs of $105 million in 2007. Excluding these charges, consolidated operating income was $1.2 billion in 2008 compared with $959 million in 2007.

Risk and Insurance Services operating income increased $118 million to $460 million in 2008 compared with 2007, or 35%, despite an increase of $149 million in restructuring and related charges.

Consulting’s operating income decreased $51 million to $555 million in 2008. Restructuring and related charges in 2008 at Mercer were $40 million compared with $8 million of such charges recorded in 2007.

Risk Consulting & Technology incurred an operating loss of $512 million in 2008 compared with $106 million of operating income in 2007. Operating results in 2008 include the $540 million goodwill impairment charge, restructuring and related charges of $17 million and a loss on the disposal of its U.K. restructuring businesses of $28 million. There were no similar charges recognized in this segment in 2007.

 

2


Corporate expenses increased $55 million to $255 million in 2008. In 2008, corporate expenses include $85 million of restructuring and related charges primarily resulting from estimated future rent and other real estate costs to exit space in MMC’s New York headquarters building and previously vacated space in the U.K. and other locations. Restructuring and related charges were $28 million in 2007.

The consolidated net loss was $73 million in 2008, which includes charges of $928 million related to the goodwill impairment and restructuring and related charges, compared with net income of $2.5 billion in the prior year. Results for 2007 include a $1.9 billion gain on the disposal of Putnam, partly offset by restructuring and related charges of $105 million.

Discontinued operations in 2007 primarily includes the gain on disposal of Putnam.

 

3


Consolidated Revenues and Expenses

MMC conducts business in many countries, as a result of which the impact of foreign exchange rate movements may impact period-to-period comparisons of revenue. Similarly, the revenue impact of acquisitions and dispositions may impact period-to-period comparisons of revenue. Underlying revenue measures the change in revenue from one period to another by isolating these impacts. The impact of foreign currency exchange fluctuations, acquisitions and dispositions on MMC’s operating revenues by segment is as follows:

 

       Year Ended  
December 31,
            Components of Revenue Change  

(In millions, except percentage figures)

    

% Change

Revenue

   

Currency

Impact

   

Acquisitions/

Dispositions

Impact

   

Underlying

Revenue

 
  2008     2007           

Risk and Insurance Services

            

Marsh

  $ 4,524      $ 4,369       4 %*    1        2 %* 

Guy Carpenter

    803        854       (6 )%    1        (7 )% 

Fiduciary Interest Income

    139        177       (22 )%    1        (23 )% 

Total Risk and Insurance Services

    5,466        5,400       1   1          

Consulting

            

Mercer

    3,642        3,368       8        1   7

Oliver Wyman Group

    1,554        1,516       2   1   3   (2 )% 

Total Consulting

    5,196        4,884       6        2   4

Risk Consulting & Technology

            

Kroll

    797        773       3        5   (2 )% 

Corporate Advisory and Restructuring

    127        172       (26 )%    (1 )%         (25 )% 

Total Risk Consulting & Technology

    924        945       (2 )%         4   (6 )% 

Total Operating Segments

    11,586        11,229       3   1   1   1

Corporate/Eliminations

    (68     (94         

Total Revenue

  $ 11,518      $ 11,135       3   1   1   1

 

* Marsh’s revenue growth and underlying revenue growth were 3.6% and 2.4%, respectively, so the columns do not add because of rounding.

 

4


                   Components of Revenue Change  
       Year Ended  
December 31,
   % Change
Revenue
    Currency
Impact
    Acquisitions/
Dispositions
Impact
    Underlying
Revenue
 
(In millions, except percentage figures)    2008    2007         

Marsh:

              

EMEA

   $ 1,706    $ 1,618    5   2        3

Asia Pacific

     412      374    10   2        8

Latin America

     252      239    6   5   (5 )%    6

Total International

     2,370      2,231    6   2        4

U.S. and Canada

     2,154      2,138    1             1

Total Marsh

   $ 4,524    $ 4,369    4 %*    1        2 %* 

Mercer:

              

Retirement

   $ 1,178    $ 1,079    9        4   5

Health and Benefits

     898      827    9   1        8

Other Consulting Lines

     555      509    9   2   (1 )%    8

Total Mercer Consulting

     2,631      2,415    9   1   1   7

Outsourcing

     702      682    3   (1 )%         4

Investment Consulting & Management

     309      271    14   (2 )%         16

Total Mercer

   $ 3,642    $ 3,368    8        1   7

Kroll:

              

Litigation Support and Data Recovery

   $ 326    $ 272    20        14   6

Background Screening

     263      297    (11 )%              (11 )% 

Risk Mitigation and Response

     208      204    2             2

Total Kroll

   $ 797    $ 773    3        5   (2 )% 

 

* Marsh’s revenue growth and underlying revenue growth were 3.6% and 2.4%, respectively, so the columns do not add because of rounding.

 

                    Components of Revenue Change  
       Year Ended  
December 31,
    % Change
Revenue
    Currency
Impact
    Acquisitions/
Dispositions
Impact
    Underlying
Revenue
 
(In millions, except percentage figures)    2007      2006          

Risk and Insurance Services

             

Marsh

   $ 4,369       $ 4,263      3   4        (1 )% 

Guy Carpenter

     854         832      3   2        1

Fiduciary Interest Income

     177         168      6   4        2

Total Risk and Insurance Services

     5,400         5,263      3   4        (1 )% 

Consulting

             

Mercer

     3,368         3,020      12   5        7

Oliver Wyman Group

     1,516         1,204      26   5   3   18

Total Consulting

     4,884         4,224      16   5   1   10

Risk Consulting & Technology

             

Kroll

     773         716      8   2   (2 )%    8

Corporate Advisory and Restructuring

     172         210      (18 )%    5        (23 )% 

Total Risk Consulting & Technology

     945         926      2   3   (2 )%    1

Total Operating Segments

     11,229         10,413      8   4        4

Corporate/Eliminations

     (94      (120        

Total Revenue

   $ 11,135       $ 10,293      8   4        4

 

5


                   Components of Revenue Change  
       Year Ended  
December 31,
   % Change
Revenue
    Currency
Impact
    Acquisitions/
Dispositions
Impact
    Underlying
Revenue
 
(In millions, except percentage figures)    2007    2006         

Marsh:

              

EMEA

   $ 1,618    $ 1,541    5   7        (2 )% 

Asia Pacific

     374      335    12   8        4

Latin America

     239      208    15   7        8

Total International

     2,231      2,084    7   7          

U.S. and Canada

     2,138      2,179    (2 )%    1        (3 )% 

Total Marsh

   $ 4,369    $ 4,263    3   4        (1 )% 

Mercer:

              

Retirement

   $ 1,079    $ 984    10   5        5

Health and Benefits

     827      751    10   2        8

Other Consulting Lines

     509      445    14   3        11

Total Mercer Consulting

     2,415      2,180    11   4        7

Outsourcing

     682      635    7   6   1     

Investment Consulting & Management

     271      205    33   9        24

Total Mercer

   $ 3,368    $ 3,020    12   5        7

Kroll:

              

Litigation Support and Data Recovery

   $ 272    $ 226    20   2   4   14

Background Screening

     297      278    7   1   1   5

Risk Mitigation and Response

     204      212    (4 )%    3   (12 )%    5

Total Kroll

   $ 773    $ 716    8   2   (2 )%    8

Revenue

Consolidated revenue for 2008 increased 3% to $11.5 billion compared with $11.1 billion in 2007, reflecting a 1% increase in underlying revenue, a 1% increase from acquisitions and a 1% positive impact of foreign currency translation.

Revenue in the Risk and Insurance Services segment increased 1% compared with 2007. Underlying revenue growth was flat for the total Risk and Insurance Services segment, reflecting a 2% increase in Marsh, offset by a 7% decrease in Guy Carpenter, and a 23% decrease in fiduciary interest income. Consulting revenue increased 6%, resulting from an 8% increase at Mercer and 2% growth at Oliver Wyman Group. On an underlying basis, revenue increased 4% reflecting a 7% increase in Mercer, and a decrease of 2% in Oliver Wyman Group. Revenue decreased 2% in Risk Consulting & Technology, or 6% on an underlying basis. During the fourth quarter of 2008, MMC disposed of its U.S. and U.K. restructuring businesses, which are included in the Risk Consulting & Technology segment.

In 2007, Risk and Insurance Services revenue increased 3% compared with 2006. Underlying revenue decreased 1% for the total Risk and Insurance Services segment, reflecting a 1% decrease in Marsh, which includes a $40 million decrease in market service revenue, partly offset by a 1% increase in Guy Carpenter and a 2% increase in fiduciary interest income. Consulting revenue increased 16%, resulting from a 12% increase in Mercer’s businesses and 26% growth in Oliver Wyman Group. On an underlying basis, revenue increased 7% in Mercer, 18% in Oliver Wyman Group and 10% for the Consulting segment in total. Revenue increased 2% in Risk Consulting & Technology, 1% on an underlying basis.

 

6


Expenses

Consolidated operating expenses in 2008 increased 10%, which included the $540 million goodwill impairment charge recorded in 2008 and a $283 million increase from restructuring and related charges in 2008 as compared with 2007. Excluding these two items, expenses increased 2% in 2008 compared with 2007 and were essentially flat on an underlying basis.

Consolidated operating expenses in 2007 increased 10% compared with 2006. Operating expenses increased 5% on an underlying basis in 2007 compared with 2006. The increase in underlying expenses was due to higher compensation and benefit costs driven by the Consulting segment due to increased volume across all practices, increased advertising, primarily in insurance services, and favorable professional liability experience in 2006.

Restructuring and Related Activities

Actions Initiated in 2008

In 2008, MMC implemented restructuring actions which resulted in costs totaling $312 million primarily related to severance and benefits costs and the loss on the disposal of our U.K. restructuring businesses. These costs were incurred as follows: Risk and Insurance Services—$218 million, Consulting—$40 million, Risk Consulting & Technology—$45 million, and Corporate—$9 million. These activities resulted in the elimination of approximately 1,660 positions at Marsh, 360 positions at Guy Carpenter, 490 positions at Mercer, 300 positions in Risk Consulting & Technology and 85 positions at Corporate. In addition, Marsh outsourced approximately 700 positions as part of its U.K. back office outsourcing initiative. The annualized cost savings from these actions are expected to be approximately $290 million. MMC expects to incur additional restructuring charges in the first half of 2009.

Actions Initiated Prior to 2008

In 2008, MMC recorded $76 million of restructuring charges related to actions initiated in prior years, primarily due to a charge of $62 million for estimated future rent and real estate costs to exit five floors in MMC’s New York headquarters building that was part of the restructuring plan announced in 2006, and $11 million related to changes in the estimated costs for future rent related to previously vacated properties in the U.K. and other locations. These amounts were recorded in Corporate.

Putnam Transaction

On August 3, 2007, Great-West Lifeco Inc. completed its purchase of Putnam Investments Trust for $3.9 billion in cash. The gain on disposal and Putnam’s results of operations through the date of sale, are included in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. As described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, MMC provided certain indemnities related to the transaction, and also has established liabilities for uncertain tax positions. As these issues are resolved, or as facts and circumstances related to these issues change in the future, the related liabilities will be adjusted and will be recorded in discontinued operations.

 

7


Other Businesses Exited

During the second quarter of 2009, Kroll sold Kroll Government Services (“KGS”). The financial results of KGS are included in discontinued operations.

During the fourth quarter of 2008, MMC sold its U.S. and U.K. restructuring businesses to their respective management teams in separate leveraged buyouts. Based on the terms and conditions of the disposals, MMC determined it has “continuing involvement” in these businesses, as that term is used in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5e. Therefore, the results of these businesses, including the loss on disposal, are included in continuing operations. MMC recorded a loss of $28 million on the disposition of the U.K. Corporate Advisory and Restructuring businesses. The net assets of these U.K. businesses were written-off upon transfer to the new owners. MMC will receive royalties on future revenue of these businesses over the next four years. The royalties will be recognized when earned under the terms of the contract and when collectibility is reasonably assured. The transfer of the U.S. restructuring business was financed with a seller note. If MMC receives interest and principal payments as scheduled for the U.S. business, it will recover the value of the net assets transferred to the new owners and recognize a gain on the disposal of $18 million.

Risk and Insurance Services

In the Risk and Insurance Services segment, MMC’s subsidiaries and other affiliated entities act as brokers, agents or consultants for insureds, insurance underwriters and other brokers in the areas of risk management, insurance broking and insurance program management services, primarily under the name of Marsh; and engage in reinsurance broking, catastrophe and financial modeling services and related advisory functions, primarily under the name of Guy Carpenter.

Marsh and Guy Carpenter are compensated for brokerage and consulting services primarily through fees paid by clients and/or commissions paid out of premiums charged by insurance and reinsurance companies. Commission rates vary in amount depending upon the type of insurance or reinsurance coverage provided, the particular insurer or reinsurer, the capacity in which the broker acts and negotiations with clients. Revenues are affected by premium rate levels in the insurance/reinsurance markets, the amount of risk retained by insurance and reinsurance clients themselves and by the value of the risks that have been insured since commission based compensation is frequently related to the premiums paid by insureds/reinsureds. In many cases, compensation may be negotiated in advance, based on the types and amounts of risks to be analyzed by MMC and ultimately placed into the insurance market or retained by the client. The trends and comparisons of revenue from one period to the next will therefore be affected by changes in premium rate levels, fluctuations in client risk retention, and increases or decreases in the value of risks that have been insured, as well as new and lost business, and the volume of business from new and existing clients.

Marsh and Guy Carpenter receive interest income on certain funds (such as premiums and claims proceeds) held in a fiduciary capacity for others. The investment of fiduciary funds is regulated by state and other insurance authorities. These regulations typically provide for segregation of fiduciary funds and limit the types of investments that may be made with them. Interest income from these investments varies depending on the amount of funds invested and applicable interest rates, both of which vary from time to time. For presentation purposes, fiduciary interest is now segregated within the segment from the other revenues of Marsh and Guy Carpenter, as shown in the charts on pages 3 and 5.

 

8


The results of operations for the Risk and Insurance Services segment are presented below:

 

(In millions of dollars)    2008     2007     2006  

Revenue

   $ 5,466      $ 5,400      $ 5,263   

Compensation and Benefits

     3,299        3,318        3,207   

Other Operating Expenses

     1,707        1,740        1,579   

Expense

     5,006        5,058        4,786   

Operating Income

   $ 460      $ 342      $ 477   

Operating Income Margin

     8.4     6.3     9.1

Revenue

Revenue in Risk and Insurance Services increased 1% in 2008 compared with 2007, reflecting the positive impact of foreign currency exchange fluctuations, and was flat on an underlying basis.

In Marsh, revenue increased 4% from last year, reflecting a 1% positive impact of currency translation and a 2% increase in underlying revenue. Client revenue retention increased by 3 percentage points over 2007. New business production also remained strong. On a geographic basis, Marsh’s international revenue increased 6% while the U.S. and Canada increased 1% compared with 2007.

Guy Carpenter revenue decreased 6% in 2008 compared with 2007, or 7% on an underlying basis. Reinsurance premium rates declined during the year across most coverages.

Fiduciary interest income decreased 22% in 2008, or 23% on an underlying basis, primarily due to lower interest rates, and to a lesser extent, lower average invested funds.

Revenue in Risk and Insurance Services increased 3% in 2007 compared with 2006 reflecting the positive impact of foreign currency exchange fluctuations partly offset by a decrease in underlying revenue.

Expense

Expenses in the Risk and Insurance Services segment decreased 1% in 2008 compared with the prior year, reflecting a 2% decrease in underlying expenses, partly offset by a 1% increase related to the impact of foreign exchange. The reduction in compensation and benefits expense in 2008 compared with 2007 reflects a reduction in headcount during the year and a decline in benefits expenses partly offset by increased incentive compensation costs and higher severance costs at both Marsh and Guy Carpenter. The decrease in other expenses reflects the continued focus on expense control and primarily relate to reductions in travel, entertainment, meetings, and marketing and advertising. These decreases were partly offset by higher restructuring and related costs in 2008 compared with 2007, and a $33 million charge in the third quarter of 2008 related to a professional liability claim.

In 2007, expenses in the Risk and Insurance Services segment increased 6% over the prior year. The increase in expenses reflected higher salary costs due to increased headcount during the second half of the year; the impact of foreign currency exchange fluctuations; costs associated with Marsh’s advertising campaign initiated in the spring of 2007; incremental expenses related to the departure of Marsh’s former CEO; and the effect of favorable professional liability experience in 2006. These increases were partly offset by lower restructuring and related costs compared with 2006 and reduced incentive compensation accruals.

 

9


Consulting

MMC conducts business in its Consulting segment through two main business groups. Mercer includes practice groups specializing in retirement, health and benefits, outsourcing, and investment consulting and management. Oliver Wyman Group provides specialized management and economic and brand consulting services.

The major component of Consulting’s revenue, in both Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group, is fees paid by clients for advice and services. Mercer, principally through its health & benefits line of business, also earns revenue in the form of commissions received from insurance companies for the placement of group (and occasionally individual) insurance contracts, primarily life, health and accident coverages. Revenue for Mercer’s investment management business and certain of Mercer’s outsourcing businesses consists principally of fees based on assets under administration.

Revenue in the Consulting segment is affected by, among other things, global economic conditions, including changes in clients’ particular industries and markets. Revenue is also subject to competition due to the introduction of new products and services, broad trends in employee demographics, the effect of government policies and regulations, and fluctuations in interest and foreign exchange rates. Revenues from the provision of investment management services and retirement trust and administrative services are significantly affected by securities market performance.

The results of operations for the Consulting segment are presented below:

 

(In millions of dollars)    2008     2007     2006  

Revenue

   $ 5,196      $ 4,884      $ 4,224   

Compensation and Benefits

     3,204        2,953        2,651   

Other Operating Expenses

     1,437        1,325        1,108   

Expense

     4,641        4,278        3,759   

Operating Income

   $ 555      $ 606      $ 465   

Operating Income Margin

     10.7     12.4     11.0

Revenue

Consulting revenue in 2008 increased 6% compared with 2007 comprising 8% growth at Mercer and 2% growth at Oliver Wyman Group. Revenue for the segment increased 4% on an underlying basis. Within Mercer, the revenue increase of 8% reflects growth in retirement of 9%, health and benefits of 9%, other consulting lines of 9%, outsourcing of 3% and investment consulting & management of 14%. Mercer’s revenue grew 7% on an underlying basis. Oliver Wyman Group grew 2%, but decreased 2% on an underlying basis, compared with the same period last year.

Consulting revenue in 2007 increased 16% compared with 2006. Revenue for Mercer increased 12%, or 7% on an underlying basis driven by strong growth throughout its businesses. Oliver Wyman Group revenues grew 26%, or 18% on an underlying basis, compared with the same period in 2006.

 

10


Expense

Consulting expenses increased 8% in 2008 compared with 2007, or 6% on an underlying basis. Compensation and benefit costs increased due to a higher volume of activity at Mercer, largely in the first three quarters of the year. As part of its ongoing effort to realize operational efficiencies, Mercer reduced its headcount in the fourth quarter of 2008, resulting in a $40 million restructuring charge. The increase in other operating expenses reflects a $70 million increase resulting from expenses that are reimbursable by clients.

Consulting expenses increased 14% in 2007 compared with 2006, reflecting higher compensation costs due to an increased volume of business, higher incentive compensation commensurate with improved operating performance and the impact of foreign currency translation.

Risk Consulting & Technology

MMC’s Risk Consulting & Technology segment which comprises the activity of Kroll and Corporate Advisory and Restructuring, includes risk consulting, and related investigative, intelligence, financial, security and technology services.

In May 2009, Kroll sold KGS, its government services business. The results of operations have been reclassified into discontinued operations for all periods presented in the accompanying financial statements.

During the fourth quarter of 2008, MMC sold its U.S. and U.K. restructuring businesses to their respective management teams in separate leveraged buyouts. Based on the terms and conditions of the disposals, MMC determined it has “continuing involvement” in these businesses, as that term is used in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5e and that reclassification to discontinued operations was not appropriate. MMC recorded a loss of $28 million on the disposition of the U.K. restructuring businesses. The net assets of the U.K. businesses were written-off upon transfer to the new owners. MMC will receive royalties on future revenue of these businesses over the next four years. The royalties will be recognized when earned under the terms of the contract and when collectibility is reasonably assured. The transfer of the U.S. restructuring business was financed with a seller note. If MMC receives interest and principal payments as scheduled for the U.S. business, it will recover the value of the net assets transferred to the new owners and recognize a gain on the disposal of $18 million.

Kroll receives compensation primarily in the form of fees paid by clients. These fees are typically earned on an hourly, project, fixed fee or per-unit basis. Kroll’s revenue is subject to changes in international economic and regulatory conditions, including the levels of mortgage applications and new employment. Kroll is also subject to normal competitive forces such as pricing pressures, demand for professional staff and new product development on the part of competitors, particularly in technology services.

 

11


The results of operations for the Risk Consulting & Technology segment are presented below:

 

(In millions of dollars)    2008     2007     2006  

Revenue

   $ 924      $ 945      $ 926   

Compensation and Benefits

     447        446        413   

Other Operating Expenses

     449        393        378   

Goodwill Impairment Charge

     540                 

Expense

     1,436        839        791   

Operating Income (Loss)

   $ (512   $ 106      $ 135   

Operating Income Margin

     N/A        11.2     14.6

Revenue

Risk Consulting & Technology revenues decreased 2% compared with 2007, or 6% on an underlying basis. Revenue in Kroll’s litigation support and data recovery and risk mitigation and response businesses increased 6% and 2%, respectively, on an underlying basis compared with 2007. Revenues in Kroll’s background screening business decreased 11% due to declines in both employment and mortgage related background screening. Corporate Advisory and Restructuring revenue was $127 million in 2008, compared with $172 million in 2007. Due to the disposal of the U.S. and U.K. restructuring businesses, future results will only include revenue earned by MMC under the royalty arrangements discussed earlier.

Risk Consulting & Technology revenues increased 2% in 2007 compared with 2006, 1% on an underlying basis. Revenue in Kroll’s litigation support, data recovery and background screening, and risk mitigation and response increased 14%, 5% and 5%, respectively, on an underlying basis compared with 2006. This was offset by a 23% decrease in Corporate Advisory and Restructuring revenue due to weaker demand for these services, including lower client success fees for completed engagements compared with 2006.

Expense

Risk Consulting & Technology expenses in 2008 increased 71% compared with 2007. Expenses in 2008 included the $540 million goodwill impairment charge, restructuring charges of $17 million and the $28 million loss on the disposal of the U.K. restructuring businesses. Excluding these items, Risk Consulting & Technology expenses for 2008 increased 1% compared with 2007 but decreased 2% on an underlying basis.

Risk Consulting & Technology expenses increased 6% in 2007 compared with 2006. Approximately half of the increase results from acquisitions and the impact of foreign currency fluctuation. The remaining increase reflects higher compensation in the Corporate Advisory and Restructuring and the background screening businesses, as well as increased costs for outside services in the background screening business due to a higher volume of business. In addition, expenses in 2006 included a credit related to the early termination of a licensing agreement.

Discontinued Operations

Results of discontinued operations in 2008 include the effects of four discontinued operations—Putnam, Mediservice, Kroll Government Services and Kroll Crucible—which are discussed in more detail below.

 

12


With regard to Putnam, discontinued operations in 2008 includes (1) the impact of immaterial corrections and other adjustments to the fourth quarter of 2007 tax provision related to the transaction, (2) adjustments to the tax provision to reflect differences between tax returns filed in 2008 and the initial estimated provisions, and (3) interest on liabilities for certain tax-related indemnities provided as part of the transaction. In the first quarter of 2008, Marsh completed the sale of Mediservice, a claims administration operation in Brazil. The gain on this disposal, net of tax, is included in discontinued operations in 2008. In the third quarter of 2008, Kroll completed the sale of Kroll Crucible (“Crucible”), a division of its government services operation. The loss on this disposal, net of tax, is included in discontinued operations in 2008.

In 2007, discontinued operations include operating results for KGS, the gain on the sale of Putnam, as well as Putnam’s operating income through August 2, 2007 and, in 2006, include the operating income from Putnam, KGS, Sedgwick Claims Management Services (“SCMS”), Kroll Security International (“KSI”) and Price Forbes. Discontinued operations in 2006 also include the gain on disposal of SCMS and a charge to reduce the carrying value of Price Forbes’ assets to fair value.

The following depicts the results of discontinued operations including revenue and expense detail for Putnam:

 

(In millions of dollars)    2008     2007     2006

Putnam:

      

Revenue

   $      $ 798      $ 1,385

Expense

            636        1,082

Operating Income

            162        303

Other discontinued operations

     15        (10     9

Provision for income tax

     4        68        121

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

     11        84        191

Gain on disposal of discontinued operations

     29        2,965        298

Provision for income tax

     33        1,117        126

(Loss) Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax

     (4     1,848        172

Discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ 7      $ 1,932      $ 363

 

13


Corporate Items

 

 

Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses were $255 million in 2008, compared to $200 million in 2007. In 2008, expenses include $85 million of restructuring and related charges comprising a $62 million charge related to estimated future rent and other real estate costs to exit five floors in MMC’s New York headquarters building and previously vacated space in the U.K. and other locations. In 2007, restructuring and related items were $28 million. Expenses in 2008 include a $10 million credit for a payment from U.S. Investigative Services, Inc. (“USIS”) in connection with the hiring of MMC’s former CEO, partly offset by costs related to the departure of several senior executives.

Corporate expenses were $200 million in 2007, compared to $137 million in 2006. In 2007, corporate expenses included $28 million for restructuring and related charges, including a credit from an accrual adjustment related to the separation of former MMC senior executives, compared with a credit of $31 million of such items in 2006 that included a $74 million gain on the sale of five floors in MMC’s headquarters building. In 2007, corporate expenses also included incremental costs of $14 million related to the departure of MMC’s former CEO.

Interest

Corporate interest income decreased from $95 million in 2007 to $48 million in 2008. The decrease primarily reflects the combined effect of lower average interest rates and a lower level of invested balances in 2008 compared with the prior year. The invested balances in the second half of 2007 were higher primarily due to proceeds received from the Putnam transaction, which were subsequently used to repurchase MMC shares, pay down debt and pay taxes on the gain on the disposal. Interest expense of $220 million in 2008 decreased from $267 million in 2007. The decrease in interest expense is due to a decrease in the average level of debt outstanding compared to the prior year.

Interest income earned on corporate funds was $95 million in 2007, an increase of $35 million over 2006. The increase in interest income reflects generally higher average interest rates in 2007 compared with 2006, and higher invested balances during the second half of the year resulting from the receipt of proceeds from the Putnam transaction, discussed above. Interest expense of $267 million in 2007 decreased from $303 million from 2006. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to a decrease in the average level of debt compared with the prior year.

Investment Income (Loss)

In 2008, investment losses were $12 million, primarily due to mark-to-market declines on Risk Capital Holdings’ private equity investments. This compared with $173 million of gains in the prior period, primarily related to mark-to-market gains on private equity fund investments and gains from the sale of investments.

Income Taxes

MMC’s consolidated effective tax rate in 2008 was significantly impacted by the non-deductibility of the goodwill impairment charge. The 2007 consolidated effective tax rate of 34.9% primarily reflects the unfavorable impact of international tax law changes in 2007.

 

14


MMC’s consolidated effective tax rate was 34.9% in 2007 compared to 29.7% in 2006. The change primarily reflects the unfavorable impact of international tax law changes in 2007 and the release of valuation allowances on certain deferred tax assets in 2006.

The effective tax rate is sensitive to the geographic mix and repatriation of MMC’s earnings, which may have a favorable or unfavorable impact on the rate. This also could result in foreign tax credit carryforwards arising in future periods for which a valuation allowance may be required. Furthermore, losses in certain jurisdictions cannot be offset by earnings from other operations, and may result in the need for valuation allowances against deferred tax assets which would affect the rate.

In 2007, MMC adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income tax positions. Uncertain tax positions are evaluated based upon the facts and circumstances that exist at each reporting period. Subsequent changes in judgment resulting from new information may lead to changes in recognition, derecognition, and measurement. Adjustments may result, for example, upon resolution of an issue with the taxing authorities, or expiration of a statute of limitations barring an assessment for an issue. Such adjustments could have a material impact on MMC’s effective tax rate, net income, and cash flows in a particular future period. It is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease between zero and approximately $135 million within the next 12 months due to settlement of audits and expiration of statutes of limitation.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

MMC’s liquidity needs are primarily for operating expenses, capital expenditures, servicing debt, funding pension obligations, paying dividends on outstanding stock and funding acquisitions. As a holding company, MMC’s primary source for meeting these requirements is cash flows from operating subsidiaries. Other sources of liquidity include borrowing facilities discussed below in financing cash flows.

Cash on our consolidated balance sheets includes funds available for general corporate purposes. Funds held on behalf of clients in a fiduciary capacity are segregated and shown separately in the consolidated balance sheet as an offset to fiduciary liabilities. Fiduciary funds cannot be used for general corporate purposes, and should not be considered as a source of liquidity for MMC.

Operating Cash Flows

MMC generated $940 million of cash from operations in 2008 compared with a use of cash of $303 million in 2007. These amounts reflect the net income (loss) reported by MMC during those periods, excluding gains or losses from investments and the disposition of businesses, adjusted for non-cash charges and changes in working capital which relate, primarily, to the timing of payments for accrued liabilities or receipts of assets. Cash generated from the disposition of businesses is included in investing cash flows. Payment of accrued liabilities in 2008 includes approximately $170 million for regulatory settlements. This represents the final payment related to the settlement with the NYAG and NYSID as discussed in Note 16 and is consistent with the amount paid in 2007. In 2007, cash outflows included tax payments of $933 million related to the disposition of businesses, primarily Putnam. Although the cash proceeds from the Putnam transaction are included in investing cash flows, SFAS 95 specifies that the related payment of taxes be included in operating cash flows and not allocated to other cash flow categories.

 

15


MMC’s expected funding for its U.S. non-qualified and non-U.S. pension plans in 2009 is approximately $21 million and $370 million, respectively. MMC’s policy for funding its tax qualified defined benefit retirement plans is to contribute amounts at least sufficient to meet the funding requirements set forth in U.S. and applicable foreign law. There currently is no ERISA funding requirement for the U.S. qualified plan for 2008 or 2009. Funding requirements for non-U.S. plans vary by country. Contribution rates are determined by the local actuaries based on local funding practices and requirements. Funding amounts may be influenced by future asset performance, the level of discount rates and other variables impacting the assets and/or liabilities of the plan. In addition, amounts funded in the future, to the extent not due under regulatory requirements, may be affected by alternative uses of MMC’s cash flows, including dividends, investments and share repurchases.

During 2008, MMC’s defined benefit pension plans were negatively impacted by the severe downturn in the global equity markets. Defined benefit assets experienced market declines of approximately 18% in the U.S. and approximately 14% in the U.K., our largest plan.

Pension liabilities are largely dependent on the discount rate set as of year end. In the U.S., interest rates declined dramatically over the last two months of 2008, resulting in a lower year-end discount rate than the prior year end. This contributed to a $300 million increase in the projected benefit obligation for the U.S. plans. While our U.S. plans show a funding deficit as of the end of 2008, no contributions to the U.S. plan are required in 2009.

Due to an increase in the discount rate and a reduction in inflation expectations, our U.K. plan liabilities decreased slightly in local currency terms in 2008. Although we make scheduled contributions to the U.K. plan throughout the year, in January 2009, we made a discretionary pension contribution of $70 million to the plan. We expect to contribute a similar amount in the second quarter of 2009. These contributions are included in the $370 million of expected contributions noted above. Overall, MMC’s aggregate pension expense in 2009 will be similar to that of 2008.

During 2008, MMC contributed approximately $20 million to the U.S. pension plans and $250 million to the significant non-U.S. pension plans, compared with $20 million for U.S. plans and $189 million for significant non-U.S. plans in 2007.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 158. SFAS 158 requires that MMC recognize on a prospective basis the funded status of its overfunded defined benefit pension and retiree medical plans (the “Plans”) as a net benefit plan asset and its unfunded and underfunded Plans as a net benefit plan liability. The offsetting adjustment to the amount of assets and liabilities required to be recognized is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax, in MMC’s 2006 year-end balance sheet. Subsequent changes in the funded status are recognized through the income statement and other comprehensive income in the year in which they occur as appropriate. MMC adopted the provisions of SFAS 158, prospectively, on December 31, 2006. The impact of adopting SFAS 158 resulted in a reduction in assets of $660 million and an increase in liabilities of $245 million, including a related adjustment to tax benefits of $423 million. The net impact of adopting SFAS 158 was a reduction of MMC’s stockholders’ equity of $905 million in 2006 (or $804 million including an adjustment for the impact of recording a reduction to the minimum pension liability prior to the adoption of SFAS 158). In 2007, the improved funded status of the Plans resulted in a net increase to equity of $708 million. In 2008, the decrease in the funded status of the plans resulted in a net decrease to equity of $988 million. The change in funded status of the Plans is impacted by numerous items, including actual results compared with prior estimates and assumptions, contributions to the Plans, and changes in assumptions to reflect information

 

16


available at the respective measurement dates. Significant items impacting the funded status of the U.S. and U.K. plans in 2008 are discussed above. In 2007, the funded status of MMC’s Plans was significantly impacted by an increase in the discount rates used in the measurement of the pension liabilities at December 31, 2007, reflecting a general widening of credit spreads on high quality corporate debt obligations and by contributions and asset returns.

Financing Cash Flows

Net cash used for financing activities was $643 million in 2008 compared with $2.7 billion of net cash used for financing activities in 2007. During 2008, MMC reduced outstanding debt by approximately $260 million. During 2007, MMC reduced outstanding debt by approximately $1.1 billion and repurchased $1.3 billion of its common stock. These actions are discussed more fully below.

Debt Repayment

During 2008, MMC’s 3.625% five-year fixed rate $250 million senior notes matured. MMC used cash on hand to manage liquidity, including the repayment of these notes.

During 2007, MMC utilized commercial paper and bank borrowings, as well as cash on hand, to manage liquidity, including the funding of maturing bonds and the repurchase of shares. In the first quarter of 2007, MMC’s 5.375%, five-year $500 million senior notes matured. MMC’s three-year floating rate $500 million senior notes matured in the third quarter of 2007. MMC used a portion of its proceeds from the Putnam transaction to pay down outstanding commercial paper and revolving credit facility borrowings. At December 31, 2008, no commercial paper or revolving credit facility borrowings were outstanding.

MMC and certain of its foreign subsidiaries maintain a $1.2 billion multi-currency revolving credit facility. Subsidiary borrowings under the facility are unconditionally guaranteed by MMC. The facility will expire in December 2010. There were no borrowings outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2008.

MMC’s senior debt is currently rated Baa2 by Moody’s and BBB- by Standard & Poor’s. MMC’s short-term debt is currently rated P-2 by Moody’s and A-3 by Standard & Poor’s. MMC carries a stable outlook from both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. In December 2007, Standard & Poor’s lowered its rating on MMC’s long-term debt from BBB to BBB- and lowered the rating on MMC’s short-term debt from A-2 to A-3.

MMC also maintains other credit facilities, guarantees and letters of credit with various banks, primarily related to operations located outside the United States, aggregating $285 million at December 31, 2008 and $265 million at December 31, 2007. There were no outstanding borrowings under these facilities at December 31, 2008.

Share Repurchases

In August 2007, MMC entered into an $800 million accelerated share repurchase agreement with a financial institution counterparty. Under the terms of the agreement, MMC paid the full $800 million purchase price and took delivery from the counterparty of an initial tranche of 21,320,530 shares of MMC common stock, which were reflected as an increase in Treasury shares (a decrease in shares outstanding) on the delivery date. This number of shares was the quotient of the $800 million purchase price divided by a contractual “cap” price of $37.5225 per share. Based on the

 

17


market price of MMC’s common stock over the subsequent settlement period, in March 2008 the counterparty delivered to MMC an additional 10,751,000 shares for no additional payment and the transaction was concluded. MMC thus repurchased a total of 32,071,630 shares at an average price per share to MMC of $24.9442. The repurchased shares were reflected as an increase in Treasury shares (a decrease in shares outstanding) on the respective delivery dates. This transaction was effected under a $1.5 billion share repurchase authorization granted by MMC’s Board of Directors in August 2007. MMC remains authorized to repurchase additional shares of its common stock up to a value of $700 million. There is no time limit on this authorization.

In May 2007, MMC entered into a $500 million accelerated share repurchase agreement with a financial institution counterparty. Under the terms of the agreement, MMC paid the full $500 million purchase price and took delivery from the counterparty of an initial tranche of 13,464,749 shares of MMC common stock. Based on the market price of MMC’s common stock over the subsequent settlement period, in July 2007 the counterparty delivered to MMC an additional 2,555,519 shares for no additional payment and the transaction was concluded. MMC thus repurchased a total of 16,020,268 shares in the transaction, for a total cost of $500 million and an average price per share to MMC of $31.2105. The repurchased shares were reflected as an increase in Treasury shares (a decrease in shares outstanding) on the respective delivery dates. This transaction was effected under a $500 million share repurchase authorization granted by MMC’s Board of Directors in May 2007.

MMC did not repurchase any shares in 2008.

Dividends

MMC paid total dividends of $412 million in 2008 ($0.80 per share), $413 million ($0.76 per share) in 2007 and $374 million ($0.68 per share) in 2006.

Investing Cash Flows

Net cash used for investing activities amounted to $348 million in 2008. This compares with $3.0 billion of net cash generated from investing activities in 2007, primarily due to the Putnam transaction. Cash used for acquisitions totaled $126 million in 2008 compared with $206 million in 2007. Remaining deferred cash payments of approximately $60 million related to acquisitions completed in 2008 and prior years are recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities or in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2008. Cash provided by the sale of securities was $20 million in 2008. In 2007, cash provided by the sale of securities of $78 million was partly offset by cash used to purchase investments of $44 million.

MMC’s additions to fixed assets and capitalized software, which amounted to $386 million in 2008 and $378 million in 2007, primarily relate to computer equipment purchases, the refurbishing and modernizing of office facilities and software development costs.

MMC has committed to potential future investments of approximately $81 million in connection with its investments in Trident II and other funds managed by Stone Point Capital, LLC. The majority of MMC’s investment commitments for funds managed by Stone Point Capital, LLC are related to Trident II, the investment period for which is now closed for new investments. Any remaining capital calls for Trident II would relate to follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies or for management fees or other partnership expenses. Significant future capital calls related to Trident II are not expected. Although it is anticipated that Trident II will be harvesting its remaining portfolio, the timing of any portfolio company sales and capital distributions is unknown and not controlled by MMC.

 

18


Commitments and Obligations

MMC’s contractual obligations of the types identified in the table below were of the following amounts as of December 31, 2008:

 

     Payment due by Period

Contractual Obligations

(In millions of dollars)

  Total    Within
1 Year
   1-3
Years
   4-5
Years
   After 5
Years

Current portion of long-term debt

  $ 408    $ 408    $    $    $

Long-term debt

    3,198           567      518      2,113

Net operating leases

    2,937      386      682      532      1,337

Service agreements

    145      54      46      29      16

Other long-term obligations

    60      25      35          

Total

  $ 6,748    $ 873    $ 1,330    $ 1,079    $ 3,466

The above does not include unrecognized tax benefits of $293 million, accounted for under FIN 48, as MMC is unable to reasonably predict the timing of settlement of these liabilities, other than approximately $20 million that may become payable during 2009. The above does not include liabilities established under FIN 45 as MMC is unable to reasonably predict the timing of settlement of these liabilities, other than approximately $3 million that may become payable during 2009.

Market Risk and Credit Risk

Certain of MMC’s revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and equity markets.

Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk

MMC has historically managed its net exposure to interest rate changes by utilizing a mixture of variable and fixed rate borrowings to finance MMC’s asset base. During 2007, virtually all of MMC’s variable rate borrowings were repaid.

Interest income generated from MMC’s cash investments as well as invested fiduciary funds will vary with the general level of interest rates, particularly short-term interest rates.

MMC had the following investments subject to variable interest rates:

 

(In millions of dollars)   

December 31,

2008

Cash and cash equivalents invested in money market funds, certificates of deposit and time deposits (Note 1)

   $ 1,685

Fiduciary cash and investments (Note 1)

   $ 3,297

These investments and debt instruments are discussed more fully in the above-indicated Notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

19


Based on the above balances, if short-term interest rates decrease by 10%, or 13 basis points over the course of the year, annual interest income, including interest earned on fiduciary funds, would decrease by approximately $4 million.

In addition to interest rate risk, our cash investments and fiduciary fund investments are subject to potential loss of value due to counterparty credit risk. To minimize this risk, MMC and its subsidiaries invest pursuant to a Board approved investment policy. The policy mandates the preservation of principal and liquidity and requires broad diversification with counterparty limits assigned based primarily on credit rating and type of investment. MMC carefully monitors its cash and fiduciary fund investments and will further restrict the portfolio as appropriate to market conditions. The majority of cash and fiduciary funds are invested in short-term bank deposits and liquid money market funds.

Foreign Currency Risk

The translated values of revenue and expense from MMC’s international Risk and Insurance Services and Consulting operations are subject to fluctuations due to changes in currency exchange rates. The non-U.S. based revenue that is exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations is approximately 54% of total revenue. Note 17 details revenue by geographic area. We periodically use forward contracts and options to limit foreign currency exchange rate exposure on net income and cash flows for specific, clearly defined transactions arising in the ordinary course of business.

Equity Price Risk

MMC holds investments in public and private companies, as well as in certain private equity funds managed by Stone Point Capital. Publicly traded investments of $21 million are classified as available for sale under SFAS No. 115. Non-publicly traded investments of $91 million are accounted for using the cost method and $207 million are accounted for using the equity method under APB Opinion No. 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock”. The investments that are classified as available for sale or that are not publicly traded are subject to risk of changes in market value, which if determined to be other than temporary, could result in realized impairment losses. MMC periodically reviews the carrying value of such investments to determine if any valuation adjustments are appropriate under the applicable accounting pronouncements.

Other

A significant number of lawsuits and regulatory proceedings are pending. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

Management’s Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management considers the policies discussed below to be critical to understanding MMC’s financial statements because their application places the most significant demands on management’s judgment, and requires management to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

 

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Legal and Other Loss Contingencies

MMC and its subsidiaries are subject to numerous claims, lawsuits and proceedings. GAAP requires that liabilities for contingencies be recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred before the balance sheet date and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Significant management judgment is required to comply with this guidance. MMC analyzes its litigation exposure based on available information, including consultation with outside counsel handling the defense of these matters, to assess its potential liability.

In addition, to the extent that insurance coverage is available, significant management judgment is required to determine the amount of recoveries that are expected under MMC’s various insurance programs.

Retirement Benefits

MMC maintains qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans for its eligible U.S. employees and a variety of defined benefit and defined contribution plans for eligible non-U.S. employees. MMC’s policy for funding its tax qualified defined benefit retirement plans is to contribute amounts at least sufficient to meet the funding requirements set forth in U.S. and applicable foreign laws.

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)©” (“SFAS 158”). SFAS 158 requires that MMC recognize the funded status of its overfunded defined benefit pension and retiree medical plans (the “Plans”) as a net benefit plan asset and its unfunded and underfunded plans as a net benefit plan liability. The gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that have not been recognized as components of net periodic costs are recorded as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”), net of tax, in MMC’s consolidated balance sheets. MMC adopted the provisions of SFAS 158, prospectively, on December 31, 2006.

The determination of net periodic pension cost is based on a number of actuarial assumptions, including an expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate and assumed rate of salary increase. Significant assumptions used in the calculation of net periodic pension costs and pension liabilities are disclosed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements. MMC believes the assumptions for each plan are reasonable and appropriate and will continue to evaluate actuarial assumptions at least annually and adjust them as appropriate. Based on its current assumptions, MMC expects pension expense in 2009 to be essentially the same as 2008.

Future pension expense or credits will depend on plan provisions, future investment performance, future assumptions and various other factors related to the populations participating in the pension plans. Holding all other assumptions constant, a half-percentage point change in the rate of return and discount rate assumptions would affect net periodic pension cost for the U.S. and U.K. plans, which comprise approximately 85% of total pension plan liabilities, as follows:

 

     0.5 Percentage
Point Increase
       0.5 Percentage
Point Decrease
   
(In millions of dollars)   U.S.      U.K.        U.S.    U.K.

Assumed Rate of Return

  (16.5    (28.9      16.5    28.9

Discount Rate

  (19.2    (41.8      28.7    46.8

 

21


Changing the discount rate and leaving the other assumptions constant may not be representative of the impact on expense, because the long-term rates of inflation and salary increases are often correlated with the discount rate.

MMC contributes to certain health care and life insurance benefits provided to its retired employees. The cost of these postretirement benefits for employees in the United States is accrued during the period up to the date employees are eligible to retire, but is funded by MMC as incurred. The key assumptions and sensitivity to changes in the assumed health care cost trend rate are discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes

MMC’s tax rate reflects its income, statutory tax rates and tax planning in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. Significant judgment is required in determining the annual tax rate and in evaluating uncertain tax positions. On January 1, 2007 MMC adopted the provisions of FIN 48, to account for the uncertainty in income taxes. Accordingly, MMC reports a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The evaluation of a tax position in accordance with FIN 48 is a two-step process, the first step involves recognition. We determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon tax examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based on only the technical merits of the position. The technical merits of a tax position derive from both statutory and judicial authority (legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings, and case law) and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position. If a tax position does not meet the more likely than not recognition threshold, the benefit of that position is not recognized in the financial statements. The second step is measurement. A tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution with a taxing authority.

Uncertain tax positions are evaluated based upon the facts and circumstances that exist at each reporting period and involve significant management judgment. Subsequent changes in judgment based upon new information may lead to changes in recognition, derecognition, and measurement. Adjustments may result, for example, upon resolution of an issue with the taxing authorities, or expiration of a statute of limitations barring an assessment for an issue. Prior to January 1, 2007, MMC estimated its uncertain income tax obligations in accordance with SFAS 109 and SFAS 5. MMC recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Tax law requires items be included in MMC’s tax returns at different times than the items are reflected in the financial statements. As a result, the annual tax expense reflected in the consolidated statements of income is different than that reported in the tax returns. Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible in the returns, and some differences are temporary and reverse over time, such as depreciation expense. Temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized in the financial statements for which payment has been deferred, or expense for which a deduction has been taken already in the tax return but the expense has not yet been recognized in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in tax returns in future years for which a benefit has already been recorded in the financial statements. In assessing the need for and amount of a valuation

 

22


allowance for deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized and adjusts the valuation allowance accordingly. MMC evaluates all significant available positive and negative evidence, including the existence of losses in recent years and its forecast of future taxable income by jurisdiction, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. MMC also considers tax-planning strategies that would result in realization of deferred tax assets, and the presence of taxable income in prior carryback years if carryback is permitted under the appropriate tax law. The underlying assumptions MMC uses in forecasting future taxable income require significant judgment and take into account MMC’s recent performance. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences or carryforwards are deductible or creditable. Valuation allowances are established for deferred tax assets when it is estimated that it is more likely than not future taxable income will be insufficient to fully use a deduction or credit in that jurisdiction.

Fair Value Determinations

Investment Valuation—MMC holds investments in both public and private companies, as well as certain private equity funds. The majority of the public investments are accounted for as available for sale securities under SFAS No. 115. Certain investments, primarily investments in private equity funds are accounted for using the equity method under APB Opinion No. 18. Although not directly recorded in MMC’s consolidated balance sheets, MMC’s defined benefit pension plans hold investments of approximately $8 billion. The fair value of these investments determines in part, the over- or under-funded status of those plans, which is included in MMC’s consolidated balance sheets. MMC periodically reviews the carrying value of its investments to determine if any valuation adjustments are appropriate under the applicable accounting pronouncements. MMC bases its review on the facts and circumstances as they relate to each investment. Fair value of investments in private equity funds is determined by the Funds’ investment managers. Factors considered in determining the fair value of private equity investments include: implied valuation of recently completed financing rounds that included sophisticated outside investors; performance multiples of comparable public companies; restrictions on the sale or disposal of the investments; trading characteristics of the securities; and the relative size of the holdings in comparison to other private investors and the public market float. In those instances where quoted market prices are not available, particularly for equity holdings in private companies, or formal restrictions limit the sale of securities, significant management judgment is required to determine the appropriate value of MMC’s investments. MMC reviews with the fund manager the appropriateness of valuation results for significant private equity investments.

Goodwill Impairment Testing—Under SFAS 142, MMC is required to assess goodwill and any indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. MMC performs the annual impairment test for each of its reporting units during the third quarter of each year. Fair values of the reporting units are estimated using a market approach or a discounted cash flow model. Carrying values for the reporting units are based on balances at the prior quarter end and include directly identified assets and liabilities, as well as an allocation of those assets and liabilities not recorded at the reporting unit level. As previously disclosed, MMC performed an interim goodwill impairment assessment in its Risk Consulting & Technology segment which resulted in impairment charges totaling $540 million recorded in the first and second quarters of 2008. MMC completed its 2008 annual review in the third quarter of 2008 and concluded that goodwill was not impaired. The fair value estimates used in this assessment are dependent upon assumptions and estimates about the future profitability and other financial ratios of our reporting units, as well as relevant financial data, recent transactions and market valuations of comparable public companies. If in the future, the

 

23


performance of our reporting units varies significantly from our projections or our assumptions or estimates about future profitability of our reporting units change, the estimated fair value of our reporting units could change materially and could result in an impairment of goodwill.

Share-based Payment

SFAS 123R “Share-based Payment”, requires among other things, that the estimated fair value of stock options be charged to earnings. Significant management judgment is required to determine the appropriate assumptions for inputs such as volatility and expected term necessary to estimate option values. In addition, management judgment is required to analyze the terms of the plans and awards granted thereunder to determine if awards will be treated as equity awards or liability awards, as defined by SFAS 123R.

As of December 31, 2008, there was $16.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock option awards. The weighted-average periods over which the costs are expected to be recognized is 1.4 years. Also as of December 31, 2008, there was $288 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to MMC’s restricted stock, restricted stock unit and deferred stock unit awards.

See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the adoption of SFAS 123R.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Note 1 contains a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies, including a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact or potential future impact on MMC’s financial results, if determinable.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

See the information set forth under the heading “Market Risk and Credit Risk” above under Part II, Item 7 (“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”).

 

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EX-99.3 6 dex993.htm AMENDED ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA Amended Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

EXHIBIT 99.3

AMENDED ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA OF MMC’S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008.

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions, except per share figures)

   2008     2007     2006  

Revenue

   $ 11,518      $ 11,135      $ 10,293   

Expense:

      

Compensation and benefits

     7,181        6,937        6,434   

Other operating expenses

     3,549        3,344        2,919   

Goodwill impairment charge

     540                 

Operating expenses

     11,270        10,281        9,353   

Operating income

     248        854        940   

Interest income

     48        95        60   

Interest expense

     (220     (267     (303

Investment income (loss)

     (12     173        207   

Income before income taxes

     64        855        904   

Income taxes

     133        298        269   

(Loss) Income from continuing operations

     (69     557        635   

Discontinued operations, net of tax

     7        1,932        363   

Net (loss) income

     (62     2,489        998   

Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests

     11        14        8   

Net income attributable to MMC

   $ (73   $ 2,475      $ 990   

Basic net (loss) income per share — Continuing operations

   $ (0.14   $ 0.98      $ 1.12   

— Net (loss) income attributable to MMC

   $ (0.13   $ 4.49      $ 1.77   

Diluted net (loss) income per share — Continuing operations

   $ (0.15   $ 0.98      $ 1.11   

 — Net (loss) income attributable to MMC

   $ (0.14   $ 4.45      $ 1.73   

Average number of shares outstanding — Basic

     514        539        550   

  — Diluted

     514        542        553   

Shares outstanding at December 31,

     514        520        552   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

1


Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008     2007  

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,685      $ 2,133   

Receivables

    

Commissions and fees

     2,418        2,614   

Advanced premiums and claims

     86        77   

Other

     354        302   
     2,858        2,993   

Less — allowance for doubtful accounts and cancellations

     (103     (119

Net receivables

     2,755        2,874   

Other current assets

     344        447   

Total current assets

     4,784        5,454   

Goodwill and intangible assets

     7,163        7,759   

Fixed assets, net

     969        992   

Pension related assets

     150        1,411   

Other assets

     2,140        1,743   
     $ 15,206      $ 17,359   

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Short-term debt

   $ 408      $ 260   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     1,688        1,670   

Regulatory settlements — current portion

            177   

Accrued compensation and employee benefits

     1,224        1,290   

Accrued income taxes

     66        96   

Total current liabilities

     3,386        3,493   

Fiduciary liabilities

     3,297        3,612   

Less — cash and investments held in a fiduciary capacity

     (3,297     (3,612
              

Long-term debt

     3,194        3,604   

Retirement and postemployment benefits

     1,217        709   

Liability for errors and omissions

     512        596   

Other liabilities

     1,137        1,104   

Commitments and contingencies

                

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $1 par value, authorized 6,000,000 shares, none issued

              

Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 1,600,000,000 shares, Issued 560,641,640 shares in 2008 and 2007

     561        561   

Additional paid-in capital

     1,245        1,242   

Retained earnings

     7,237        7,732   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (2,098     (351

Non-controlling interests

     38        31   
     6,983        9,215   

Less — treasury shares at cost, 46,375,622 in 2008 and 40,249,598 in 2007

     (1,223     (1,362

Total stockholders’ equity

     5,760        7,853   
     $ 15,206      $ 17,359   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

2


Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008     2007     2006  

Operating cash flows:

      

Net (loss) income

   $ (62   $ 2,489      $ 998   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash generated from operations:

      

Goodwill impairment charge

     540                 

Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets and capitalized software

     332        366        391   

Amortization of intangible assets

     72        76        97   

Provision for deferred income taxes

     103        12        60   

(Gains)/losses on investments

     20        (176     (222

(Gains)/losses on disposition of assets

     52        (1,833     (218

Accrual of stock-based compensation

     34        71        116   

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Net receivables

     270        (321     (157

Other current assets

     (18     370        (651

Other assets

     (106     49        (73

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (149     (350     682   

Accrued compensation and employee benefits

     (76     (28     94   

Accrued income taxes

     (159     (1,141     (242

Other liabilities

     (119     64        (133

Effect of exchange rate changes

     206        49        103   

Net cash (used for) provided by operations

     940        (303     845   

Financing cash flows:

      

Proceeds from issuance of debt

            3        322   

Repayments of debt

     (260     (1,120     (888

Purchase of treasury shares

     (39     (1,309     (13

Issuance of common stock

     68        113        135   

Dividends paid

     (412     (413     (374

Net cash used for financing activities

     (643     (2,726     (818

Investing cash flows:

      

Capital expenditures

     (386     (378     (307

Net sales (purchases) of long-term investments

     97        211        (15

Proceeds from sales related to fixed assets

     11        11        136   

Dispositions

     56        3,357        375   

Acquisitions

     (126     (206     (221

Other, net

            1        (12

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

     (348     2,996        (44

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (397     77        73   

(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (448     44        56   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     2,133        2,089        2,033   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

     1,685        2,133        2,089   

Cash and cash equivalents — reported as discontinued operations

                   (74

Cash and cash equivalents — continuing operations

   $ 1,685      $ 2,133      $ 2,015   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

3


Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions, except per share figures)

   2008     2007     2006  

COMMON STOCK

      

Balance, beginning and end of year

   $ 561      $ 561      $ 561   

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL

      

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 1,242      $ 1,138      $ 1,143   

SFAS 123(R) periodic compensation costs and implementation adjustment

     11        155        90   

Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans and employee stock purchase plans and related tax benefits

     (8     (51     (95

Balance, end of year

   $ 1,245      $ 1,242      $ 1,138   

RETAINED EARNINGS

      

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 7,732      $ 5,691      $ 4,989   

Net income (loss) attributable to MMC (a)

     (73     2,475        990   

Dividend equivalents paid

     (10     (8     (8

Dividends declared — (per share amounts: $.80 in 2008, $.76 in 2007, $.51 in 2006)

     (412     (413     (280

FIN 48 cumulative charge

            (13       

Balance, end of year

   $ 7,237      $ 7,732      $ 5,691   

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

      

Balance, beginning of year

   $ (351   $ (1,272   $ (756

Foreign currency translation adjustments (b)

     (770     235        305   

Unrealized investment holding losses net of reclassification adjustments (c)

     11        (22     (17

Net changes under SFAS 158, net of tax (d)

     (988     708          

Initial adoption of SFAS 158, net of tax

                   (905

Minimum pension liability adjustment (e)

                   101   

Balance, end of year

   $ (2,098   $ (351   $ (1,272

TREASURY SHARES

      

Balance, beginning of year

   $ (1,362   $ (299   $ (577

Purchase of treasury shares

            (1,300       

Acquisitions

                   2   

Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans and employee stock purchase plans

     139        237        276   

Balance, end of year

   $ (1,223   $ (1,362   $ (299

NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

      

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 31      $ 23      $ 42   

Net Income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of discontinued operations (e)

     11        14        4   

Purchase of subsidiary shares from non-controlling interests

                   7   

Dispositions

                   (38

Other changes

     (4     (6     8   

Balance, end of period

   $ 38      $ 31      $ 23   

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 5,760      $ 7,853      $ 5,842   

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (a+b+c+d+e)

   $ (1,809   $ 3,410      $ 1,383   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

4


Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations:  Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (“MMC”), a global professional services firm, is organized based on the different services that it offers. Under this organizational structure, MMC’s three business segments are Risk and Insurance Services, Consulting and Risk Consulting & Technology. As noted below, on August 3, 2007 Great-West Lifeco Inc. completed its purchase of Putnam, MMC’s former investment management segment.

As discussed in Note 5, MMC disposed of several businesses from 2006 through 2008, which are classified as discontinued operations in these financial statements.

The Risk and Insurance Services segment provides risk management and insurance broking, reinsurance broking and insurance program management services for businesses, public entities, insurance companies, associations, professional services organizations, and private clients. MMC conducts business in this segment primarily through Marsh and Guy Carpenter.

The Consulting segment provides advice and services to the managements of organizations in the areas of human resource consulting, comprising retirement and investments, health and benefits, outsourcing and talent; and strategy and risk management consulting, comprising management, economic and brand consulting. MMC conducts business in this segment through Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group.

The Risk Consulting & Technology segment provides various risk consulting and related risk mitigation services to corporate, government, institutional and individual clients. These services fall into two main business groups: Consulting, which includes corporate advisory and restructuring services; consulting services and security services; and technology-enabled services. MMC conducts business in this segment through Kroll. During the second quarter of 2009, Kroll sold Kroll Government Services (“KGS”), which has been classified as a discontinued operation in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. In the fourth quarter of 2008, MMC disposed of its U.S. and U.K. restructuring businesses. As described in Note 5, MMC recorded a loss of $28 million on the disposition of the U.K. restructuring businesses. The net assets of the U.K. businesses were written-off upon transfer to the new owners. MMC will receive royalties on future revenue of these businesses over the next four years. The royalties will be recognized when earned under the terms of the contracts and when collectibility is reasonably assured. The transfer of the U.S. restructuring business was financed with a seller note. In accordance with the accounting guidance in Topic 5e, assets and liabilities related to the U.S. restructuring business of approximately $33 million and $22 million, respectively, are included in MMC’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2008. If MMC receives interest and principal payments as scheduled for the U.S. business, it will recover the value of the net assets transferred to the new owners and recognize a gain on the disposal of $18 million.

On August 3, 2007, Great-West Lifeco Inc. completed the purchase of Putnam Investments Trust for $3.9 billion in cash. The purchase included Putnam’s interest in the T.H. Lee private equity business. Items related to Putnam that impacted discontinued operations in 2008 are described in Note 5 to these consolidated financial statements. The pre-tax gain on the transaction and Putnam’s results through August 2, 2007 are included in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income in 2007 and Putnam’s comparative operating results are included in discontinued operations in 2006.

 

5


Principles of Consolidation:  The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Fiduciary Assets and Liabilities:  In its capacity as an insurance broker or agent, MMC collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting its commissions, remits the premiums to the respective insurance underwriters. MMC also collects claims or refunds from underwriters on behalf of insureds.

Unremitted insurance premiums and claims are held by MMC in a fiduciary capacity. Interest income on these fiduciary funds amounted to $149 million in 2008, $193 million in 2007, and $180 million in 2006. Since fiduciary assets are not available for corporate use, they are shown in the balance sheet as an offset to fiduciary liabilities.

Fiduciary assets include approximately $900 million of fixed income securities classified as available for sale. Unrealized gains or losses from available for sale securities are recorded in other comprehensive income until the securities are disposed of, or mature. Unrealized gains, net of tax, at December 31, 2008 on these securities were $17 million.

Net uncollected premiums and claims and the related payables were $8.6 billion and $9.2 billion at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. MMC is not a principal to the contracts under which the right to receive premiums or the right to receive reimbursement of insured losses arises. Net uncollected premiums and claims and the related payables are, therefore, not assets and liabilities of MMC and are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

In certain instances, MMC advances premiums, refunds or claims to insurance underwriters or insureds prior to collection. These advances are made from corporate funds and are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as receivables.

Revenue:  Risk and Insurance Services revenue includes insurance commissions, fees for services rendered and interest income on certain fiduciary funds. Insurance commissions and fees for risk transfer services generally are recorded as of the effective date of the applicable policies or, in certain cases (primarily in MMC’s reinsurance operations), as of the effective date or billing date, whichever is later. Commissions are net of policy cancellation reserves, which are estimated based on historic and current data on cancellations. Fees for non-risk transfer services provided to clients are recognized over the period in which the services are provided, using a proportional performance model. Fees resulting from achievement of certain performance thresholds are recorded when such levels are attained and such fees are not subject to forfeiture.

As part of the sale of MMC Capital’s private equity management business in 2005, MMC retained the right to receive certain performance fees related to the Trident II and Trident III private equity partnerships. MMC has deferred the recognition of such performance fee revenue of $77 million at December 31, 2008. This revenue is based on the investment performance over the life of each private equity fund, and future declines in fund performance from current levels may result in the forfeiture of such revenue. MMC recognizes performance fee revenue when such fees are no longer subject to forfeiture, which for the $77 million noted above, may take a number of years to resolve.

 

6


Consulting revenue includes fees paid by clients for advice and services and commissions from insurance companies for the placement of individual and group contracts. Fee revenue for engagements where remuneration is based on time plus out-of-pocket expenses is recognized based on the amount of time consulting professionals expend on the engagement. For fixed fee engagements, revenue is recognized using a proportional performance model. Revenue from insurance commissions not subject to a fee arrangement is recorded over the effective period of the applicable policies. Revenues for asset based fees are recognized on an accrual basis by applying the daily/monthly rate as contractually agreed with the client to the net asset value. On a limited number of engagements, performance fees may also be earned for achieving certain pre-determined performance criteria. Such fees are recognized when the performance criteria have been achieved and agreed to by the client. Expenses incurred by professional staff in the generation of revenue are billed to the client and included in revenue.

Risk Consulting & Technology compensation consists of fees paid by clients. Such fees are typically charged on an hourly, project, or fixed fee basis, and sometimes on a per service or per unit basis. Revenue is recognized as the services are performed pursuant to the applicable contractual arrangements. Revenue related to time and materials arrangements is recognized in the period in which the services are performed. Revenue from hourly or daily rate engagements is recognized as hours are expended at the agreed-upon billing amounts. Revenue related to fixed price arrangements is recognized based upon a proportional performance model. Revenue provided from credit services is recognized when the information is delivered to the customer, either electronically or by other means. The impact of any revisions in estimated total revenue and direct contract costs is recognized in the period in which they become known. Expenses incurred by professional staff in the generation of revenue are billed to the client and included in revenue. Kroll records either billed or unbilled accounts receivable based on case-by-case invoicing determinations. Revenue from sales of software is recognized when the product is shipped, with the exception of royalty-based products, for which revenue is recognized as applicable royalty reports are received. Revenue from software sales is recorded net of estimated customer returns and allowances. Contingent fees are recognized as earned and upon satisfaction of all conditions to their payment.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:  Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of certificates of deposit and time deposits, with original maturities of three months or less, and money market funds.

Fixed Assets:  Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Expenditures for improvements are capitalized. Upon sale or retirement, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in income. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.

Depreciation of buildings, building improvements, furniture, and equipment is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of these assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the periods covered by the applicable leases or the estimated useful life of the improvement, whichever is less. MMC periodically reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying value of assets may not be recoverable.

 

7


The components of fixed assets are as follows:

 

December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008     2007  

Furniture and equipment

   $ 1,152      $ 1,257   

Land and buildings

     395        410   

Leasehold and building improvements

     723        699   
     2,270        2,366   

Less-accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (1,301     (1,374
     $ 969      $ 992   

Investment Securities:  MMC holds investments in both public and private companies, as well as certain private equity funds. Publicly traded investments are classified as available for sale in accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS 115”), and carried at market value. Non-publicly traded investments are carried at cost in accordance with APB Opinion No. 18 (“APB 18”). Changes in the fair value of available for sale securities are recorded in stockholders’ equity, net of applicable taxes, until realized. Securities classified as available for sale under SFAS 115, or carried at cost under APB 18, are considered long-term investments and are included in Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Certain investments, primarily investments in private equity funds, are accounted for using the equity method under APB 18 using a consistently applied three-month lag period. The underlying private equity funds follow investment company accounting, where securities within the fund are carried at fair value. MMC records its proportionate share of the change in fair value of the funds in earnings which amounted to a loss of $11 million in 2008 and gains of $140 million and $153 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively. Securities recorded using the equity method are included in Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Gains, net of incentive compensation, or losses recognized in earnings from the investment securities described above are included in investment income (loss) in the consolidated statements of income. Costs related to management of MMC’s investments, including incentive compensation partially derived from investment income and (loss), are recorded in operating expenses.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:  Goodwill represents acquisition costs in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment. MMC performs an annual impairment test for each of its reporting units during the third quarter of each year. Fair values of the reporting units are estimated using a market approach or a discounted cash flow model. Carrying values for the reporting units are based on balances at the prior quarter end and include directly identified assets and liabilities as well as an allocation of those assets and liabilities not recorded at the reporting unit level. Other intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life are amortized over their estimated lives and reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of certain triggering events in accordance with applicable accounting literature. MMC had no indefinite lived identified intangible assets at December 31, 2008 or 2007.

Capitalized Software Costs:  MMC capitalizes certain costs to develop, purchase or modify software for the internal use of MMC. These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three to ten years. Costs incurred during the preliminary project stage and post implementation stage are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized. Costs related to updates and enhancements are only capitalized if they will result in additional functionality. Capitalized computer software costs of $214 million and $242 million, net of accumulated amortization of $433 million and $450 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, are included in Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

8


Legal and Other Loss Contingencies:  MMC and its subsidiaries are subject to a significant number of claims, lawsuits and proceedings. MMC records liabilities for contingencies including legal costs when it is probable that a liability has been incurred before the balance sheet date and the amount can be reasonably estimated. To the extent such losses can be recovered under MMC’s insurance programs, estimated recoveries are recorded when losses for insured events are recognized. Significant management judgment is required to estimate the amounts of such contingent liabilities and the related insurance recoveries. MMC analyzes its litigation exposure based on available information, including consultation with outside counsel handling the defense of these matters, to assess its potential liability. Contingent liabilities are not discounted.

Income Taxes:  MMC’s tax rate reflects its income, statutory tax rates and tax planning in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. Significant judgment is required in determining the annual tax rate and in evaluating uncertain tax positions. On January 1, 2007 MMC adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), to account for the uncertainty in income taxes. Accordingly, MMC reports a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The evaluation of a tax position in accordance with FIN 48 is a two-step process, the first step involves recognition. We determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon tax examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based on only the technical merits of the position. The technical merits of a tax position derive from both statutory and judicial authority (legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings, and case law) and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position. If a tax position does not meet the more likely than not recognition threshold, the benefit of that position is not recognized in the financial statements. The second step is measurement. A tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution with a taxing authority.

Uncertain tax positions are evaluated based upon the facts and circumstances that exist at each reporting period. Subsequent changes in judgment based upon new information may lead to changes in recognition, derecognition, and measurement. Adjustments may result, for example, upon resolution of an issue with the taxing authorities, or expiration of a statute of limitations barring an assessment for an issue. Prior to January 1, 2007, MMC estimated its uncertain income tax obligations in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”), and SFAS 5. MMC recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Tax law requires items be included in MMC’s tax returns at different times than the items are reflected in the financial statements. As a result, the annual tax expense reflected in the consolidated statements of income is different than that reported in the tax returns. Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible in the returns, and some differences are temporary and reverse over time, such as depreciation expense. Temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in tax returns in future years for which benefit has already been recorded in the financial statements. Valuation allowances are established for deferred tax assets when it is estimated that future taxable income will be insufficient to use a deduction or credit in that jurisdiction. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense

 

9


recognized in the financial statements for which payment has been deferred, or expense for which a deduction has been taken already in the tax return but the expense has not yet been recognized in the financial statements.

U.S. Federal income taxes are provided on unremitted foreign earnings except those that are considered permanently reinvested, which at December 31, 2008 amounted to approximately $2.2 billion. However, if these earnings were not considered permanently reinvested, the incremental tax liability which otherwise might be due upon distribution, net of foreign tax credits, would be approximately $110 million.

Derivative Instruments:  All derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income and are recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. Change in the fair value attributable to the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings.

Concentrations of Credit Risk:  Financial instruments which potentially subject MMC to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, commissions and fees receivable and insurance recoverables. MMC maintains a policy providing for the diversification of cash and cash equivalent investments and places its investments in a large number of high quality financial institutions to limit the amount of credit risk exposure. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are generally limited due to the large number of clients and markets in which MMC does business, as well as the dispersion across many geographic areas.

Per Share Data:  In June 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. EITF 03-6-1 (“FSP 03-6-1”) “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities.” This guidance applies to the calculation of earnings per share (“EPS”) for share-based payment awards with rights to dividends or dividend equivalents. The guidance indicates that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and should be included in the computation of basic and dilutive EPS using the two-class method. The Company adopted FSP 03-6-1 effective January 1, 2009. Adoption of this guidance requires retrospective restatement of previously reported financial information. These financial statements reflect the retrospective application of FSP 03-6-1 to all periods presented. The adoption of this new guidance did not have an impact on the fiscal year 2008 for EPS from continuing operations, discontinued operations and net income because the treasury stock method was more dilutive. The impact of the adoption was a decrease in EPS of $.01, $.07, and $.08 for the fiscal year 2007, for EPS from continuing operations, discontinued operations, and net income, respectively, and a decrease in EPS of $.02, $.01, and $.03 for the fiscal year 2006, for EPS from continuing operations, discontinued operations and net income, respectively.

Basic net income attributable to MMC per share and income from continuing operations per share are calculated by dividing the respective after-tax income attributable to common shares by the weighted average number of outstanding shares of MMC’s common stock.

Diluted net income attributable to MMC per share and income from continuing operations per share are calculated by dividing the respective after-tax income attributable to common shares by the weighted average number of outstanding shares of MMC’s common stock, which have been adjusted for the dilutive effect of potentially issuable common shares (excluding those that are

 

10


considered participating securities). The diluted earnings per share calculation reflects the more dilutive effect of either (a) the two-class method that assumes that the participating securities have not been exercised or (b) the treasury stock method. Reconciliation of the applicable income components used for diluted earnings per share and basic weighted average common shares outstanding to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding is presented below. The following information represents the Company’s current presentation in accordance with the adoption of EITF 03-6-1:

 

Basic EPS Calculation

Continuing Operations

                  

(In millions, except per share figures)

     2008        2007      2006

Income (loss) from continuing operations *

   $ (69   $ 557    $ 635

Less:     Non-controlling interests

     11        14      8

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to MMC

   $ (80   $ 543    $ 627

Less:     Portion attributable to participating securities

     (6     13      12

Income (loss) attributable to common shares for basic earnings per share

   $ (74   $ 530    $ 615

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     514        539      550

 

*       Adjusted to reflect the reclassification of KGS to discontinued operations.

 

       

Basic EPS Calculation

Net Income

                  

(In millions, except per share figures)

     2008        2007      2006

Net income (loss) attributable to MMC

   $ (73   $ 2,475    $ 990

Less:     Portion attributable to participating securities

     (6     57      19

Net income (loss) attributable to common shares

for basic earnings per share

   $ (67   $ 2,418    $ 971

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     514        539      550
       

Diluted EPS Calculation

Continuing Operations

                  

(In millions, except per share figures)

     2008        2007      2006

Income (loss) from continuing operations *

   $ (69   $ 557    $ 635

Less:     Non-controlling interests

     11        14      8

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to MMC

   $ (80   $ 543    $ 627

Less:     Portion attributable to participating securities (1)

            13      12

Income (loss) attributable to common shares for diluted earnings per share

   $ (80   $ 530    $ 615

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     514        539      550

Dilutive effect of potentially issuable common shares

            3      3

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     514        542      553

Average stock price used to calculate common stock equivalents

   $ 27.24      $ 28.59    $ 29.06

 

* Adjusted to reflect the reclassification of KGS to discontinued operations.
(1)

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, earnings per share was more dilutive under the treasury stock method. Therefore, no amounts are allocated to participating securities in these periods.

 

11


Diluted EPS Calculation

Net Income

                  

(In millions, except per share figures)

     2008        2007      2006

Net income (loss) attributable to MMC

   $ (73   $ 2,475    $ 990

Less:     Portion attributable to participating securities (1)

            58      19

Net income (loss) attributable to common shares for diluted earnings per share

   $ (73   $ 2,417    $ 971

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     514        539      550

Dilutive effect of potentially issuable common shares

            3      3

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     514        542      553

Average stock price used to calculate common stock equivalents

   $ 27.24      $ 28.59    $ 29.06

 

(1)

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, earnings per share was more dilutive under the treasury stock method. Therefore, no amounts are allocated to participating securities in these periods.

There were 50.7 million, 58.8 million and 64.4 million stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The calculation above includes approximately 3 million common stock equivalents related to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. There were one million common stock equivalents in 2008 that would have increased diluted weighted average common shares outstanding, however, they have not been included in the calculation since the Company reported a net loss.

Estimates:   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may vary from those estimates.

Reclassifications, Adoption of new Accounting Pronouncements and Corrections:   The following tables reconcile the prior income statement presentation to the current presentation reflecting the impact of reclassifying KGS to discontinued operations and the impact of adopting FSP 03-6-1 and SFAS 160 on a retrospective basis for all periods presented.

 

12


     Year ended December 31, 2008   

(In millions of dollars, except per share figures)

   As Reported      Adjustments      As Adjusted   

Revenue

   $11,587      $(69) (a)    $11,518   

Expense:

      

Compensation and benefits

   7,207      (26) (a)    7,181   

Other operating expenses

   3,577      (28) (a)    3,549   

Goodwill impairment charge

   540           540   

Operating expenses

   11,324      (54) (a)    11,270   

Operating (loss) income

   263      (15) (a)    248   

Interest income

   48           48   

Interest expense

   (220        (220

Investment income (loss)

   (12        (12

Income before income taxes and minority interest

   79      (15) (a)    64   

Income taxes

   137      (4) (a)    133   

Minority interest, net of tax

   11      (11) (b)      

Income from continuing operations

   (69        (69

Discontinued operations, net of tax

   (4   11 (a)    7   

Net income (loss)

   $     (73   $  11      $     (62

Less:     net income attributable to non-controlling interests

        11 (b)    11   

Net income (loss) attributable to MMC

   $     (73   $  —      $     (73

Basic net (loss) income per share

                  

— Continuing operations

   $  (0.13     $  (0.14

— Net (loss) income attributable to MMC

   $  (0.14         $  (0.13

Diluted net (loss) income per share

                  

— Continuing operations

   $  (0.13     $  (0.15

— Net (loss) income attributable to MMC

   $  (0.14         $  (0.14

Average number of shares outstanding — Basic

   514        514   

— Diluted

   514            514   

 

13


      Year ended December 31, 2007  
(In millions of dollars, except per share figures)    As Reported     Adjustments     As Adjusted  

Revenue

   $11,177      $(42) (a)    $11,135   

Expense:

      

Compensation and benefits

   6,958      (21) (a)    6,937   

Other operating expenses

   3,373      (29) (a)    3,344   

Operating expenses

   10,331      (50) (a)    10,281   

Operating (loss) income

   846      8 (a)    854   

Interest income

   95           95   

Interest expense

   (267        (267

Investment income (loss)

   173           173   

Income before income taxes and minority interest

   847      8 (a)    855   

Income taxes

   295      3 (a)    298   

Minority interest, net of tax

   14      (14) (b)      

Income from continuing operations

   538      19      557   

Discontinued operations, net of tax

   1,937      (5) (a)    1,932   

Net income (loss)

   $  2,475      $  14      $  2,489   

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

        14 (b)    14   

Net income (loss) attributable to MMC

   $  2,475      $  —      $  2,475   

Basic net (loss) income per share

                  

— Continuing operations

   $    1.00        $    0.98   

— Net (loss) income attributable to MMC

   $    4.60            $    4.49   

Diluted net (loss) income per share

                  

— Continuing operations

   $    0.99        $    0.98   

— Net (loss) income attributable to MMC

   $    4.53            $    4.45   

Average number of shares outstanding — Basic

   539        539   

— Diluted

   546            542   

 

14


      Year ended December 31, 2006  
(In millions of dollars, except per share figures)    As Reported     Adjustments     As Adjusted  

Revenue

   $10,340      $(47) (a)    $10,293   

Expense:

      

Compensation and benefits

   6,449      (15) (a)    6,434   

Other operating expenses

   2,943      (24) (a)    2,919   

Operating expenses

   9,392      (39) (a)    9,353   

Operating (loss) income

   948      (8) (a)    940   

Interest income

   60           60   

Interest expense

   (303        (303

Investment income (loss)

   207           207   

Income before income taxes and minority interest

   912      (8) (a)    904   

Income taxes

   272      (3) (a)    269   

Minority interest, net of tax

   8      (8) (b)      

Income from continuing operations

   632      3      635   

Discontinued operations, net of tax

   358      5 (a)    363   

Net income (loss)

   $    990      $    8      $    998   

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

        8 (b)    8   

Net income (loss) attributable to MMC

   $    990      $   —      $    990   

Basic net (loss) income per share

                  

— Continuing operations

   $   1.15        $   1.12   

— Net (loss) income attributable to MMC

   $   1.80            $   1.77   

Diluted net (loss) income per share

                  

— Continuing operations

   $   1.14        $   1.11   

— Net (loss) income attributable to MMC

   $   1.76            $   1.73   

Average number of shares outstanding — Basic

   549        550   

— Diluted

   557            553   

 

(a)

Reclassification of KGS operations to discontinued operations.

(b)

Reclassification related to the adoption of SFAS 160.

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the new guidance under SFAS 160 related to non-controlling interests. SFAS 160 clarifies that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary is considered an ownership interest and requires ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent be clearly identified, labeled and presented in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest must be clearly identified on the face of the consolidated statement of income. The adoption of SFAS 160 did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, it did impact the presentation and disclosure of non-controlling (minority) interests in our consolidated financial statements. As a result of the retrospective presentation and disclosure requirements, the Company has reflected the change in presentation and disclosure for all periods presented.

 

15


Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform with current year presentation, in particular with regard to reclassification of certain items between compensation and benefits and other operating expenses in the consolidated income statements amounting to $73 million and $66 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively.

During 2008, MMC recorded corrections to (1) the 2007 tax provision related to the Putnam transaction in the third quarter of 2008; and (2) foreign currency transaction gains and losses related to certain inter-company balances. The correction related to foreign currency transactions represents the net impact of gains arising in 2007 and prior years and a loss arising in 2008, which resulted in a net charge of $17 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. Under relevant accounting guidance, an entity must consider the materiality of errors on both the “iron curtain” and “rollover” methods. Because MMC recorded the adjustment, there is no unrecorded misstatement at December 31, 2008 under the iron curtain method. When considering this error using the rollover method, MMC’s loss from continuing operations in 2008 would have been approximately $30 million higher if the gains related to prior years had been correctly recorded in those prior years. MMC determined that the impact of these corrections was immaterial to its current and prior period financial statements when taken as a whole.

In the first quarter of 2009, MMC changed the presentation in its statement of cash flows for the issuance of certain equity shares related to employee stock compensation plans. Previously, such issuances were shown in the statements of cash flows as a reduction of cash from operating activities and a source of cash from financing activities. MMC determined that these issuances should be presented as non-cash items and that the presentation in the prior periods was not correct. The presentation in the accompanying statements of cash flows has been corrected to conform with the 2009 presentation, resulting in an increase in cash provided from operations (or decrease in cash used by operations in periods where there is a net cash use) and an increase in cash used for financing activities as follows: year ended December 31, 2008—$103 million; year ended December 31, 2007—$82 million; and year ended December 31, 2006—$59 million.

New Accounting Pronouncements:  Effective January 1, 2008, MMC adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 related to items that are recognized or disclosed in the financial statements on a recurring basis. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value and expands required disclosures about fair value measurements. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on MMC’s consolidated financial statements. See Note 10 for further discussion of SFAS 157.

In February 2008, the FASB issued a final Staff Position “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP 157-2”) that delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, except for items that are recognized or disclosed in the financial statements on a recurring basis. MMC adopted the provisions of FSP 157-2 by deferring application of SFAS 157 to the fair value measurement of its reporting units for goodwill impairment and testing purposes, until the first quarter ended March 31, 2009. MMC does not expect the application of SFAS 157 to its non-financial assets to have a material impact on consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits an entity to choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adjustment to reflect the difference between

 

16


fair value and the carrying amount would be accounted for as a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the date of adoption. MMC did not elect to adopt the fair value option for any financial assets or liabilities as of January 1, 2008.

On October 10, 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active”. The FSP applies to financial assets within the scope of SFAS 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”) and clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active. The FSP also provides guidelines regarding factors to consider when determining whether an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired, including, (1) the nature of the underlying investment (for example, whether the security is debt, equity or a hybrid), (2) the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost, (3) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; or (4) the intent and ability of the holder to retain its investment in the issuer for a sufficient time to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. The FSP was effective October 10, 2008. The SEC and FASB Staff stated that because fair value measurements and the assessment of impairment will likely require significant use of judgment, issuers must be sure to provide investors with clear and transparent disclosures. The FSP did not have a material impact on MMC’s financial condition or reported results.

Future Application of New Accounting Pronouncements:

On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”), and SFAS 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS 160”).

SFAS 141R requires entities in a business combination to recognize all (and only) the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; and requires the acquirer to disclose all information needed by investors and other users to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The impact of adopting SFAS 141R will depend on the nature and terms of future acquisitions. Remaining valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and uncertain tax positions (liabilities) related to prior business combinations are not material.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“The FSP”). This FSP amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 by requiring an entity to use its own assumptions adjusted for the entity-specific factors in paragraph 11 of SFAS 142, even when there is likely to be substantial cost or material modifications. This FSP is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption prohibited. MMC will apply the provisions prospectively to intangible assets acquired beginning January 1, 2009. The adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 on January 1, 2009, will not have a material effect on MMC’s consolidated financial statements.

On November 24, 2008, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 08-7 “Accounting for Defensive Intangible Assets” (“Issue No. 08-7”) which provides that a defensive intangible asset should be accounted for as a separate unit of accounting. It should be valued separately from other intangible assets because the defensive intangible asset is separately identifiable. Issue 08-7 also requires defensive intangible assets to be assigned a useful life in accordance with paragraph 11 of

 

17


Statement 142. Issue 08-7 will be effective for defensive intangible assets acquired on or after December 15, 2008. The impact of adopting Issue No. 08-7 will depend upon the nature of MMC’s future acquisitions.

On November 24, 2008, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 08-6 “Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations” (“Issue No. 08-06”) to address the impact of business combination accounting under FASB Statement 141R and Statement 160 on the application of the equity method. Issue No. 08-6 requires entities to measure equity-method investments initially at cost and to recognize other-than-temporary impairment of equity-method investments in accordance with APB Opinion 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock” (“Opinion 18”). Equity-method investors should not separately test an investee’s underlying asset(s) for impairment but they should recognize their share of any impairment charge recorded by an investee in accordance with Opinion 18.

Issue No.08-6 requires equity-method investors to account for a share issuance by an investee as if the investor had sold a proportionate share of its investment. Any gain or loss resulting from an investee’s share issuance should be recognized in earnings. Issue No. 08-6 should be applied prospectively and is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The impact of Issue No. 08-6 on MMC’s future results will depend on whether transactions within its scope occur in the future.

On December 30, 2008 the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Post Retirement Benefit Plan Assets” (“The FSP”), an amendment of SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003), “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits”. The FSP requires disclosures about fair value measurements of plan assets similar to those required by Statement 157 as well as (a) how investment allocation decisions are made, (b) the major categories of plan assets, and (c) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. This FSP is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. Comparative information for earlier periods is not required at initial adoption. MMC is evaluating the impact of adopting the provisions of this FSP.

2.    Supplemental Disclosures

The following schedule provides additional information concerning acquisitions, interest and income taxes paid:

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008     2007     2006  

Purchase acquisitions:

      

Assets acquired, excluding cash

   $ 249      $ 173      $ 200   

Issuance of debt and other obligations

     (45     (11     (32

Deferred purchase consideration

     (78     44        53   

Net cash outflow for acquisitions

   $ 126      $ 206      $ 221   

Interest paid

   $ 216      $ 290      $ 300   

Income taxes paid

   $ 200      $ 1,192      $ 597   

 

18


The consolidated cash flow statements include the cash flow impact of discontinued operations in each cash flow category. The cash flow impact of discontinued operations from the operating, financing and investing cash flow categories is as follows:

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008    2007     2006  

Net cash provided by operations

   $ 30    $ 21      $ 10   

Net cash used for financing activities

   $    $ (8   $ (52

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

   $    $ 8      $ (26

The information above excludes the cash flow impacts of the actual disposal transaction related to discontinued operations because MMC believes the disposal transaction to be cash flows attributable to the parent company, arising from its decision to dispose of the discontinued operation.

An analysis of the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008     2007     2006  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 119      $ 156      $ 157   

Provision charged to operations

     15        4        11   

Accounts written-off, net of recoveries

     (16     (22     (23

Effect of exchange rate changes and other

     (15     (19     11   

Balance at end of year

   $ 103      $ 119      $ 156   

In December 2006, MMC contributed its limited partnership interest in the Trident III private equity fund, valued at $182 million, to its pension plan in the United Kingdom.

3.    Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The components of other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows:

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008     2007     2006  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   $ (770   $ 235      $ 305   

Unrealized investment holding gains, net of income tax liability of $4, $2 and $2 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     12        4        7   

Less: Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income, net of income

         tax liability of $1, $8 and $14 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     (1     (26     (24

Net changes under SFAS 158, net of income tax (benefit) liability of $(562) in 2008 and $327 in 2007

     (988     708          

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of income tax liability of $51 in 2006

                   101   
     $ (1,747   $ 921      $ 389   

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:

 

December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008     2007  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   $ (257   $ 512   

Net unrealized investment gains

     25        14   

Net charges under SFAS 158

     (1,866     (877
     $ (2,098   $ (351

 

19


4.    Acquisitions and Dispositions

During 2008, MMC completed 12 acquisitions, for total purchase consideration of $166 million and also paid $14 million of contingent purchase consideration related to prior acquisitions. The allocation of purchase consideration and contingent purchase consideration paid resulted in acquired goodwill and other intangible assets, amounting to $125 million and $56 million. Estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to adjustment when purchase accounting is finalized.

5.    Discontinued Operations

In 2008, discontinued operations includes four discontinued operations—Putnam, Mediservice, Kroll Government Services and Kroll Crucible—which are discussed in more detail below.

As discussed in Note 1 of these consolidated financial statements included in Amended Item 8, during the second quarter of 2009, Kroll sold Kroll Government Services (“KGS”). Accordingly, we have amended the consolidated results of operations, segment data and related disclosures contained in the notes to the consolidated financial statements to reflect the results of KGS as a discontinued operation.

With regard to Putnam, discontinued operations in 2008 includes (1) the impact of immaterial corrections and other adjustments to the fourth quarter of 2007 tax provision related to the transaction, (2) adjustments to the tax provision to reflect differences between tax returns filed in 2008 and the initial estimated provisions, and (3) interest on liabilities for certain tax-related indemnities provided as part of the transaction. In the first quarter of 2008, Marsh completed the sale of Mediservice, a claims administration operation in Brazil. The gain on this disposal, net of tax, is included in discontinued operations in 2008. In the third quarter of 2008, Kroll completed the sale of Kroll Crucible (“Crucible”), a division of its government services operation. The loss on this disposal, net of tax, is included in discontinued operations in 2008. During the second quarter of 2009, Kroll sold KGS, which is included in discontinued operations.

In 2007, discontinued operations includes the gain on the sale of Putnam as well as Putnam’s operating income through August 2, 2007, and, in 2006, includes the operating income from Putnam, Sedgwick Claims Management Services (“SCMS”), Kroll Security International (“KSI”), KGS and Price Forbes. Discontinued operations in 2006 also include the gain on disposal of SCMS and a charge to reduce the carrying value of Price Forbes’ assets to fair value.

As part of the disposal of Putnam, MMC provided indemnities to GWL with respect to certain Putnam-related litigation and regulatory matters described in Note 16, and certain indemnities related to contingent tax liabilities (the “indemnified matters”). In accordance with the guidelines of FASB Interpretation No. 45 (“FIN 45”), MMC estimated the “fair value” of the indemnities based on a (i) probability weighted assessment of possible outcomes; or (ii) in circumstances where the probability or amounts of potential outcomes could not be determined, an analysis of similar but not identical circumstances prepared by an MMC-affiliated professional economic valuation firm. As required by FIN 45, the amounts recognized are the greater of the estimated fair value of the indemnity or the amount required to be recorded under SFAS No. 5 or FIN 48 (for tax-related

 

20


matters). The remaining liability related to these indemnities (the “FIN 45 liability”) was approximately $216 million at December 31, 2008. The FIN 45 liability considers the potential settlement amount as well as related defense costs. The matters for which indemnities have been provided are inherently uncertain as to their eventual outcome. The process of estimating “fair value” as required by FIN 45 entails necessarily uncertain assumptions about such future outcomes. Consequently, the ultimate resolution of the matters for which indemnities have been provided may well vary significantly from the liabilities calculated under FIN 45.

The indemnities described above do not have a stated expiration date. MMC is released from risk under the indemnity as the indemnified matters are settled or otherwise resolved. Since MMC is not released from risk under the indemnities simply based on the passage of time, future costs of settlements and/or legal fees related to the indemnified matters will be charged against the FIN 45 liability, so long as they are consistent with the estimated exposure contemplated for such matters in establishing the FIN 45 liability. MMC assesses the status of the indemnified matters each reporting period to determine whether to cease reduction of the FIN 45 liability, and/or whether additional accruals are appropriate under either SFAS 5 (for non-tax related matters) or FIN 48 (for tax related matters). Any future charges or credits resulting from the settlement or resolution of the indemnified matters, or any adjustments to the liabilities related to such matters will be recorded in discontinued operations, in accordance with SFAS 144.

During 2006, MMC completed the sale of several businesses: SCMS in January 2006, Price Forbes in September 2006 and KSI in December 2006. The gain or loss on disposal of these businesses, including any charges to reduce the carrying value to fair value less cost to sell, is included in discontinued operations in 2006.

Price Forbes and SCMS were part of MMC’s Risk and Insurance Services segment, while KSI and KGS were part of MMC’s Risk Consulting & Technology segment. Putnam represented the entire investment management segment.

Summarized Statements of Income data for discontinued operations are as follows:

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008     2007    2006

Revenue

   $ 69      $ 840    $ 1,580

Income before provision for income tax

   $ 15      $ 152    $ 312

Provision for income tax

     4        68      121

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

     11        84      191

Gain on disposal of discontinued operations

     29        2,965      298

Provision for income tax

     33        1,117      126

Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax

     (4     1,848      172

Discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ 7      $ 1,932    $ 363

The balance sheet data for KGS has not been reclassified and is included in MMC’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2008 and 2007 in the following categories:

 

(In millions of dollars)    2008    2007

Assets of discontinued operations:

     

Current assets

   $ 18    $ 4

Fixed assets, net

     2      3

Goodwill and intangible assets

     62      62

Total assets of discontinued operations

   $ 82    $ 69

Liabilities of discontinued operations:

     

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 7    $ 6

Total liabilities of discontinued operations

   $ 7    $ 6

 

21


6.     Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Under SFAS 142, MMC is required to assess goodwill and any indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. MMC recorded goodwill impairment charges totaling $540 million in the first and second quarters of 2008, resulting from an interim goodwill impairment test in its Risk Consulting & Technology segment. MMC performs the annual impairment test for each of its reporting units during the third quarter of each year. Fair values of the reporting units are estimated using a market approach or a discounted cash flow model. Carrying values for the reporting units are based on balances at the prior quarter end and include directly identified assets and liabilities as well as an allocation of those assets and liabilities not recorded at the reporting unit level. MMC completed its 2008 annual review in the third quarter of 2008 and concluded that goodwill is not impaired.

See Note 18, which describes a goodwill impairment charge recorded in the second quarter of 2009.

Other intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life are amortized over their estimated lives and reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of certain triggering events in accordance with applicable accounting literature.

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:

 

(In millions of dollars)    2008     2007

Balance as of January 1

   $ 7,388      $ 7,206

Goodwill impairment

     (540    

Goodwill acquired

     125        119

Disposals

     (33    

Other adjustments (a)

     (115     63

Balance as of December 31

   $ 6,825      $ 7,388

 

(a)

Primarily foreign exchange and purchase accounting adjustments.

Goodwill allocable to each of MMC’s reportable segments is as follows: Risk and Insurance Services $3.7 billion; Consulting $2.0 billion; and Risk Consulting & Technology $1.1 billion.

Amortized intangible assets consist of the cost of client lists, client relationships and trade names acquired. The gross cost and accumulated amortization is as follows:

 

      2008    2007

December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   Gross
Cost
  

Accumulated

Amortization

   Net
Carrying
Amount
   Gross
Cost
  

Accumulated

Amortization

   Net
Carrying
Amount

Amortized intangibles

   $ 681    $ 343    $ 338    $ 706    $ 335    $ 371

 

22


Aggregate amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $72 million, $66 million and $80 million, respectively, and the estimated future aggregate amortization expense is as follows:

 

For the Years Ending December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   Estimated Expense

2009

   $  57

2010

   51

2011

   44

2012

   38

2013

   30

Subsequent years

   118
     $338

7.     Income Taxes

Income before income taxes shown below is based on the geographic location to which such income is attributable. Although income taxes related to such income may be assessed in more than one jurisdiction, the income tax provision corresponds to the geographic location of the income.

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008     2007     2006  

Income before income taxes

      

U.S.

   $ (854   $ 74      $ 225   

Other

     918        781        679   
     $ 64      $ 855      $ 904   

Income taxes:

      

Current–

      

U.S. Federal

   $ (69   $ (26   $ (71

Other national governments

     158        208        224   

U.S. state and local

     29        67        65   
       118        249        218   

Deferred–

      

U.S. Federal

     (45     39        140   

Other national governments

     112        39        (59

U.S. state and local

     (52     (29     (30
       15        49        51   

Total income taxes

   $ 133      $ 298      $ 269   

 

23


The significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities and their balance sheet classifications are as follows:

 

December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008    2007

Deferred tax assets:

     

Accrued expenses not currently deductible

   $ 586    $ 704

Differences related to non-U.S. operations

     215      332

Accrued retirement & postretirement benefits — non-U.S. operations

     91     

Accrued retirement benefits U.S.

     363     

Net operating losses (a)

     114      101

Income currently recognized for tax

     60      51

Other

     148      58
     $ 1,577    $ 1,246

Deferred tax liabilities:

     

Unrealized investment holding gains

   $ 14    $ 8

Differences related to non-U.S. operations

     61      160

Depreciation and amortization

     152      82

Accrued retirement & postretirement benefits — non-U.S. operations

          66

Accrued retirement benefits

          91

Other

     57      73
     $ 284    $ 480

 

(a)

Net of valuation allowances of $54 million and $38 million, respectively.

 

December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008    2007

Balance sheet classifications:

     

Current assets

   $ 147    $ 247

Other assets

   $ 1,146    $ 519

A reconciliation from the U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate to MMC’s effective income tax rate is shown below.

 

For the Years Ended December 31,    2008     2007     2006  
      %     %     %  

U.S. Federal statutory rate

   35.0      35.0      35.0   

U.S. state and local income taxes —
net of U.S. Federal income tax benefit

   (34.2   2.9      2.5   

Differences related to non-U.S. operations

   (83.4   (3.0   (8.0

Goodwill impairment

   275.5             

Meals and entertainment

   13.6      1.1      1.1   

Dividends paid to employees

        (.8   (.5

Other

   1.3      (.3   (.4

Effective tax rate

   207.8      34.9      29.7   

Valuation allowances had a net increase of $16 million in 2008 and $23 million in 2007. During the respective years, adjustments of the beginning of the year balances of valuation allowances increased income tax expense by $8 million in 2008 and $13 million in 2007. None of the cumulative valuation allowances relate to amounts which if realized would reduce goodwill or increase contributed capital in the future. Approximately 80% of MMC’s net operating loss

 

24


carryforwards expire over various periods from 2009 through 2028, and others are unlimited. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, MMC considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized and adjusts the valuation allowance accordingly. MMC evaluates all significant available positive and negative evidence, including the existence of losses in recent years and its forecast of future taxable income, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. The underlying assumptions MMC uses in forecasting future taxable income require significant judgment and take into account MMC’s recent performance. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences are deductible. Based on the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, and available tax planning strategies, MMC believes it is more likely than not that it will realize the benefits of the deferred tax assets, net of existing valuation allowances at December 31, 2008. The amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.

On January 1, 2007, MMC adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income tax positions. This interpretation requires that MMC recognize in its consolidated financial statements the impact of a tax position when it is more likely than not that the tax position would be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based on the technical merits of the position. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, MMC recognized an increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $13 million, which is accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings. The term “unrecognized tax benefits” in FIN 48 primarily refers to the differences between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit measured and recognized in the financial statements in accordance with the guidelines of FIN 48. Including this increase, MMC had approximately $272 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning of 2007. Of this total, $218 million represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective tax rate in any future periods. MMC classifies interest and penalties relating to uncertain tax positions in the financial statements as income taxes. The total gross amount of such accrued interest and penalties, before any applicable federal benefit, at January 1, 2007 was $40 million.

Following is a reconciliation of MMC’s total gross unrecognized tax benefits for the year-to-date periods ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

(In millions of dollars)    2008     2007  

Balance at January 1

   $ 351      $ 272   

Additions, based on tax positions related to current year

     6        83   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     22        70   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     (36     (21

Reductions due to reclassification to FIN 45 on the sale of Putnam

            (26

Settlements

     (47     (23

Lapses in statutes of limitation

     (3     (4

Balance at December 31

   $ 293      $ 351   

Of the total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2008 and 2007, $204 million and $228 million respectively, represent the amount that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective tax rate in any future periods. The total gross amount of accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2008 and 2007, before any applicable federal benefit, was $64 million and $43 million, respectively.

 

25


As discussed in Note 5, MMC has provided certain indemnities related to contingent tax liabilities as part of the disposal of Putnam. The balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2008 in the chart above includes balances related to Putnam. Following the close of the Putnam transaction, the unrecognized tax benefits of $26 million related to stand alone tax returns filed by Putnam (not as part of an MMC consolidated tax group) have been reclassified and are included as part of the fair value liability for contingent tax indemnities established in accordance with FIN 45. In addition, at January 1, and December 31, 2007, and December 31, 2008, balances of $22 million, $80 million and $81 million, respectively, included in the chart above relate to Putnam issues included in consolidated MMC tax returns. Since MMC remains primarily liable to the taxing authorities for resolution of uncertain tax positions related to consolidated returns, these balances will remain as part of MMC’s consolidated liability for uncertain tax positions. Any future charges or credits that are directly related to the disposal of Putnam and the indemnified contingent tax issues, including interest accrued in accordance with FIN 48, will be recorded in discontinued operations as incurred.

MMC is routinely examined by the jurisdictions in which it has significant operations. The Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of 2003 through 2005 during the fourth quarter of 2008 and has begun the examination of 2006 through 2008. New York State is examining years 2003 through 2005 for various subsidiaries. California is examining years 2003 through 2005 and years 2000 through 2002 are in various stages of appeal. Massachusetts is examining years 2000 through 2004 for various subsidiaries. Inland Revenue in the United Kingdom is examining tax years 2002 through 2005 for various subsidiaries. Earlier years are closed in all of the foregoing jurisdictions. MMC regularly considers the likelihood of assessments in each of the taxing jurisdictions resulting from examinations. MMC has established appropriate liabilities for uncertain tax positions in relation to the potential assessments. MMC believes the resolution of tax matters will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial condition of MMC, although a resolution could have a material impact on MMC’s net income or cash flows and on its effective tax rate in a particular future period. It is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease between zero and approximately $135 million within the next twelve months due to settlement of audits and expiration of statutes of limitation.

8.    Retirement Benefits

MMC maintains qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans for its eligible U.S. employees and a variety of defined benefit and defined contribution plans for eligible non-U.S. employees. MMC’s policy for funding its tax qualified defined benefit pension plans is to contribute amounts at least sufficient to meet the funding requirements set forth in U.S. and applicable foreign law.

 

26


Combined U.S. and non-U.S. Plans

The weighted average actuarial assumptions utilized for the U.S. and significant non-U.S. defined benefit plans as of the end of the year are as follows:

 

      Pension
Benefits
    Postretirement
Benefits
 
      2008     2007     2008     2007  

Weighted average assumptions:

        

Discount rate (for expense)

   6.1   5.4   6.5   5.8

Expected return on plan assets

   8.2   8.2          

Rate of compensation increase (for expense)

   3.8   3.8          

Discount rate (for benefit obligation)

   6.5   6.1   6.7   6.5

Rate of compensation increase (for benefit obligation)

   4.1   3.8          

MMC uses Mercer actuaries to perform valuations of its pension plans. The long-term rate of return assumption is selected for each plan based on the facts and circumstances that exist as of the measurement date, and the specific portfolio mix of each plan’s assets. MMC utilizes a model developed by the Mercer actuaries to assist in the setting of this assumption. The model takes into account several factors, including: actual and target portfolio allocation; investment, administrative and trading expenses incurred directly by the plan trust; historical portfolio performance; relevant forward-looking economic analysis; and expected returns, variances and correlations for different asset classes. All returns utilized and produced by the model are geometric averages. These measures are used to determine probabilities using standard statistical techniques to calculate a range of expected returns on the portfolio. MMC generally does not adjust the rate of return assumption from year to year if, at the measurement date, it is within the best estimate range, defined as between the 25th and 75th percentile of the expected long-term annual returns in accordance with the “American Academy of Actuaries Pension Practice Council Note May 2001 Selecting and Documenting Investment Return Assumptions” and consistent with Actuarial Standards of Practice No. 27. The historical five- and ten-year average asset returns of each plan are also reviewed to ensure they are consistent and reasonable compared with the best estimate range. The expected return on plan assets is determined by applying the assumed long-term rate of return to the market-related value of plan assets as defined by SFAS No. 87. This market-related value recognizes investment gains or losses over a five-year period from the year in which they occur. Investment gains or losses for this purpose are the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and the actual return based on the market value of assets. Since the market-related value of assets recognizes gains or losses over a five-year period, the future market-related value of the assets will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recorded.

The target asset allocation for the U.S. plans is 65% equities and 35% fixed income, and for the U.K. plans, which comprise approximately 79% of non-U.S. plan assets, is 58% equities and 42% fixed income. As of the measurement date, the actual allocation of assets for the U.S. plan was 58% to equities and 42% to fixed income, and for the U.K. plans was 53% to equities and 47% to fixed income. The assets of MMC’s defined benefit plans are well-diversified and are managed in accordance with applicable laws and with the goal of maximizing the plans’ real return within acceptable risk parameters. MMC uses threshold-based portfolio rebalancing to ensure the actual portfolio remains consistent with target asset allocation ranges.

 

27


The U.S. qualified plan holds 8 million shares of MMC common stock. The shares were contributed to the Plan by MMC in September 2005. Prior to this contribution, the U.S. qualified plan held no MMC securities.

The discount rate selected for each U.S. plan is based on a model bond portfolio with coupons and redemptions that closely match the expected liability cash flows from the plan. Discount rates for non-U.S. plans are based on appropriate bond indices such as the Markit iBoxx £ Corporates AA 15+ index in the U.K. Projected compensation increases reflect current expectations as to future levels of inflation.

The components of the net periodic benefit cost for combined U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit plans and other postretirement plans are as follows:

 

For the Years Ended December 31,    Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
(In millions of dollars)    2008     2007     2006     2008      2007      2006  

Service cost

   $ 200      $ 230      $ 235      $ 6       $ 6       $ 6   

Interest cost

     591        565        494        17         15         14   

Expected return on plan assets

     (845     (799     (695                       

Amortization of prior service credit

     (56     (56     (54     (14      (13      (14

Recognized actuarial loss

     65        207        237        1         2         4   

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ (45   $ 147      $ 217      $ 10       $ 10       $ 10   

U.S. Plans

The following schedules provide information concerning MMC’s U.S. defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans:

 

December 31,    U.S. Pension
Benefits
    U.S. Postretirement
Benefits
 
(In millions of dollars)    2008     2007     2008     2007  

Change in benefit obligation:

        

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 3,111      $ 3,264      $ 173      $ 192   

Service cost

     73        82        4        4   

Interest cost

     210        196        12        11   

Actuarial (gain) loss

     159        (297     6        (19

Medicare Part D subsidy

                   5          

Benefits paid

     (142     (134     (15     (15

Benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 3,411      $ 3,111      $ 185      $ 173   

Change in plan assets:

        

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ 3,532      $ 3,382      $      $   

Actual return on plan assets

     (649     264                 

Employer contributions

     20        20        10        15   

Medicare Part D subsidy

                   5          

Benefits paid

     (142     (134     (15     (15

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ 2,761      $ 3,532      $      $   

Funded status

   $ (650   $ 421      $ (185   $ (173

Net (liability) asset recognized

   $ (650   $ 421      $ (185   $ (173

 

28


Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets under SFAS 158:

                                     

Noncurrent assets

   $      $ 747         $      $   

Current liabilities

     (21     (20        (11     (13

Noncurrent liabilities

     (629     (306          (174     (160
     $ (650   $ 421           $ (185   $ (173

Amounts not yet recognized in net periodic cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive income:

           

Unrecognized prior service credit

   $ 120      $ 174         $ 52      $ 65   

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

     (1,270     (195          (15     (9

Total amounts included in AOCI

   $ (1,150   $ (21        $ 37      $ 56   

Cumulative employer contributions in excess of net periodic cost

     500        442             (222     (229

Net amount recognized in consolidated balance sheet

   $ (650   $ 421           $ (185   $ (173

Accumulated benefit obligation at December 31

   $ 3,309      $ 3,015           $      $   
           
December 31,    U.S. Pension
Benefits
          U.S. Postretirement
Benefits
 

(In millions of dollars)

     2008        2007             2008        2007   

Reconciliation of unrecognized prior service credit:

           

Amount disclosed as of prior year end

   $ 174      $ 228         $ 65      $ 78   

Recognized as component of net periodic benefit credit

     (54     (54          (13     (13

Amount at end of year

   $ 120      $ 174           $ 52      $ 65   
                                       
December 31,    U.S. Pension
Benefits
          U.S. Postretirement
Benefits
 

(In millions of dollars)

     2008        2007             2008        2007   

Reconciliation of unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss):

           

Amount disclosed as of prior year end

   $ (195   $ (572      $ (9   $ (29

Recognized as component of net periodic benefit cost

     22        82                  2   

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income:

           

Liability experience

     (159     297           (6     18   

Asset experience

     (938     (2                   

Total gain (loss) recognized as change in plan assets and benefit obligations

     (1,097     295             (6     18   

Amount at end of year

   $ (1,270   $ (195        $ (15   $ (9

 

For the Years Ended December 31,    U.S. Pension
Benefits
           U.S. Postretirement
Benefits
(In millions of dollars)      2008      2007        2006             2008      2007         2006

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss (income)

   $ 1,092    $ (284   $ 55           $ 21    $ (4    $ 4

 

29


Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income in the next fiscal year:

 

      U.S. Pension
Benefits
    U.S. Postretirement
Benefits
 

(In millions of dollars)

     2009        2009   

Prior service credit

   $ (48   $ (13

Net actuarial loss

     51        1   

Projected cost (credit)

   $ 3      $ (12

The weighted average actuarial assumptions utilized in determining the above amounts for the U.S. defined benefit and other U.S. postretirement plans as of the end of the year are as follows:

 

     U.S. Pension
Benefits
    U.S. Postretirement
Benefits
 
      2008     2007     2008     2007  

Weighted average assumptions:

        

Discount rate (for expense)

   6.9   6.1   6.9   6.1

Expected return on plan assets

   8.75   8.75          

Rate of compensation increase (for expense)

   3.4   3.4          

Discount rate (for benefit obligation)

   6.6   6.9   6.6   6.9

Rate of compensation increase (for benefit obligation)

   3.4   3.4          

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets for U.S. pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $3.4 billion, $3.3 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2008 and $326 million, $312 million and $0, respectively, as of December 31, 2007.

The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for U.S. pension plans with projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets was $3.4 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2008 and $326 million and $0, respectively, as of December 31, 2007.

The components of the net periodic benefit cost for the U.S. defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans are as follows:

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   U.S. Pension     U.S. Postretirement
Benefits
 
     2008        2007        2006        2008         2007         2006   

Service cost

   $ 73      $ 82      $ 83      $ 4       $ 4       $ 4   

Interest cost

     211        196        182        12         11         11   

Expected return on plan assets

     (289     (267     (252                       

Amortization of prior service credit

     (54     (54     (54     (13      (13      (14

Recognized actuarial loss

     22        82        96                2         3   

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ (37   $ 39      $ 55      $ 3       $ 4       $ 4   

In December 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 became law. The net periodic benefit cost shown above for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, includes the subsidy.

The assumed health care cost trend rate for Medicare eligibles was approximately 10.5% in 2008, gradually declining to 5% in 2019, and the rate for non-Medicare eligibles was 9.5% in 2008,

 

30


gradually declining to 5% in 2017. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a small effect on the amounts reported for the U.S. health care plans because MMC caps its share of health care trend at 5%. A one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

 

(In millions of dollars)   

1 Percentage

Point Increase

  

1 Percentage

Point Decrease

 

Effect on total of service and interest cost components

   $  —    $  —   

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

   $    $ (5

Non-U.S. Plans

The following schedules provide information concerning MMC’s non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans and non-U.S. postretirement benefit plans.

 

December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   Non-U.S.
Pension Benefits
    Non-U.S.
Postretirement
Benefits
 
   2008     2007     2008     2007  

Change in benefit obligation:

        

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 6,924      $ 7,194      $ 91      $ 78   

Service cost

     127        148        2        2   

Interest cost

     380        369        5        4   

Employee contributions

     20        29                 

Actuarial (gain) loss

     (600     (779     (13     5   

Effect of settlement

     (2     (10              

Effect of curtailment

     (3     (2              

Special termination benefits

     3        2                 

Benefits paid

     (258     (238     (3     (4

Foreign currency changes

     (1,498     207        (19     6   

Other

            4                 

Benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 5,093      $ 6,924      $ 63      $ 91   

Change in plan assets:

        

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ 7,445      $ 6,895      $      $   

Actual return on plan assets

     (945     384                 

Effect of settlement

     (2     (10              

Company contributions

     241        189        3        4   

Employee contributions

     20        29                 

Benefits paid

     (258     (238     (3     (4

Acquisitions/divestitures

            4                 

Foreign currency changes

     (1,534     192                 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ 4,967      $ 7,445      $      $   

Funded status

   $ (126   $ 521      $ (63   $ (91

Net (liability) asset recognized

   $ (126   $ 521      $ (63   $ (91

 

31


Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets under SFAS 158:

                                

Noncurrent assets

   $ 145      $ 663      $      $   

Current liabilities

     (7     (8     (3     (4

Noncurrent liabilities

     (264     (134     (60     (87
     $ (126   $ 521      $ (63   $ (91

Amounts not yet recognized in net periodic cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive income:

        

Unrecognized prior service credit

   $ 22      $ 28      $ 1      $ 2   

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

     (1,697     (1,317     (7     (24

Total amounts included in AOCI

   $ (1,675   $ (1,289   $ (6   $ (22

Cumulative employer contributions in excess of net periodic cost

     1,549        1,810        (57     (69

Net amount recognized in consolidated balance sheet

   $ (126   $ 521      $ (63   $ (91

Accumulated benefit obligation at December 31

   $ 4,729      $ 6,348      $      $   
        

December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   Non-U.S. Pension
Benefits
    Non-U.S.
Postretirement
Benefits
 
     2008        2007        2008        2007   

Reconciliation of prior service credit:

        

Amount disclosed as of prior year end

   $ 28      $ 26      $ 2      $ 2   

Recognized as component of net periodic benefit gain

     (2     (2     (1       

Effect of curtailment

     1                        

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations

recognized in other comprehensive income:

        

Exchange rate adjustments

     (5     4                 

Amount at end of year

   $ 22      $ 28      $ 1      $ 2   
                                  

December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   Non-U.S. Pension
Benefits
    Non-U.S.
Postretirement
Benefits
 
     2008        2007        2008        2007   

Reconciliation of net loss:

        

Amount disclosed as of prior year end

   $ (1,317   $ (2,020   $ (24   $ (18

Recognized as component of net periodic benefit cost

     43        125        1        1   

Effect of settlement

     (1     (3              

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income:

        

Liability experience

     600        779        13        (5

Asset experience

     (1,502     (147              

Effect of curtailment

     4                        

Other

            2                 

Total amount recognized as change in plan assets and benefit obligations

     (898     634        13        (5

Other

     5                        

Exchange rate adjustments

     471        (53     3        (2

Amount at end of year

   $ (1,697   $ (1,317   $ (7   $ (24

 

32


For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   Non-U.S. Pension
Benefits
   Non-U.S. Postretirement
Benefits
   2008    2007     2006    2008      2007    2006

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss (income)

   $ 382    $ (599   $ 174    $ (9    $12    $6

Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income in the next fiscal year:

 

        Non-U.S. Pension Benefits

(In millions of dollars)

     2009

Prior service credit

     $  (2)

Net actuarial loss

       15

Projected cost

    

$ 13 

The weighted average actuarial assumption utilized in determining the above amounts for the non-U.S. defined benefit and other non-U.S. postretirement plans as of the end of the year are as follows:

 

December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   Non-U.S. Pension
Benefits
    Non-U.S.
Postretirement
Benefits
 
   2008      2007      2008      2007   

Weighted average assumptions:

        

Discount rate (for expense)

   5.7   5.1   5.7   5.2

Expected return on plan assets

   8.0   8.0          

Rate of compensation increase (for expense)

   4.0   4.0          

Discount rate (for benefit obligation)

   6.4   5.7   6.9   5.7

Rate of compensation increase (for benefit obligation)

   4.5   4.0          

The non-U.S. defined benefit plans do not have any direct or indirect ownership of MMC common stock.

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the non-U.S. pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $443 million, $390 million and $270 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2008 and $338 million, $291 million and $207 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2007.

The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for non-U.S. pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets was $3.0 billion and $2.7 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2008 and $430 million and $288 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2007.

The components of the net periodic benefit cost for the non-U.S. defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans and the curtailment, settlement and termination expenses under SFAS 88 are as follows:

 

33


For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   Non-U.S. Pension
Benefits
    Non-U.S. Postretirement
Benefits
     2008        2007        2006        2008         2007      2006

Service cost

   $ 127      $ 148      $ 152      $ 2       $ 2    $ 2

Interest cost

     380        369        312        5         4      3

Expected return on plan assets

     (556     (532     (443                 

Amortization of prior service credit

     (2     (2            (1          

Recognized actuarial loss

     43        125        141        1              1

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ (8   $ 108      $ 162      $ 7       $ 6    $ 6

Settlement (gain)/loss

     (1     (2     4                    

Curtailment (gain)/loss

     1        (2     3                    

Special termination benefits

     3        2        5                    

Total (credit) cost

   $ (5   $ 106      $ 174      $ 7       $ 6    $ 6

The assumed health care cost trend rate was approximately 7.3% in 2008, gradually declining to 5.2% in 2013. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the non-U.S. health care plans. A one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

 

(In millions of dollars)    1 Percentage
Point Increase
  

1 Percentage

Point Decrease

 

Effect on total of service and interest cost components

   $ 1    $ (1

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

   $ 8    $ (7

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

MMC’s estimated future benefit payments for its pension and postretirement benefits (without reduction for Medicare subsidy receipts) at December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   Pension Benefits    Postretirement
Benefits
     U.S.      Non-U.S.      U.S.      Non-U.S.

2009

   $ 164    $ 406    $ 14    $ 3

2010

     175      210      14      4

2011

     186      222      15      4

2012

     197      241      15      4

2013

     210      246      16      4

2014-2018

   $ 1,257    $ 1,458    $ 92    $ 24

Contribution Plans

MMC maintains certain defined contribution plans for its employees, including the Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. 401(K) Savings & Investment Plan (“SIP”), that are qualified under U.S. tax laws. Under these plans, eligible employees may contribute a percentage of their base salary, subject to certain limitations. For the SIP, MMC matches a fixed portion of the employees’ contributions and may also make additional discretionary contributions. The SIP contains an Employee Stock Ownership Plan under U.S. tax law and plan assets of which approximately $321 million at December 31, 2008 and $365 million at December 31, 2007 were invested in MMC common stock. If a participant does not choose an investment direction for his or her future MMC matching contributions, they are automatically invested in the Putnam Fixed Income Fund or a Barclays Global Investors Lifepath Portfolio that most closely matches the participant’s retirement year. The cost of these defined contribution plans related to continuing operations was $53 million, $46 million, and $45 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

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9.    Stock Benefit Plans

MMC maintains multiple share-based payment arrangements under which employees are awarded grants of restricted stock, stock options and other forms of stock-based payment arrangements. Effective July 1, 2005, MMC adopted the recognition and measurement provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123 (R)”), using the modified-prospective transition method. Under this transition method, compensation cost includes compensation cost for all share-based payment arrangements granted prior to but not yet vested as of July 1, 2005, based on the grant date fair value and expense attribution methodology determined in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123, and compensation cost for all share-based payment arrangements granted subsequent to June 30, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value and expense attribution methodology determined in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123 (R).

MMC Incentive and Stock Award Plans

In 2000, the Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. 2000 Employee Incentive and Stock Award Plan (the “2000 Employee Plan”) and the Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. 2000 Senior Executive Incentive and Stock Award Plan (the “2000 Executive Plan”) were adopted. The types of awards permitted under these plans include stock options, restricted stock, stock bonus units, restricted and deferred stock units payable in MMC common stock or cash, and other stock-based and performance-based awards. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) determines, at its discretion, which affiliates may participate in the plans, which eligible employees will receive awards, the types of awards to be received, and the terms and conditions thereof. The right of an employee to receive an award may be subject to performance conditions as specified by the Compensation Committee. The 2000 Plans contain provisions which, in the event of a change in control of MMC, may accelerate the vesting of the awards. Awards relating to not more than 80,000,000 shares of common stock may be made over the life of the 2000 Employee Plan plus shares remaining unused under pre-existing employee stock plans. Awards relating to not more than 8,000,000 shares of common stock may be made over the life of the 2000 Executive Plan plus shares remaining unused under pre-existing executive stock plans.

Stock Options: Options granted under the 2000 Plans may be designated as either incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. The Compensation Committee determines the terms and conditions of the option, including the time or times at which an option may be exercised, the methods by which such exercise price may be paid, and the form of such payment. Options are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of MMC’s common stock at the date of grant. These option awards generally vest 25% per annum and have a contractual term of 10 years. On March 16, 2005, MMC began granting options that provide for a market-based triggering event before a vested option can be exercised. The terms and conditions of these stock option awards provide that (i) options will vest at a rate of 25% a year beginning one year from the date of grant and (ii) each vested tranche will only become exercisable if the market price of MMC’s stock appreciates to a level of 15% above the exercise price of the option and maintains that level for at least ten (10) consecutive trading days after the award has vested. MMC accounts for these awards under SFAS 123(R) as market-condition options. The effect of the market condition is reflected in the grant-date fair value of such awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period and is not subsequently adjusted if the market condition is not met. For awards without a market-based triggering event, compensation cost is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period which is normally the vesting period.

 

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The estimated fair value of options granted without a market-based triggering event is calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model. This model takes into account several factors and assumptions. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life assumption at the time of grant. The expected life (estimated period of time outstanding) is estimated using the contractual term of the option and the effects of employees’ expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior. MMC uses a blended volatility rate based on the following: (i) volatility derived from daily closing price observations for the 10-year period ended on the valuation date, (ii) implied volatility derived from traded options for the period one week before and one week after the valuation date and (iii) average volatility for the 10-year periods ended on 15 anniversaries prior to the valuation date, using daily closing price observations. The expected dividend yield is based on expected dividends for the expected term of the stock options.

The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model for options granted by MMC in 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

      2008   2007   2006

Risk-free interest rate

   2.98%-3.33%   4.54%   4.2%-5.0%

Expected life (in years)

   6.0   5.0   5.0

Expected volatility

   29.7%-32.2%   29.9%   29.0%-30.0%

Expected dividend yield

   2.93%-3.07%   2.37%   2.1%-2.7%

The estimated fair value of options granted with a market-based triggering event was calculated using a binomial valuation model. The factors and assumptions used in this model are similar to those utilized in the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model except that the risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield curve over the contractual term of the option, and the expected life is calculated by the model.

The assumptions used in the binomial option pricing valuation model for options granted during 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

      2008   2007   2006

Risk-free interest rate

   1.99%-4.41%   3.2%-5.0%   4.7%-5.3%

Expected life (in years)

   5.0-7.5   5.2-7.4   5.0-7.1

Expected volatility

   29.7%-33.1%   27.8%-30.0%   29.0%

Expected dividend yield

   2.3%-3.1%   2.6%-2.9%   2.3%

 

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A summary of the status of MMC’s stock option awards as of December 31, 2008 and changes during the year then ended is presented below:

 

      Shares     Weighted
Average Exercise
Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
  

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value

($000)

Balance at January 1, 2008

   58,809,779      $34.20      

Granted

   2,852,098      $26.79      

Exercised

   (742,072   $27.88      

Canceled or exchanged

                —      

Forfeited

   (10,234,075   $32.85      

Expired

                —          

Balance at December 31, 2008

   50,685,730      $34.13    4.5 years   
Options vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2008    50,181,277      $34.17    4.4 years   
Options exercisable at December 31, 2008    28,975,348      $37.37    2.5 years   

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of MMC’s option awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $6.63, $7.79, and $8.55, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the same periods was $3 million, $8 million, and $31 million, respectively.

As of December 31, 2008, there was $16.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to MMC’s option awards. The weighted-average period over which that cost is expected to be recognized is 1.4 years. Cash received from the exercise of stock options for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $21 million, $53 million, and $52 million, respectively.

MMC’s policy is to issue treasury shares upon option exercises or share unit conversion. MMC intends to issue treasury shares as long as an adequate number of those shares are available.

Restricted Stock: Restricted shares of MMC’s common stock may be awarded under MMC’s incentive and stock award plans and are subject to restrictions on transferability and other restrictions, if any, as the Compensation Committee may impose. The Compensation Committee may also determine when and under what circumstances the restrictions may lapse and whether the participant receives the rights of a stockholder, including, without limitation, the right to vote and receive dividends. Unless the Compensation Committee determines otherwise, restricted stock that is still subject to restrictions is forfeited upon termination of employment. Shares granted generally become unrestricted at the earlier of: (1) January 1 of the year following the vesting grant date anniversary or (2) the later of the recipient’s normal or actual retirement date. For shares granted prior to 2004, the grant date anniversary is ten years. For shares granted during 2004 and 2005, the grant date anniversary is 7 years and 5 years, respectively. However, certain restricted shares granted in 2005 vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. There were no restricted shares granted in 2008 or 2007.

 

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A summary of the status of MMC’s restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2008 and changes during the period then ended is presented below:

 

      Shares    

Weighted Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

Non-vested balance at January 1, 2008

   524,869      $38.10

Granted

       

Vested

   (136,269   $28.67

Forfeited

   (314,700   $41.40

Non-vested balance at December 31, 2008

   73,900      $41.41

MMC did not grant any restricted stock awards during the years ended December 31, 2008 or 2007. The total fair value of MMC’s restricted stock distributed during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $5.1 million, $0.8 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units: Restricted stock units may be awarded under MMC’s Incentive and Stock Award plans. The Compensation Committee determines the restrictions on such units, when the restrictions lapse, when the units vest and are paid, and upon what terms the units are forfeited. The cost of these awards is amortized over the vesting period, which is generally three years. Beginning with awards granted in 2006, awards to senior executives and other employees may include three-year performance-based restricted stock units and three-year service-based restricted stock units. The payout of performance-based restricted stock units (payable in shares of MMC common stock) may range from 0–200% of the number of units granted, based on the achievement of objective, pre-determined MMC or operating company performance measures over a three-year performance period. MMC accounts for these awards as performance condition restricted stock units. The performance condition is not considered in the determination of grant date fair value of such awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the performance period based on management’s estimate of the number of units expected to vest and is adjusted to reflect the actual number of shares paid out at the end of the three-year performance period. Dividend equivalents are paid on both performance-based and service-based restricted stock units prior to payout, based on the initial grant amount.

A summary of the status of MMC’s restricted stock unit awards as of December 31, 2008 and changes during the period then ended is presented below:

 

      Shares    

Weighted Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

Non-vested balance at January 1, 2008

   3,971,262      $30.22

Granted

   5,777,658      $26.16

Vested

   (955,896   $29.79

Forfeited

   (503,856   $28.90

Non-vested balance at December 31, 2008

   8,289,168      $27.52

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of MMC’s restricted stock units granted during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $29.60 and $30.30, respectively. The total fair value of MMC’s restricted stock units distributed during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 was $22.4 million, $7.4 million and $5.8 million, respectively.

Deferred Stock Units: Deferred stock units may be awarded under MMC’s incentive and stock award plans. The Compensation Committee determines the restrictions on such units, when the restrictions lapse, when the units vest and are paid, and upon what terms the units are forfeited. The cost of these awards is amortized over the vesting period, which is generally three years.

 

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A summary of the status of MMC’s deferred stock unit awards as of December 31, 2008 and changes during the period then ended is presented below:

 

      Shares    

Weighted Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

Non-vested balance at January 1, 2008

   9,818,747      $29.60

Granted

   3,456,528      $26.56

Vested

   (2,795,935   $30.30

Forfeited

   (1,068,311   $29.90

Non-vested balance at December 31, 2008

   9,411,029      $28.24

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of MMC’s deferred stock units granted during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $28.83 and $29.36, respectively. The total fair value of MMC’s deferred stock units distributed during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 was $71.6 million, $75.6 million, and $53.5 million, respectively.

As of December 31, 2008, there was $288 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to MMC’s restricted stock, restricted stock units and deferred stock unit awards.

MMC Stock Purchase Plans

In May 1999, MMC’s stockholders approved an employee stock purchase plan (the “1999 Plan”) to replace the 1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “1994 Plan”), which terminated on September 30, 1999 following its fifth annual offering. Under the current terms of the plan, shares are purchased four times during the plan year at a price that is 95% of the average market price on each quarterly purchase date. Under the 1999 Plan, after including the available remaining unused shares in the 1994 Plan and reducing the shares available by 10,000,000 consistent with the MMC Board of Directors’ action in March 2007, no more than 35,600,000 shares of MMC’s common stock may be sold. Employees purchased 1,361,787 shares during the year ended December 31, 2008. At December 31, 2008, 8,564,609 shares were available for issuance under the 1999 Plan. Under the 1995 MMC Stock Purchase Plan for International Employees (the “International Plan”), after reflecting the additional 5,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance approved by the MMC Board of Directors in July 2002, and the addition of 4,000,000 shares due to shareholder action in May 2007, no more than 12,000,000 shares of MMC’s common stock may be sold. Employees purchased 260,717 shares during the year ended December 31, 2008. At December 31, 2008, 3,716,056 shares were available for issuance under the International Plan. The plans are considered non-compensatory under SFAS 123(R).

10.    Fair Value Measurements

Effective January 1, 2008, MMC adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value and expands required disclosures about fair value measurements.

 

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Fair Value Hierarchy

MMC categorizes financial instruments into a three-level fair value hierarchy as defined in SFAS 157. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1) and lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Financial assets recorded in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based on the inputs in the valuation techniques as follows:

Level 1. Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market (examples include active exchange-traded equity securities, listed derivatives, most U.S. Government and agency securities, and certain other sovereign government obligations).

Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include exchange traded equity securities and mutual funds.

Level 2. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on the following:

a) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (for example, restricted stock);

b) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets (examples include corporate and municipal bonds, which trade infrequently);

c) Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (examples include most over-the-counter derivatives, including interest rate and currency swaps); and

d) Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full asset or liability (for example, certain mortgage loans).

Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include corporate and municipal bonds.

Level 3. Financial assets and liabilities, whose values are based on prices, or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability (examples include private equity investments, certain commercial mortgage whole loans, and long-dated or complex derivatives including certain foreign exchange options and long-dated options on gas and power).

The Company does not have any Level 3 assets or liabilities.

 

40


Valuation Techniques

Equity Securities & Mutual Funds

Investments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the sale price on their principal exchange, or official closing bid price for certain markets. If no sales are reported, the security is valued at its last reported bid price.

Other Sovereign Government Obligations, Municipal Bonds and Corporate Bonds

These investments are valued on the basis of valuations furnished by an independent pricing service approved by the Trustees or dealers selected by Putnam Investment Management LLC (“Putnam Management”), the fund’s manager, a wholly owned subsidiary of Putnam LLC. Such services or dealers determine valuations for normal institutional-size trading units of such securities using methods based on market transactions for comparable securities and various relationships, generally recognized by institutions traders, between securities.

The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008.

 

Fair Value Measurement on a Recurring Basis

(In millions of dollars)

   Identical

Assets
(Level 1)

   Inputs
(Level 2)
   Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)

   As of

12/31/08

Assets

           

Financial Instruments Owned:

           

Exchange Traded Equity Securities (a)

   $  11    $  —    $ —    $     11

Mutual Funds (b)

   $107    $  —    $ —    $   107

State and Local Obligations (including non U.S. Locales) (c)

   $  —    $234    $ —    $   234

Other Sovereign Government Obligations and Supranational Agencies (c)

   $  —    $531    $ —    $   531

Corporate and Other Debt

   $  —    $122    $ —    $   122

Medium Term Bond Funds and Fixed Income Securities (a)

   $  —    $    8    $ —    $       8
     $118    $895    $ —    $1,013

 

(a) Included in Long-Term Investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(b) Included in Other Assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(c) Included in Fiduciary Assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

11.    Long-term Commitments

MMC leases office facilities, equipment and automobiles under noncancelable operating leases. These leases expire on varying dates; in some instances contain renewal and expansion options; do not restrict the payment of dividends or the incurrence of debt or additional lease obligations; and contain no significant purchase options. In addition to the base rental costs, occupancy lease agreements generally provide for rent escalations resulting from increased assessments for real estate taxes and other charges. Approximately 98% of MMC’s lease obligations are for the use of office space.

The consolidated statements of income include net rental costs of $468 million, $511 million and $509 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, after deducting rentals from subleases ($8 million in 2008, $23 million in 2007 and $26 million in 2006). The net rental costs disclosed above exclude rental costs and sublease income for previously accrued restructuring charges related to vacated space.

 

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At December 31, 2008, the aggregate future minimum rental commitments under all noncancelable operating lease agreements are as follows:

 

For the Years Ending December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

  

Gross

Rental

Commitments

   Rentals
from
Subleases
  

Net

Rental

Commitments

2009

   $   434    $  48    $   386

2010

   $   411    $  47    $   364

2011

   $   362    $  44    $   318

2012

   $   331    $  44    $   287

2013

   $   288    $  43    $   245

Subsequent years

   $1,609    $272    $1,337

MMC has entered into agreements with various service companies to outsource certain information systems activities and responsibilities and processing activities. Under these agreements, MMC is required to pay minimum annual service charges. Additional fees may be payable depending upon the volume of transactions processed, with all future payments subject to increases for inflation. At December 31, 2008, the aggregate fixed future minimum commitments under these agreements are as follows:

 

For the Years Ending December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   Future
Minimum
Commitments

2009

   $  54

2010

   24

2011

   22

Subsequent years

   45
     $145

 

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12.    Debt

MMC’s outstanding debt is as follows:

 

December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008    2007

Short-term:

     

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ 408    $ 260

Long-term:

     

Senior notes — 7.125% due 2009

   $ 400    $ 400

Senior notes — 6.25% due 2012 (5.1% effective interest rate)

     257      260

Senior notes — 3.625% due 2008

          250

Senior notes — 4.850% due 2013

     249      249

Senior notes — 5.875% due 2033

     296      296

Senior notes — 5.375% due 2014

     648      647

Senior notes — 5.15% due 2010

     549      548

Senior notes — 5.75% due 2015

     747      746

Mortgage — 5.70% due 2035

     454      461

Other

     2      7
     3,602      3,864

Less current portion

     408      260
     $ 3,194    $ 3,604

During the first quarter of 2008, MMC’s 3.625% five-year fixed rate $250 million senior notes matured. MMC used cash on hand to fund the maturing notes. There were no commercial paper borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2008 or 2007.

MMC and certain of its foreign subsidiaries maintain a $1.2 billion multi-currency revolving credit facility. Subsidiary borrowings under the facility are unconditionally guaranteed by MMC. The facility expires in December 2010. The interest rate on this facility varies based upon the level of usage of the facility and MMC’s credit ratings. The facility requires MMC to maintain certain coverage and leverage ratios which are tested quarterly. There were no borrowings outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2008 or 2007.

Additional credit facilities, guarantees and letters of credit are maintained with various banks, primarily related to operations located outside the United States, aggregating $285 million at December 31, 2008 and $265 million at December 31, 2007. There were no outstanding borrowings under these facilities at December 31, 2008 or December 31, 2007.

Scheduled repayments of long-term debt in 2009 and in the four succeeding years are $408 million, $559 million, $8 million, $259 million and $259 million, respectively.

13.    Financial Instruments

The estimated fair value of MMC’s significant financial instruments is provided below. Certain estimates and judgments were required to develop the fair value amounts. The fair value amounts shown below are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that MMC would realize upon disposition, nor do they indicate MMC’s intent or ability to dispose of the financial instrument.

 

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      2008    2007

December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

    

 

Carrying

Amount

    
 
Fair
Value
    
 
Carrying
Amount
    
 
Fair
Value

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,685    $ 1,685    $ 2,133    $ 2,133

Long-term investments

   $ 137    $ 137    $ 66    $ 66

Short-term debt

   $ 408    $ 407    $ 260    $ 260

Long-term debt

   $ 3,194    $ 2,959    $ 3,604    $ 3,616

Cash and Cash Equivalents:   The estimated fair value of MMC’s cash and cash equivalents approximates their carrying value.

Long-term Investments:   Long-term investments include available for sale securities recorded at quoted market prices as discussed below. MMC also has certain additional long-term investments, for which there are no readily available market prices, amounting to $91 million and $43 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, which are carried on a cost basis. MMC monitors these investments for impairment and makes appropriate reductions in carrying values when necessary.

MMC had available for sale securities with an aggregate fair value of $21 million and $23 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, which are carried at market value under SFAS 115. The Company recorded gross unrealized gains of $24 million and gross unrealized losses of $8 million at December 31, 2008 compared with gross unrealized gains of $22 million recorded at December 31, 2007. These amounts have been excluded from earnings and reported, net of deferred income taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is a component of stockholders’ equity.

The 2008 unrealized gain of $24 million relates to the portion of insurance fiduciary funds which MMC holds to satisfy fiduciary obligations that are invested in high quality debt securities which are generally held to maturity.

MMC recorded net gains/(losses) associated with its available for sale securities of $(3) million, $20 million and $35 million, in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Proceeds from the sale of available for sale securities for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $19 million, $29 million and $52 million, respectively. Gross realized gains/(losses) on available for sale securities sold during 2008, 2007 and 2006 amounted to $(3) million, $20 million and $35 million, respectively. The cost of securities sold is determined using the average cost method for equity securities. The gains and losses described above are included in investment income (loss) in the consolidated statements of income.

MMC also holds investments in certain private equity fund partnerships which are accounted for using the equity method and other investments that are held at cost. MMC recorded gains (losses) from such investments of $(9) million, $148 million and $166 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The loss in 2008 included a $6.3 million loss related to the decline in value of securities that were carried at cost. These losses were other than temporary. During 2007 and 2006, MMC did not record any losses related to the decline in value of its equity method investments or investments carried at cost that were other than temporary. The gains and losses described above are included in investment income (loss) in the consolidated statements of income.

 

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In 2007, MMC’s investment in Trident II, L.P. met the thresholds which require disclosure of summarized financial information under Regulation S-X. The consolidated financial information presented below reflects the most recently available financial statements at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

(In millions of dollars)    September 30,
2008
   December 31,
2007
  

December 31,

2006

Assets

        

Investments at fair value

   $785    $903    $1,004

Other assets

   42    47    152

Total assets

   $827    $950    $1,156

Liabilities

        

Net assets (Partners’ Capital)

   $827    $950    $1,156

 

For the nine months ended September 30

(In millions of dollars)

   2008     2007    2006

Investment Income

   $ 21      $ 19    $ 19

Expenses

     1        2      3

Net investment income

     20        17      16

Realized gains

     6        154      202

Unrealized gains

     (118     112      59

Net (decrease) increase in net assets

   $ (92   $ 283    $ 277

Short-term and Long-term Debt:  The fair value of MMC’s short-term debt, which consists primarily of term debt maturing within the next year, approximates its carrying value. The estimated fair value of MMC’s long-term debt is based on discounted future cash flows using current interest rates available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

14.    Integration and Restructuring Costs

Actions Initiated in 2008

In 2008, MMC implemented restructuring actions resulting in charges totaling $262 million, primarily related to severance and benefits, and other related charges totaling $50 million related to the loss of $28 million on the sale of the U.K. restructuring businesses and accelerated amortization. These costs were incurred as follows: Risk and Insurance Services—$218 million, Consulting—$40 million, Risk Consulting & Technology—$45 million, and Corporate—$9 million. These activities resulted in the elimination of approximately 1,660 positions at Marsh, 360 positions at Guy Carpenter, 490 positions at Mercer, 300 positions at Risk Consulting & Technology and 85 positions at Corporate. In addition, Marsh outsourced approximately 700 positions as part of its U.K. back office outsourcing initiative. As of December 31, 2008, the remaining liability for the restructuring initiatives were approximately $97 million primarily related to severance and benefit payments and future lease obligations.

Actions Initiated Prior to 2008

In 2008, MMC recorded $73 million of restructuring charges and other related charges of $3 million, including a charge of $62 million for future rent and real estate costs to exit five floors in MMC’s New York headquarters building that was part of the restructuring plan announced in 2006, and $11 million of charges related to the estimated costs of future rent associated with previously vacated properties in the U.K. and other locations. These amounts were included in corporate

 

45


expenses. As of December 31, 2008, the remaining liability for the restructuring initiatives were approximately $126 million primarily related to future severance and benefit payments and estimated future lease obligations.

The expenses associated with the restructuring plans are included in compensation and benefits and other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income, and liabilities associated with these initiatives are classified on the consolidated balance sheets as accounts payable, other liabilities, or accrued salaries, depending on the nature of the items.

15.    Common Stock

In August 2007, MMC entered into an $800 million accelerated share repurchase agreement with a financial institution counterparty. Under the terms of the agreement, MMC paid the full $800 million purchase price and took delivery from the counterparty of an initial tranche of 21,320,530 shares of MMC common stock. This number of shares was the quotient of the $800 million purchase price divided by a contractual “cap” price of $37.5225 per share. Based on the market price of MMC’s common stock over the subsequent settlement period, in March 2008 the counterparty delivered to MMC an additional 10,751,100 shares for no additional payment and the transaction was concluded. MMC thus repurchased a total of 32,071,630 shares at average price per share to MMC of $24.9442. The repurchased shares were reflected as an increase to treasury shares (a decrease in shares outstanding) on the respective delivery dates. This transaction was effected under a $1.5 billion share repurchase authorization granted by MMC’s Board of Directors in August 2007. MMC remains authorized to repurchase additional shares of its common stock up to a value of $700 million. There is no time limit on this authorization.

In May 2007, MMC entered into a $500 million accelerated share repurchase agreement with a financial institution counterparty. Under the terms of the agreement, MMC paid the full $500 million purchase price and took delivery from the counterparty of an initial tranche of 13,464,749 shares of MMC common stock. Based on the market price of MMC’s common stock over the subsequent settlement period, in July 2007 the counterparty delivered to MMC an additional 2,555,519 shares for no additional payment and the transaction was concluded. MMC thus repurchased a total of 16,020,268 shares in the transaction, for a total cost of $500 million and an average price per share to MMC of $31.2105. The repurchased shares were reflected as an increase in treasury shares (a decrease in shares outstanding) on the respective delivery dates. This transaction was effected under a $500 million share repurchase authorization granted by MMC’s Board of Directors in May 2007.

16.    Claims, Lawsuits and Other Contingencies

MMC and Marsh Litigation and Regulatory Matters

Brokerage Compensation Practices Settlement

In January 2005, MMC and its subsidiary Marsh Inc. entered into an agreement with the New York State Attorney General (“NYAG”) and the New York State Insurance Department to settle a civil complaint filed in New York State court by NYAG in October 2004 (the “NYAG Lawsuit”) and a related citation issued by the Insurance Department. Among other things, the NYAG Lawsuit and the citation had alleged that Marsh’s use of market service agreements with various insurance companies entailed fraudulent business practices, bid-rigging, illegal restraint of trade and other statutory violations.

 

46


Following the filing of the NYAG Lawsuit, various state regulators and attorneys general initiated investigations relating to the conduct alleged in the NYAG Lawsuit. Civil actions were filed against MMC, Marsh and certain Marsh subsidiaries by the State of Connecticut in January 2005, the State of Florida in March 2005 and the State of Ohio in August 2007. The complaints in these actions sought a variety of monetary damages and injunctive and other equitable relief and were based on a variety of legal theories, including unfair trade practices, antitrust, negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty and state RICO laws. In the fourth quarter of 2008, MMC entered into a settlement with attorneys general in the states of Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Oregon, Texas and West Virginia; the Commonwealths of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania; and the Florida Department of Financial Services and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. As part of that settlement, the civil lawsuit brought by the State of Florida has been dismissed. The actions by the State of Connecticut and the State of Ohio, which assert claims based on unfair trade practices and antitrust, remain pending.

Numerous private party lawsuits have been commenced against MMC, one or more of its subsidiaries, and their current and former directors and officers, relating to matters alleged in the NYAG Lawsuit. These lawsuits include the following:

Policyholder Claims

 

  ¡  

Various putative class actions purportedly brought on behalf of policyholders were consolidated into two actions in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (one on behalf of a purported class of “commercial” policyholders and the second on behalf of a purported class of “employee benefit” policyholders). The actions alleged a variety of legal theories, including those related to state tort, contract, fiduciary duty, federal and state antitrust and RICO theories, and sought a variety of remedies, including unspecified monetary damages, treble damages, disgorgement, restitution, punitive damages, declaratory and injunctive relief, and attorneys’ fees and costs. The court dismissed all of the federal antitrust and RICO claims and all of the state law claims asserted in both actions, and the plaintiffs appealed. In June 2008, plaintiffs and the Marsh defendants entered into an agreement to settle the commercial and employee benefit policyholder putative class actions using the remainder available from the $850 million fund created in connection with the settlement of the NYAG Lawsuit. The court approved the settlement on February 18, 2009.

 

  ¡  

In July 2007, two putative class actions against MMC, Marsh, certain insurers and other insurance brokers purportedly brought on behalf of policyholders were filed in the U.S. District Courts for the Southern District of Florida and the Southern District of New York. These actions relate to the same practices alleged in the NYAG Lawsuit, but with respect to insurance coverage placed with Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s, London. These actions have been transferred to the District of New Jersey.

 

  ¡  

Four class or representative actions on behalf of policyholders are pending in state courts. Nineteen actions instituted by individual policyholders and others are pending in federal and state courts relating to matters alleged in the NYAG Lawsuit. Two putative class actions and an individual policyholder action are pending in Canada.

 

47


Shareholder Claims

Following the announcement of the NYAG Lawsuit and related actions taken by MMC, MMC’s stock price dropped from approximately $45 per share to a low of approximately $22.75 per share. The number of shares outstanding at the time was approximately 526 million. The plaintiffs in the securities claims described below have asserted damages in the billions of dollars.

 

  ¡  

A purported securities class action against MMC, Marsh and certain of their former officers is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Plaintiffs make factual allegations similar to those asserted in the NYAG Lawsuit, including that MMC artificially inflated its share price by making misrepresentations and omissions relating to Marsh’s market service agreements and business practices. Plaintiffs also allege that MMC failed to disclose alleged anti-competitive and illegal practices at Marsh, such as “bid-rigging” and soliciting fictitious quotes. Plaintiffs allege violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 and seek unspecified damages. MMC has responded to the complaint and discovery in this matter is ongoing.

 

  ¡  

Three individual shareholder actions against MMC and others were pending in state courts. All three of the actions have been dismissed; the plaintiffs in each action either have appealed or may appeal.

 

  ¡  

A purported ERISA class action is pending against MMC and various current and former employees, officers and directors in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of participants and beneficiaries of an MMC retirement plan. The complaint alleges, among other things, that in light of the alleged misconduct described in the NYAG Lawsuit, the defendants knew or should have known that the investment of the plan’s assets in MMC stock was imprudent, that certain defendants failed to provide plan participants with complete and accurate information about MMC stock, that certain defendants responsible for selecting, removing and monitoring other fiduciaries did not comply with ERISA, and that MMC knowingly participated in other defendants’ breaches of fiduciary duties. The complaint seeks, among other things, unspecified compensatory damages, injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees and costs. Discovery is underway in this matter.

 

  ¡  

Several shareholder derivative actions are pending against MMC’s current and former directors and officers. Most of these actions have been consolidated into two proceedings, one in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, and one in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. These actions allege, among other things, breach of fiduciary duties with respect to the alleged misconduct described in the NYAG Lawsuit, and that the defendants are liable for and must contribute to or indemnify MMC for any related damages MMC has suffered. The consolidated action in federal court in New York has been stayed in favor of the state derivative action in Delaware, which remains in its preliminary stages.

Other Claims

 

  ¡  

A shareholder derivative suit pending in the Delaware Court of Chancery against the directors and officers of American International Group, Inc. (“AIG”) names as additional defendants MMC, Marsh, certain Marsh subsidiaries and certain former officers and employees. The suit alleges that the MMC and Marsh defendants engaged in conspiracy

 

48


and fraud with respect to the alleged misconduct described in the NYAG Lawsuit, and that the MMC and Marsh corporate defendants aided and abetted current and former directors and officers of AIG in breaching their fiduciary duties to AIG with respect to AIG’s participation in the alleged misconduct. The complaint seeks damages including the return of all contingent commissions paid by AIG to MMC and Marsh. The MMC and Marsh corporate defendants have moved to dismiss the claims.

Other Governmental Inquiries and Claims Relating to MMC and its Subsidiaries

 

  ¡  

In December 2007, the Alaska Retirement Management Board filed a civil lawsuit against Mercer (US) Inc. in Alaska state court for alleged professional negligence in actuarial services that Mercer provided to the Alaska Division of Retirement and Benefits relating to the Alaska Public Employees Retirement System and the Alaska Teachers Retirement System. The complaint alleges damages of “at least $1.8 billion.” Discovery is underway in this matter.

 

  ¡  

In October 2007, the State of Connecticut brought a civil action against Guy Carpenter in Connecticut state court, alleging that Guy Carpenter violated the state’s antitrust and unfair trade practices laws by engaging in allocation of markets, price-fixing and other allegedly improper conduct by taking part in the operation of several reinsurance facilities over a period of decades. The complaint alleges damages to Guy Carpenter’s insurance company clients and their customers, as well as to the general economy of Connecticut, and seeks monetary damages, civil penalties, attorneys’ fees, costs and injunctive and other equitable relief. Discovery is underway in this matter.

 

  ¡  

In March 2006, Milwaukee County and the Employees Retirement System of the County of Milwaukee and its Pension Board filed a civil lawsuit against Mercer (US) Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin alleging professional negligence in the provision of actuarial services and seeking damages in excess of $300 million. The court has denied a summary judgment motion by Mercer seeking dismissal of the plaintiffs’ claims. This case is scheduled for trial beginning May 2009.

 

  ¡  

Our activities are regulated extensively under the laws of the United States and its various states, the European Union and its member states, and the other jurisdictions in which we operate. Therefore, in the ordinary course of business, in addition to private party lawsuits, we may be subject to investigations, lawsuits and/or other regulatory actions undertaken by governmental authorities.

Putnam-Related Matters

On August 3, 2007, Great-West Lifeco Inc. (“GWL”) completed its purchase of Putnam Investments Trust. Under the terms of the stock purchase agreement with GWL, a copy of which was included as an exhibit to MMC’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 1, 2007, MMC agreed to indemnify GWL in the future with respect to certain Putnam-related litigation and regulatory matters. The matters described below directly involve MMC and/or may be subject to these indemnification obligations:

 

49


“Market-timing” Related Matters

In 2003 and 2004, Putnam entered into settlements with the SEC and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with respect to excessive short-term trading by, among others, certain former Putnam employees in shares of the Putnam mutual funds (the “Putnam Funds”).

 

  ¡  

MMC and Putnam were named in a substantial number of civil complaints, filed in various state and federal courts, alleging “market-timing” and, in some cases, “late trading” activities. The actions filed in or removed to federal court have been transferred, along with actions against other mutual fund complexes, to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The following summarizes the consolidated matters pending in the District of Maryland:

 

  ¡  

Two putative class actions by investors in certain Putnam Funds are pending against Putnam. One action asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. The other action purports to assert derivative claims on behalf of all Putnam Funds under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. Both suits seek to recover unspecified damages allegedly suffered by the Putnam Funds and their investors as a result of purported market-timing and late trading activity in certain Putnam Funds. On December 30, 2008, the court granted in part Putnam’s motion for summary judgment in the non-derivative action, and denied plaintiffs’ motion for class certification pending resolution of all summary judgment issues. In the derivative action, the court denied Putnam’s motion for summary judgment.

 

  ¡  

A complaint asserting shareholder derivative claims, purportedly on behalf of MMC, was filed against current and former members of MMC’s Board of Directors, two of Putnam’s former officers, and MMC as a nominal defendant. This action alleges violation of fiduciary duties in failing to provide oversight regarding market-timing in the Putnam Funds. This action has been stayed pursuant to an agreement of the parties.

 

  ¡  

MMC, Putnam, and certain of their current and former officers, directors and employees are defendants in purported ERISA class actions, one brought by participants in an MMC retirement plan and the other brought by participants in a Putnam retirement plan. The actions allege, among other things, that, in view of the market-timing that was allegedly allowed to occur at Putnam, the investment of the plans’ funds in MMC stock and the Putnam Funds was imprudent and constituted a breach of fiduciary duties to plan participants. Both actions seek unspecified damages and equitable relief. Following a September 2006 dismissal of the action regarding the Putnam plan, the plaintiff appealed the decision to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. In June 2008, the appellate court reversed the dismissal and remanded the case for further proceedings.

 

  ¡  

Certain Putnam entities were named as defendants in a suit brought in the District Court of Travis County, Texas by a former institutional client, the Employee Retirement System of Texas. Plaintiff alleged that Putnam breached its investment management advisory agreement and did not make appropriate disclosures regarding alleged market-timing activity at the time the investment management advisory agreement was executed. The majority of plaintiff’s claims were dismissed or withdrawn in January 2008. The trial court dismissed plaintiff’s remaining claim for breach of contract in June 2008. Plaintiffs have appealed the dismissals and Putnam has appealed an adverse ruling on its counterclaim for unpaid management fees.

 

50


Other Contingencies Relating to MMC and its Subsidiaries

Errors and Omissions Claims

 

  ¡  

MMC and its subsidiaries are subject to a significant number of other claims, lawsuits and proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Such claims and lawsuits consist principally of alleged errors and omissions in connection with the performance of professional services. Certain of these claims, including the actions filed against Mercer by the State of Alaska and the County of Milwaukee, seek damages, including punitive damages, in amounts that could, if awarded, be significant. MMC has varying levels of third-party insurance coverage, depending on the policy year. To the extent that expected losses exceed MMC’s retention in any policy year, MMC records an asset for the amount that MMC expects to recover under any available third-party insurance programs. The policy limits and coverage terms of the third-party insurance vary to some extent by policy year, but MMC is not aware of coverage defenses or other obstacles to coverage that would limit recoveries in years prior to policy year 2001-2002 in a material amount. In policy years subsequent to 2001-2002, the availability of third-party insurance has declined significantly, such that the Company has, for example, limited third-party insurance for the claims asserted by the State of Alaska and the County of Milwaukee. MMC utilizes internal actuarial and other estimates, and case level reviews by inside and outside counsel, to establish loss reserves, in accordance with SFAS No. 5 (“Accounting for Contingencies”), to provide for its loss retention. These reserves are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as developments warrant.

Guarantees

 

  ¡  

In connection with its acquisition of U.K.-based Sedgwick Group in 1998, MMC acquired several insurance underwriting businesses that were already in run-off, including River Thames Insurance Company Limited (“River Thames”), which MMC sold in 2001. Sedgwick guaranteed payment of claims on certain policies underwritten through the Institute of London Underwriters (the “ILU”) by River Thames. The policies covered by this guarantee are reinsured up to £40 million by a related party of River Thames. Payment of claims under the reinsurance agreement is collateralized by segregated assets held in a trust. As of December 31, 2008, the reinsurance coverage exceeded the best estimate of the projected liability of the policies covered by the guarantee. To the extent River Thames or the reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations under those policies, a claimant may seek to recover from MMC under the guarantee.

 

  ¡  

From 1980 to 1983, MMC owned indirectly the English & American Insurance Company (“E&A”), which was a member of the ILU. The ILU required MMC to guarantee a portion of E&A’s obligations. After E&A became insolvent in 1993, the ILU agreed to discharge the guarantee in exchange for MMC’s agreement to post an evergreen letter of credit that is available to pay claims by policyholders on certain E&A policies issued through the ILU and incepting between July 3, 1980 and October 6, 1983. In April 2006, a lawsuit was commenced in the Commercial Court in London against MMC and the ILU by an assignee of an E&A policyholder that purported to have a claim against the MMC letter of credit in the amount of approximately $8.5 million and sought a judicial declaration of its rights as an assignee of a policyholder claim. MMC contested the claim and the lawsuit was

 

51


 

discontinued by the plaintiff in May 2007. MMC expects the plaintiff or others to continue to pursue this claim against the MMC letter of credit. MMC anticipates that additional claimants may seek to recover against the letter of credit.

The proceedings and other matters described in this Note 16 on Claims, Lawsuits and Other Contingencies may expose MMC to liability for significant monetary damages and other forms of relief. Where a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable, MMC has established reserves in accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies”. Except as specifically set forth above, MMC’s management is unable, at the present time, to provide a reasonable estimate of the range of possible loss attributable to the foregoing matters or the impact they may have on MMC’s consolidated results of operations or financial position (over and above MMC’s existing loss reserves) or MMC’s cash flows (to the extent not covered by insurance). This is primarily because many of these cases remain in their early stages and only limited discovery has taken place. Adverse determinations in one or more of the matters discussed above could have a material impact on MMC’s financial condition, results of MMC’s operations or cash flows in a future period.

17. Segment Information

MMC’s organization structure and segment reporting is based on the types of services provided. Under this organizational structure, MMC’s business segments are:

 

  ¡  

Risk and Insurance Services, comprising insurance services (Marsh) and reinsurance services (Guy Carpenter);

 

  ¡  

Consulting, comprising Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group; and

 

  ¡  

Risk Consulting & Technology, which is comprised of Kroll.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those used for the consolidated financial statements described in Note 1. The information in the following table excludes the results of Putnam, KGS, Kroll Security International, Crump, Price Forbes and SCMS, which are classified as discontinued operations as described in Note 5. Revenues are attributed to geographic areas on the basis of where the services are performed. Segment performance is evaluated based on segment operating income, which includes directly related expenses, and charges or credits related to integration and restructuring but not MMC corporate-level expenses.

 

52


Selected information about MMC’s operating segments and geographic areas of operation follows:

 

For the Years Ended

December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   Revenue     Operating
Income
(Loss)
    Total
Assets
    Depreciation
and
Amortization
  

Capital

Expenditures

2008–

           

Risk and Insurance Services

   $ 5,466 (a)    $   460      $ 7,704      $188    $135

Consulting

     5,196 (b)    555        4,156      111    113

Risk Consulting & Technology

     924 (c)    (512 )(f)      1,887      81    50

Total Operating Segments

     11,586      503        13,747      380    298

Corporate/Eliminations

     (68   (255     1,459 (e)    23    89

Assets of Discontinued Operations

                        

Total Consolidated

   $ 11,518      $   248      $ 15,206      $403    $387

2007—

           

Risk and Insurance Services

   $ 5,400 (a)    $   342      $ 9,091      $214    $136

Consulting

     4,884 (b)    606        4,438      94    99

Risk Consulting & Technology

     945 (c)    106        2,538      79    43

Total Operating Segments

     11,229      1,054        16,067      387    278

Corporate/Eliminations

     (94   (200     1,292 (e)    19    85

Assets of Discontinued Operations

                        

Total Consolidated

   $ 11,135      $   854      $ 17,359      $406    $363

2006—

           

Risk and Insurance Services

   $ 5,263 (a)    $   477      $ 9,651      $230    $133

Consulting

     4,224 (b)    465        3,804      92    88

Risk Consulting & Technology

     926 (c)    135        2,363      89    46

Total Operating Segments

     10,413      1,077        15,818      411    267

Corporate/Eliminations

     (120   (137 )(d)      398 (e)    11    6

Assets of Discontinued Operations

                 1,921         34

Total Consolidated

   $ 10,293      $   940      $ 18,137      $422    $307

 

(a)

Includes inter-segment revenue ($5 million in 2008, $7 million in 2007 and $0 million in 2006) and interest income on fiduciary funds ($139 million in 2008, $177 million in 2007 and $168 million in 2006).

(b)

Includes inter-segment revenue ($52 million in 2008, $79 million in 2007 and $108 million in 2006).

(c)

Includes inter-segment revenue ($11 million in 2008, $8 million in 2007 and $12 million in 2006).

(d)

Corporate expenses in 2006 include a $74 million credit for the gain from the sale of five (5) floors of MMC’s New York headquarters building.

(e)

Corporate assets primarily include insurance recoverables, pension related assets, the owned portion of MMC’s headquarters building and intercompany eliminations.

(f)

Includes a goodwill impairment charge of $540 million.

Details of Operating Segment Revenue are as follows:

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008     2007     2006  

Risk and Insurance Services

      

Marsh

   $ 4,632      $ 4,498      $ 4,383   

Guy Carpenter

     834        902        880   

Total Risk and Insurance Services

     5,466        5,400        5,263   

Consulting

      

Mercer

     3,642        3,368        3,020   

Oliver Wyman Group

     1,554        1,516        1,204   

Total Consulting

     5,196        4,884        4,224   

Risk Consulting & Technology

     924        945        926   

Total Operating Segments

   $ 11,586      $ 11,229      $ 10,413   

Corporate/Eliminations

     (68     (94     (120

Total

   $ 11,518      $ 11,135      $ 10,293   

 

53


Information by geographic area is as follows:

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008     2007     2006  

Revenue

      

United States

   $ 5,329      $ 5,337      $ 5,182   

United Kingdom

     1,984        2,099        1,990   

Continental Europe

     2,064        1,794        1,540   

Other

     2,209        1,999        1,701   
     11,586        11,229        10,413   

Corporate/Eliminations

     (68     (94     (120
     $ 11,518      $ 11,135      $ 10,293   

December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2008     2007     2006  

Fixed Assets, Net

      

United States

   $ 603      $ 585      $  593   

United Kingdom

     148        208        224   

Continental Europe

     86        90        80   

Other

     132        109        93   
     $ 969      $ 992      $ 990   

18.    Subsequent Events

In the second quarter of 2009, Kroll completed the sale of Kroll Government Services (“KGS”), its U.S. government security clearance screening business. KGS was part of the Kroll reporting unit. As a result of the sale, MMC allocated goodwill between KGS (the portion of the reporting unit sold) and Kroll (the portion of the reporting unit retained), based on the relative fair value of the two units. In addition, as required under GAAP, MMC evaluated the portion of the reporting unit retained for potential impairment. Fair value was estimated using a market approach, based on management’s latest projections and outlook for the businesses in the current environment. This fair value determination was categorized as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. On the basis of the step one impairment test, MMC concluded that goodwill in the reporting unit was impaired. Due to the timing of the trigger event and subsequent completion of the step one test, MMC was unable to fully complete the required step two portion of the impairment assessment prior to the issuance of its second quarter 2009 financial statements. A step two impairment test, which under SFAS 142 is required to be completed after an impairment is indicated in a step one test, requires a complete re-valuation of all assets and liabilities of the reporting units in the same manner as a business combination. MMC will finalize the second step of the goodwill impairment assessment in the third quarter of 2009. However, a preliminary estimate of the step two assessment has been made. The non-cash charge of $315 million recorded by MMC represents management’s best estimate of the goodwill impairment at June 30, 2009 and comprises the excess of the carrying value over the fair value in the step one test, and an estimate of an incremental impairment amount which may result from the completion of the step two test. This charge is not reflected in the consolidated financial statements as of and for the period ended December 31, 2008. The ultimate amount of impairment may be greater or less than the estimate recorded in the second quarter of 2009.

 

54


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

New York, New York

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the accompanying financial statements have been retrospectively adjusted for discontinued operations.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report (not presented herein) dated February 27, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

New York, New York

February 27, 2009

August 28, 2009 as to Notes 1, 2, 5, 7, 17 and 18

 

55


Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA AND

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

     First
Quarter
    Second
Quarter
   Third
Quarter
    Fourth
Quarter
 
     (In millions of dollars, except per share figures)  

2008:

         

Revenue

   $ 3,024      $ 3,033    $ 2,819      $ 2,642   

Operating (loss) income

   $ (90   $ 180    $ 64      $ 94   

(Loss) income from continuing operations

   $ (213   $ 55    $ 17      $ 72   

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

   $ 6      $ 12    $ (22   $ 11   

Net (loss) income attributable to MMC

   $ (210   $ 65    $ (8   $ 80   

Basic Per Share Data:

         

(Loss) income from continuing operations

   $ (0.40   $ 0.10    $ 0.03      $ 0.14   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   $ 0.01      $ 0.02    $ (0.05   $ 0.02   

Net (loss) income attributable to MMC

   $ (0.39   $ 0.12    $ (0.02   $ 0.16   

Diluted Per Share Data:

         

(Loss) income from continuing operations

   $ (0.42   $ 0.10    $ 0.03      $ 0.13   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   $ 0.02      $ 0.02    $ (0.05   $ 0.02   

Net (loss) income attributable to MMC

   $ (0.40   $ 0.12    $ (0.02   $ 0.15   

Dividends Paid Per Share

   $ 0.20      $ 0.20    $ 0.20      $ 0.20   

2007:

         

Revenue

   $ 2,748      $ 2,775    $ 2,702      $ 2,910   

Operating income

   $ 335      $ 243    $ 115      $ 161   

Income from continuing operations

   $ 229      $ 145    $ 83      $ 100   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   $ 40      $ 35    $ 1,866      $ (9

Net income attributable to MMC

   $ 268      $ 177    $ 1,945      $ 85   

Basic Per Share Data:

         

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.40      $ 0.25    $ 0.14      $ 0.18   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   $ 0.08      $ 0.06    $ 3.41      $ (0.02

Net income attributable to MMC

   $ 0.48      $ 0.31    $ 3.55      $ 0.16   

Diluted Per Share Data:

         

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.40      $ 0.25    $ 0.14      $ 0.18   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   $ 0.07      $ 0.06    $ 3.40      $ (0.02

Net income attributable to MMC

   $ 0.47      $ 0.31    $ 3.54      $ 0.16   

Dividends Paid Per Share

   $ 0.19      $ 0.19    $ 0.19      $ 0.19   

As of February 20, 2009, there were 8,505 stockholders of record.

 

56

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