Willis Group Reports Fourth Quarter 2012 Results

Willis Group Reports Fourth Quarter 2012 Results

7.0% reported growth in commissions and fees
7.5% organic growth in commissions and fees

Group announces 3.7% quarterly cash dividend increase

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Willis Group Holdings plc (NYS: WSH) , the global insurance broker, today reported results for the fourth quarter of 2012 and twelve months ended December 31, 2012. The quarter also marked the culmination of Joe Plumeri's 12 year tenure as CEO and the appointment of Dominic Casserley in that role.

As the Company announced in December 2012, it incurred significant charges during the fourth quarter related to goodwill impairment in North America and a change in the Company's cash retention awards program. Additionally, during the quarter, the Company set up a valuation allowance against its deferred tax asset. These items, collectively, had a notable negative impact on reported results. Excluding those items, all of which have no impact on the expected cash profile of the company, the Company's fourth quarter 2012 adjusted earnings per share were flat versus the prior year quarter as higher commissions and fees were offset by higher salary and benefits expense and taxes.

Willis Group's fourth quarter organic commissions and fees growth was 7.5%. Among the notable highlights within the Company's three segments was organic growth of 11.6% for Willis Global, with positive organic growth in each of the Global businesses. Willis International contributed 7.4% growth, driven by growth across all geographic regions, except Australasia, and with notable improvement from Willis UK. Results for Willis North America showed organic growth of 5.0% attributable, in part, to the reversal in the fourth quarter of 2011 of revenue that was improperly recorded during 2011. Excluding that revenue reversal, organic growth in Willis North America was 3.1%, the best organic growth results delivered by the segment in six years.

"In the fourth quarter, Willis undertook a series of steps to pave the way forward for our company and our shareholders. Those actions are reflected in our reported results," said Dominic Casserley, CEO of Willis Group Holdings. "With these actions behind us, and a quarter that resulted in significantly improved revenue growth in our segments, particularly the turnaround in Willis North America, we are encouraged by what lies ahead. We are laying a strong foundation at Willis, defined by the service we offer our clients and the manner in which we run our business, exemplified by the $524 million of cash flow we generated in 2012, an improvement of $85 million over the previous year," Casserley added.

Fourth Quarter 2012 Financial Results

Willis Group reported a net loss from continuing operations of $(804) million, or $(4.65) per share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, compared with reported net income of $24 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in the same period a year ago. The quarter's results were negatively impacted by charges of $492 million related to the goodwill impairment in North America; $200 million related to the write-off of unamortized cash retention awards; $252 million related to the accrual of 2012 cash bonuses; and a $113 million tax charge to establish a deferred tax asset valuation allowance. The valuation allowance is related to the North America segment and is directly associated with the recording of the goodwill impairment and cash retention charges.

Reported net income in the fourth quarter of 2011 was reduced by a $50 million charge related to the 2011 Operational Review and $22 million related to the write-off of uncollectable accounts receivable.

Excluding the after-tax impact of the charges discussed in this release, adjusted net income from continuing operations was $79 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, compared with $79 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, in the same period a year ago. The fourth quarter 2012 adjusted earnings per diluted share were negatively impacted by higher taxes primarily caused by cumulative tax adjustments related to a change in the geographic mix of income and higher estimated state tax costs that were recorded in the current quarter. Foreign currency movements increased earnings by $0.01 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared with the fourth quarter of 2011.

Total commissions and fees for Willis Group were $867 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, up 7.0% from $810 million in the prior year quarter. The impact from foreign currency movements amounted to negative 0.5% during the quarter compared to the prior year period. Excluding this foreign exchange impact, organic commissions and fees increased 7.5% in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Investment income for Willis Group declined to $4 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, from $8 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 due to lower net yields on cash and cash equivalents.

Willis North America Segment

The North America segment reported 4.7% commissions and fees growth in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, reflecting a negative 0.3% impact from foreign currency movements and 5.0% organic commissions and fees growth. Part of that growth, however, is attributable to the previously disclosed $6 million of commissions and fees from a North America business unit that were improperly recorded during 2011 and reversed in the fourth quarter of 2011. Excluding that revenue reversal, organic growth in North America was 3.1%.

Underlying growth in commissions and fees in the fourth quarter of 2012 was recorded across all North America geographic regions, and a number of the segment's industry practices. Notable among these results was the construction business, which recorded low single-digit growth, largely driven by strong project business and growth in Surety.

As noted above, the Company completed its annual goodwill impairment testing and, as a result, recorded a non-cash impairment charge related to goodwill in the North America segment of $492 million, pre-tax. The charge is reported within "Corporate and Other" in the segment information note 7 of the supplemental financial information.

Willis International Segment

The International segment reported a 6.4% increase in commissions and fees in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared with the same period in 2011, reflecting a negative 1.0% impact from foreign currency movements and 7.4% organic growth.

Operations in Europe were up mid-single digits in the quarter with solid growth in Western Europe, largely due to Denmark, Italy and Sweden, while Eastern Europe was up low-single digits. Operations in the UK delivered solid mid-single digit growth in the quarter. Operations in Latin America recorded strong double-digit growth, with most countries in the region delivering double-digit growth. Operations in Asia were up low single digits, including a strong quarter in Japan.

Willis Global Segment

The Global segment reported 11.3% growth in commissions and fees in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared with the fourth quarter of 2011, reflecting a negative 0.3% impact from foreign currency movements and 11.6% organic growth.

Each business in the Global segment delivered positive organic growth. Reinsurance recorded high-single digit growth in a seasonally small quarter, with strong performances from North America and Specialty Reinsurance. Global Specialties grew mid-single digits, led by growth in Construction, Financial & Executive Risks, Financial Solutions and Marine. Willis Faber & Dumas recorded double-digit growth, largely driven by new business. Willis Capital Markets & Advisory had a strong quarter, recording $12 million of commissions and fees compared to $2 million in the year ago quarter. The increase was largely driven by the closing of a number of capital market transactions, several of which had been delayed during 2012.

Expenses

Reported salaries and benefits for Willis Group were $967 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared with $510 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, an increase of 89.6%. Fourth quarter 2012 salaries and benefits were negatively impacted by the previously noted one-time charges totaling $452 million, which are discussed in more detail below. Fourth quarter 2012 salaries and benefits were not impacted by foreign currency movements.

As previously disclosed in a Form 8-K filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on December 19, 2012, the Company changed its cash retention awards during the fourth quarter of 2012 to eliminate the repayment requirement from past annual cash retention awards. In addition, the Company replaced its annual cash retention award with an annual cash bonus that does not include a repayment requirement. As a result of these changes, fourth quarter 2012 salaries and benefits included $200 million related to the write-off of unamortized retention awards, and $252 million related to the accrual of 2012 bonuses. Excluding the two items described above, salaries and benefits in the fourth quarter of 2012 were $515 million, or 59.1% of revenues.

Salaries and benefits in the fourth quarter of 2011 included $36 million related to the 2011 Operational Review. Excluding the impact of the 2011 Operational Review charge, fourth quarter 2011 salaries and benefits were $474 million, or 57.9% of revenues.

Reported other operating expenses were $150 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, down 22.7% from $194 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011. Foreign currency movements favorably impacted fourth quarter 2012 other operating expenses by $4 million.

Other operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2012 include the benefit of a $5 million insurance recovery. Other operating expenses in the fourth quarter 2011 included $14 million of costs associated with the 2011 Operational Review and $22 million related to the write-off of uncollectable accounts receivable. Adjusted for the items mentioned above, other operating expenses as a percentage of revenues were 17.8% in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to 19.3% in the year ago quarter.

Operating Margin

Reported operating margin for Willis Group was (89.0)% for the fourth quarter of 2012 compared with 9.9% for the same period of 2011. Adjusted operating margin, excluding the items discussed above and as detailed in note 4 of the supplemental financial information, was 19.1% for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, compared with 18.7% a year ago. The margin expansion was driven primarily by higher commissions and fees and a reduction in other operating expenses, partially offset by higher salaries and benefits expense and lower investment income.

Twelve Months 2012 Financial Results

Reported net loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $(446) million, or $(2.58) per share, compared with reported net income of $203 million, or $1.15 per diluted share, in 2011. Reported net loss in 2012 and reported net income in 2011 were impacted by certain items, as detailed in note 5 of the supplemental financial information.

Adjusted earnings from continuing operations per diluted share, which excludes the impact of items detailed in note 5 of the supplemental financial information, was $2.58 for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared with $2.74 in 2011. Foreign currency movements increased earnings by $0.06 per diluted share in 2012 compared to 2011.

Total commissions and fees were $3,458 million for 2012, compared to $3,414 million for 2011. Excluding a negative 1.8% impact from foreign currency movements, organic growth in commissions and fees was 3.1% in 2012.

Reported operating margin was (6.0)% for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared with 16.4% for the prior year. Excluding items detailed in note 4 of the supplemental financial information, adjusted operating margin was 21.6% in 2012 compared with 22.5% a year ago.

Tax

Excluding the impact of the charges referred to above and detailed in note 5, the effective tax rate for the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2012 was 33% and 26%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter and full year were impacted by higher than previously estimated state income tax expense and a slightly higher rate of tax due to a change in the geographic mix of income, being applied to the cumulative profits of prior periods. Excluding these items, the effective underlying tax rate was 25% for both the fourth quarter and full year.

Debt and Capital

As of December 31, 2012, cash and cash equivalents totaled $500 million and total debt was $2,353 million. Total equity was $1,731 million. As of December 31, 2011, cash and cash equivalents were $436 million, total debt was $2,369 million, and total equity was $2,517 million.

Cash flow from operating activities for the 12 months ended December 31, 2012, was $524 million compared to $439 million in 2011.

Headcount Reduction

The new management team, in its initial assessment of the Company's organizational design, has identified a number of positions that it can eliminate and leases it can exit to realize cost savings. The assessment is ongoing but will be completed in the first quarter of 2013 and is expected to result in the elimination of approximately 200 full-time positions.

As a result, Willis Group expects to incur a pre-tax charge of approximately $35 million to $45 million in the first quarter of 2013. These actions are expected to deliver cost savings, primarily through headcount reduction, of approximately $20 million to $25 million in 2013, beginning in the second quarter, and annualized cost savings of approximately $25 million to $30 million.

Dividends

At its February 2013 Board meeting, the Board of Directors approved a 3.7% increase in the regular quarterly cash dividend from $0.27 per share to $0.28 per share (an annual rate of $1.12 per share). The dividend is payable on April 15, 2013, to shareholders of record at March 29, 2013.

Conference Call and Web Cast

A conference call to discuss the fourth quarter 2012 results will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at 8:00 AM Eastern Time. To participate in the live teleconference, please dial (866) 803-2143 (U.S.) or +1 (210) 795-1098 (international) with a pass code of "Willis". The live audio web cast (which will be listen-only) may be accessed at www.willis.com. This call will be available by replay starting at approximately 10:00 AM Eastern Time, and through March 13, 2013, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, by calling (800) 813-5526 (domestic) or + 1 (402) 280-1632 (international) with no pass code, or by accessing the website.

The Company may refer to a slide presentation during its conference call. The slides will be available to view and download from the Events & Presentations page in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.willis.com.

About Willis

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

Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

• the impact of any regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market, environmental or regulatory conditions on our global business operations;

• the impact of current financial market conditions on our results of operations and financial condition, including as a result of those associated with the current Eurozone sovereign debt crisis, any insolvencies of or other difficulties experienced by our clients, insurance companies or financial institutions;

• our ability to implement and realize anticipated benefits of any operational charges or any revenue generating initiatives;

• volatility or declines in insurance markets and premiums on which our commissions are based, but which we do not control;

• our ability to continue to manage our significant indebtedness;

• our ability to compete effectively in our industry, including the impact of our refusal to accept contingent commissions from carriers in the non-Employee Benefit areas of our retail brokerage business;

• material changes in commercial property and casualty markets generally or the availability of insurance products or changes in premiums resulting from a catastrophic event, such as a hurricane;

• our ability to retain key employees and clients and attract new business;

• the timing or ability to carry out share repurchases and redemptions;

• the timing or ability to carry out refinancing or take other steps to manage our capital and the limitations in our long-term debt agreements that may restrict our ability to take these actions;

• any fluctuations in exchange and interest rates that could affect expenses and revenue;

• the potential costs and difficulties in complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and regulations and any related changes, given the global scope of our operations;

• rating agency actions that could inhibit our ability to borrow funds or the pricing thereof;

• a significant decline in the value of investments that fund our pension plans or changes in our pension plan liabilities or funding obligations;

• our ability to achieve the expected strategic benefits of transactions or growth from associates;

• the further impairment of the goodwill of one of our reporting units, in which case we may be required to record additional significant charges to earnings;

• our ability to receive dividends or other distributions in needed amounts from our subsidiaries;

• changes in the tax or accounting treatment of our operations;

• any potential impact from the US healthcare reform legislation;

• our involvements in and the results of any regulatory investigations, legal proceedings and other contingencies;

• underwriting, advisory or reputational risks associated with non-core operations as well as the potential significant impact our non-core operations (including the Willis Capital Markets and Advisory operations) can have on our financial results;

• our exposure to potential liabilities arising from errors and omissions and other potential claims against us; and

• the interruption or loss of our information processing systems or failure to maintain secure information systems.

The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and new factors may emerge from time to time that could also affect actual performance and results. For more information see the section entitled ''Risk Factors'' included in Willis' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies are available online at http://www.sec.gov or www.willis.com.

Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and therefore also the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could themselves prove to be inaccurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this document, our inclusion of this information is not a representation or guarantee by us that our objectives and plans will be achieved.

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and we will not update these forward-looking statements unless the securities laws require us to do so. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this document may not occur, and we caution you against unduly relying on these forward-looking statements.

Non-GAAP Supplemental Financial Information

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