Willis Group Reports Third Quarter 2009 Results

October 26, 2009 6:27 PM EDT

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Willis Group Holdings Limited (NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, today reported results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Highlights of quarter ended September 30, 2009 include:

    --  Reported earnings per diluted share from continuing operations of $0.46;
        adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations of $0.53
    --  28 percent reported growth in commissions and fees compared with third
        quarter of 2008
    --  2 percent organic growth in commissions and fees: Global and
        International segments with 4 percent and 3 percent growth,
        respectively; North America decline of 3 percent improved from second
        quarter of 2009
    --  North America segment operating margin expansion of 1,140 basis points
        over a year ago
    --  Outlook raised to Stable by both Moody's and Standard & Poor's
    --  Issued $300 million of senior unsecured notes due 2019 at 7.0 percent;
        repurchased $160 million of 5.125 percent senior notes due July 2010

Highlights of the nine months ended September 30, 2009 include:

    --  Reported earnings per diluted share from continuing operations of $2.13;
        adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations of $2.21
    --  2 percent organic growth in commissions and fees over the comparable
        prior year; Global and International segments each with 5 percent growth
    --  Reported operating margin of 21.4 percent; adjusted operating margin of
        22.1 percent
    --  North America segment operating margin expansion of 970 basis points
        over prior year

"Willis continues to maintain its growth momentum in spite of the difficult global economy and soft market conditions - and that's a tribute to the strength of our diverse global business," said Joe Plumeri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Willis Group Holdings. "We continue to get strong contributions from each segment, despite the marketplace challenges we face, which are especially pronounced in the US, UK and Ireland. We continue to run the company with discipline and foresight, implementing strict cost controls, right sizing for the current environment, and investing in areas that will drive current and future growth."

Third Quarter 2009 Financial Results

Reported net income from continuing operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 was $78 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, compared with $36 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in the same period a year ago. Reported net income for the third quarters of 2009 and 2008 was affected by certain items, including the acquisition of Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company (HRH).

Excluding certain items, which are reviewed in detail in this release, adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations were $0.53 in the third quarter of 2009 compared with $0.32 in the third quarter of 2008. Foreign currency movements had a negative $0.05 impact on earnings per diluted share in the third quarter of 2009.

Total reported revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 were $725 million compared with $579 million for the same period last year, an increase of 25 percent. This increase was primarily due to the HRH acquisition. Foreign currency movements decreased reported revenues by 2 percent compared with a year ago.

Organic growth in commissions and fees was 2 percent in the third quarter of 2009 compared with the third quarter of 2008. This growth reflected net new business won of 5 percent, offset by a negative 3 percent impact from declining premium rates and other market factors. Continued strong client retention levels and momentum from Shaping our Future growth initiatives, such as Global Placement and Client Profitability, also contributed to organic growth in commissions and fees.

The International business segment contributed 3 percent organic growth in commissions and fees in the third quarter of 2009 compared with the same period in 2008. This growth came from strong new business and continued traction from Shaping our Future growth initiatives, which more than offset the soft rate environment and weakness in the UK and Ireland retail market. Outside of the UK and Ireland, the International business segment had high single-digit growth. There was strong growth across many regions, including Europe and Latin America.

The North America segment reported an improvement from the second quarter of 2009 with a 3 percent decline in organic commissions and fees compared with the third quarter of 2008, reflecting soft insurance market conditions as well as continued weakness in the US economy. North America remains focused on the integration of HRH and ongoing expense management. As a result, its operating margin expanded 1,140 basis points to 21.5 percent in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the prior year.

The Global segment, which comprises the Global Specialties, Faber & Dumas and Reinsurance divisions, recorded 4 percent organic growth in commissions and fees in the third quarter of 2009 compared with the third quarter of 2008. Each division within the Global segment recorded positive growth, led by continued high single-digit growth in reinsurance, together with strong performance in the aerospace, marine and financial and executive risks specialties.

Reported operating margin was 11.3 percent for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared with 11.4 percent for the same period last year. Excluding certain items, which are reviewed in detail in this release, adjusted operating margin was 13.1 percent for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared with 12.1 percent a year ago. Foreign currency had an unfavorable 150-basis-point impact on adjusted operating margin in the quarter.

Nine Months 2009 Financial Results

Reported net income from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $357 million, or $2.13 per diluted share, compared with $241 million, or $1.70 per diluted share, in the same period a year ago. Reported net income for the first nine months of 2009 and 2008 was affected by certain items, including the acquisition of HRH and 2008 expense review charges for severance and other costs.

Excluding certain items, which are reviewed in detail in this release, adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations were $2.21 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared with $2.24 in the comparable period of 2008, a decrease of 1 percent. Foreign currency movements reduced earnings per diluted share by $0.14 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Total reported revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were $2,439 million compared with $2,035 million for the same period last year, an increase of 20 percent. The increase was primarily due to the HRH acquisition, while the effect of foreign currency translation decreased reported revenues by 6 percent.

Organic growth in commissions and fees was 2 percent in the first nine months of 2009 compared with the comparable period of 2008. This growth reflected net new business won of 5 percent, offset by a negative 3 percent impact from declining premium rates and other market factors.

Reported operating margin was 21.4 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared with 18.1 percent for the same period last year. Excluding certain items, which are reviewed in detail in this release, adjusted operating margin was 22.1 percent for the first nine months of 2009 compared with 22.9 percent a year ago.

Tax

The reported income tax credit for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 was $29 million compared to $2 million income tax expense for the comparable period a year ago.

The third quarter 2009 tax credit included a provision of $27 million which had been recorded related to tax that would potentially be payable should the unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries be repatriated. Following a change in UK tax law effective in the third quarter of 2009, these earnings could now be repatriated without additional tax cost and, consequently, the provision has been released. In addition, as in prior years, an $11 million credit has been recognized in the third quarter of 2009, compared with a $5 million credit in the year ago quarter, further to the closure of the statute of limitations on assessments relating to previously unrecognized tax benefits.

The effective underlying tax rate for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009 was approximately 26 percent, the same as the 2008 full-year rate.

Discontinued Operations

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, was $1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2009 and $2 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, relating to disposals of Bliss & Glennon and Managing Agency Group, the Company's US-based wholesale insurance operations. No net gain or loss was recognized relating to either transaction.

Capital

The Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on the Company's common stock of $0.26 per share, or an annual rate of $1.04 per share. The dividend is payable on January 15, 2010 to shareholders of record on December 30, 2009.

As of September 30, 2009, cash and cash equivalents totaled $203 million and total debt was $2.6 billion. The Company issued $300 million of senior notes due 2019 at 7.0 percent, and repurchased $160 million of its 5.125 percent Senior Notes due July 2010 at a premium of $27.50 per $1,000 face value.

Total stockholders' equity as at September 30, 2009 was $2.2 billion.

Gras Savoye

In June 2009, the Company announced that it was in discussions regarding the potential sale of a portion of its interest in Gras Savoye. Since that time, the Company and other Gras Savoye shareholders have entered into an exclusive arrangement with Astorg Partners, a private equity fund, but as of the date hereof, we have not entered into any definitive sale agreement. Pending the finalization of the financing terms, we anticipate executing definitive agreements in the next few months. We would expect: (i) elimination of the put presently exercisable by the Gras Savoye shareholders; (ii) receipt of cash proceeds between $100-$150 million, and (iii) retention of a 33 percent interest following the sale as well as the ability to acquire a majority interest in Gras Savoye in 2015. As a result of the significant uncertainties underlying these forward-looking statements, our inclusion of this information is not a representation or guarantee by us that our objectives and plans will be achieved.

Conclusion

"I am proud of what we've been able to accomplish this quarter and over the first nine months of 2009. This is a strong, diverse business that is able to perform well even under the worst global economic conditions," Plumeri said. "As always, we are rigorous about our expenses and keeping our company at the right size for the current environment. Importantly, we remain ahead of plan on achieving HRH integration synergies, and we continue to invest in Shaping our Future. Accelerating growth remains our number one priority."

Conference Call and Web Cast

A conference call to discuss the third quarter 2009 results will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at 8:00 AM Eastern Time. To participate in the live teleconference, please dial (866) 803-2143 (domestic) or +1 (210) 795-1098 (international) with a pass code of "Willis". The live audio web cast (which will be listen-only) may be accessed at www.willis.com. This call will be available by replay starting at approximately 10:00 AM Eastern Time, through November 27, 2009 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, by calling (877) 611-5293 (domestic) or +1 (203) 369-4862 (international) with no pass code, or by accessing the website.

Willis Group Holdings Limited is a leading global insurance broker, developing and delivering 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 20,000 Associates serving clients in approximately 190 countries. 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 redomestication from Bermuda to Ireland, the potential benefits of the HRH acquisition, discussions concerning the sale of a portion of our interest in Gras Savoye, 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 and regulatory conditions on our global
        business operations;
    --  the impact of current financial market conditions and the current credit
        crisis on our results of operations and financial condition, including
        as a result of any insolvencies of or other difficulties experienced by
        our clients, insurance companies or financial institutions;
    --  our ability to achieve the expected cost savings, synergies and other
        strategic benefits as a result of the HRH acquisition and how the
        integration of HRH may affect the timing of such cost savings, synergies
        and benefits;
    --  our ability to continue to manage our significant indebtedness;
    --  our ability to implement and realize anticipated benefits of the Shaping
        our Future initiative and any other new initiatives;
    --  material changes in commercial property and casualty markets generally
        or the availability of insurance products or changes in premiums
        resulting from a catastrophic event, such as a hurricane, or otherwise;
    --  the volatility or declines in other insurance markets and premiums on
        which our commissions are based, but which we do not control;
    --  our ability to compete effectively in our industry;
    --  our ability to retain key employees and clients and attract new
        business;
    --  the timing or ability to carry out share repurchases or take other steps
        to manage our capital and the limitations in our long-term debt
        agreements that may restrict our ability to take these actions;
    --  any fluctuations in exchange and interest rates that could affect
        expenses and revenue;
    --  rating agency actions that could inhibit ability to borrow funds or the
        pricing thereof;
    --  a significant decline in the value of investments that fund our pension
        plans or changes in our pension plan funding obligations;
    --  the timing of any exercise of put and call arrangements with associated
        companies;
    --  changes in the tax or accounting treatment of our operations, such as
        the recent proposals made by the Obama administration regarding
        international tax reform;
    --  the potential costs and difficulties in complying with a wide variety of
        foreign laws and regulations and any related changes, given the global
        scope of our operations;
    --  our involvements in and the results of any regulatory investigations,
        legal proceedings and other contingencies;
    --  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 additional factors see the section entitled ''Risk Factors'' included in Willis' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies are available online at http://www.sec.gov or on request from the Company as set forth in Part I, Item 1 "Business-Available Information" in Willis' Form 10-K.

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.

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 generally accepted accounting principles (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 income statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and balance sheet as at that date.


WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
(in millions, except per share data)
(unaudited)

                                        Three months ended  Nine months ended
                                        September 30,       September 30,

                                        2009     2008       2009       2008

Revenues

Commissions and fees                    $ 714    $ 556      $ 2,401    $ 1,969

Investment income                         10       22         35         64

Other income                              1        1          3          2

Total Revenues                            725      579        2,439      2,035

Expenses

Salaries and benefits                     449      359        1,372      1,198

Other operating expenses                  151      131        428        421

Depreciation expense                      15       14         43         41

Amortization of intangible assets         29       6          76         12

Net gain on disposal of London            -        -          -          (8    )
headquarters

Net (gain)/loss on disposal of            (1  )    3          (1    )    3
operations

Total Expenses                            643      513        1,918      1,667

Operating Income                          82       66         521        368

Interest expense                          47       32         128        69

Income from Continuing Operations
before Income Taxes and Interest in       35       34         393        299
Earnings of Associates

Income taxes (credit)/charge              (29 )    2          64         74

Income from Continuing Operations
before Interest in Earnings of            64       32         329        225
Associates

Interest in earnings of associates,       16       6          42         29
net of tax

Income from Continuing Operations         80       38         371        254

Discontinued Operations, net of tax       1        -          2          -

Net Income                              $ 81     $ 38       $ 373      $ 254

Net income attributable to                (2  )    (2  )      (14   )    (13   )
noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to Willis       $ 79     $ 36       $ 359      $ 241
Group Holdings Limited

Amounts attributable to Willis Group
Holdings Limited common shareholders

Income from Continuing Operations, net  $ 78     $ 36       $ 357      $ 241
of tax

Income from Discontinued Operations,      1        -          2          -
net of tax

Net Income                              $ 79     $ 36       $ 359      $ 241




WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (Continued)
(in millions, except per share data)
(unaudited)

                                         Three months ended  Nine months ended
                                         September 30,       September 30,

                                         2009     2008       2009     2008

Earnings per share - Basic and Diluted

Basic Earnings per Share:

Continuing Operations                    $ 0.46   $ 0.25     $ 2.13   $ 1.70

Discontinued Operations                    0.01     -          0.01     -

Net Income attributable to Willis Group
Holdings Limited common shareholders     $ 0.47   $ 0.25     $ 2.14   $ 1.70
Limited common shareholders

Diluted Earnings per Share:

Continuing Operations                    $ 0.46   $ 0.25     $ 2.13   $ 1.70

Discontinued Operations                    0.01     -          0.01     -

Net Income attributable to Willis Group  $ 0.47   $ 0.25     $ 2.14   $ 1.70
Holdings Limited common shareholders

Average Number of Shares Outstanding

- Basic                                    168      142        168      142

- Diluted                                  169      142        168      142

Shares outstanding at September 30         168      142        168      142




WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED

SUMMARY DRAFT BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions) (unaudited)

                                              September 30,  December 31,
                                              2009           2008

Assets

Cash & cash equivalents                       $ 203          $ 176

Fiduciary funds--restricted                     1,815          1,854

Short-term investments                          -              20

Accounts receivable, net                        8,980          9,131

Fixed assets, net                               353            312

Goodwill and intangibles, net                   3,886          3,957

Investments in associates                       308            273

Deferred tax assets                             8              76

Pension benefits asset                          148            111

Other assets                                    674            492

Total Assets                                  $ 16,375       $ 16,402

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Accounts payable                              $ 10,152       $ 10,314

Deferred revenue and accrued expenses           305            471

Deferred tax liabilities                        1              21

Income taxes payable                            25             18

Short-term debt                                 141            785

Long-term debt                                  2,465          1,865

Liability for pension benefits                  222            237

Other liabilities                               863            796

Total Liabilities                             $ 14,174       $ 14,507

Equity attributable to Willis Group Holdings    2,155          1,845
Limited

Noncontrolling interests                        46             50

Total Stockholders' Equity                      2,201          1,895

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity    $ 16,375       $ 16,402




WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(in millions) (unaudited)

1. Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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

   Organic commissions and fees growth

   Organic commissions and fees growth excludes the impact of foreign currency
   translation and acquisitions and disposals from reported commissions and
   fees. We use organic commissions and fees growth as a measure of business
   growth generated by operations that were part of the Company at the end of
   the period.

   Adjusted operating income and adjusted net income

   Our results have been impacted by the accelerated amortization of intangible
   assets, a premium on the early redemption of 2010 bonds, charges related to
   the 2008 expense review and costs associated with the acquisition of HRH,
   together with net gains/losses on disposal of operations. We believe that
   excluding these items from operating income and net income as applicable,
   along with the GAAP measures, provides a more complete and consistent
   comparative analysis of our results of operations.

2. Analysis of Commissions and Fees

   Organic growth in commissions and fees is defined as growth in commissions
   and fees excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and
   acquisitions and disposals. The percentage change in reported commissions and
   fees is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, and the following tables
   reconcile this change to organic growth in commissions and fees by business
   unit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009:




                Three months ended
                                      Change attributable to
                September 30,

                                      Foreign      Acquisitions  Organic
                              %       currency     and           commissions
                2009   2008   Change  translation  disposals     and fees
                                                                 growth(a)

 Global         $ 175  $ 159  10%     0%           6%            4%

 North America    320    175  83%     0%           86%           (3)%

 International    219    222  (1)%    (5)%         1%            3%

 Commissions    $ 714  $ 556  28%     (3)%         29%           2%
 and fees




                Nine months ended         Change attributable to
                September 30,

                                  %       Foreign      Acquisitions  Organic
                                          currency     and           commissions
                2009     2008     Change  translation  disposals     and fees
                                                                     growth(a)

 Global         $ 657    $ 627    5%      (5)%         5%            5%

 North America    1,023    559    83%     0%           88%           (5)%

 International    721      783    (8)%    (14)%        1%            5%

 Commissions    $ 2,401  $ 1,969  22%     (7)%         27%           2%
 and fees




_______________

    From fourth quarter 2008, we have changed our methodology for the
    calculation of organic growth in commissions and fees. Previously, organic
(a) growth included growth from acquisitions from the date of acquisition. Under
    the new method, the first twelve months of commissions and fees generated
    from acquisitions are excluded from organic growth in commissions and fees.




WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(in millions) (unaudited)

3. 2008 Expense Review

   In 2008, we conducted a thorough review of all businesses to identify
   additional opportunities to rationalize the expense base. Consequently, we
   incurred a pre-tax charge of $nil in the third quarter of 2008 and $95
   million ($68 million or $0.47 per diluted share after tax) in the first nine
   months of 2008 for severance and other costs as analyzed in the following
   table:




                                                  Three months   Nine months
                                                  ended          ended
                                                  September 30,  September 30,
                                                  2008           2008


                                                  Pre-tax
                                                                 Pre-tax

 Salaries and benefits - severance (a)            $-             $24

 Salaries and benefits - other (b)                -              42

 Other operating expenses (primarily relating to  -              29
 property and systems rationalization)

                                                  $-             $95




   Severance costs relate to approximately 350 positions through the nine months
a) ended September 30, 2008, which were eliminated in 2008. None of these costs
   were incurred in third quarter 2008.

b) Other salaries and benefits costs relate primarily to contract buyouts.




WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(in millions, except per share data) (unaudited)

4. Adjusted Operating Income

   Adjusted operating income is defined as operating income excluding the
   accelerated amortization of intangible assets, integration costs associated
   with the acquisition of HRH, charges related to the 2008 expense review and
   net gains/losses on disposals. Operating income is the most directly
   comparable GAAP measure, and the following table reconciles adjusted
   operating income to operating income for the three and nine months ended
   September 30, 2009 and 2008:




                                                           Three months ended
                                                           September 30,

                                                           2009   2008   %
                                                                         Change

 Operating Income, GAAP basis                              $ 82   $ 66   24%

 Excluding:

 HRH integration costs                                       7      1

 Net (gain)/loss on disposal of operations                   (1)    3

 Accelerated amortization of intangible assets (a)           7      -

 Adjusted Operating Income                                 $ 95   $ 70   36%

 Operating Margin, GAAP basis, or Operating Income as a    11.3%  11.4%
 percentage of Total Revenues

 Adjusted Operating Margin, or Adjusted Operating Income   13.1%  12.1%
 as a percentage of Total Revenues

                                                           Nine months ended
                                                           September 30,

                                                           2009   2008   %
                                                                         Change

 Operating Income, GAAP basis                              $ 521  $ 368  42%

 Excluding:

 HRH integration costs                                       11     1

 Net (gain)/loss on disposal of operations                   (1)    3

 Salaries and benefits - severance costs (b)                 -      24

 Salaries and benefits - other (c)                           -      42

 Accelerated amortization of intangible assets (a)           7      -

 Other operating expenses (primarily relating to property    -      29
 and systems rationalization)

 Adjusted Operating Income                                 $ 538  $ 467  15%

 Operating Margin, GAAP basis, or Operating Income as a    21.4%  18.1%
 percentage of Total Revenues

 Adjusted Operating Margin, or Adjusted Operating Income   22.1%  22.9%
 as a percentage of Total Revenues




    The $7 million charge for the accelerated amortization of intangibles
    relates to the HRH brand name. Following the successful integration of HRH
    into our North America operations, we announced on October 1, 2009 that our
 a) North America retail operations would change their operating name from
    Willis HRH to Willis North America. Consequently, the intangible asset
    recognized on the acquisition of HRH relating to the HRH brand has been
    fully amortized.

    Severance costs excluded from adjusted operating income in 2008 relate to
    approximately 350 positions through the nine months ended September 30, 2008
    that were eliminated as part of the 2008 expense review. None of these costs
 b) were incurred in third quarter 2008. Severance costs also arise in the
    normal course of business and these charges (pre-tax) amounted to $2 million
    in the third quarter 2009 ($1 million in third quarter 2008). These costs
    amounted to $20 million and $2 million for the nine months ended September
    30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 c) Other 2008 expense review salaries and benefits costs relate primarily to
    contract buyouts.




WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(in millions, except per share data) (unaudited)

5. Adjusted Net Income

   Adjusted net income is defined as net income from continuing operations
   excluding financing and integration costs associated with the acquisition of
   HRH, accelerated amortization of intangible assets, premium on redemption of
   2010 bonds, charges related to the 2008 expense review and net gains/losses
   on disposals. Net income from continuing operations is the most directly
   comparable GAAP measure, and the following table reconciles adjusted net
   income from continuing operations to net income from continuing operations
   for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:




                          Three months ended    Per diluted share
                          September 30,         Three months ended September 30,

                          2009   2008   %       2009      2008    %
                                        Change                    Change

Net Income from
Continuing Operations,    $ 78   $ 36   117%    $ 0.46    $ 0.25  84%
GAAP basis

Excluding:

HRH financing and
integration costs, net      5      7              0.04      0.05
of tax ($2),($3)

Net (gain)/loss on
disposal of operations,     (1)    2              (0.01)    0.02
net of tax ($nil),($1)

Accelerated amortization
of intangible assets,       4      -              0.02      -
net of tax ($3), ($nil)
(a)

Premium on early
redemption of 2010          4      -              0.02      -
bonds, net of tax ($1),
($nil) (b)

Adjusted Net Income from  $ 90   $ 45   100%    $ 0.53    $ 0.32  66%
Continuing Operations

Diluted shares              169    142
outstanding, GAAP basis




   The $7 million pre-tax charge for the accelerated amortization of intangibles
   relates to the HRH brand name. Following the successful integration of HRH
a) into our North America operations, we announced on October 1, 2009 that our
   North America retail operations would change their operating name from Willis
   HRH to Willis North America. Consequently, the intangible asset recognized on
   the acquisition of HRH relating to the HRH brand has been fully amortized.

   On September 29, 2009 we repurchased $160 million of our 5.125% Senior Notes
b) due July 2010 at a premium of $27.50 per $1,000 face value, resulting in a
   total pre-tax premium on redemption, including fees, of $5 million.




WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(in millions) (unaudited)

5. Adjusted Net Income (continued)

                           Nine months ended     Per diluted share
                           September 30,         Nine months ended September 30,

                           2009   2008   %       2009    2008   %
                                         Change                 Change

Net Income from
Continuing Operations,     $ 357  $ 241  48%     $2.13   $1.70  25%
GAAP basis

Excluding:

HRH financing and
integration costs, net of  8      7              0.05    0.05
tax ($3),($3)

Net (gain)/loss on
disposal of operations,    (1)    2              (0.01)  0.02
net of tax ($nil),($1)

Salaries and benefits -
severance, net of tax      -      17             -       0.12
($nil),($7) (c)

Salaries and benefits -
other, net of tax ($nil),  -      30             -       0.21
($12) (d)

Accelerated amortization
of intangible assets, net  4      -              0.02    -
of tax ($3),($nil) (a)

Other operating expenses
(primarily relating to
property and systems       -      21             -       0.14
rationalization), net of
tax ($nil),($8)

Premium on early
redemption of 2010 bonds,  4      -              0.02    -
net of tax ($1),($nil)
(b)

Adjusted Net Income from   $ 372  $ 318  17%     $2.21   $2.24  (1)%
Continuing Operations

Diluted shares             168    142
outstanding, GAAP basis




   The $7 million pre-tax charge for the accelerated amortization of intangibles
   relates to the HRH brand name. Following the successful integration of HRH
a) into our North America operations, we announced on October 1, 2009 that our
   North America retail operations would change their operating name from Willis
   HRH to Willis North America. Consequently, the intangible asset recognized on
   the acquisition of HRH relating to the HRH brand has been fully amortized.

   On September 29, 2009 we repurchased $160 million of our 5.125% Senior Notes
b) due July 2010 at a premium of $27.50 per $1,000 face value, resulting in a
   total pre-tax premium on redemption, including fees, of $5 million.

   Severance costs excluded from adjusted operating income in 2008 relate to
   approximately 350 positions through the nine months ended September 30, 2008
   that were eliminated as part of the 2008 expense review. None of these costs
c) were incurred in third quarter 2008. Severance costs also arise in the normal
   course of business and these charges (pre-tax) amounted to $20 million in the
   nine months ended September 30, 2009 related to approximately [357] positions
   ($2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008).

d) Other salaries and benefits costs relate primarily to contract buyouts.




WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(in millions, except per share data) (unaudited)

                2008                                                          2009

                Q1        Q2        Q3        Q3         Q4        FY         Q1        Q2        Q3        Q3
                                              YTD                                                           YTD

Revenues

Commissions     $ 772     $ 641     $ 556     $ 1,969    $ 782     $ 2,751    $ 915     $ 772     $ 714     $ 2,401
and fees

Investment        22        20        22        64         17        81         13        12        10        35
income

Other income      1         --        1         2          --        2          2         --        1         3

Total Revenues    795       661       579       2,035      799       2,834      930       784       725       2,439

Expenses

Salaries and      411       428       359       1,198      444       1,642      480       443       449       1,372
benefits

Other
operating         149       141       131       421        184       605        138       139       151       428
expenses

Depreciation      13        14        14        41         13        54         14        14        15        43
expense

Amortization
of intangible     3         3         6         12         24        36         24        23        29        76
assets

Net
(gain)/loss on
disposal of       (6   )    (2   )    --        (8    )    1         (7    )    --        --        --        --
London
headquarters

Net loss/
(gain) on         --        --        3         3          (3   )    --         --        --        (1   )    (1    )
disposal of
operations

Total Expenses    570       584       513       1,667      663       2,330      656       619       643       1,918

Operating         225       77        66        368        136       504        274       165       82        521
Income

Interest          16        21        32        69         36        105        38        43        47        128
expense

                  (209 )    (56  )    (34  )               (100 )    (399  )    (236 )    (122 )    (35  )    (393  )

Income from
Continuing
Operations
before Income     209       56        34        299        100       399        236       122       (35  )    (393  )
Taxes and
Interest in
Earnings of
Associates

Income taxes
charge/           60        12        2         74         23        97         62        31        (29  )    64
(credit)

                  (149 )    (44  )    (32  )               (77  )    (302  )    (174 )    (91  )

Income from
Continuing
Operations
before            149       44        32        225        77        302        174       91        64        329
Interest in
Earnings of
Associates

Interest in
earnings of       26        (3   )    6         29         (7   )    22         26        --        16        42
associates,
net of tax

Income from
Continuing        175       41        38        254        70        324        200       91        80        371
Operations

Discontinued
operations,       --        --        --        --         --        --         1         --        1         2
net of tax

Net Income        175       41        38        254        70        324        201       91        81        373

Net income
attributable
to                (9   )    (2   )    (2   )    (13   )    (8   )    (21   )    (8   )    (4   )    (2   )    (14   )
noncontrolling
interests

Net income
attributable
to Willis       $ 166     $ 39      $ 36      $ 241      $ 62      $ 303      $ 193     $ 87      $ 79      $ 359
Group Holdings
Limited

Diluted
Earnings per
Share

- Continuing    $ 1.16    $ 0.27    $ 0.25    $ 1.70     $ 0.37    $ 2.05     $ 1.15    $ 0.52    $ 0.46    $ 2.13
Operations

- Discontinued    --        --        --        --         --        --         0.01      --        0.01      0.01
Operations

Net Income
attributable
to Willis       $ 1.16    $ 0.27    $ 0.25    $ 1.70     $ 0.37    $ 2.05     $ 1.16    $ 0.52    $ 0.47    $ 2.14
Group Holdings
Limited common
shareholders

Average Number
of Shares
Outstanding

- Diluted         143       142       142       142        167       148        167       168       169       168




WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(in millions, except per share data) (unaudited)

               2008                                                              2009

               Q1        Q2         Q3         Q3         Q4         FY          Q1         Q2         Q3         Q3
                                               YTD                                                                YTD

Commissions
and Fees

Global         $ 277     $ 191      $ 159      $ 627      $ 157      $ 784       $ 275      $ 207      $ 175      $ 657

North America    191       193        175        559        353        912         371        332        320        1,023

International    304       257        222        783        272        1,055       269        233        219        721

Total
Commissions    $ 772     $ 641      $ 556      $ 1,969    $ 782      $ 2,751     $ 915      $ 772      $ 714      $ 2,401
and Fees

Total
Revenues

Global         $ 285     $ 199      $ 167      $ 651      $ 163      $ 814       $ 278      $ 209      $ 176      $ 663

North America    196       197        179        572        357        929         377        336        325        1,038

International    314       265        233        812        279        1,091       275        239        224        738

Total Revenue  $ 795     $ 661      $ 579      $ 2,035    $ 799      $ 2,834     $ 930      $ 784      $ 725      $ 2,439

Operating
Income(c)

Global         $ 132     $ 60       $ 29       $ 221      $ 19       $ 240       $ 127      $ 74       $ 33       $ 234

North America    27        31         18         76         67         143         94         75         70         239

International    104       57         38         199        107        306         96         55         30         181

Corporate and    (38  )    (71  )     (19  )     (128  )    (57  )     (185  )     (43  )     (39  )     (51  )     (133  )
Other (a) (b)

Total
Operating      $ 225     $ 77       $ 66       $ 368      $ 136      $ 504       $ 274      $ 165      $ 82       $ 521
Income

Organic
Commissions
and Fees
Growth

Global           2    %    0    %     (2   )%    0     %    9    %     2     %     5    %     7    %     4    %     5     %

North America    3    %    (1   )%    (2   )%    0     %    (4   )%    (1    )%    (5   )%    (8   )%    (3   )%    (5    )%

International    5    %    10   %     10   %     8     %    11   %     9     %     5    %     5    %     3    %     5     %

Total Organic
Commissions      3    %    3    %     2    %     3     %    6    %     4     %     2    %     1    %     2    %     2     %
and fees
Growth

Operating
Margin(c)

Global           46.3 %    30.2 %     17.4 %     33.9  %    11.7 %     29.5  %     45.7 %     35.4 %     18.8 %     35.3  %

North America    13.8 %    15.7 %     10.1 %     13.3  %    18.8 %     15.4  %     24.9 %     22.3 %     21.5 %     23.0  %

International    33.1 %    21.5 %     16.3 %     24.5  %    38.4 %     28.0  %     34.9 %     23.0 %     13.4 %     24.5  %

Total
Operating        28.3 %    11.6 %     11.4 %     18.1  %    17.0 %     17.8  %     29.5 %     21.0 %     11.3 %     21.4  %
Margin




     Corporate and Other includes the costs of the holding company, foreign
     exchange hedging activities and foreign exchange on the UK pension plan
 (a) asset, amortization of intangible assets, net gains and losses on disposal
     of operations, certain legal costs, integration costs associated with the
     acquisition of HRH and 2008 expense review costs.

     The Company does not hold business segment management accountable for
     managing foreign exchange exposure on the retranslation of the UK pension
     plan asset. Historically, a relatively stable exchange rate environment had
     led to foreign exchange on the UK pension plan asset having no material
 (b) impact on segment operating income and margin. However, following
     significant exchange rate movements in 2008, the Company decided that,
     effective October 1, 2008, foreign exchange on the UK pension plan asset
     would be excluded from segment operating income and reported within
     Corporate and Other.

 (c) Prior periods restated to conform to current period presentation.




    Source: Willis Group Holdings Limited


Related Categories

Press Releases

Stocks Mentioned

WSH 27.06

-0.65 -2.35%
Volume: 195,939
Track WSH


Related Entities


Add Your Comment