10-Q
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_____________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
_____________________________________________
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016
_____________________________________________
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.
1166 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
(212) 345-5000
_____________________________________________
Commission file number 1-5998
State of Incorporation: Delaware
I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 36-2668272
_____________________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large Accelerated Filer x | | Accelerated Filer ¨ |
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Non-Accelerated Filer ¨(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | | Smaller Reporting Company ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No ý
As of April 25, 2016, there were outstanding 521,233,104 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the registrant.
INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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." Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements.
Factors that could materially affect our future results include, among other things: our ability to maintain adequate safeguards to protect the security of confidential, personal or proprietary information; our ability to compete effectively and adapt to changes in the competitive environment, including to technological and other types of innovation; the impact of potential changes in global economic, political and market conditions on us and our clients, including the possibility of an exit by the United Kingdom from the European Union; our ability to successfully recover should we experience a business continuity problem due to cyberattack, natural disaster or otherwise; our exposure to potential civil remedies or criminal penalties if we fail to comply with U.S. and non-U.S. laws and regulations applicable in the jurisdictions in which we operate; the financial and operational impact of complying with laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate; our exposure to potential losses and liabilities, including reputational impact, arising from errors and omissions, breach of fiduciary duty and similar claims against us; the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and global securities markets on our results; the impact of changes in applicable tax laws and regulations, including of the regulations recently proposed by the U.S. Treasury Department; the impact on our competitive position of our tax rate relative to our competitors; the effect of our global pension obligations on our financial position, earnings and cash flows; our ability to make acquisitions and dispositions and successfully integrate the businesses we acquire; our ability to incentivize and retain key employees; and the impact of changes in accounting rules or in our accounting estimates or assumptions.
The factors identified above are not exhaustive. Marsh & McLennan Companies and its subsidiaries operate in a dynamic business environment in which new risks emerge frequently. Accordingly, we caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to us and speak only as of the dates on which they are made. The Company 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 Marsh & McLennan Companies and its businesses, including information about factors that could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition, is contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the "Risk Factors" section and the "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section of our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ITEM 1. | | |
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ITEM 2. | | |
| OF OPERATIONS | |
ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK | |
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ITEM 4. | | |
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ITEM 1. | | |
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ITEM 1A. | | |
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ITEM 2. | | |
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ITEM 3. | | |
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ITEM 4. | | |
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ITEM 5. | | |
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ITEM 6. | | |
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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Item 1. | Financial Statements. |
MARSH & McLENNAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
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| | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, |
(In millions, except per share figures) | | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
|
Revenue | | $ | 3,336 |
| | $ | 3,215 |
|
Expense: | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | 1,854 |
| | 1,730 |
|
Other operating expenses | | 749 |
| | 750 |
|
Operating expenses | | 2,603 |
| | 2,480 |
|
Operating income | | 733 |
| | 735 |
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Interest income | | 2 |
| | 3 |
|
Interest expense | | (46 | ) | | (36 | ) |
Investment (loss) income | | (3 | ) | | 2 |
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Income before income taxes | | 686 |
| | 704 |
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Income tax expense | | 196 |
| | 206 |
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Income from continuing operations | | 490 |
| | 498 |
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Discontinued operations, net of tax | | — |
| | (3 | ) |
Net income before non-controlling interests | | 490 |
| | 495 |
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Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests | | 9 |
| | 13 |
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Net income attributable to the Company | | $ | 481 |
| | $ | 482 |
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Basic net income per share – Continuing operations | | $ | 0.92 |
| | $ | 0.90 |
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– Net income attributable to the Company | | $ | 0.92 |
| | $ | 0.89 |
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Diluted net income per share – Continuing operations | | $ | 0.91 |
| | $ | 0.89 |
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– Net income attributable to the Company | | $ | 0.91 |
| | $ | 0.88 |
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Average number of shares outstanding – Basic | | 521 |
| | 539 |
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– Diluted | | 526 |
| | 545 |
|
Shares outstanding at March 31, | | 521 |
| | 538 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
MARSH & McLENNAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
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| | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
(In millions) | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
|
Net income before non-controlling interests | $ | 490 |
| | $ | 495 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax: | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | 13 |
| | (426 | ) |
Gain (loss) related to pension/post-retirement plans | 138 |
| | 236 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax | 151 |
| | (190 | ) |
Income tax expense on other comprehensive income | 28 |
| | 53 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 123 |
| | (243 | ) |
Comprehensive income | 613 |
| | 252 |
|
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest | 9 |
| | 13 |
|
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company | $ | 604 |
| | $ | 239 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
MARSH & McLENNAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
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| | | | | | | |
(In millions, except share and per share figures) | March 31, 2016 |
| | December 31, 2015 |
|
ASSETS | | | |
Current assets: | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 918 |
| | $ | 1,374 |
|
Receivables | | | |
Commissions and fees | 3,357 |
| | 3,198 |
|
Advanced premiums and claims | 60 |
| | 51 |
|
Other | 318 |
| | 309 |
|
| 3,735 |
| | 3,558 |
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Less-allowance for doubtful accounts and cancellations | (88 | ) | | (87 | ) |
Net receivables | 3,647 |
| | 3,471 |
|
Other current assets | 233 |
| | 199 |
|
Total current assets | 4,798 |
| | 5,044 |
|
Goodwill | 7,950 |
| | 7,889 |
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Other intangible assets | 1,035 |
| | 1,036 |
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Fixed assets (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $1,651 at March 31, 2016 and $1,621 at December 31, 2015) | 757 |
| | 773 |
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Pension related assets | 1,181 |
| | 1,159 |
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Deferred tax assets | 1,117 |
| | 1,138 |
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Other assets | 1,290 |
| | 1,177 |
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| $ | 18,128 |
| | $ | 18,216 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
MARSH & McLENNAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
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(In millions, except share and per share figures) | March 31, 2016 |
| | December 31, 2015 |
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LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | |
Short-term debt | $ | 265 |
| | $ | 12 |
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Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 1,879 |
| | 1,886 |
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Accrued compensation and employee benefits | 724 |
| | 1,656 |
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Accrued income taxes | 128 |
| | 154 |
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Dividends payable | 163 |
| | — |
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Total current liabilities | 3,159 |
| | 3,708 |
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Fiduciary liabilities | 4,501 |
| | 4,146 |
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Less – cash and investments held in a fiduciary capacity | (4,501 | ) | | (4,146 | ) |
| — |
| | — |
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Long-term debt | 4,748 |
| | 4,402 |
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Pension, post-retirement and post-employment benefits | 2,042 |
| | 2,058 |
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Liabilities for errors and omissions | 319 |
| | 318 |
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Other liabilities | 1,089 |
| | 1,128 |
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Commitments and contingencies | — |
| | — |
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Equity: | | | |
Preferred stock, $1 par value, authorized 6,000,000 shares, none issued | — |
| | — |
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Common stock, $1 par value, authorized | | | |
1,600,000,000 shares, issued 560,641,640 shares at March 31, 2016 | | | |
and December 31, 2015 | 561 |
| | 561 |
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Additional paid-in capital | 777 |
| | 861 |
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Retained earnings | 11,460 |
| | 11,302 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (4,097 | ) | | (4,220 | ) |
Non-controlling interests | 92 |
| | 89 |
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| 8,793 |
| | 8,593 |
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Less – treasury shares, at cost, 39,120,576 shares at March 31, 2016 | | | |
and 38,743,686 shares at December 31, 2015 | (2,022 | ) | | (1,991 | ) |
Total equity | 6,771 |
| | 6,602 |
|
| $ | 18,128 |
| | $ | 18,216 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
MARSH & McLENNAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) |
| | | | | | | |
For the Three Months Ended March 31, | | | |
(In millions) | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
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Operating cash flows: | | | |
Net income before non-controlling interests | $ | 490 |
| | $ | 495 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used for operations: | | | |
Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets and capitalized software | 78 |
| | 77 |
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Amortization of intangible assets | 33 |
| | 24 |
|
Adjustments and payments related to contingent consideration liability | 1 |
| | (2 | ) |
Provision for deferred income taxes | 22 |
| | 87 |
|
Loss (gain) on investments | 3 |
| | (2 | ) |
Loss on disposition of assets | 2 |
| | 1 |
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Share-based compensation expense | 31 |
| | 24 |
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Changes in assets and liabilities: | | | |
Net receivables | (175 | ) | | (1 | ) |
Other current assets | (34 | ) | | (26 | ) |
Other assets | 2 |
| | 8 |
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 36 |
| | (128 | ) |
Accrued compensation and employee benefits | (931 | ) | | (927 | ) |
Accrued income taxes | (26 | ) | | (30 | ) |
Contributions to pension and other benefit plans in excess of current year expense/credit | (67 | ) | | (134 | ) |
Other liabilities | (71 | ) | | (79 | ) |
Effect of exchange rate changes | 25 |
| | 90 |
|
Net cash used for operations | (581 | ) | | (523 | ) |
Financing cash flows: | | | |
Purchase of treasury shares | (200 | ) | | (300 | ) |
Net increase in commercial paper | 252 |
| | — |
|
Proceeds from debt | 347 |
| | 493 |
|
Repayments of debt | (3 | ) | | (2 | ) |
Shares withheld for taxes on vested units – treasury shares | (37 | ) | | (47 | ) |
Issuance of common stock from treasury shares | 92 |
| | 104 |
|
Payments of deferred and contingent consideration for acquisitions | (39 | ) | | (32 | ) |
Distributions of non-controlling interests | (6 | ) | | (1 | ) |
Dividends paid | (161 | ) | | (151 | ) |
Net cash provided by financing activities | 245 |
| | 64 |
|
Investing cash flows: | | | |
Capital expenditures | (51 | ) | | (91 | ) |
Net purchases of long-term investments | (2 | ) | | (87 | ) |
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
Acquisitions | (75 | ) | | (16 | ) |
Other, net | 1 |
| | (1 | ) |
Net cash used for investing activities | (126 | ) | | (194 | ) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 6 |
| | (201 | ) |
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (456 | ) | | (854 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 1,374 |
| | 1,958 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 918 |
| | $ | 1,104 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
MARSH & McLENNAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(Unaudited)
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| | | | | | | |
For the Three Months Ended March 31, | | | |
(In millions, except per share figures) | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
|
COMMON STOCK | | | |
Balance, beginning and end of period | $ | 561 |
| | $ | 561 |
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ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL | | | |
Balance, beginning of year | $ | 861 |
| | $ | 930 |
|
Change in accrued stock compensation costs | (36 | ) | | (40 | ) |
Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans and employee stock purchase plans and related tax impact | (48 | ) | | (53 | ) |
Balance, end of period | $ | 777 |
| | $ | 837 |
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RETAINED EARNINGS | | | |
Balance, beginning of year | $ | 11,302 |
| | $ | 10,335 |
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Net income attributable to the Company | 481 |
| | 482 |
|
Dividend equivalents declared – (per share amounts: $0.62 in 2016 and $0.56 in 2015) | (1 | ) | | (1 | ) |
Dividends declared – (per share amounts: $0.62 in 2016 and $0.56 in 2015) | (322 | ) | | (301 | ) |
Balance, end of period | $ | 11,460 |
| | $ | 10,515 |
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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS | | | |
Balance, beginning of year | $ | (4,220 | ) | | $ | (3,847 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 123 |
| | (243 | ) |
Balance, end of period | $ | (4,097 | ) | | $ | (4,090 | ) |
TREASURY SHARES | | | |
Balance, beginning of year | $ | (1,991 | ) | | $ | (925 | ) |
Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans and employee stock purchase plans | 169 |
| | 174 |
|
Purchase of treasury shares | (200 | ) | | (300 | ) |
Balance, end of period | $ | (2,022 | ) | | $ | (1,051 | ) |
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS | | | |
Balance, beginning of year | $ | 89 |
| | $ | 79 |
|
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests | 9 |
| | 13 |
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Distributions | (6 | ) | | (1 | ) |
Balance, end of period | $ | 92 |
| | $ | 91 |
|
TOTAL EQUITY | $ | 6,771 |
| | $ | 6,863 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
MARSH & McLENNAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. Nature of Operations
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (the "Company"), a global professional services firm, is organized based on the different services that it offers. Under this organizational structure, the Company’s two business segments are Risk and Insurance Services and Consulting.
The Risk and Insurance Services segment provides risk management activities and insurance broking, reinsurance broking and insurance program management services for businesses, public entities, insurance companies, associations, professional services organizations, and private clients. The Company conducts business in this segment through Marsh and Guy Carpenter.
The Company conducts business in its Consulting segment through two main business groups. Mercer provides consulting expertise, advice, services and solutions in the areas of health, retirement, talent and investments. Within the investments business, Mercer provides delegated investment (fiduciary management) solutions to institutional investors (such as retirement plan sponsors and trustees) and to individual investors (primarily through the inclusion of funds managed by Mercer on defined contribution and wealth management platforms). As of March 31, 2016, Mercer had assets under management of $140 billion worldwide. Oliver Wyman Group provides specialized management and economic and brand consulting services.
Acquisitions impacting the Risk and Insurance Services and Consulting segments are discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.
2. Principles of Consolidation and Other Matters
The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. While certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations for interim filings, the Company believes that the information and disclosures presented are adequate to make such information and disclosures not misleading. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the "2015 Form 10-K").
The financial information contained herein reflects all normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.
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. The estimated fair value of the Company's cash and cash equivalents approximates their carrying value. The Company is required to maintain operating funds of approximately $197 million, primarily related to regulatory requirements outside the U.S. or as collateral under captive insurance arrangements.
Investments
The Company holds investments in private companies and private equity funds. Investments in private equity funds are accounted for under the equity method of accounting using a consistently applied three-month lag period adjusted for any known significant changes from the lag period to the reporting date of the Company. The underlying private equity funds follow investment company accounting, where investments within the fund are carried at fair value. The Company records in earnings, investment gains/losses for its proportionate share of the change in fair value of the funds. Investments using the equity method of accounting are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
The caption "Investment (loss) income" in the consolidated statements of income comprises realized and unrealized gains and losses from investments recognized in current earnings. It includes, when applicable, other than temporary declines in the value of debt and available-for-sale securities and equity method gains or losses on its investment in private equity funds. The Company's investments may include direct investments in insurance or
consulting companies and investments in private equity funds. The Company recorded an investment loss of $3 million in the first quarter of 2016 compared to a net investment gain of $2 million for the same period in 2015.
Income Taxes
The Company's effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2016 was 28.6% compared with 29.2% in the first quarter of 2015. These rates reflect non-U.S. income taxed at rates below the U.S. statutory rate, including the effect of repatriation.
The Company is routinely examined by tax authorities in the jurisdictions in which it has significant operations. The Company regularly considers the likelihood of assessments in each of the taxing jurisdictions resulting from examinations. When evaluating the potential imposition of penalties, the Company considers a number of relevant factors under penalty statutes, including appropriate disclosure of the tax return position, the existence of legal authority supporting the Company's position, and reliance on the opinion of professional tax advisors.
The Company reports a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns. The Company's gross unrecognized tax benefits increased from
$74 million at December 31, 2015 to $76 million at March 31, 2016. It is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease between zero and approximately $6 million within the next twelve months due to settlements of audits and expirations of statutes of limitation.
3. Fiduciary Assets and Liabilities
In its capacity as an insurance broker or agent, the Company collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting its commissions, remits the premiums to the respective insurance underwriters. The Company also collects claims or refunds from underwriters on behalf of insureds. Unremitted insurance premiums and claims proceeds are held by the Company in a fiduciary capacity. Risk and Insurance Services revenue includes interest on fiduciary funds of $6 million and $5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Consulting segment recorded fiduciary interest income of $1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. Since fiduciary assets are not available for corporate use, they are shown in the consolidated balance sheets as an offset to fiduciary liabilities.
Net uncollected premiums and claims and the related payables amounted to $7.6 billion at March 31, 2016 and $6.9 billion at December 31, 2015. The Company 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 the Company and are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
In certain instances, the Company 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.
4. Per Share Data
Basic net income per share attributable to the Company 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 the Company’s common stock.
Diluted net income per share attributable to the Company 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 the Company’s common stock, which have been adjusted for the dilutive effect of potentially issuable common shares. Reconciliations of the applicable income components used for diluted EPS - Continuing operations and basic weighted average common shares outstanding to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding are presented below. The reconciling items related to the calculation of diluted weighted average common shares outstanding are the same for net income attributable to the Company.
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Basic and Diluted EPS Calculation - Continuing Operations | Three Months Ended March 31, |
(In millions, except per share figures) | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
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Net income from continuing operations | $ | 490 |
| | $ | 498 |
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Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests | 9 |
| | 13 |
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| $ | 481 |
| | $ | 485 |
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Basic weighted average common shares outstanding | 521 |
| | 539 |
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Dilutive effect of potentially issuable common shares | 5 |
| | 6 |
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Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding | 526 |
| | 545 |
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Average stock price used to calculate common stock equivalents | $ | 55.86 |
| | $ | 56.37 |
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There were 14.6 million and 17.2 million stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
5. Supplemental Disclosures to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
The following schedule provides additional information concerning acquisitions, interest and income taxes paid for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.
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(In millions of dollars) | | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
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Assets acquired, excluding cash | | $ | 105 |
| | $ | 30 |
|
Liabilities assumed | | (4 | ) | | (2 | ) |
Contingent/deferred purchase consideration | | (26 | ) | | (12 | ) |
Net cash outflow for acquisitions | | $ | 75 |
| | $ | 16 |
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| | | | | | | |
(In millions of dollars) | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
|
Interest paid | $ | 58 |
| | $ | 40 |
|
Income taxes paid, net of refunds | $ | 187 |
| | $ | 118 |
|
The Company paid deferred and contingent consideration of $39 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. This consisted of deferred purchase consideration related to prior years' acquisitions of $25 million and contingent consideration of $14 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company paid deferred and contingent consideration of $32 million, consisting of deferred purchase consideration related to prior years' acquisitions of $26 million and contingent consideration of $6 million. These amounts are included in the consolidated statements of cash flows as a financing activity.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded a net charge for adjustments related to acquisition related accounts of $5 million, offset by contingent consideration payments of $4 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded a net charge for adjustments related to acquisition related accounts of $10 million, offset by contingent consideration payments of $12 million. These amounts are included in the operating section of the consolidated statement of cash flows.
The Company had non-cash issuances of common stock under its share-based payment plan of $67 million and $64 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company recorded stock-based
compensation expense related to equity awards of $20 million and $16 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The consolidated statement of cash flows includes the cash flow impact of discontinued operations related to indemnification payments from the Putnam disposition that reduced the net cash flow provided by operations by $82 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
6. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The changes in the balances of each component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, including amounts reclassified out of AOCI, are as follows:
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions of dollars) | Unrealized Investment Gains | | Pension/Post-Retirement Plans Gains (Losses) | | Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses) | | Total Gains (Losses) |
Balance as of January 1, 2016 | $ | 6 |
| | $ | (3,124 | ) | | $ | (1,102 | ) | | $ | (4,220 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | — |
| | 80 |
| | 13 |
| | 93 |
|
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | — |
| | 30 |
| | — |
| | 30 |
|
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) | — |
| | 110 |
| | 13 |
| | 123 |
|
Balance as of March 31, 2016 | $ | 6 |
| | $ | (3,014 | ) | | $ | (1,089 | ) | | $ | (4,097 | ) |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions of dollars) | Unrealized Investment Gains | | Pension/Post-Retirement Plans Gains (Losses) | | Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses) | | Total Gains (Losses) |
Balance as of January 1, 2015 | $ | 5 |
| | $ | (3,393 | ) | | $ | (459 | ) | | $ | (3,847 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | — |
| | 128 |
| | (423 | ) | | (295 | ) |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | — |
| | 52 |
| | — |
| | 52 |
|
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) | — |
| | 180 |
| | (423 | ) | | (243 | ) |
Balance as of March 31, 2015 | $ | 5 |
| | $ | (3,213 | ) | | $ | (882 | ) | | $ | (4,090 | ) |
The components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Three Months Ended March 31, | | 2016 | | 2015 |
(In millions of dollars) | | Pre-Tax |
| Tax |
| Net of Tax |
| | Pre-Tax |
| Tax (Credit) |
| Net of Tax |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | $ | 13 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 13 |
| | $ | (426 | ) | $ | (3 | ) | $ | (423 | ) |
Pension/post-retirement plans: | | | | | | | | |
Amortization of losses (gains) included in net periodic pension cost: | | | | | | |
|
| |
Prior service cost (a) | | 1 |
| — |
| 1 |
| | — |
| — |
| — |
|
Net actuarial losses (a) | | 41 |
| 12 |
| 29 |
| | 77 |
| 25 |
| 52 |
|
Subtotal | | 42 |
| 12 |
| 30 |
| | 77 |
| 25 |
| 52 |
|
Effect of remeasurement | | (1 | ) | — |
| (1 | ) | | (4 | ) | (1 | ) | (3 | ) |
Effect of settlement | | 1 |
| — |
| 1 |
| | — |
| — |
| — |
|
Plan Termination | | — |
| — |
| — |
| | (6 | ) | (2 | ) | (4 | ) |
Foreign currency translation gains | | 97 |
| 16 |
| 81 |
| | 169 |
| 34 |
| 135 |
|
Other | | (1 | ) | — |
| (1 | ) | | — |
| — |
| — |
|
Pension/post-retirement plans gains | | 138 |
| 28 |
| 110 |
| | 236 |
| 56 |
| 180 |
|
Other comprehensive gains (losses) | | $ | 151 |
| $ | 28 |
| $ | 123 |
| | $ | (190 | ) | $ | 53 |
| $ | (243 | ) |
(a) Components of net periodic pension cost are included in compensation and benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Income tax credits on prior service losses and net actuarial losses are included in income tax expense. |
7. Acquisitions
The Risk and Insurance Services segment completed three acquisitions during the first three months of 2016.
February – Marsh & McLennan Agency ("MMA") acquired The Celedinas Agency, Inc., a Florida-based brokerage firm providing property and casualty and marine insurance as well as employee benefits services to businesses and individuals, and Aviation Solutions, LLC, a Missouri-based aviation risk advisor and insurance broker.
March – MMA acquired Corporate Consulting Services, Ltd., a New York-based insurance brokerage and human resource consulting firm.
The Consulting segment completed one acquisition during the first three months of 2016.
| |
• | January – Mercer acquired The Positive Ageing Company Limited, a UK-based firm providing advice on issues surrounding the aging workforce. |
Total purchase consideration for acquisitions made during the first three months of 2016 was $103 million, which consisted of cash paid of $77 million and deferred purchase and estimated contingent consideration of $26 million. Contingent consideration arrangements are based primarily on EBITDA and revenue targets over a period of 3 years. The fair value of the contingent consideration was based on projected revenue and earnings of the acquired entities. Estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to adjustment when purchase accounting is finalized. The Company also paid $25 million of deferred purchase consideration and $18 million of contingent consideration related to acquisitions made in prior years.
The following table presents the preliminary allocation of the acquisition cost to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during 2016 based on their fair values: |
| | | |
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 | |
(In millions of dollars) | |
Cash | $ | 77 |
|
Estimated fair value of deferred/contingent consideration | 26 |
|
Total Consideration | $ | 103 |
|
Allocation of purchase price: | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2 |
|
Accounts receivable, net | 1 |
|
Property, plant, and equipment | 1 |
|
Other intangible assets | 42 |
|
Goodwill | 61 |
|
Total assets acquired | 107 |
|
Current liabilities | 2 |
|
Other liabilities | 2 |
|
Total liabilities assumed | 4 |
|
Net assets acquired | $ | 103 |
|
Other intangible assets acquired are based on initial estimates and subject to change based on final valuations during the measurement period after the acquisition date. The following chart provides information of other intangible assets acquired during 2016:
|
| | | | | | |
| | Amount | | Weighted Average Amortization Period |
Client relationships | | $ | 40 |
| | 10 years |
Other (a) | | 2 |
| | 3 years |
| | $ | 42 |
| | |
(a) Primarily non-compete agreements, trade names and developed technology.
Prior-Year Acquisitions
The Risk and Insurance Services segment completed thirteen acquisitions during 2015.
| |
• | January – Marsh acquired INGESEG S.A., an insurance brokerage located in Argentina. |
| |
• | May – Marsh acquired Sylvite Financial Services, Inc., a Canada-based insurance consulting firm and Sumitomo Life Insurance Agency America, Inc., an employee benefits brokerage and consulting firm providing employee benefit and other services to U.S.-based subsidiaries of Japanese companies. |
| |
• | June – Marsh & McLennan Agency ("MMA") acquired MHBT, Inc., a Texas-based insurance broker and Marsh acquired SIS Co. Ltd, a Korea-based insurance broker and advisor. |
| |
• | July – MMA acquired Vezina, a Canada-based independent insurance brokerage firm, Tequesta Insurance Advisors, an employee benefits insurance provider based in Florida, Cline Wood Agency, a Kansas City-based independent specialty insurance agency and J.W. Terrill, a Missouri-based independent insurance agency. Marsh acquired SMEI Group Ltd., a U.K.-based insurance broker providing specialist commercial insurance to small and medium-sized firms. |
| |
• | August – Marsh acquired Dovetail Insurance, a leading provider of insurance technology services to the U.S. small commercial market. |
| |
• | October – MMA acquired Dawson Insurance Agency, a North Dakota-based agency providing commercial and personal insurance, surety bonds, safety and loss control programs, and employee benefits services. |
| |
• | December – Marsh acquired Jelf Group, PLC, a U.K.-based insurance broking and financial consulting firm. |
The Consulting segment completed eight acquisitions during 2015.
| |
• | February – Oliver Wyman acquired TeamSAI, a Georgia-based provider of consulting and technical services to the transportation industry, and Mercer acquired Strategic Capital Management AG, a Switzerland-based institutional investment advisor. |
| |
• | June – Mercer acquired Kepler Associates, a U.K.-based executive remuneration specialist. |
| |
• | August – OWG acquired the Hong Kong and Shanghai franchises of OC&C Strategy Consultants. |
| |
• | September – Mercer acquired Comptryx, a global pay and workforce metrics business specializing in the technology sector. |
| |
• | November – Mercer acquired HR Business Solutions (Asia) Limited, a Hong Kong-based compensation and employee benefits consulting firm, and Gama Consultores Associados Ltda, a Brazil-based retirement consulting firm. |
| |
• | December – Mercer acquired CPSG Partners, a Workday Services partner assisting clients worldwide to maximize the value of Workday Financial Management and Human Capital Management. |
Total purchase consideration for acquisitions made during the first three months of 2015 was $32 million, which consisted of cash paid of $20 million and deferred purchase and estimated contingent consideration of $12 million. Contingent consideration arrangements are primarily based on EBITDA and revenue targets over two to four years. The fair value of the contingent consideration was based on projected revenue and earnings of the acquired entities. Estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to adjustment when purchase accounting is finalized. In the first three months of 2015, the Company also paid $26 million of deferred purchase consideration and $19 million of contingent consideration related to acquisitions made in prior years. In addition, the Company purchased other intangible assets in the amount of $3 million.
Pro-Forma Information
While the Company does not believe its acquisitions in the aggregate are material, the following unaudited pro-forma financial data gives effect to the acquisitions made by the Company during 2016 and 2015. In accordance with accounting guidance related to pro-forma disclosures, the information presented for current year acquisitions is as if they occurred on January 1, 2015 and reflects acquisitions made in 2015 as if they occurred on January 1, 2014. The unaudited pro-forma information adjusts for the effects of amortization of acquired intangibles. The unaudited pro-forma financial data is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have been achieved if such acquisitions had occurred on the dates indicated, nor is it necessarily indicative of future consolidated results.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, |
(In millions, except per share figures) | | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
|
Revenue | | $ | 3,343 |
| | $ | 3,330 |
|
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 491 |
| | $ | 509 |
|
Net income attributable to the Company | | $ | 482 |
| | $ | 492 |
|
Basic net income per share: | | | | |
– Continuing operations | | $ | 0.92 |
| | $ | 0.92 |
|
– Net income attributable to the Company | | $ | 0.92 |
| | $ | 0.91 |
|
Diluted net income per share: | | | | |
– Continuing operations | | $ | 0.92 |
| | $ | 0.91 |
|
– Net income attributable to the Company | | $ | 0.92 |
| | $ | 0.90 |
|
The consolidated statements of income include the results of operations of acquired companies since their respective acquisition dates. The consolidated statements of income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 include approximately $2 million of revenue and less than $1 million of operating income related to acquisitions made in 2016.
8. Goodwill and Other Intangibles
The Company is required to assess goodwill and any indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. The Company performs the annual impairment assessment for each of its reporting units during the third quarter of each year. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The Company considered numerous factors, which included that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by a substantial margin in its most recent estimate of reporting unit fair values, whether significant acquisitions or dispositions occurred which might alter the fair value of its reporting units, macroeconomic conditions and their potential impact on reporting unit fair values, actual performance compared with budget and prior projections used in its estimation of reporting unit fair values, industry and market conditions, and the year-over-year change in the Company’s share price. The Company completed its qualitative assessment in the third quarter of 2015 and concluded that a two-step goodwill impairment test was not required in 2015 and that goodwill was not impaired.
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:
|
| | | | | | | |
March 31, | | | |
(In millions of dollars) | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
|
Balance as of January 1, as reported | $ | 7,889 |
| | $ | 7,241 |
|
Goodwill acquired | 61 |
| | 12 |
|
Other adjustments(a) | — |
| | (93 | ) |
Balance at March 31, | $ | 7,950 |
| | $ | 7,160 |
|
| |
(a) | Primarily reflects the impact of foreign exchange in each period. |
Goodwill allocable to the Company’s reportable segments at March 31, 2016 is as follows: Risk & Insurance Services, $5.7 billion and Consulting, $2.3 billion.
The gross cost and accumulated amortization at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2016 | | December 31, 2015 |
(In millions of dollars) | Gross Cost |
| | Accumulated Amortization |
| | Net Carrying Amount |
| | Gross Cost |
| | Accumulated Amortization |
| | Net Carrying Amount |
|
Client Relationships | $ | 1,312 |
| | $ | 372 |
| | $ | 940 |
| | $ | 1,281 |
| | $ | 347 |
| | $ | 934 |
|
Other (a) | 174 |
| | 79 |
| | 95 |
| | 176 |
| | 74 |
| | 102 |
|
Amortized intangibles | $ | 1,486 |
| | $ | 451 |
| | $ | 1,035 |
| | $ | 1,457 |
| | $ | 421 |
| | $ | 1,036 |
|
(a) Primarily non-compete agreements, trade names and developed technology.
Aggregate amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was $33 million and $24 million, respectively. The estimated future aggregate amortization expense is as follows:
|
| | | |
For the Years Ending December 31, | |
(In millions of dollars) | Estimated Expense |
|
2016 (excludes amortization through March 31, 2016) | $ | 87 |
|
2017 | 123 |
|
2018 | 121 |
|
2019 | 116 |
|
2020 | 120 |
|
Subsequent years | 468 |
|
| $ | 1,035 |
|
9. Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Hierarchy
The Company has categorized its assets and liabilities that are valued at fair value on a recurring basis into a three-level fair value hierarchy as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"). 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, the level in the fair value hierarchy, for disclosure purposes, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Assets and liabilities recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value are categorized based on the inputs in the valuation techniques as follows:
| |
Level 1. | Assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market (examples include active exchange-traded equity securities and money market mutual funds). |
Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include exchange-traded mutual funds and money market funds.
| |
Level 2. | Assets and liabilities whose values are based on the following: |
| |
a) | Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; |
| |
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). |
The Company does not have any assets or liabilities that utilize Level 2 inputs.
| |
Level 3. | 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). |
Liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs include liabilities for contingent purchase consideration.
Valuation Techniques
Equity Securities and Mutual Funds – Level 1
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.
Contingent Consideration Liability – Level 3
Purchase consideration for some acquisitions made by the Company includes contingent consideration arrangements. Contingent consideration arrangements are primarily based on meeting EBITDA and revenue targets over periods from two to four years. The fair value of contingent consideration is estimated as the present value of future cash flows resulting from the projected revenue and earnings of the acquired entities.
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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Identical Assets (Level 1) | | Observable Inputs (Level 2) | | Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | Total |
(In millions of dollars) | 03/31/16 |
| | 12/31/15 |
| | 03/31/16 |
| | 12/31/15 |
| | 03/31/16 |
| | 12/31/15 |
| | 03/31/16 |
| | 12/31/15 |
|
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial instruments owned: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mutual funds(a) | $ | 132 |
| | $ | 142 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 132 |
| | $ | 142 |
|
Money market funds(b) | 14 |
| | 140 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 14 |
| | 140 |
|
Total assets measured at fair value | $ | 146 |
| | $ | 282 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 146 |
| | $ | 282 |
|
Fiduciary Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Money market funds | $ | 92 |
| | $ | 48 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 92 |
| | $ | 48 |
|
Total fiduciary assets measured at fair value | $ | 92 |
| | $ | 48 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 92 |
| | $ | 48 |
|
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Contingent purchase consideration liability(c) | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 302 |
| | $ | 309 |
| | $ | 302 |
| | $ | 309 |
|
Total liabilities measured at fair value | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 302 |
| | $ | 309 |
| | $ | 302 |
| | $ | 309 |
|
| |
(a) | Included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. |
| |
(b) | Included in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets. |
| |
(c) | Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. |
During the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, there were no assets or liabilities that were transferred between any of the levels.
The table below sets forth a summary of the changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 liabilities as of March 31, 2016 and 2015 that represent contingent consideration related to acquisitions:
|
| | | | | | | |
(In millions of dollars) | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
|
Balance at January 1, | $ | 309 |
| | $ | 207 |
|
Additions | 8 |
| | 8 |
|
Payments | (18 | ) | | (19 | ) |
Revaluation Impact | 5 |
| | 10 |
|
Other (a) | (2 | ) | | — |
|
Balance at March 31, | $ | 302 |
| | $ | 206 |
|
(a) Primarily reflects the impact of foreign exchange.
The fair value of the contingent purchase consideration liability is based on projections of revenue and earnings for the acquired entities that are reassessed on a quarterly basis. As set forth in the table above, based on the Company's ongoing assessment of the fair value of contingent consideration, the Company recorded a net increase in the estimated fair value of such liabilities for prior-period acquisitions of $5 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016. A 5% increase in the above mentioned projections would increase the liability by approximately $30 million. A 5% decrease in the above mentioned projections would decrease the liability by approximately $41 million.
Long-Term Investments
The Company holds investments in certain private companies, public companies and private equity investments that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The carrying value of these investments amounted to $347 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
Private Equity Investments
The Company's investments in private equity funds were $73 million and $76 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The carrying values of these private equity investments approximate fair value.
The underlying private equity funds follow investment company accounting, where investments within the fund are carried at fair value. The Company records in earnings, investment gains/losses for its proportionate share of the change in fair value of the funds. These investments would be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
Investments in Public Companies
Alexander Forbes: The Company owns approximately 33% of the common stock of Alexander Forbes, which it purchased in 2014 for 7.50 South African Rand per share. As of March 31, 2016, the carrying value of the Company’s investment in Alexander Forbes was approximately $230 million. As of March 31, 2016, the market value of the approximately 443 million shares of Alexander Forbes owned by the Company, based on the March 31, 2016 closing share price of 6.70 South African Rand per share, was approximately $197 million. During 2015, the share price of Alexander Forbes ranged from 5.32 Rand to 10.38 Rand. The trading price of the Company's shares of Alexander Forbes first dropped below the purchase price in November 2015. During the first quarter of 2016, the shares traded between 4.61 Rand (in late January) to 7.23 Rand (in early March). The Company considered several factors related to its investment in Alexander Forbes, including its financial position, the near- and long-term prospects of Alexander Forbes and the broader South African economy and capital markets, the length of time and extent to which the market value was below cost and the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for anticipated recovery in market value. As a result, the Company determined the investment was not impaired.
The Company’s investment in Alexander Forbes and its other equity investments in private companies are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, the results of which are included in revenue in the consolidated income statements and the carrying value of which is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company records its share of income or loss on its equity method investments on a one quarter lag basis.
Benefitfocus: On February 24, 2015, Mercer purchased shares of common stock of Benefitfocus (NASDAQ:BNFT) constituting approximately 9.9% of BNFT's outstanding capital stock as of the acquisition date. The purchase price for the BNFT shares and certain other rights and other consideration was approximately $75 million. The Company has elected to account for this investment under the cost method of accounting as the shares purchased are categorized as restricted and cannot be sold for an extended period. Effective January 1, 2017, these shares will be accounted for as available for sale securities and classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy and included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The value of the BNFT shares based on the closing price on the NASDAQ at March 31, 2016 and without regard to the restrictions on sale was approximately $94 million.
10. Retirement Benefits
The Company maintains qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans for some of its U.S. and non-U.S. eligible employees. The Company’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 by U.S. law and the laws of the non-U.S. jurisdictions in which the Company offers defined benefit plans.
The target asset allocation for the Company's U.S. Plan was 64% equities and equity alternatives and 36% fixed income and at March 31, 2016, the actual allocation for the Company's U.S. Plan was 62% equities and equity alternatives and 38% fixed income. The target asset allocation for the Company's U.K. Plans, which comprise approximately 83% of non-U.S. Plan assets, is 48% equities and equity alternatives and 52% fixed income. At March 31, 2016, the actual allocation for the U.K. Plans was 45% equities and equity alternatives and 55% fixed income. The assets of the Company's defined benefit plans are diversified and are managed in accordance with applicable laws and with the goal of maximizing the plans' real return within acceptable risk parameters. The Company generally uses threshold-based portfolio re-balancing to ensure the actual portfolio remains consistent with target asset allocation ranges.
The components of the net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit and other post-retirement plans are as follows: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Combined U.S. and significant non-U.S. Plans | Pension | | Post-retirement |
For the Three Months Ended March 31, | Benefits | | Benefits |
(In millions of dollars) | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
| | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
|
Service cost | $ | 44 |
| | $ | 52 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1 |
|
Interest cost | 137 |
| | 146 |
| | 2 |
| | 2 |
|
Expected return on plan assets | (241 | ) | | (243 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) | — |
| | — |
| | 1 |
| | — |
|
Recognized actuarial loss (gain) | 42 |
| | 76 |
| | (1 | ) | | — |
|
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost | $ | (18 | ) | | $ | 31 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 3 |
|
Plan termination | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (128 | ) |
Total (credit) cost | $ | (18 | ) | | $ | 31 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | (125 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
U.S. Plans only | Pension | | Post-retirement |
For the Three Months Ended March 31, | Benefits | | Benefits |
(In millions of dollars) | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
| | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
|
Service cost | $ | 26 |
| | $ | 30 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1 |
|
Interest cost | 66 |
| | 62 |
| | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
Expected return on plan assets | (95 | ) | | (92 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) | — |
| | — |
| | 1 |
| | — |
|
Recognized actuarial loss (gain) | 18 |
| | 45 |
| | (1 | ) | | — |
|
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 15 |
| | $ | 45 |
| | $ | 1 |
| | $ | 2 |
|
Plan termination | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (128 | ) |
Total cost (credit) | $ | 15 |
| | $ | 45 |
| | $ | 1 |
| | $ | (126 | ) |
Effective September 1, 2015, the Company divided its U.S. qualified defined benefit plan to provide enhanced flexibility and better manage the risks. The existing plan was amended to cover only the retirees currently receiving benefits and terminated vested participants as of August 1, 2015. The Company's active participants as of that date were transferred into a newly established, legally separate qualified defined benefit plan. The benefits offered to the plans’ participants were unchanged. As a result of the plan amendment and establishment of the new plan, the Company re-measured the assets and liabilities of the two plans as required under U.S. GAAP, based on assumptions and market conditions at the amendment date. The net periodic pension expense recognized in 2016 reflects the impact of the amendment discussed above.
In March 2015, the Company amended its U.S. Post-65 retiree medical reimbursement plan (the "RRA plan"), resulting in its termination, with benefits to certain participants to be paid through December 31, 2016. As a result of the termination of the RRA plan, the Company recognized a net credit of approximately $125 million in the first quarter of 2015.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Significant non-U.S. Plans only | Pension | | Post-retirement |
For the Three Months Ended March 31, | Benefits | | Benefits |
(In millions of dollars) | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
| | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
|
Service cost | $ | 18 |
| | $ | 22 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
Interest cost | 71 |
| | 84 |
| | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
Expected return on plan assets | (146 | ) | | (151 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
Recognized actuarial loss | 24 |
| | 31 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost | $ | (33 | ) | | $ | (14 | ) | | $ | 1 |
| | $ | 1 |
|
Total (credit) cost | $ | (33 | ) | | $ | (14 | ) | | $ | 1 |
| | $ | 1 |
|
Effective August 1, 2015, the Company amended its Ireland defined benefit pension plans to close those plans to future benefit accruals and replaced those plans with a defined contribution arrangement. The Company re-measured the assets and liabilities of the plans, based on assumptions and market conditions on the amendment date. The net periodic pension costs recognized in 2016 reflect the impact of the amendment discussed above.
The weighted average actuarial assumptions utilized to calculate the net periodic benefit costs for the U.S. and significant non-U.S. defined benefit plans are as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Combined U.S. and significant non-U.S. Plans | Pension Benefits | | Post-retirement Benefits |
March 31, | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
| | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
|
Weighted average assumptions: | | | | | | | |
Expected return on plan assets | 7.07 | % | | 7.25 | % | | — |
| | — |
|
Discount rate | 4.11 | % | | 3.79 | % | | 4.12 | % | | 4.08 | % |
Rate of compensation increase | 2.44 | % | | 2.42 | % | | — |
| | — |
|
The Company made approximately $51 million of contributions to its U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit plans in the first three months of 2016. The Company expects to contribute approximately $166 million to its non-qualified U.S. pension and non-U.S. pension plans during the remainder of 2016.
11. Debt
The Company’s outstanding debt is as follows:
|
| | | | | | | |
(In millions of dollars) | March 31, 2016 |
| | December 31, 2015 |
|
Short-term: | | | |
Commercial paper | $ | 252 |
| | $ | — |
|
Current portion of long-term debt | 13 |
| | 12 |
|
| 265 |
| | 12 |
|
Long-term: | | | |
Senior notes – 2.30% due 2017 | 250 |
| | 249 |
|
Senior notes – 2.55% due 2018 | 249 |
| | 249 |
|
Senior notes – 2.35% due 2019 | 298 |
| | 298 |
|
Senior notes – 2.35% due 2020 | 497 |
| | 496 |
|
Senior notes – 4.80% due 2021 | 498 |
| | 497 |
|
Senior notes – 3.30% due 2023 | 347 |
| | — |
|
Senior notes – 4.05% due 2023 | 248 |
| | 248 |
|
Senior notes – 3.50% due 2024 | 595 |
| | 595 |
|
Senior notes – 3.50% due 2025 | 495 |
| | 495 |
|
Senior notes – 3.750% due 2026 | 595 |
| | 595 |
|
Senior notes – 5.875% due 2033 | 297 |
| | 297 |
|
Mortgage – 5.70% due 2035 | 390 |
| | 393 |
|
Other | 2 |
| | 2 |
|
| 4,761 |
| | 4,414 |
|
Less current portion | 13 |
| | 12 |
|
| $ | 4,748 |
| | $ | 4,402 |
|
The senior notes in the table above are publicly registered by the Company with no guarantees attached.
The Company had $252 million of commercial paper outstanding at March 31, 2016 with a weighted average interest rate of 0.81%.
In March 2016, the Company issued $350 million of 3.30% seven-year senior notes. The Company intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes.
In September 2015, the Company issued $600 million of 3.75% 10.5-year senior notes. The Company used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes.
In March 2015, the Company issued $500 million of 2.35% five-year senior notes. The Company used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes.
The Company and certain of its foreign subsidiaries maintain a $1.5 billion multi-currency five-year unsecured revolving credit facility. The interest rate on this facility is based on LIBOR plus a fixed margin which varies with the Company's credit ratings. This facility expires in November 2020 and requires the Company to maintain certain coverage and leverage ratios which are tested quarterly. There were no borrowings outstanding under this facility at March 31, 2016.
The Company has a $150 million uncommitted bank credit line. There were no borrowings under this facility at March 31, 2016.
In December 2012, the Company closed on a $50 million, three-year term loan facility which terminated on October 30, 2015.
Fair Value of Short-term and Long-term Debt
The estimated fair value of the Company’s short-term and long-term debt 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 the Company would realize upon disposition, nor do they indicate the Company’s intent or need to dispose of the financial instrument.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2016 | | December 31, 2015 |
(In millions of dollars) | Carrying Amount |
| | Fair Value |
| | Carrying Amount |
| | Fair Value |
|
Short-term debt | $ | 265 |
| | $ | 265 |
| | $ | 12 |
| | $ | 12 |
|
Long-term debt | $ | 4,748 |
| | $ | 4,931 |
| | $ | 4,402 |
| | $ | 4,513 |
|
The fair value of the Company’s short-term debt consists primarily of commercial paper and term debt maturing within the next year and its fair value approximates its carrying value. The estimated fair value of a primary portion of the Company's long-term debt is based on discounted future cash flows using current interest rates available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. Short- and long-term debt would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
12. Restructuring Costs
The Company recorded total restructuring costs of $3 million in the first three months of 2016, primarily for future severance and rent under non-cancelable leases. These costs were incurred in Risk and Insurance Services ($1 million) and in Corporate ($2 million).
Details of the restructuring activity from January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016, which includes liabilities from actions prior to 2016, are as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions of dollars) | Liability at 1/1/15 | | Amounts Accrued |
| | Cash Paid |
| | Other |
| | Liability at 12/31/15 | | Amounts Accrued |
| | Cash Paid |
| | Other |
| | Liability at 3/31/16 |
Severance | $ | 7 |
| | $ | 17 |
| | $ | (7 | ) | | $ | (2 | ) | | $ | 15 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | (5 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | 12 |
|
Future rent under non-cancelable leases and other costs | 85 |
| | 11 |
| | (21 | ) | | 3 |
| | 78 |
| | 1 |
| | (5 | ) | | (1 | ) | | 73 |
|
Total | $ | 92 |
| | $ | 28 |
| | $ | (28 | ) | | $ | 1 |
| | $ | 93 |
| | $ | 3 |
| | $ | (10 | ) | | $ | (1 | ) | | $ | 85 |
|
The expenses associated with the above initiatives are included in compensation and benefits and other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income. The liabilities associated with these initiatives are classified on the consolidated balance sheets as accounts payable, other liabilities or accrued compensation, depending on the nature of the items.
13. Common Stock
During the first three months of 2016, the Company repurchased approximately 3.5 million shares of its common stock for consideration of $200 million. In May 2015, the Board of Directors renewed the Company's share repurchase program, allowing management to buy back up to $2 billion of the Company's common stock. At March 31, 2016, the Company remains authorized to purchase additional shares of its common stock up to a value of approximately $960 million. There is no time limit on the authorization. During the first three months of 2015, the Company repurchased approximately 5.3 million shares of its common stock for consideration of $300 million.
14. Claims, Lawsuits and Other Contingencies
Litigation Matters
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to a significant number of 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, including the placement of insurance, the provision of actuarial services for corporate and public sector clients, the provision of investment advice and investment management services to pension plans, the provision of advice relating to pension buy-out transactions and the provision of consulting services relating to the drafting and interpretation of trust deeds and other documentation governing pension plans. These claims may seek damages, including punitive and treble damages, in amounts that could, if awarded, be significant. In establishing liabilities for errors and omissions claims in accordance with FASB ASC Subtopic No. 450-20 (Contingencies-Loss Contingencies), the Company uses case level reviews by inside and outside counsel, an internal actuarial analysis and other analysis to estimate potential losses. A liability is established when a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable. The liability is reviewed quarterly and adjusted as developments warrant. In many cases, the Company has not recorded a liability, other than for legal fees to defend the claim, because we are unable, at the present time, to make a determination that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable.
To the extent that expected losses exceed our deductible in any policy year, the Company also records an asset for the amount that we expect to recover under any available third-party insurance programs. The Company has varying levels of third-party insurance coverage, with policy limits and coverage terms varying significantly by policy year.
Governmental Inquiries and Enforcement Matters
Our activities are regulated under the laws of the United States and its various states, the European Union and its member states, and the other jurisdictions in which the Company operates. In the ordinary course of business, the Company is also subject to subpoenas, investigations, lawsuits and other regulatory actions undertaken by governmental authorities.
Other Contingencies-Guarantees
In connection with its acquisition of U.K.-based Sedgwick Group in 1998, the Company acquired several insurance underwriting businesses that were already in run-off, including River Thames Insurance Company Limited ("River Thames"), which the Company 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 were 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 March 31, 2016, 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 the Company under the guarantee.
From 1980 to 1983, the Company owned indirectly the English & American Insurance Company ("E&A"), which was a member of the ILU. The ILU required the Company 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 the Company'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. Certain claims have been paid under the letter of credit and the Company anticipates that additional claimants may seek to recover against the letter of credit.
Kroll-related Matters
Under the terms of a stock purchase agreement with Altegrity, Inc. ("Altegrity") related to Altegrity's purchase of Kroll from the Company in August 2010, a copy of which is attached as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2010, the Company agreed to provide a limited indemnity to Altegrity with respect to certain Kroll-related litigation and regulatory matters.
The pending proceedings and other matters described in this Note 14 on Claims, Lawsuits and Other Contingencies may expose the Company or its subsidiaries to liability for significant monetary damages and other forms of relief. Where a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable, the Company establishes liabilities in accordance with FASB ASC Subtopic No. 450-20 (Contingencies - Loss Contingencies). Except as described above, the Company is not able at this time to provide a reasonable estimate of the range of possible loss attributable to these matters or the impact they may have on the Company's consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. This is primarily because these matters are still developing and involve complex issues subject to inherent uncertainty. Adverse determinations in one or more of these matters could have a material impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flows in a future period.
15. Segment Information
The Company is organized based on the types of services provided. Under this organizational structure, the Company’s business segments are:
| |
▪ | Risk and Insurance Services, comprising insurance services (Marsh) and reinsurance services (Guy Carpenter); and |
| |
▪ | Consulting, comprising Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group. |
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those used for the consolidated financial statements described in Note 1 to the Company’s 2015 Form 10-K. 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 the Company’s corporate-level expenses. Revenues are attributed to geographic areas on the basis of where the services are performed.
Selected information about the Company’s operating segments for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |
(In millions of dollars) | Revenue | | Operating Income (Loss) | |
2016– | | | | |
Risk and Insurance Services | $ | 1,868 |
| (a) | $ | 535 |
| |
Consulting | 1,478 |
| (b) | 245 |
| |
Total Operating Segments | 3,346 |
| | 780 |
| |
Corporate / Eliminations | (10 | ) | | (47 | ) | |
Total Consolidated | $ | 3,336 |
| | $ | 733 |
| |
2015– | | | | |
Risk and Insurance Services | $ | 1,803 |
| (a) | $ | 533 |
| |
Consulting | 1,421 |
| (b) | 248 |
| |
Total Operating Segments | 3,224 |
| | 781 |
| |
Corporate / Eliminations | (9 | ) | | (46 | ) | |
Total Consolidated | $ | 3,215 |
| | $ | 735 |
| |
| |
(a) | Includes inter-segment revenue of $1 million in both 2016 and 2015, interest income on fiduciary funds of $6 million in 2016 and $5 million in 2015, and equity method income of $1 million in 2016 and $2 million in 2015. |
| |
(b) | Includes inter-segment revenue of $9 million in 2016 and $8 million in 2015, interest income on fiduciary funds of $1 million in both 2016 and 2015, and equity method income of $4 million in 2016 and $3 million in 2015. |
Details of operating segment revenue for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |
(In millions of dollars) | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
| |
Risk and Insurance Services | | | | |
Marsh | $ | 1,493 |
| | $ | 1,434 |
| |
Guy Carpenter | 375 |
| | 369 |
| |
Total Risk and Insurance Services | 1,868 |
| | 1,803 |
| |
Consulting | | | | |
Mercer | 1,039 |
| | 1,037 |
| |
Oliver Wyman Group | 439 |
| | 384 |
| |
Total Consulting | 1,478 |
| | 1,421 |
| |
Total Operating Segments | 3,346 |
| | 3,224 |
| |
Corporate / Eliminations | (10 | ) | | (9 | ) | |
Total | $ | 3,336 |
| | $ | 3,215 |
| |
16. New Accounting Guidance
In April 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any organization in any interim or annual period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the guidance on its financial condition, results of operations and statement of cash flows.
In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which eliminates the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The amendments require that an entity that has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. The new guidance is effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application will be permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the guidance on its financial condition and results of operations.
In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP, which requires that only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet, the new guidance requires that both types of leases be recognized on the balance sheet. The new guidance will require additional disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements, and additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. The accounting by organizations that own the assets ("lessor") leased by the lessee will remain largely unchanged from current GAAP. However, the guidance contains some targeted improvements that are intended to align, where necessary, lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and with the updated revenue recognition guidance issued in 2014. The new guidance on leases will take effect for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early application will be permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the guidance on its financial condition and results of operations.
In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance intended to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The new guidance requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset (i.e., securities or loans and receivables) on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; and requires a reporting organization to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk (also referred to as "own credit") when the organization has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. The new guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the guidance on its financial condition and results of operations.
In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance to clarify the principles for revenue recognition. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that principle, the entity should apply the following steps: identify the contract(s) with the customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract(s), determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The guidance was initially effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, but was deferred to fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2017. Entities are permitted to adopt the guidance under one of the following methods: retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (with certain practical expedients allowed) or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application. If an entity elects the latter transition method, it must provide disclosures in reporting periods that include the date of initial application of the amount by which each financial statement line item is affected in the current reporting period by application of the guidance as compared to guidance that was in effect before the change, and an explanation for the reasons for significant changes. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the guidance on its financial condition and results of operations.
New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted
In November 2015, the FASB issued a new standard related to the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes ("deferred tax standard"), which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes. The deferred tax standard requires companies to classify deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in the consolidated balance sheet. The previous standard required companies to classify deferred tax assets and liabilities as current and noncurrent. The deferred tax standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted for any interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued. Effective December 31, 2015, the Company early adopted the deferred tax standard retrospectively, as a change in accounting principle. The impact of this change on the Company's prior year's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is shown in the table below. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our results of operations.
In September 2015, the FASB issued new guidance intended to simplify the accounting for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in business combinations. The guidance requires the acquirer to recognize adjustments to estimated amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined, and to record, in the same period's financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the estimated amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed as of the acquisition date. The guidance also includes additional disclosures required for the amounts recorded in current period earnings arising from such adjustments. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance should be applied prospectively for adjustments to provisional amounts after the effective date, with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
In May 2015, the FASB issued new guidance which removes the requirement to present certain investments for which the practical expedient is used to measure fair value at net asset value within the fair value hierarchy table. Instead, an entity would be required to include those investments as a reconciling item so that the total fair value amount of investments in the disclosure is consistent with the fair value investment balance on the statement of net assets. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this new guidance affects footnote disclosure only, and therefore did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance intended to improve targeted areas of consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations and securitization structures. The guidance focuses on the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
In January 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that eliminated the concept of extraordinary items. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance had no effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In June 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance to clarify the treatment of share-based payment awards that require a specific performance target to be achieved in order for employees to be eligible to vest in the awards which include terms that may provide that the performance conditions could be achieved after an employee completes the requisite service period. The guidance requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. As such, a reporting entity should apply the existing guidance as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In April 2015, the FASB issued a new standard related to the presentation of debt issuance costs ("debt issuance costs standard"). The debt issuance cost standard requires debt issuance costs related to recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The previous standard required these debt issuance costs be classified as an asset and amortized ratably over the life of the debt. The debt issuance cost standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company elected to early adopt the debt issuance costs standard, effective December 31, 2015. The adoption of the debt issuance costs standard had no impact on our results of operations. This guidance is effective on a retrospective basis, as a change in accounting principle. The impact of this change on the Company's prior year's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is shown in the table below.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Period Ended March 31, 2015 |
| As Previously Reported | | Change in Deferred Tax Presentation | | Change in Prepaid Debt Fees Presentation | | As Amended |
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows | | | | | | | |
Changes in assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Other current assets | $ | 28 |
| | $ | (55 | ) | | $ | 1 |
| | $ | (26 | ) |
Other assets | (43 | ) | | 45 |
| | 6 |
| | 8 |
|
Accrued income taxes | (37 | ) | | 7 |
| | — |
| | (30 | ) |
Other liabilities | (82 | ) | | 3 |
| | — |
| | (79 | ) |
Net cash used for operations | (530 | ) | | — |
| | 7 |
| | (523 | ) |
Proceeds from debt | 500 |
| | — |
| | (7 | ) | | 493 |
|
Net cash provided by financing activities | $ | 71 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (7 | ) | | $ | 64 |
|
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
General
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (the "Company") is a global professional services firm offering clients advice and solutions in risk, strategy and people. It is the parent company of a number of leading risk experts and specialty consultants, including: Marsh, the insurance broker, intermediary and risk advisor; Guy Carpenter, the risk and reinsurance specialist; Mercer, the provider of HR and related financial advice and services; and Oliver Wyman Group, the management, economic and brand consultancy. With approximately 60,000 employees worldwide and annual revenue of approximately $13 billion, the Company provides analysis, advice and transactional capabilities to clients in more than 130 countries.
The Company conducts business through two segments:
| |
• | Risk and Insurance Services includes risk management activities (risk advice, risk transfer and risk control and mitigation solutions) as well as insurance and reinsurance broking and services. We conduct business in this segment through Marsh and Guy Carpenter. |
| |
• | Consulting includes Health, Retirement, Talent and Investments consulting services and products, and specialized management, economic and brand consulting services. We conduct business in this segment through Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group. |
A reconciliation of segment operating income to total operating income is included in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part I Item 1 in this report. The accounting policies used for each segment are the same as those used for the consolidated financial statements.
This Management's Discussion & Analysis ("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.
Consolidated Results of Operations
|
| | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |
(In millions, except per share figures) | 2016 |
| 2015 |
| |
Revenue | $ | 3,336 |
| $ | 3,215 |
| |
Expense: | | | |
Compensation and Benefits | 1,854 |
| 1,730 |
| |
Other Operating Expenses | 749 |
| 750 |
| |
Operating Expenses | 2,603 |
| 2,480 |
| |
Operating Income | 733 |
| 735 |
| |
Income from Continuing Operations | 490 |
| 498 |
| |
Discontinued Operations, net of tax | — |
| (3 | ) | |
Net Income Before Non-Controlling Interests | 490 |
| 495 |
| |
Net Income Attributable to the Company | $ | 481 |
| $ | 482 |
| |
Income From Continuing Operations Per Share: | | | |
Basic | $ | 0.92 |
| $ | 0.90 |
| |
Diluted | $ | 0.91 |
| $ | 0.89 |
| |
Net Income Per Share Attributable to the Company: | | | |
Basic | $ | 0.92 |
| $ | 0.89 |
| |
Diluted | $ | 0.91 |
| $ | 0.88 |
| |
Average Number of Shares Outstanding: | | | |
Basic | 521 |
| 539 |
| |
Diluted | 526 |
| 545 |
| |
Shares Outstanding at March 31 | 521 |
| 538 |
| |
The Company's consolidated operating income of $733 million in the first quarter of 2016 was essentially flat compared to the prior year. This reflects the impact of a 4% increase in revenue, offset by a 5% increase in expense. In the first quarter of 2016, the Company continued to be adversely impacted by the strengthened U.S. dollar, which had the effect of reducing the translated value of the Company’s foreign earnings. The increase in expenses reflects the impact of a net credit from the termination of the Company's post-65 retiree medical reimbursement plan in the U.S. (the "RRA plan") of approximately $125 million recorded in the first quarter of 2015, partly offset by lower costs in 2016 for defined benefit pension plans.
Income from continuing operations decreased $8 million, primarily due to the combined effects of the decrease in operating income discussed above, higher interest expense and lower investment income as compared to the same period last year. Diluted net income per share from continuing operations increased 2% to $0.91, compared to $0.89 last year, reflecting a 4% decrease in the average number of diluted shares outstanding, partly offset by the decrease in income from continuing operations. The number of shares issued related to the vesting of share awards and exercise of employee stock options was more than offset by shares repurchased over the past four quarters.
Consolidated Revenue and Expense
The Company 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, certain items that affect comparability, such as the revenue impact of acquisitions and dispositions, including transfers among businesses, 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, including transfers among businesses, on the Company’s operating revenues by segment was as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | | % Change GAAP Revenue | | Components of Revenue Change* |
Currency Impact | | Acquisitions/ Dispositions Impact | | Underlying Revenue |
(In millions of dollars) | 2016 |
| | 2015 |
| |
Risk and Insurance Services | | | | | | | | | | | |
Marsh | |