UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

x                              QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

                                                For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007

 

OR

 

o                                 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                     to                    

 

Commission File Number: 001-16159

 

WATSON WYATT WORLDWIDE, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

 

52-2211537

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

incorporation or organization)

 

 

 

 

 

901 N. Glebe Road

 

 

Arlington, VA

 

22203

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(zip code)

 

(703) 258-8000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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 x      No o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x      Accelerated filer o      Non-accelerated filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o      No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of April 30, 2007.

Class

 

Outstanding at April 30, 2007

Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value per share

 

42,763,451 shares

 

 




 

WATSON WYATT WORLDWIDE, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

For the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31, 2007

PART I.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations—Three and Nine Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets—March 31, 2007 and June 30, 2006

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Nine Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity—Nine Months Ended March 31, 2007

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

52

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

52

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART II.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

 

Other Information

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certifications

 

57

 

 




 

WATSON WYATT WORLDWIDE, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
(Unaudited)

 

 

Three months ended March 31

 

Nine months ended March 31

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

395,598

 

$

343,072

 

$

1,098,027

 

$

924,722

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of providing services:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

211,807

 

191,582

 

598,447

 

514,339

 

Professional and subcontracted services

 

26,494

 

17,884

 

72,659

 

56,490

 

Occupancy, communications and other

 

49,375

 

41,689

 

136,008

 

118,229

 

General and administrative expenses

 

40,445

 

39,300

 

118,005

 

107,895

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

15,123

 

11,510

 

41,797

 

32,319

 

 

 

343,244

 

301,965

 

966,916

 

829,272

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

52,354

 

41,107

 

131,111

 

95,450

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss)/income from affiliates

 

(4,490

)

310

 

(5,357

)

1,732

 

Interest expense

 

(304

)

(1,344

)

(1,336

)

(3,703

)

Interest income

 

889

 

1,047

 

3,101

 

2,344

 

Other non-operating income/(loss)

 

37

 

44

 

141

 

(2,106

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

48,486

 

41,164

 

127,660

 

93,717

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

14,652

 

11,828

 

43,018

 

33,314

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

33,834

 

29,336

 

84,642

 

60,403

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustment to reduce estimated loss on disposal of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

discontinued operations [less applicable income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tax expense for the three and nine months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2007 and 2006]

 

 

1,035

 

 

1,035

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sublease income from discontinued operations, less

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

applicable income tax expense for the three and nine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006

 

 

10

 

 

27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

33,834

 

$

30,381

 

$

84,642

 

$

61,465

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.80

 

$

0.69

 

$

1.99

 

$

1.47

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

0.02

 

 

0.03

 

Net income

 

$

0.80

 

$

0.71

 

$

1.99

 

$

1.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.76

 

$

0.69

 

$

1.90

 

$

1.46

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

0.02

 

 

0.03

 

Net income

 

$

0.76

 

$

0.71

 

$

1.90

 

$

1.49

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares of common stock, basic (000)

 

42,488

 

42,234

 

42,430

 

41,074

 

Weighted average shares of common stock, diluted (000)

 

44,586

 

42,466

 

44,562

 

41,341

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

1




 

WATSON WYATT WORLDWIDE, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Data)
(Unaudited)

 

 

March 31,

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

69,176

 

$

165,345

 

Receivables from clients:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Billed, net of allowances of $6,699 and $3,678

 

222,890

 

180,533

 

Unbilled, at estimated net realizable value

 

139,900

 

123,044

 

 

 

362,790

 

303,577

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

13,524

 

567

 

Other current assets

 

52,735

 

24,158

 

Total current assets

 

498,225

 

493,647

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in affiliates

 

3,058

 

8,564

 

Fixed assets, net

 

167,816

 

147,738

 

Deferred income taxes

 

55,108

 

70,417

 

Goodwill

 

373,871

 

324,041

 

Intangible assets

 

210,860

 

187,075

 

Other assets

 

7,468

 

8,877

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

 

$

1,316,406

 

$

1,240,359

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, including

 

 

 

 

 

discretionary compensation

 

$

270,319

 

$

288,396

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

168

 

Income taxes payable

 

12,523

 

7,771

 

Total current liabilities

 

282,842

 

296,335

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note payable

 

 

30,000

 

Accrued retirement benefits

 

158,616

 

162,505

 

Deferred rent and accrued lease losses

 

29,649

 

28,982

 

Deferred income taxes

 

444

 

480

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

84,901

 

73,296

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

 

556,452

 

591,598

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stock - No par value:

 

 

 

 

 

1,000,000 shares authorized;

 

 

 

 

 

none issued and outstanding

 

 

 

Class A Common Stock - $.01 par value:

 

 

 

 

 

99,000,000 shares authorized;

 

 

 

 

 

42,763,451 and 42,463,451 issued and

 

 

 

 

 

42,501,230 and 42,385,513 outstanding

 

428

 

425

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

396,839

 

386,392

 

Treasury stock, at cost - 262,221 and 77,938 shares

 

(11,971

)

(2,134

)

Retained earnings

 

317,714

 

242,599

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

56,944

 

21,479

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

759,954

 

648,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

$

1,316,406

 

$

1,240,359

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

2




 

WATSON WYATT WORLDWIDE, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

 

Nine months ended March 31

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

84,642

 

$

61,465

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on foreign currency forward contract

 

 

3,602

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense

 

 

(1,035

)

Provision for doubtful receivables from clients

 

17,172

 

6,089

 

Depreciation

 

34,512

 

26,448

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

7,285

 

5,872

 

Provision for deferred income taxes

 

2,145

 

9,876

 

Loss/(income) from affiliates

 

5,357

 

(1,732

)

Distributions from affiliates

 

 

1,614

 

Other, net

 

454

 

326

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business combination

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables from clients

 

(68,865

)

(33,731

)

Other current assets

 

(13,362

)

(4,929

)

Other assets

 

599

 

(684

)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(9,198

)

(31,278

)

Income taxes payable

 

(7,743

)

16,620

 

Accrued retirement benefits

 

(3,889

)

412

 

Deferred rent and accrued lease losses

 

667

 

1,870

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

6,045

 

4,205

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

55,821

 

65,010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows used in investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions and contingent consideration payments

 

(46,534

)

(132,844

)

Purchases of fixed assets

 

(29,244

)

(24,153

)

Capitalized software costs

 

(16,010

)

(20,477

)

Proceeds from divestitures

 

141

 

1,496

 

Cash flows used in investing activities:

 

(91,647

)

(175,978

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows (used in)/from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

 

55,000

 

102,000

 

Repayment on borrowings

 

(85,000

)

(57,000

)

Foreign currency forward contract

 

 

(8,405

)

Dividends paid

 

(9,527

)

(9,487

)

Repurchases of common stock

 

(33,420

)

(3,937

)

Tax benefit on exercise of stock options and other

 

2,375

 

1,444

 

Issuances of common stock - exercises of stock options

 

2,896

 

2,921

 

Issuances of common stock - employee stock purchase plan

 

4,718

 

4,777

 

Cash flows (used in)/from financing activities:

 

(62,958

)

32,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

 

2,615

 

3,253

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(96,169

)

(75,402

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

165,345

 

168,076

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

69,176

 

$

92,674

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

3




 

WATSON WYATT WORLDWIDE, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
(Unaudited)

 

 

Class A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding

 

Class A

 

Additional

 

Treasury

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

(number
of shares)

 

Common
Stock

 

Paid-in
Capital

 

Stock,
at Cost

 

Retained
Earnings

 

Comprehensive
Income

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2006

 

42,386

 

$

425

 

$

386,392

 

$

(2,134

)

$

242,599

 

$

21,479

 

$

648,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

84,642

 

 

 

84,642

 

Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(212

)

(212

)

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35,677

 

35,677

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

120,107

 

Cash dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9,527

)

 

 

(9,527

)

Repurchases of common stock

 

(786

)

 

 

 

 

(33,420

)

 

 

 

 

(33,420

)

Issuance of common stock — Brans acquisition

 

250

 

3

 

11,274

 

99

 

 

 

 

 

11,376

 

Issuances of common stock — employee stock purchase plan shares

 

120

 

 

 

114

 

4,604

 

 

 

 

 

4,718

 

Issuances of common stock — deferred stock units

 

305

 

 

 

2,182

 

10,173

 

 

 

 

 

12,355

 

Issuances of common stock to outside directors

 

9

 

 

 

62

 

252

 

 

 

 

 

314

 

Issuances of common stock — stock options

 

217

 

 

 

(5,560

)

8,455

 

 

 

 

 

2,895

 

Tax benefit of exercises of stock options and other

 

 

 

 

 

2,375

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,375

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2007

 

42,501

 

$

428

 

$

396,839

 

$

(11,971

)

$

317,714

 

$

56,944

 

$

759,954

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

4




 

WATSON WYATT WORLDWIDE, INC.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts are in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

Note 1 — Basis of Presentation.

The accompanying unaudited quarterly condensed consolidated financial statements of Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc. and our subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “we,” “Watson Wyatt,” “Watson Wyatt Worldwide” or the “company”) are presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In the opinion of management, these condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements and results for the interim periods.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read together with the audited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, which is filed with the SEC and may be accessed via EDGAR on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov.  The year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements.

Our fiscal year 2007 began July 1, 2006 and ends June 30, 2007.

The results of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that can be expected for the entire fiscal year.  The results reflect certain estimates and assumptions made by management including estimated bonuses and anticipated tax liabilities that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes.  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Note 2 — Business Acquisitions.

Watson Wyatt Brans & Co.

On February 1, 2007, the company acquired the net assets of Watson Wyatt Brans & Co. (“Brans”), its long-time alliance partner in the Netherlands.  As of the date of the acquisition, Brans employed approximately 180 associates in five offices throughout the Netherlands.  Revenues generated in calendar year 2006 were approximately $37 million (Euro 28 million).  Brans was established in 1945 as an actuarial firm and has extended its services from retirement consulting to incorporate legal aspects of employee benefits and investment consulting to a wide range of clients.  The company and Brans had jointly offered services since 1999 pursuant to alliance agreements and as a result, have business segments that are very similar in nature.

The purchase price of $57.2 million consisted of €34.3 million in cash, or $44.5 million, the issuance of 252,285 shares of the company’s common stock valued at $11.4 million transaction costs and investment elimination of $1.3 million.  The shares paid were valued at $45.09 per share, which was the average of the closing market prices of the company’s stock over five business days beginning with two business days prior to the announcement date of January 3, 2007 and ending with the two business days following the announcement date.   In connection with this acquisition, payment of up to an additional €8.0 million worth of Class A shares (approximately 220,000 shares) after January 31, 2008 is contingent upon achievement by the acquired business of certain financial performance goals during the twelve month period ending January 31, 2008.  The contingent consideration is payable by Watson Wyatt Limited, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc., and the payment obligations are guaranteed by the company.  If the contingent shares are issued they will be accounted for as goodwill.

5




Purchase Price Allocation

The business combination has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting as prescribed in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations” (“FAS 141”), where the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective fair values as of the business combination date.  The company has determined the following preliminary fair values for the proportionate assets purchased and liabilities assumed.  The determination of estimated fair value requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions. The company hired an independent third party to assist in the valuation of assets.

 

February 1, 2007
(in thousands)

 

Total purchase price

 

 

 

$

57,194

 

Less net assets acquired:

 

 

 

 

 

Customer related intangibles

 

18,671

 

 

 

Non-compete agreements

 

596

 

 

 

Client receivables and unbilled revenue

 

7,519

 

 

 

Fixed assets

 

2,066

 

 

 

Other assets

 

2,720

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

(3,482

)

 

 

Net assets acquired

 

 

 

28,090

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

$

29,104

 

 

The allocation of the purchase price resulted in the allocation of $29.1 million to goodwill, which has been assigned to our segments as follows: 

 

Goodwill

 

Benefits Group

 

$

25,903

 

Human Capital Group

 

582

 

Investment Consulting Group

 

2,619

 

Allocation of goodwill to business segments

 

$

29,104

 

 

The majority of the goodwill will be deductible for tax purposes in the Netherlands over a period not exceeding 10 years.

Watson Wyatt LLP

On July 31, 2005, the company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed most liabilities of Watson Wyatt LLP (“WWLLP”) (the “business combination”), a leading United Kingdom-based actuarial, benefits and human resources consulting partnership. The company and WWLLP had jointly offered services since 1995 pursuant to alliance agreements and as a result, have business segments that are very similar in nature.  See Note 3 for further information regarding the related accounting and operating segments of the combined company.

6




The purchase price of $437.0 million consisted of £88.3 million in cash, or $156.1 million at the exchange rate in effect at July 31, 2005, the issuance of 9,090,571 shares of the company’s common stock valued at $238.7 million, transaction costs of $20.5 million and additional consideration including debt forgiveness and investment elimination.  The shares paid were valued at $26.26 per share, which was the average of the closing market prices of the company’s stock over five business days beginning with two business days prior to the announcement date of January 18, 2005 and ending with the two business days following the announcement date.  In addition, a further 1,950,000 shares may be paid as additional consideration after June 30, 2007, contingent upon the achievement by the acquired business of certain agreed-upon financial performance goals.  If the contingent shares are issued they will be accounted for as goodwill.

Purchase Price Allocation

The business combination has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting as prescribed in FAS 141, where the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective fair values as of the business combination date.  As of the business combination date, the company determined the following estimated fair values for the proportionate assets purchased and liabilities assumed.  The determination of estimated fair value requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions. The company hired an independent third party to assist in the valuation of assets.

 

July 31, 2005
(in thousands)

 

Total purchase price

 

 

 

$

437,042

 

Less net assets acquired:

 

 

 

 

 

Trademark and trade name

 

$

108,000

 

 

 

Customer related intangibles

 

60,600

 

 

 

Core/developed technology

 

17,500

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

31,230

 

 

 

Client receivables and unbilled revenue

 

111,305

 

 

 

Other current assets

 

47,153

 

 

 

Fixed assets

 

13,068

 

 

 

Other assets

 

3,795

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

(154,854

)

 

 

Accrued retirement benefits

 

(49,046

)

 

 

Other non current liabilities

 

(33,657

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

155,094

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

$

281,948

 

 

7




The allocation of the purchase price resulted in the allocation of $281.9 million to goodwill, which has been assigned to our segments as follows:

 

Goodwill

 

Benefits Group

 

$

136,463

 

Technology and Administration Solutions Group

 

40,037

 

Human Capital Group

 

16,071

 

Insurance and Financial Services Group

 

52,160

 

Investment Consulting Group

 

37,217

 

Allocation of goodwill to business segments

 

$

281,948

 

 

The majority of the goodwill will be deductible for tax purposes in the U.K. over a period not exceeding 25 years.

Hedge Treatment

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2005, the company entered into a foreign currency forward contract to offset the risk associated with the foreign exchange (British Pound) exposure inherent in the business combination.  The forward contract provided for the purchase of £88 million at a fixed price of $164.5 million, with a settlement date of July 29, 2005.  In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (FAS 133), as amended and interpreted, since the forward contract was associated with a business combination that is subject to the provisions of FAS 141 and the combination involves an equity method investment, the forward contract did not qualify for hedge accounting.  As a result, changes in fair value associated with the forward contract were required to be recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations during the first quarter of fiscal year 2006.  Consequently, a loss of $3.6 million was recognized during the first quarter of fiscal year 2006 in non-operating income.

Pro Forma Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations has been provided to present an illustrative combined unaudited statement of operations for the nine month period ended March 31, 2006, giving effect to the business combination as if it had been completed on July 1, 2005. The unaudited combined statements of operations for the three and nine months period ended March 31, 2007 and the three month period ended March 31, 2006 reflect the actual financial results of Watson Wyatt as a combined company. The unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the nine month period ended March 31, 2006 combine the actual financial results for the combined company from August 1, 2005, the date of business combination, through March 31, 2006, with the historical financial results of Watson Wyatt for July 2005 and the pro forma historical financial results of WWLLP for July 2005. The diluted earnings per share calculation in this pro forma analysis assumes that the 1,950,000 contingent shares related to the business combination had been issued at the beginning of each period.

The unaudited pro forma combined financial information shows the impact of the business combination with WWLLP on Watson Wyatt’s historical results of operations.  The unaudited pro forma combined income statements are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not indicative of the results of operations that might have occurred had the business combination actually taken place as of the dates specified, or that may be expected to occur in the future.  They do not assume any benefits from any cost savings or synergies and do not reflect any integration costs that the combined company realized or incurred after the business combination.

8




 

Pro-Forma Combined Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Nine Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

Actual

 

Actual

 

%

 

Actual

 

Pro Forma

 

%

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

395,598

 

$

343,072

 

15.3

%

$

1,098,027

 

$

961,641

 

14.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of providing services:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

211,807

 

191,582

 

10.6

 

598,447

 

538,379

 

11.2

 

Professional and subcontracted services

 

26,494

 

17,884

 

48.1

 

72,659

 

57,681

 

26.0

 

Occupancy, communications and other

 

49,375

 

41,689

 

18.4

 

136,008

 

121,420

 

12.0

 

General and administrative expenses

 

40,445

 

39,300

 

2.9

 

118,005

 

114,493

 

3.1

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

15,123

 

11,510

 

31.4

 

41,797

 

33,744

 

23.9

 

 

 

343,244

 

301,965

 

 

 

966,916

 

865,717

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

52,354

 

41,107

 

27.4

 

131,111

 

95,924

 

36.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss)/income from affiliates

 

(4,490

)

310

 

(1,548.4

)

(5,357

)

1,244

 

(530.6

)

Interest income/(expense), net

 

585

 

(297

)

297.0

 

1,765

 

(1,772

)

199.6

 

Other non-operating income

 

37

 

44

 

(15.9

)

141

 

1,496

 

(90.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

48,486

 

41,164

 

17.8

 

127,660

 

96,892

 

31.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

14,652

 

11,828

 

23.9

 

43,018

 

34,610

 

24.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

33,834

 

$

29,336

 

15.3

%

$

84,642

 

$

62,282

 

35.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

$

0.80

 

$

0.69

 

 

 

$

1.99

 

$

1.52

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

$

0.76

 

$

0.69

 

 

 

$

1.90

 

$

1.51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares of common stock, basic (000)

 

42,488

 

42,234

 

 

 

42,430

 

41,074

 

 

 

Weighted average shares of common stock, diluted (000)

 

44,586

 

42,466

 

 

 

44,562

 

41,341

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pro forma information for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 excludes, in Other non-operating income, a loss of $3.6 million on a foreign exchange forward contract entered into in conjunction with the business combination with WWLLP.

9




 

Note 3 — Segment Information.

Watson Wyatt is organized and managed through a matrix form of organization.  During fiscal year 2006, we substantially completed the global implementation of our financial systems which has enabled segment reporting around the world.  As a result, beginning fiscal year 2007, the Asia-Pacific and Latin America operations have been reported on a practice basis and are included in our operating segments listed below. We now have five reportable operating segments or practice areas as follows:

(1)            Benefits Group

(2)            Technology and Administration Solutions Group

(3)            Human Capital Group

(4)            Investment Consulting Group

(5)            Insurance and Financial Services Group

Management evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on net operating income on a pre-bonus, pre-tax basis.  The category previously reported as “other” has been reclassified as “All other segments” in the reconciliation of reportable segments to consolidated amounts as prescribed in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (FAS 131).  This includes communication and change management implementation support services.  Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current classification.

The table below presents specified information about reported segments as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2007:

 

 

Benefits
Group

 

Technology
and
Administration
Solutions
Group

 

Human
Capital
Group

 

Investment
Consulting
Group

 

Insurance
and
Financial
Services
Group

 

Total

 

Revenue (net of reimbursable expenses)

 

$

220,708

 

$

39,329

 

$

41,153

 

$

34,294

 

$

30,288

 

$

365,772

 

Net operating income

 

66,696

 

8,229

 

5,929

 

11,680

 

6,400

 

98,934

 

Receivables

 

235,167

 

18,986

 

46,030

 

28,275

 

33,530

 

361,988

 

 

The table below presents specified information about reported segments as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2006 as reclassified to reflect the elimination of the “Asia-Pacific/Latin America” and “Other” segments:

 

 

Benefits
Group

 

Technology
and
Administration
Solutions
Group

 

Human
Capital
Group

 

Investment
Consulting
Group

 

Insurance
and
Financial
Services
Group

 

Total

 

Revenue (net of reimbursable expenses)

 

$

197,921

 

$

36,444

 

$

36,200

 

$

23,760

 

$

27,947

 

$

322,272

 

Net operating income

 

57,408

 

9,052

 

2,605

 

4,899

 

8,096

 

82,060

 

Receivables

 

197,510

 

14,354

 

34,075

 

15,539

 

28,802

 

290,280

 

 

10




The table below presents specified information about reported segments as of and for the nine months ended March 31, 2007:

 

 

Benefits
Group

 

Technology
and
Administration
Solutions
Group

 

Human
Capital
Group

 

Investment
Consulting
Group

 

Insurance
and
Financial
Services
Group

 

Total

 

Revenue (net of reimbursable expenses)

 

$

602,772

 

$

118,034

 

$

126,269

 

$

94,219

 

$

83,656

 

$

1,024,950

 

Net operating income

 

159,541

 

27,314

 

19,305

 

28,364

 

14,730

 

249,254

 

Receivables

 

235,167

 

18,986

 

46,030

 

28,275

 

33,530

 

361,988

 

 

The table below presents specified information about reported segments as of and for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 as reclassified to reflect the elimination of the “Asia-Pacific/Latin America” and “Other” segments.  The segment information below includes the consolidated results from Watson Wyatt Limited, formerly WWLLP, from August 1, 2005, the date of business combination, through March 31, 2006:

 

 

Benefits
Group

 

Technology
and
Administration
Solutions
Group

 

Human
Capital
Group

 

Investment
Consulting
Group

 

Insurance
and
Financial
Services
Group

 

Total

 

Revenue (net of reimbursable expenses)

 

$

531,509

 

$

98,637

 

$

105,910

 

$

61,390

 

$

65,918

 

$

863,364

 

Net operating income

 

135,810

 

24,937

 

9,252

 

8,457

 

13,809

 

192,265

 

Receivables

 

197,510

 

14,354

 

34,075

 

15,539

 

28,802

 

290,280

 

 

Information about interest income and tax expense is not presented as a segment expense because such items are not considered a responsibility of the segments’ operating management.  Prior year data has been restated to be consistent with current classifications for comparative purposes.

11




Reconciliations of the information reported by segment to the historical consolidated amounts follow for the three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Nine Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total segment revenue

 

$

365,772

 

$

322,272

 

$

1,024,950

 

$

863,364

 

Reimbursable expenses not included in total segment revenue

 

18,280

 

11,370

 

42,615

 

34,361

 

All other segments

 

10,408

 

9,786

 

30,695

 

30,962

 

Other, net

 

1,138

 

(356

)

(233

)

(3,965

)

Consolidated revenue

 

$

395,598

 

$

343,072

 

$

1,098,027

 

$

924,722

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Operating Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total segment net operating income

 

$

98,934

 

$

82,060

 

$

249,254

 

$

192,265

 

(Loss)/income from affiliates

 

(4,490

)

310

 

(5,357

)

1,732

 

Differences in allocation methods for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, G&A, medical and pension costs (1)

 

(875

)

500

 

(8,137

)

(5,887

)

Gain on sale of business units

 

37

 

44

 

141

 

1,496

 

Loss on hedge

 

 

 

 

(3,602

)

Discretionary compensation

 

(39,604

)

(33,073

)

(105,984

)

(80,305

)

All other segments

 

(1,340

)

(1,110

)

(5,096

)

(3,109

)

Other, net

 

(4,176

)

(7,567

)

2,839

 

(8,873

)

Consolidated income before income taxes

 

$

48,486

 

$

41,164

 

$

127,660

 

$

93,717

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total segment receivables - billed and unbilled

 

$

361,988

 

$

290,280

 

$

361,988

 

$

290,280

 

All other segments

 

6,557

 

5,383

 

6,557

 

5,383

 

Net valuation differences (2)

 

(5,755

)

4,879

 

(5,755

)

4,879

 

Total billed and unbilled receivables

 

362,790

 

300,542

 

362,790

 

300,542

 

Assets not reported by segment (3)

 

953,616

 

897,563

 

953,616

 

897,563

 

Consolidated assets

 

$

1,316,406

 

$

1,198,105

 

$

1,316,406

 

$

1,198,105

 


(1)             Depreciation, general and administrative, pension, and medical costs are allocated to our segments based on budgeted expenses determined at the beginning of the fiscal year as management believes that these costs are largely uncontrollable to the segment.  To the extent that the actual expense base upon which allocations are made differs from the forecast/budget amount, a reconciling item will be created between internally allocated expenses and the actual expense that we report for GAAP purposes.

(2)             Total segment receivables, which reflects the receivable balances used by management to make business decisions, are included for management reporting purposes net of deferred revenues — cash collections and invoices generated in excess of revenue recognized in the segment revenues.

(3)             Assets not reported by segment for management reporting purposes include goodwill and intangible assets of $584.7 million.

12




Note 4 — Share-based Compensation.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FAS123(R), “Share-based Payment” as a  revision to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.”  FAS 123(R) requires companies to account for share-based payment transactions with employees using a fair-value based method, thereby eliminating the disclosure-only provisions of FAS 123.  FAS 123(R) became effective for the company as of July 1, 2005.

The company has four share-based compensation plans, which are described below.  These compensation plans include the 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the 2001 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Selected Employees, the Amended Compensation Plan for Outside Directors and the 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan.  All four plans have been approved by the stockholders.

2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The employee stock purchase plan enables employees to purchase shares of the company’s stock.  No compensation expense was recognized as a result of this plan during the nine months of fiscal years 2007 or 2006.

2001 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Selected Employees

Deferred Stock Units — The 2001 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Selected Employees is intended to provide selected associates of the company with additional incentives by permitting the company to grant them an equity interest in the company in the form of restricted stock units, in lieu of a portion of their annual fiscal year end bonus.  Shares under this plan are awarded during the first quarter of each fiscal year.  During the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, 300,552 shares of common stock, at an average market price of $40.48 were awarded for a total fair value of $12.2 million.  During the first quarter of fiscal year 2006, 177,300 shares of common stock, at a market price of $26.94 were awarded, for a total fair value of $4.8 million.

SBI Program  — On November 19, 2004, the company’s Board of Directors approved a long-term bonus arrangement pursuant to the company’s 2001 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Selected Employees.  The arrangement, called the Performance Share Bonus Incentive Program (the “SBI Program”), is a long-term stock bonus arrangement for senior executives of the company and its affiliates that is designed to strengthen incentives and align behaviors to grow the business in a way that is consistent with the strategic goals of the company.

Incentives under the SBI Program are provided through grants of deferred stock units pursuant to the company’s 2001 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Selected Employees.  Grants of deferred stock units are based on the value of the cash portion of the eligible participant’s fiscal year-end bonus target and a multiplier, which is then converted into a target number of deferred stock units based upon the company’s stock price as of the fiscal year-end prior to grant.  Participants may vest between zero and 170% of the target number of deferred stock units based on the extent to which financial and strategic performance metrics are achieved over a three fiscal year period.  The financial and strategic performance metrics are established at the beginning of each performance period.  For the fiscal year 2005 through 2007 performance period, the vesting criteria are based upon earnings per share growth, market penetration and cross-selling ratios.  For the fiscal year 2006 through 2008 and 2007 through 2009 performance periods, the vesting criteria are based upon growth in earnings per share and revenue.

13




Compensation expense of $0.7 million and $2.1 million was recorded pursuant to these plans for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal year 2007, respectively, compared to no compensation expense for the nine months of fiscal year 2006.  Expenses for these plans are recognized when awards are both probable and reasonably estimable.

Amended Compensation Plan for Outside Directors

The Amended Compensation Plan for Outside Directors (the “Outside Director’s Plan”) provides for the cash and stock compensation of outside, or non-employee, Directors.  Under the Outside Director’s Plan, outside Directors are initially paid in shares of the company’s common stock, or in a combination of cash and shares, quarterly for services provided during the preceding calendar quarter.  In addition, outside Directors receive shares with a grant date market value of $45,000 at the end of each fiscal year for services performed during the preceding fiscal year. Approximately $0.3 million of compensation expense was recorded relative to this plan during the nine months of each of fiscal years 2007 and 2006.

2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan

The company issued non-qualified stock options under the 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Stock Option Plan”) in conjunction with its initial public offering in fiscal year 2001.  No options have been granted under the stock option plan since fiscal year 2001 and the company does not currently intend to issue further stock options under the Stock Option Plan. For the nine months of fiscal year 2007, the company recognized less than $0.1 million in compensation expense related to the Stock Option Plan, in accordance with FAS 123(R).  Compensation expense of $0.1 million and $0.3 million was recorded pursuant to the Stock Option Plan for the third quarter and the nine months of fiscal year 2006, respectively.

Note 5 — Retirement Benefits.

Defined Benefit Plans

We sponsor both qualified and non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of our associates.  Under our plans in North America, benefits are based on the number of years of service and the associates’ compensation during the five highest paid consecutive years of service.  Under our plan in the U.K., benefits are based on the number of years of service and the associates’ compensation during the three years before leaving the plan. The non-qualified plan, included only in North America, provides for pension benefits that would be covered under the qualified plan but are limited by the Internal Revenue Code.  The non-qualified plan has no assets and therefore is an unfunded arrangement.  The benefit liability is reflected on the balance sheet.  The measurement date for each of the plans is June 30.

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost for the company’s defined benefit pension plans for North America for the three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, and for the U.K. defined benefit pension plan for the three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2007 and the three and eight month periods ended March 31, 2006:

14




 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Nine Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

North
America

 

U.K.

 

North
America

 

U.K.

 

North
America

 

U.K.

 

North
America

 

U.K

 

Service Cost

 

$

6,350

 

$

3,257

 

$

7,362

 

$

3,049

 

$

19,064

 

$

9,708

 

$

22,035

 

$

8,275

 

Interest Cost

 

10,013

 

4,148

 

9,209

 

3,430

 

30,058

 

12,365

 

27,574

 

9,307

 

Expected Return on Plan Assets

 

(11,755

)

(4,018

)

(10,963

)

(3,229

)

(35,289

)

(11,978

)

(32,830

)

(8,762

)

Amortization of Transition Obligation

 

(10

)

 

(10

)

 

(29

)

 

(28

)

 

Amortization of Net Loss

 

2,161

 

(218

)

4,041

 

 

6,489

 

(649

)

12,104

 

 

Amortization of Prior Service Cost

 

(735

)

 

(429

)

 

(2,204

)

 

(1,290

)

 

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

 

$

6,024

 

$

3,169

 

$

9,210

 

$

3,250

 

$

18,089

 

$

9,446

 

$

27,565

 

$

8,820

 

 

As prescribed by Financial Accounting Standards No. 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits” (FAS 88), the company recognized a settlement expense of $900,000 during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 as lump sum payments made from the North America non-qualified plan were greater than the service cost plus interest cost of the plan.

The fiscal year 2007 net periodic benefit cost is based, in part, on the following rate assumptions as of June 30, 2006 for the North America and U.K. plans:

 

 

North America

 

U.K.

 

Discount rate

 

6.25

%

5.10

%

Expected long-term rate of return on assets

 

8.75

%

5.69

%

Rate of increase in compensation levels

 

3.84

%

4.75

%

 

Discount rates for the North American and U.K. plans are determined by the capital markets in which the plans operate and for that reason may vary.  The expected long-term rate of return on assets is based on the expected mix of investments purchased by the respective plans.  The North American pension plans invest the majority of their assets  in equities which are expected to provide returns several hundred basis points higher than bonds, which are the primary investment vehicle for the U.K. pension plans.  As a result, the expected long-term rate of return on assets is higher for the North American plans compared to the U.K. plans.

15




 

Employer Contributions

The company made $16.0 million in contributions to North American plans during the nine months of fiscal year 2007.  We anticipate that $300,000 will be contributed by the company to the North American pension plans during the last quarter of fiscal year 2007.

The company made $11.5 million in contributions to the U.K. plans during the nine months of fiscal year 2007 and anticipates making $4.1 million in contributions over the remainder of the fiscal year.  Discussions are currently underway with the pension trustee regarding the appropriate level of future contributions.

Defined Contribution Plans

In the U.S., we sponsor a savings plan that provides benefits to substantially all U.S. associates with a match to employee contributions at a rate of 50 percent of the first 6 percent up to $60,000 of associates’ eligible compensation.  The company may also make an annual profit sharing contribution to the plan in an amount that is dependant upon the company’s financial performance during the fiscal year.

In the U.K., we sponsor a savings plan that provides benefits to substantially all U.K. associates.  The company provides a basic contribution and a match to employee contributions, both of which depend on age and base salary.  The maximum employer contribution is up to 12% of an associate’s base salary up to $180,000.

Health Care Benefits

In the U.S., we sponsor a contributory health care plan that provides hospitalization, medical and dental benefits to substantially all U.S. associates.  We accrue a liability for estimated incurred but unreported claims based on projected use of the plan as well as prior plan history.

In the U.K., we sponsor a non-contributory medical insurance plan that provides hospitalization and medical benefits and a contributory dental plan that provides dental benefits to substantially all U.K. associates.

Postretirement Benefits

We provide certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired associates.  The principal plans cover associates in the U.S. and Canada who have met certain eligibility requirements. Our principal post-retirement benefit plans are unfunded.  We accrue a liability for these benefits.

16




Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Other Postretirement Plans

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost for the company’s healthcare and post-retirement plans for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Nine Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

404

 

$

363

 

$

1,215

 

$

1,271

 

Interest cost

 

647

 

538

 

1,944

 

1,746

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of transition obligation

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of net loss

 

(39

)

166

 

(117

)

2

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(165

)

(165

)

(495

)

(495

)

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

847

 

$

902

 

$

2,547

 

$

2,524

 

 

Employer Contributions

The company made contributions in the form of premiums and medical claim payments to its health-care and post-retirement plans of $800,000 and $900,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and contributions of $2.5 million in each of the nine month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006.  We plan to make additional payments estimated to total $900,000 through June 30, 2007.

17




Note 6 — Goodwill & Intangible Assets.

Goodwill and intangible assets are presented below by segment for the nine months ended March 31, 2007:

 

 

Benefits
Group

 

Technology
and
Administration
Solutions
Group

 

Human
Capital
Group

 

Insurance
and
Financial
Services
Group

 

Investment
Consulting
Group

 

All Other
Segments

 

Total

 

Balance as of June 30, 2006

 

$

167,538

 

$

43,168

 

$

18,990

 

$

54,351

 

$

38,780

 

$

1,214

 

$

324,041

 

Goodwill acquired during the period

 

26,135

 

 

1,869

 

 

2,619

 

 

30,623

 

Impairment losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

(276

)

(77

)

(31

)

(100

)

(71

)

 

(555

)

Translation adjustment

 

9,484

 

2,802

 

1,213

 

3,651

 

2,612

 

 

19,762

 

Balance as of March 31, 2007

 

$

202,881

 

$

45,893

 

$

22,041

 

$

57,902

 

$

43,940

 

$

1,214

 

$

373,871

 

 

The following table reflects changes in the net carrying amount of the components of intangible assets for the nine months ended March 31, 2007:

 

 

Pension

 

Trademark
& trade
name

 

Customer
related
intangible

 

Core/
developed
technology

 

Non-
compete
agreements

 

Total

 

Balance as of June 30, 2006

 

$

569

 

$

112,966

 

$

58,546

 

$

14,973

 

$

21

 

$

187,075

 

Intangible assets acquired during the period

 

 

 

18,671

 

 

596

 

19,267

 

Amortization expense

 

 

 

(4,352

)

(2,879

)

(54

)

(7,285

)

Translation adjustment

 

(12

)

7,245

 

3,678

 

891

 

1

 

11,803

 

Balance as of March 31, 2007

 

$

557

 

$

120,211

 

$

76,543

 

$

12,985

 

$

564

 

$

210,860

 

 

18




The following table reflects the carrying value of intangible assets at March 31, 2007 and June 30, 2006:

 

 

March 31, 2007

 

June 30, 2006

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Intangible assets and intangible pension asset:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademark and trade name

 

$

120,211

 

$

 

$

112,966

 

$

 

Customer related intangibles

 

83,513

 

6,970

 

64,210

 

5,664

 

Core/developed technology

 

17,679

 

4,694

 

18,443

 

3,470

 

Non-compete

 

1,018

 

454

 

672

 

651

 

Intangible pension asset

 

557

 

 

569

 

 

Total intangible assets and intangible pension asset

 

$

222,978

 

$

12,118

 

$

196,860

 

$

9,785

 

 

A component of the change in the gross carrying amount of trademark and trade name, customer related intangibles, core/developed technology and the intangible pension asset reflects translation adjustments between June 30, 2006 and March 31, 2007.  These intangible assets are denominated in the currencies of our subsidiaries outside the United States, and are translated into our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar, based on exchange rates at the balance sheet date.

The weighted average remaining life of amortizable intangible assets at March 31, 2007, was 9.58 years.  Future estimated amortization expense is as follows:

Fiscal year ending June 30:

 

Amount

 

2007

 

$

2,819

 

2008

 

11,276

 

2009

 

11,276

 

2010

 

11,193

 

2011

 

7,506

 

2012

 

7,180

 

Thereafter

 

38,842

 

Total

 

$

90,092

 

 

19




 

Note 7 — Earnings Per Share.

Basic earnings per share are calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the three and nine month periods ending March 31, 2007 and 2006.  Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, plus the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares using the “treasury stock” method over the same measurement period and contingent shares associated with the business combination.  The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Nine Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

33,834

 

$

29,336

 

$

84,642

 

$

60,403

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

1,045

 

 

1,062

 

Net income

 

$

33,834

 

$

30,381

 

$

84,642

 

$

61,465

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock

 

42,488

 

42,234

 

42,430

 

41,074

 

Dilutive effect of employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares (1)

 

2,098

 

232

 

2,132

 

267

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock and stock equivalents

 

44,586

 

42,466

 

44,562

 

41,341

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.80

 

$

0.69

 

$

1.99

 

$

1.47

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

0.02

 

 

0.03

 

Net income

 

$

0.80

 

$

0.71

 

$

1.99

 

$

1.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.76

 

$

0.69

 

$

1.90

 

$

1.46

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

0.02

 

 

0.03

 

Net income

 

$

0.76

 

$

0.71

 

$

1.90

 

$

1.49

 


(1)             The increase in shares is principally caused by the inclusion of the 1,950,000 contingent shares related to the business combination with WWLLP that we assume are issued and outstanding for all of fiscal year 2007 when calculating earnings per share for the three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2007.

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Note 8 — Variable Interest Entities.

FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” as revised (FIN 46(R)), expands existing accounting guidance about when a company should include in its condensed consolidated financial statements the assets, liabilities, and activities of another entity.  In general, FIN 46(R) requires a variable interest entity (VIE), as defined by FIN 46(R), to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary.  The primary beneficiary is defined as the company that will absorb a majority of the VIE’s expected losses or residual returns if they occur.  The adoption of FIN 46(R) had no effect on the company.

The company’s Investment in affiliates has historically consisted of investments in three entities:  WWLLP, Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe) Limited (WWHE) and Professional Consultants Insurance Company, Inc. (PCIC).  As a result of our acquisition of substantially all of the assets and most liabilities of WWLLP on July 31, 2005, the company owns 100% of the operations of the former WWLLP and WWHE.  For the nine months ended March 31, 2006 the company has accounted for its share of earnings from WWLLP and WWHE for the month of July 2005 under the equity method and has consolidated results from Watson Wyatt Limited for the months of August 2005 thru March 2006.

As of August 1, 2005, our Investment in affiliate consists solely of an equity investment in PCIC, which will continue to be accounted for under the equity method.  The company evaluated this investment in order to determine the applicability of FIN 46(R).  Since the company is not obligated to absorb a majority of expected losses or residual returns in this entity, the company is not required to consolidate this entity.

PCIC was organized in 1987 as a captive insurance company under the laws of the State of Vermont.  PCIC provides professional liability insurance on a claims-made basis up to specified limits (after which each participant may obtain its own insurance) to Watson Wyatt and two other actuarial and management consulting firms, all of which participate in the program as both policyholders and stockholders.  Risk of loss is shared by the three member firms, though premiums are experience-rated to reflect differentials in loss experience.  PCIC reserves for known claims associated with all three participating firms and assesses the adequacy of these reserves on a quarterly basis.   Any initial reserves and subsequent changes in reserves are reflected in PCIC’s financial statements.  The company records its share of PCIC’s results quarterly, but on a three month lag, based on its ownership percentage, which is currently 34.15 percent.  Capital contributions to PCIC are required when approved by a majority of its stockholders.  Management believes that the company’s maximum financial statement exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of the company’s investment in PCIC of $3.1 million, combined with letters of credit totaling $8.0 million for which PCIC has been designated as beneficiary, for a total maximum exposure of $11.1 million. Our agreements with PCIC could require additional payments to PCIC in the event that the company decided to exit PCIC and adverse claims significantly exceed prior expectations.  If these circumstances were to occur, the company would record a liability at the time it becomes probable and reasonably estimable.

Note 9 — Comprehensive Income.

Comprehensive income includes net income, changes in the additional minimum pension liability resulting from translation adjustments and revaluations, and changes in the cumulative translation adjustment gain or loss.  For the three months ended March 31, 2007, comprehensive income totaled $38.1 million, compared with $34.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006.  For the nine months ended March 31, 2007, comprehensive income totaled $120.1 million compared with $53.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2006.

21




Note 10 — Restricted Shares.

In conjunction with our business combination of WWLLP on July 31, 2005, we issued 9,090,571 Class A common shares, 4,749,797 of which were subject to contractual transfer restrictions.  Transfer restrictions expired on 2,339,761 of these shares on July 31, 2006 and will expire on the remaining 2,410,036 shares on July 31, 2007.  The payment of up to an additional 1,950,000 Class A shares after June 30, 2007 is contingent upon achievement by the acquired business of certain financial performance goals.  Public sale of these shares, if issued, will be restricted until July 31, 2009.

In conjunction with our acquisition of Brans on February 1, 2007, we issued 252,285 Class A common shares which were subject to contractual transfer restrictions.  Transfer restrictions will expire on 50% of these shares on each of February 1, 2008 and 2009.  The payment of up to an additional €8.0 million of Class A shares (approximately 220,000 shares) after January 31, 2008 is contingent upon achievement by the acquired business of certain financial performance goals during the twelve month period ending January 31, 2008.  Sale of these shares, if issued, will also be subject to contractual transfer restrictions that will expire on 50% of these shares on each of the first and second anniversaries of issuance of the shares.

See Note 2 of this report for further information regarding these acquisitions.

Note 11 — Guarantees and Commitments.

The company historically has provided guarantees on an infrequent basis to third parties in the ordinary course of business.  The guarantees described below are currently in effect and could require the company to make payments to third parties under certain circumstances.

Business combination with WWLLP.  On July 31, 2005, the company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed most liabilities of WWLLP, the company’s long-time alliance partner in the U.K. and Europe.  The company entered into indemnity arrangements with WWLLP relating to the acquisition and also agreed that certain indemnity obligations relating to the alliance arrangements will continue after the acquisition.  In the business combination agreement, Watson Wyatt Limited, the company’s principal U.K. subsidiary, has agreed to indemnify WWLLP against liabilities arising with respect to certain liabilities assumed in the business combination by Watson Wyatt Limited and also with respect to certain tax liabilities.

As part of the original alliance arrangements in 1995, the company sold its then-existing businesses in the U.K. and Europe to the predecessor of WWLLP or its subsidiaries.  The company agreed to indemnify the buyers against liabilities arising with respect to prior acts or omissions of the businesses transferred.  Furthermore, the company agreed to indemnify WWLLP against liabilities arising with respect to acts or omissions of the company and its subsidiaries during the alliance arrangements.  These indemnities will continue following the business combination.

The company is unable to estimate an amount of any potential future payments under these arrangements because the occurrence of any of the events to which the indemnities apply is entirely speculative and the amount of any payment would depend upon the nature of the event triggering such indemnity. Management believes that any potential for payment under such indemnities should decline with the passage of time.  The company has insurance to cover liabilities arising from acts or omissions by the company and its subsidiaries, and such insurance may cover some or all of its indemnity obligations relating to prior acts or omissions.  Except for such insurance, there are no provisions for recourse to third parties, nor are any assets held by any third parties that the company as indemnitor can liquidate to recover amounts paid under such indemnities.

22




In connection with our business combination, payment of an additional 1,950,000 shares of the company’s common stock after June 30, 2007 is contingent upon the achievement by the acquired business of agreed-upon financial performance goals. The value of the contingent stock was $91.9 million based on the NYSE closing price on April 30, 2007. The contingent consideration is payable by Watson Wyatt Limited and the payment obligations are guaranteed by Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc.

Brans Acquisition.  On February 1, 2007, the company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed most liabilities of Brans, its long-time alliance partner in the Netherlands.  In connection with this acquisition, payment of up to an additional €8.0 million worth of Class A shares (approximately 220,000 shares) after January 31, 2008 is contingent upon achievement by the acquired business of certain financial performance goals during the twelve month period ending January 31, 2008.  The contingent consideration is payable by Watson Wyatt Limited, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc., and the payment obligations are guaranteed by the company.

Letters of Credit.  The company has outstanding letters of credit to three beneficiaries totaling $14.6 million to guarantee payment in the event that the company fails to meet its financial obligations to these beneficiaries.  One letter of credit for $2.6 million expired in April 2007, while the second letter of credit totaling $8.0 million will remain outstanding as long as we retain an ownership share of our affiliated captive insurance company, PCIC.  The company has also provided a $5.0 million Australian dollar-denominated letter of credit (US $4.0 million) to an Australian governmental agency as required by local regulations. The estimated fair market value of these letters of credit is immaterial because they have never been used, and the company believes that the likelihood of any future usage is remote.

Indemnification Agreements.  The company has various agreements that provide that it may be obligated to indemnify the other party with respect to certain matters.  Generally, these indemnification clauses are included in contracts arising in the normal course of business and in connection with the purchase and sale of certain businesses.  Although it is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnification agreements due to the conditional nature of the company’s obligations and the unique facts of each particular agreement, the company does not believe that any potential liability that might arise from such indemnity provisions is probable or material.  There are no provisions for recourse to third parties, nor are any assets held by any third parties that any guarantor can liquidate to recover amounts paid under such indemnities.

Wellspring Leases.  We continue to guarantee two leases for office premises for Wellspring Resources, LLC (“Wellspring”), the benefits administration outsourcing business that we exited from in fiscal year 1998.  The last guaranteed lease will expire in November, 2007.  Based on our analysis and the limited duration of the remaining lease obligations, the company no longer records an obligation as the probability of any payment under these lease guarantees is remote.

Note 12 — Contingent Liabilities.

Legal Proceedings:  From time to time, we are a party to various lawsuits, arbitrations or mediations that arise in the ordinary course of business. The matters reported on below involve the most significant pending or potential claims against us.  We also have received subpoenas and requests for information in connection with government investigations.

23




We carry substantial professional liability insurance with a self-insured retention of $1 million per occurrence, which provides coverage for professional liability claims including the cost of defending such claims. We reserve for contingent liabilities based on Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” (FAS 5) when it is determined that a liability, inclusive of defense costs, is probable and reasonably estimable. Management believes, based on currently available information including the existence of professional liability insurance, that the results of all pending claims against the company will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, but litigation is subject to many factors which are difficult to predict so there can be no assurance that in the event of a material unfavorable result in one or more of such matters, we will not incur material costs.

Iron Workers Local No. 25 et al. v. Watson Wyatt & Co.: As previously disclosed in the company’s report on Form 8-K filed on March 23, 2007, the company has entered into a settlement with the Trustees of the Iron Workers, Local No. 25 Pension Fund, of a previously disclosed lawsuit related to actuarial services provided to the Fund.

Watson Wyatt v. SBC Holdings, Inc. (Stroh Brewery Company):  On July 23, 2004, we received a demand letter from Stroh’s counsel alleging that errors in valuations for 2001 and subsequent years understated the liabilities of its pension plan and overstated the company’s net worth.  As a result, Stroh claimed it did not annuitize its defined benefit plan and redeemed its stock at an inflated price.  On April 15, 2005, Watson Wyatt filed a petition in federal court to compel arbitration of the matter. Subsequently, Stroh filed an answer and counterclaim, alleging damages in excess of $46 million.  The court granted in part and denied in part our motion for summary judgment, and we have filed an appeal to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals that is pending.

Department of Labor Investigation: On November 17, 2006, Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting Inc. (“WWIC”) received a subpoena from the United States Department of Labor (“DOL”) in connection with its investigation into the compensation of consultants and other investment advisers.  WWIC has responded to the subpoena and continues to cooperate with the DOL.

Note 13 — Recent Accounting Pronouncements.

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) published Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Plans” (FAS 158), which is an amendment to FAS 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions”; FAS 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits”; and FAS 132(R), revision to FAS132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits”.  FAS 158 requires companies to recognize the funded status of defined benefit pension and postretirement plans as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. The provisions of FAS 158 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006 and the transition method is prospective.  As a result, the company will adopt the provisions of FAS 158 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007.  The company is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of FAS 158 will have on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “ Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (SAB 108).   SAB 108 eliminates the diversity of practice surrounding how public companies quantify financial statement misstatements. It establishes an approach that requires quantification of financial statement misstatements based on the effects of the misstatements on each of the company’s financial statements and the related financial statement disclosures. SAB 108 must be applied to our annual financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2007. The adoption of SAB 108 is expected to have no impact on the company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

24




In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”(“FAS 109”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  This Interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.  This Interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 so it will be effective for the company in fiscal year 2008, which begins on July 1, 2007.  The company is currently evaluating the effects that this Interpretation may have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note 14 — Subsequent Event

PCIC, the company’s captive insurance company (as further described in note 8), notified Watson Wyatt in April 2007 that it had substantially increased reserves during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 in response to unusually rapid development of certain specific claims against its three participating firms.  These reserve increases were unrelated to the company’s Iron Workers claim (as further discussed in Note 12) which had been fully reserved by PCIC prior to this quarter.

As a result of the claims development with respect to these specific cases (and not to any change in reserving methodology), PCIC has determined that it will experience an unusually large loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.  The company’s share of this loss is $4.1 million, as determined under the equity method of accounting that the company employs relative to PCIC.  The company has included this loss in its results for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 due to materiality, as opposed to recording it on a three month lag as has been the practice historically.

 

25




 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Executive Overview

General

Watson Wyatt is a global consulting firm focusing on providing human capital and financial consulting services. We provide services in five principal practice areas: Benefits, Technology and Administration Solutions, Human Capital Consulting, Insurance and Financial Services and Investment Consulting, operating from 95 offices in 30 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. The company employed approximately 6,370 and 6,000 associates as of March31, 2007 and 2006 respectively, in the following practice areas: 

 

As of March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Benefits Group

 

2,710

 

2,600

 

Technology and Administration Solutions Group

 

755

 

730

 

Human Capital Group

 

800

 

760

 

Insurance and Financial Services Group

 

370

 

330

 

Investment Consulting Group

 

365

 

340

 

Other (including Communication)

 

790

 

680

 

Corporate

 

580

 

560

 

Total

 

6,370

 

6,000

 

 

We help our clients enhance business performance by improving their ability to attract, retain, and motivate qualified employees. We focus on delivering consulting services that help our clients anticipate, identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities in human capital management.  We also provide independent financial advice regarding all aspects of life assurance and general insurance, as well as investment advice to assist our clients in developing disciplined and efficient investment strategies to meet their investment goals.  Our target market clients include those companies in the Fortune 1000, Pension & Investments (P&I) 1000, the FTSE 100, and equivalent organizations in markets around the world.

As leading economies worldwide become more services-oriented, human capital and financial management has become increasingly important to companies and other organizations. The heightened competition for skilled employees, unprecedented changes in workforce demographics, regulatory changes related to compensation and retiree benefits and rising employee-related costs have increased the importance of effective human capital management. Insurance and investment decisions have become increasingly complex and important in the face of changing economies and dynamic financial markets.  We help our clients address these issues by combining our expertise in human capital and financial management with consulting and technology, to improve the design and implementation of various human resources and financial programs, including compensation, retirement, health care, insurance and investment plans.

The human resources consulting industry, although highly fragmented, is highly competitive and is comprised of major human capital consulting firms, specialist firms, consulting arms of accounting firms and information technology consulting firms.  We believe we have successfully managed costs throughout the company by leveraging our variable compensation cost structure, initiating targeted job reductions and controlling discretionary spending. We believe we are well positioned to take advantage of continued improvement in the overall economy.

26




In the short term, our revenues are driven by many factors including the general state of the global economy and the resulting level of discretionary spending by our clients, the ability of our consultants to attract new clients or cross-sell to existing clients, and the impact of new regulations in the legal and accounting fields that most recently increased demand for our executive compensation and benefits practices.  In the long term, we expect that the company’s financial results will depend in large part upon how well we succeed in deepening our existing client relationships through thought leadership and focus on cross-practice solutions, actively pursuing new clients in our target markets, cross selling and strategic acquisitions.  We believe that the highly fragmented industry in which we operate represents tremendous growth opportunities for us, because we offer a unique business combination of benefits and human capital consulting as well as strategic technology solutions.

Principal Services

We design, develop and implement human resource and risk management strategies and programs through the following closely-interrelated practice areas:

Benefits Group - The Benefits Group, accounting for 56 percent of our total third quarter fiscal year 2007 revenues, is the foundation of our business.  Retirement, the core of our Benefits Group business, is less impacted by discretionary spending reductions than our other segments, mainly due to the recurring nature of client relationships.  Our corporate client retention rate within our target market has remained very high. Revenue for our retirement practice is seasonal, with the third and fourth quarters of each fiscal year being the busier periods.  Major revenue growth drivers in this practice include changes in regulations, particularly those affecting pension plans in the U.K., leverage from other practices, an improving economy, increased global demand and increased market share.   Services provided through the Benefits Group include the following:

·                  Services related to the design of retirement plans, including pension, 401(k) and executive benefit plans

·                  Advice related to health care, disability and other group benefit plans

·                  Compensation, benefits, expatriate and human resources practice strategy, implementation and administration

·                  Actuarial services

·                  Strategic workforce planning

Technology and Administration Solutions Group - Our Technology and Administration Solutions Group (TAS), accounting for 10 percent of our total third quarter fiscal year 2007 revenues, provides information technology services to our customers.  Services provided through the TAS Group include the following:

·                  Web-based applications for health and welfare, pension and compensation administration

·                  Administration outsourcing solutions for health and welfare and pension benefits

·                  Call center strategy, design and tools

·                  Strategic human resource technology and service delivery consulting

·                  Targeted online compensation and benefits statements, content management and call center case management solutions

27




Human Capital Group - Our Human Capital Group (HCG), accounting for 10 percent of our total third quarter fiscal year 2007 revenues, generally encompasses short-term projects. As a result, this segment is most sensitive to cyclical economic fluctuations.  Services provided through HCG include the following:

·                  Advice concerning compensation plans, including broad-based and executive compensation, stock and other long-term incentive programs

·                  Strategies to align workforce performance with business objectives

·                  Organization effectiveness consulting, including talent management

·                  Strategies for attracting, retaining and motivating employees

·                  Data services

Insurance & Financial Services Group - Our Insurance & Financial Services Group (I&FS) accounts for 8 percent of our total third quarter fiscal year 2007 revenues. This business is characterized by ongoing relationships with our clients that will typically utilize our services on a number of different projects.  Services provided through I&FS include the following:

·                  Independent actuarial and strategic advice

·                  Assessment and advice regarding financial condition and risk management

·                  Financial modeling software tools for product design and pricing, planning and projections, reporting, valuations and risk management

Investment Consulting Group - Our Investment Consulting Group accounts for 9 percent of our total third quarter fiscal year 2007 revenues.  This business, although relationship based, can be affected by volatility in investment returns, particularly as clients look to us for assistance in managing that volatility.  Services provided through our Investment Consulting Group include the following:

·                  Investment consulting services to pension plans and other institutional funds

·                  Input on governance and regulatory issues

·                  Analysis of asset allocation and investment strategies

·                  Investment structure analysis, selection and evaluation of managers, and performance monitoring

While we focus our consulting services in the areas described above, management believes that one of our primary strengths is our ability to draw upon consultants from our different practices to deliver integrated services to meet the needs of our clients.  This capability includes communication and change management implementation support services.

Our clients include many of the world’s largest corporations as well as emerging growth companies, public institutions and nonprofit organizations.

Financial Statement Overview

Watson Wyatt’s fiscal year ends June 30. The financial statements contained in this quarterly report reflect Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 (March 31, 2007) and as of the end of fiscal year 2006 (June 30, 2006), Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine month period ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine month period ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 and a Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the nine month period ended March 31, 2007.

28




The company’s acquisition of substantially all of the assets and assumption of most liabilities of WWLLP was completed July 31, 2005 and, as a result, our financial statements reflect the consolidation of the European operations of Watson Wyatt Limited beginning August 1, 2005.  Prior to July 31, 2005, or for one month of the first quarter of fiscal year 2006, the company recorded its share of the results of WWLLP and WWHE using the equity method of accounting.  This prior year income is reflected in the “Income from affiliates” line on our income statement.  Our share of the results of our affiliated captive insurance company, PCIC, continues to be recorded using the equity method of accounting, and is also reflected in the “Income from affiliates” line.

We derive substantially all of our revenue from fees for consulting services, which generally are billed based on time and materials or on a fixed-fee basis.  Clients are typically invoiced on a monthly basis with revenue generally recognized as services are performed. For fiscal years 2004, 2005, and 2006, revenue from U.S. consulting operations has comprised approximately 80, 80 and 50 percent of consolidated revenue, respectively.  For the first three quarters of fiscal year 2007, revenue from U.S. consulting operations comprised approximately 45 percent of consolidated revenue.  No single client accounted for more than 2 percent of our consolidated revenue for any of the most recent three fiscal years.

In delivering consulting services, our principal direct expenses relate to compensation of personnel. Salaries and employee benefits are comprised of wages paid to associates, related taxes, benefit expenses such as pension, medical and insurance costs, and fiscal year-end incentive bonuses.

Professional and subcontracted services represent fees paid to external service providers for employment, marketing and other services, including reserves for professional liability claims.  For the last three fiscal years, approximately 60 to 70 percent of these professional and subcontracted services were directly incurred on behalf of our clients and were reimbursed by them, with such reimbursements being included in revenue.

Occupancy, communications and other expenses represent expenses for rent, utilities, supplies and telephone to operate office locations as well as non-client-reimbursed travel by associates, publications and professional development. This line item also includes miscellaneous expenses, including gains and losses on foreign currency transactions.

General and administrative expenses include the operational costs, professional fees and insurance premiums associated with corporate management, general counsel, marketing, human resources, finance, research and technology support.

29




Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Our estimates, judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated based on available information and experience. Because of the use of estimates inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates. The areas that we believe are critical accounting policies include revenue recognition, valuation of billed and unbilled receivables from clients, discretionary compensation, income taxes, pension assumptions, incurred but not reported claims, and goodwill and intangible assets. The critical accounting policies discussed below involves making difficult, subjective or complex accounting estimates that could have a material effect on our financial condition and results of operations. These critical accounting policies require us to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time of the estimate or assumption and different estimates that we could have used or changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur may have a material impact on our financial statements and results of operations.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue includes fees primarily generated from consulting services provided.  We recognize revenue from these consulting engagements when hours are worked, either on a time-and-materials basis or on a fixed-fee basis, depending on the terms and conditions defined at the inception of an engagement with a client.  The terms of our contracts with clients are fixed and determinable and may change based upon agreement by both parties. Individual consultants’ billing rates are principally based on a multiple of salary and compensation costs.

Revenue for fixed-fee arrangements, which span multiple months, is based upon the percentage of completion method.  The company typically has three types of fixed-fee arrangements:  annual recurring projects, projects of a short duration, and non-recurring system projects.  Annual recurring projects and the projects of short duration are typically straightforward and highly predictable in nature.  As a result, the project manager and financial staff are able to identify, as the project status is reviewed and bills are prepared monthly, the occasions when cost overruns could lead to the recording of a loss accrual.

Our non-recurring system projects are typically found in our Technology and Administration Solutions Group.  They tend to be more complex projects that are longer in duration and subject to more changes in scope as the project progresses than projects undertaken in other segments. We evaluate at least quarterly, and more often as needed, project managers’ estimates-to-complete to assure that the projects’ current status is accounted for properly.  Our Technology and Administration Solutions Group contracts generally provide that if the client terminates a contract, the company is entitled to payment for services performed through termination.

Revenue recognition for fixed-fee engagements is affected by a number of factors that change the estimated amount of work required to complete the project such as changes in scope, the staffing on the engagement and/or the level of client participation.  The periodic engagement evaluations require us to make judgments and estimates regarding the overall profitability and stage of project completion that, in turn, affect how we recognize revenue.  The company recognizes a loss on an engagement when estimated revenue to be received for that engagement is less than the total estimated direct and indirect costs associated with the engagement.  Losses are recognized in the period in which the loss becomes probable and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable.  The company has experienced certain costs in excess of estimates from time to time.  Management believes that it is rare, however, for these excess costs to result in overall project losses.

30




The company has developed various software programs and technologies that we provide to clients in connection with consulting services.  In most instances, such software is hosted and maintained by the company and ownership of the technology and rights to the related code remain with the company.  Software developed to be utilized in providing services to a client, but for which the client does not have the contractual right to take possession, is capitalized in accordance with the AICPA’s Statement of Position 98-1 “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.”  Revenue associated with the related contract, together with amortization of the related capitalized software, is recognized over the service period.  As a result we do not recognize revenue during the implementation phase of an engagement.

Revenue recognized in excess of billings is recorded as unbilled accounts receivable.  Cash collections and invoices generated in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred revenue until the revenue recognition criteria are met.  Client reimbursable expenses, including those relating to travel, other out-of-pocket expenses and any third-party costs, are included in revenue, and an equivalent amount of reimbursable expenses are included in professional and subcontracted services as a cost of revenue.

Valuation of Billed and Unbilled Receivables from Clients

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts to reflect estimated losses resulting from our clients’ failure to pay for our services after the services have been rendered, including allowances when customer disputes may exist.  The related provision is generally recorded as a reduction to revenue.  Our allowance policy is based on the aging of our billed and unbilled client receivables and has been developed based on our write-off history.  Facts and circumstances such as the average length of time the receivables are past due, general market conditions, current economic trends and our clients’ ability to pay may cause fluctuations in our valuation of billed and unbilled receivables.

Discretionary Compensation

The company’s compensation program includes a discretionary annual bonus that is determined by management and paid once per fiscal year in the form of cash and/or deferred stock units after the company’s annual operating results are finalized.

An estimated annual bonus amount is initially developed at the beginning of each fiscal year in conjunction with our budgeting process.  Quarterly, estimated annual operating performance is reviewed by the company and the discretionary annual bonus amount is then adjusted, if necessary, by management to reflect changes in the forecast of pre-bonus profitability for the year. In those quarters where the estimated annual bonus level changes, the remaining estimated annual bonus is accrued over the remaining quarters as a constant percentage of estimated future pre-bonus profitability.  Annual bonus levels may vary from current expectations as a result of changes in the company’s forecast of pre-bonus profitability and competitive employment market conditions.

 

31




 

Income Taxes

Determining the consolidated provision for income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities and the related valuation allowance involves judgment.  As a global company, we are required to calculate and provide for estimated income tax liabilities for each of the tax jurisdictions in which we operate.  This process involves estimating current tax obligations and exposures in each jurisdiction as well as making significant judgments regarding the future recoverability of deferred tax assets.  The company does not provide deferred taxes on cumulative earnings of foreign subsidiaries that have been reinvested indefinitely as asserted under Accounting Principles Board (APB) 23, “Accounting for Income Taxes — Special Areas”.  Due to the availability of foreign tax credits, it is not practicable to estimate the company’s income tax liability that might be payable if such earnings were not reinvested indefinitely, however, deferred taxes are provided for earnings of foreign subsidiaries which the company plans to remit.  Tax costs can involve complex issues and may require an extended period to resolve.  Changes in the geographic mix or estimated level of annual pre-tax income, limitations on the use of the company’s foreign subsidiary losses, changes in tax laws and changes resulting from tax audits can all affect the overall effective income tax rate which, in turn, impacts the overall level of income tax expense and net income.

Pension Assumptions

We sponsor both qualified and non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of our associates.  Under our plans in North America, benefits are based on the number of years of service and the associates’ compensation during the five highest paid consecutive years of service.  Under our plan in the U.K., benefits are based on the number of years of service and the associates’ compensation during the three years before leaving the plan. The non-qualified plan, included only in North America, provides for pension benefits that would be covered under the qualified plan but are limited by the Internal Revenue Code.  The non-qualified plan is an unfunded arrangement and therefore has no assets.  The benefit liability is reflected on the balance sheet.  The measurement date for each of the plans is June 30.

Determination of our obligations and annual expense under the plans is based on a number of assumptions that, given the longevity of the plans, are long-term in focus.  A change in one or a combination of these assumptions could have a material impact on our pension benefit obligation and related expense.  For this reason, management employs a long-term view so that assumptions do not change frequently in response to short-term volatility in the economy.  Any difference between actual and assumed results is amortized into our pension expense over the average remaining service period of participating employees.  We consider several factors prior to the start of each fiscal year when determining the appropriate annual assumptions, including economic forecasts, historical trends, portfolio composition and peer comparisons.

Discount rates for the North American and U.K. plans are determined by the capital markets in which the plans operate and for that reason may vary.  The expected long-term rate of return on assets is based on the expected mix of investments purchased by the respective plans.  The North American pension plans invest the majority of their assets in equities which are expected to provide returns several hundred basis points higher than bonds, which are the primary investment vehicle for the U.K. pension plans.  As a result, the expected long-term rate of return on assets is higher for the North American plans compared to the U.K. plans.

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North America

The following assumptions were used at the end of the past three fiscal years in the valuation of our North American plans:

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Discount rate

 

6.25

%

5.25

%

6.25

%

Expected long-term rate of return on assets

 

8.75

%

9.00

%

9.00

%

Rate of increase in compensation levels

 

3.84

%

3.34

%

3.34

%

 

The 6.25 percent discount rate assumption used at the end of fiscal year 2006 represents a 100 basis point increase from the 5.25 percent discount rate used at the end of fiscal year 2005 and the same as the discount rate used at the end of fiscal year 2004.  The company’s 2006 discount rate assumption was determined by matching future pension benefit payments with expected future U.S. AA corporate bond yields for the same periods.

The expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption was 8.75 percent per annum at the end of fiscal year 2006 and represents a 25 basis point reduction from the rate of return used in fiscal years 2005 and 2004. Selection of the return assumption at 8.75 percent per annum was supported by an analysis performed by the company of the weighted average yield expected to be achieved with the anticipated makeup of investments.  The investment makeup is heavily weighted towards equities.  The return on assets through the nine months of fiscal year 2007 has been 10.1 percent, compared to a return of 8.7 percent in the nine months of fiscal year 2006.

The following information illustrates the sensitivity to a change in certain assumptions for the U.S. pension plans:

Change in Assumption

 

 

Effect on FY2007
Pre-Tax Pension Expense

 

25 basis point decrease in discount rate

 

 

+$3.3 million

 

 

25 basis point increase in discount rate

 

 

-$3.2 million

 

 

25 basis point decrease in expected return on assets

 

 

+$1.0 million

 

 

25 basis point increase in expected return on assets

 

 

-$1.0 million

 

 

 

The above sensitivities reflect the impact of changing one assumption at a time. It should be noted that economic factors and conditions often affect multiple assumptions simultaneously and the effects of changes in key assumptions are not necessarily linear. The company’s U.S. Other Postretirement Employee Benefits Plan is relatively insensitive to discount rate changes due to the plan provisions that have been established to control costs and as such no sensitivity results are shown in the table above.

33




 

United Kingdom

The following assumptions were used in the valuation of our U.K. plan at June 30, 2006, July 31, 2005, the date of the business combination and April 30, 2005, the former WWLLP fiscal year end:

 

Period Ended

 

 

 

June 30,

 

July 31,

 

April 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2005

 

Discount rate

 

5.10

%

5.00

%

5.30

%

Expected long-term rate of return on assets

 

5.69

%

5.63

%

5.76

%

Rate of increase in compensation levels

 

4.75

%

4.75

%

4.75

%

 

The 5.10 percent discount rate assumption used at the end of July 30, 2006 represents a 10 basis point increase from the discount rate at July 31, 2005. The discount rate is set having regard to yields on European AA corporate bonds at the measurement date and this increase reflects the change in yields between these two dates.

The expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption remained the same from July 31, 2005 to June 30, 2006 and was supported by an analysis performed by the company of the weighted average return expected to be achieved given the anticipated makeup of investments, which is heavily weighted towards bonds. The return on assets through the first nine months of fiscal year 2007 has been 11.4 percent, compared to a return of 9.8 percent in the first eight months of fiscal year 2006.

The following information illustrates the sensitivity to a change in certain assumptions for the U.K. pension plans:

Change in Assumption

 

 

Effect on FY2007
Pre-Tax Pension Expense

 

25 basis point decrease in discount rate

 

 

+$1.3 million

 

 

25 basis point increase in discount rate

 

 

-$1.2 million

 

 

25 basis point decrease in expected return on assets

 

 

+$0.5 million

 

 

25 basis point increase in expected return on assets

 

 

-$0.5 million

 

 

 

Incurred But Not Reported Claims

The company uses actuarial assumptions to estimate and record a liability for incurred but not reported (IBNR) professional liability claims and engaged an external actuarial firm to assist in the calculation of these estimates.  Our estimated IBNR liability is based on long-term trends and averages, and reflects consideration of a number of factors, including changes in claim reporting patterns, claim settlement patterns, judicial decisions, and legislation and economic decisions, but excludes the effect of claims data for large cases due to the insufficiency of actual experience with such cases.  Management does not currently expect significant fluctuations in the IBNR liability, based on the company’s historical claims experience.  However, our estimated IBNR liability will fluctuate if claims experience changes over time.

34




 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

In applying the purchase method of accounting for business combinations, amounts assigned to identifiable assets and liabilities acquired have been based on estimated fair values as of the date of the acquisitions, with the remainder recorded as goodwill. Estimates of fair value have been based primarily upon future cash flow projections discounted to present value using a risk adjusted discount rate. We evaluate our goodwill for impairment annually and whenever indicators of impairment exist. The evaluation is based upon a comparison of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill has been assigned to the sum of the carrying value of the net assets for that reporting unit. The fair values used in this evaluation are estimated based upon a multiple of revenue for the reporting unit. This revenue multiple is based on our experience and knowledge of our own and other deals in the marketplace. Intangible assets are initially valued at fair market value using generally accepted valuation methods appropriate for the type of intangible asset. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment if indicators of impairment arise. The evaluation of impairment would be based upon a comparison of the carrying amount of the intangible asset to the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If estimated future undiscounted net cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the asset would be considered impaired. The impairment expense would be determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the intangible asset to its carrying value, with any shortfall from fair value recognized as an expense in the current period.

35




 

Results of Operations

The table below sets forth our historical Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations data for continuing operations as a percentage of change between periods indicated: 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Nine Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

395,598

 

$

343,072

 

15.3

%

$

1,098,027

 

$

924,722

 

18.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of providing services:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

211,807

 

191,582

 

10.6

 

598,447

 

514,339

 

16.4

 

Professional and subcontracted services

 

26,494

 

17,884

 

48.1

 

72,659

 

56,490

 

28.6

 

Occupancy, communications and other

 

49,375

 

41,689

 

18.4

 

136,008

 

118,229

 

15.0

 

General and administrative expenses

 

40,445

 

39,300

 

2.9

 

118,005

 

107,895

 

9.4

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

15,123

 

11,510

 

31.4

 

41,797

 

32,319

 

29.3

 

 

 

343,244

 

301,965

 

 

 

966,916

 

829,272

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

52,354

 

41,107

 

27.4

 

131,111

 

95,450

 

37.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss)/Income from affiliates

 

(4,490

)

310

 

(1,548.4

)

(5,357

)

1,732

 

(409.3

)

Interest expense

 

(304

)

(1,344

)

77.4

 

(1,336

)

(3,703

)

63.9

 

Interest income

 

889

 

1,047

 

(15.1

)

3,101

 

2,344

 

32.3

 

Other non-operating income/(loss)

 

37

 

44

 

(15.9

)

141

 

(2,106

)

106.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

48,486

 

41,164

 

17.8

 

127,660

 

93,717

 

36.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

14,652

 

11,828

 

23.9

 

43,018

 

33,314

 

29.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

33,834

 

$

29,336

 

15.3

%

$

84,642

 

$

60,403

 

40.1

%

 

Three and Nine Months Ended March 31, 2007 Compared to the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31, 2006

As a result of the July 31, 2005 acquisition of WWLLP, the three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2007 and the three month period ended March 31, 2006 include the consolidated operating results of the business acquired from WWLLP for the entire period, whereas the operating results for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 includes the acquired business for the months August 2005 through March 2006.  The analysis below highlights the changes between the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 and segregates the effects of the acquisition from the historical company’s results. The analysis also highlights the impact of the European currencies, principally the British Pound and to a lesser extent the Euro, on our financial results. Following this analysis is a pro forma analysis which assumes that the acquisition and consolidation of the acquired business had occurred at the beginning of each period presented.  Management believes that the pro forma analysis provides a more meaningful comparison of financial results.

36




 

Revenue.

Revenues for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 were $396 million, an increase of $53 million, or 15 percent, from $343 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006.  The overall increase in revenues is due primarily to growth in our business, but also includes a $17 million increase associated with strengthening European currencies during the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 and a $6.9 million increase in reimbursable expenses incurred on behalf of our clients. The average exchange rate used to translate our revenues earned in the U.K. increased to 1.9631 for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 from 1.7476 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. The average exchange rate used to translate our revenues earned in Euros increased to 1.3190 for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 from 1.2009 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. Changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other foreign currencies had a negligible impact on revenues.

The increases in our segment revenue for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 as compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2006 are due to the following:

·                  Benefits increased revenues $22.8 million, or 11 percent, over the third quarter of fiscal year 2006 due primarily to increased demand for our services from existing clients, including plan design, valuation and administration in the U.S. and plan design and valuation in Europe.  The strengthening of the European currencies accounted for 4 percentage points of the increase.

·                  Technology and Administration Solutions increased revenues $2.9 million, or 8 percent, over the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, largely due to an increase in the number of projects that went into service during the fiscal year.  In accordance with EITF 00-3, “Application of AICPA Statement of Position 97-2 to Arrangements that Include the Right to Use Software Stored on Another Entity’s Hardware” (EITF 00-3), the company begins recognizing revenue after projects go into service.  No revenues are recognized during project implementation.  At March 31, 2007, the company had 76 projects in service and 66 projects in implementation.  At March 31, 2006, the company had 39 projects in service and 44 projects in implementation.  The strengthening of the European currencies accounted for 5 percentage points of the increase.

·                  Human Capital Group increased revenues $4.9 million, or 13 percent, over the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 primarily due to strong demand for compensation consulting, including executive compensation, sales effectiveness and strategic rewards.  The strengthening of the European currencies accounted for 3 percentage points of the increase.

·                  Investment Consulting increased revenues $10.5 million, or 44 percent, over the third quarter of fiscal year 2006 due to an increase in demand for our services, especially investment strategy advice.  The strengthening of the European currencies accounted for 7 percentage points of the increase.

·                  Insurance and Financial Services increased revenues $2.3 million, or 8 percent, over the third quarter of fiscal year 2006 due to the strengthening of the European currencies.  Excluding the effects of foreign currency, revenues declined 4 percent. The quarter ended March 31, 2006 includes revenue from a large demutualization project that was completed prior to the quarter ended March 31, 2007.

37




 

Revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 were $1.1 billion, an increase of $173 million, or 19 percent, from $925 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2006.  The business combination was completed on July 31, 2005, and therefore, the nine months ended March 31, 2006 only include eight months of our European operations.  A discussion of pro forma revenue is provided on page 44.  The European currencies strengthened during the nine months ended March 31, 2007 and resulted in $34 million of the revenue increase.  The average exchange rate used to translate our revenues earned in the U.K. increased to 1.9220 for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 from 1.7606 for the nine months ended March 31, 2006.  The average exchange rate used to translate our revenues earned in Euros increased to 1.2983 for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 from 1.2040 in the nine months ended March 31, 2006. Additionally, reimbursable expenses incurred on behalf of our clients increased by $8 million during the nine months ending March 31, 2007.

The increases in our segment revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2006 are due to the additional month of European operations as well as the following:

·                  Benefits increased revenues $71.3 million, or 13 percent, over the nine months ended March 31, 2006 due to increased demand from existing clients for plan design, valuation and administration services.  The strengthening of the European currencies accounted for 3 percentage points of the increase.

·                  Technology and Administration Solutions increased revenues $19.4 million, or 20 percent, over the nine months ended March 31, 2006, largely due to an increase in the number of projects that went into service during the fiscal year.  In accordance with EITF 00-3, “Application of AICPA Statement of Position 97-2 to Arrangements that Include the Right to Use Software Stored on Another Entity’s Hardware” (EITF 00-3), the company begins recognizing revenue after projects go into service.  No revenues are recognized during project implementation.  At March 31, 2007, the company had 76 projects in service and 66 projects in implementation.  At March 31, 2006, the company had 39 projects in service and 44 projects in implementation.  The strengthening of the European currencies accounted for 4 percentage points of the increase.

·                  Human Capital Group increased revenues $20.4 million, or 19 percent, over the nine months ended March 31, 2006 primarily due to increased demand for compensation consulting, including executive compensation, sales effectiveness and strategic rewards.  The strengthening of the European currencies accounted for 2 percentage points of the increase.

·                  Investment Consulting increased revenues $32.8 million, or 53 percent, over the nine months ended March 31, 2006 due to an increase in demand for our services, especially investment strategy advice.  The strengthening of the European currencies accounted for 5 percentage points of the increase.

·                  Insurance and Financial Services increased revenues $17.7 million, or 27 percent, over the nine months ended March 31, 2006 primarily due to an increase in project work, including life insurance consulting projects.  The strengthening of the European currencies accounted for 9 percentage points of the increase.

38




 

Salaries and Employee Benefits.

Salaries and employee benefit expenses for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 were $211.8 million compared to $191.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, an increase of $20.2 million or 10.6 percent, 4.5 percentage points of which can be attributed to the strengthening European currencies. The increase, including the impact of foreign exchange, is mainly due to additional salary expense of $14.4 million, higher accrual for discretionary compensation expense of $5.5 million, higher benefits expense of $2.1 million, a decrease in capitalization of $0.2 million related to the capitalization of time spent customizing in-house administration systems in accordance with AICPA’s Statement of Position 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use”, partially offset by a decrease in pension expense of $2.0 million. As a percentage of revenue, salaries and employee benefits decreased to 53.5 percent from 55.8 percent.

Salaries and employee benefit expenses for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 were $598.4 million compared to $514.3 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006, an increase of $84.1 million or 16.4 percent, 4.4 percentage points of which can be attributed to the strengthening European currencies. The increase was mainly due to additional salary and employee benefit expenses of $56.4 million related to the operation of WWLLP which we acquired in a business combination. The increase in the historical company was due to higher salaries of $19.8 million, higher accrual for discretionary compensation of $8.9 million, and increased benefit expense of $2.7 million. Also included is less capitalization of $4.5 million related to time spent customizing in-house administration systems in accordance with AICPA’s Statement of Position 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use”.  Additionally, a decrease in pension expense of $8.1 million partially offset the increases outlined above.  As a percentage of revenue, salaries and employee benefits decreased to 54.5 percent from 55.6 percent.

Professional and Subcontracted Services.

Professional and subcontracted services expense for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 were $26.5 million compared to $17.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, an increase of $8.6 million or 48.0 percent, 9.6 percentage points of which can be attributed to the strengthening European currencies. As a percentage of revenue, professional and subcontracted services increased to 6.7 percent from 5.2 percent.  The increase is mainly due to higher reimbursable expenses incurred on behalf of clients and increased costs in Europe for temporary staff and consulting fees.

Professional and subcontracted services used in consulting operations for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 were $72.7 million, compared to $56.5 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006, an increase of $16.2 million or 28.6 percent, 6.2 percentage points of which can be attributed to the strengthening European currencies.  The increase was partially due to additional expenses of $4.5 million related to the operation of WWLLP which we acquired in a business combination as well as to higher reimbursable expenses incurred on behalf of clients. As a percentage of revenue, professional and subcontracted services increased to 6.6 percent from 6.1 percent.

Occupancy, Communications and Other.

Occupancy, communications and other expenses for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 were $49.4 million compared to $41.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, an increase of $7.7 million or 18.5 percent, 4.3 percentage points of which can be attributed to the strengthening European currencies.  The increase is mainly due to increases in travel, rent, telephone, and general office as well as the impact of the strengthening European currencies, offset by a decrease in promotion expense.  As a percentage of revenue, occupancy, communications and other increased to 12.5 percent from 12.2 percent.

39




 

Occupancy, communications and other expenses for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 were $136.0 million compared to $118.2 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006, an increase of $17.8 million or 15.1 percent, 3.5 percentage points of which can be attributed to the strengthening European currencies. The increase was mainly due to additional expenses of $13.4 million related to the operation of WWLLP which we acquired in a business combination. The increase of $4.4 million associated with the historical company was principally attributable to increases in expenses such as travel, telephone, repairs and maintenance, dues and entertainment, insurance and promotion partially offset by decreases in expenses such as rent, and general office expense.  As a percentage of revenue, occupancy, communications and other decreased to 12.4 percent from 12.8 percent.

General and Administrative Expenses.

General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 were $40.4 million, compared to $39.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, an increase of $1.1 million or 2.9 percent. The increase is primarily due to increased salaries and benefits of $1.9 million, increased equipment rental expense of $1.0 million, and increased general office, repairs and maintenance and promotion expense of $2.5 million partially offset by decreases in insurance expense of $2.3 million, rent and utilities, dues, and professional development expense of $0.8 million and telephone expense of $1.2 million.  As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expense decreased to 10.2 percent from 11.4 percent. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, general and administrative expenses decreased by 2.6%.

General and administrative expenses for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 were $118.0 million, compared to $107.9 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006, an increase of $10.1 million or 9.4 percent, 4.6 percentage points of which can be attributed to the strengthening European currencies.  The increase is mainly due to additional expenses of $9.7 million related to the operation of WWLLP which we acquired in a business combination. The increase of $0.4 million in the historical company is mainly due to higher salary expense of $0.4 million, higher professional services expense of $3.2 million, and higher rent and utility expense of $0.5 million partially offset by a decrease in insurance expense of $3.7 million.  As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expense decreased to 10.7 percent from 11.7 percent.

Depreciation and Amortization.

Depreciation and amortization for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 was $15.1 million, compared to $11.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, an increase of $3.6 million or 31.4 percent, 5.0 percentage points of which can be attributed to the strengthening European currencies. The increase, including the impact of foreign exchange, is mainly due to a $2.9 million increase in amortization of internally developed software used to support our Benefits Group and Technology and Administration Solutions Group, and $0.7 million increase in depreciation on capital assets and amortization of intangibles.  As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and amortization increased to 3.8 percent from 3.4 percent.

Depreciation and amortization for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $41.8 million, compared to $32.3 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006, an increase of $9.5 million or 29.4 percent, 4.2 percentage points of which can be attributed to the strengthening European currencies. The increase is due to additional expense of $2.3 million related to the operation of WWLLP which we acquired in a business combination. The increase of $7.2 million in the historical company is due to $5.0 million of amortization on internally developed software used to support our Benefits Group and Technology and Administration Solutions Group and $2.2 million higher depreciation expense on capital assets and amortization of intangibles.  As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and amortization increased to 3.8 percent from 3.5 percent.

 

40




 

(Loss)/Income From Affiliates.

Loss from affiliates for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 was $4.5 million, compared to income of $0.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, a decrease of $4.8 million.  Loss from affiliates for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $5.4 million compared to income of $1.7 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006.  The income in fiscal year 2006 includes not only our share of income from PCIC but also our share of results from our European affiliates for the month of July 2005, after which time the business combination was consummated.

PCIC’s losses, and consequently our share of those losses, are the result of a substantial increase in PCIC’s reserves during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 in response to unusually rapid development of several claims against its three participating firms.

Interest Expense.

Interest expense for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 was $0.3 million, compared to $1.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006.  Interest expense for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $1.3 million, compared to $3.7 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006.  The decrease in both periods was due to a lower average debt balance.

Interest Income.

Interest income for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 was $0.9 million, compared to $1.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. Interest income for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $3.1 million, compared to $2.3 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006.  The year to date increase is mainly due to a higher average cash balance in the current period compared to the prior period combined with higher short-term interest rates in the United States and Europe.

Other Non-Operating Income/(Loss).

Other non-operating income/(loss) in the nine months of fiscal year 2006 includes a $1.4 million gain recognized by the company on the sale of its New Zealand operations, netted against a loss of $3.6 million on a foreign exchange forward contract entered into in conjunction with the business combination.

Provision for Income Taxes.

Provision for income taxes for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $43.0 million, compared to $33.3 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006. Our effective tax rate was 33.7 percent for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 and 35.6 percent for the nine months of fiscal year 2006.  The tax rate decrease is due to the geographic mix of income and the release of tax reserves.  The company has not provided U.S. deferred taxes on cumulative earnings of foreign subsidiaries that have been reinvested indefinitely, which also includes foreign subsidiaries affiliated with our recent business combination with WWLLP.  We record a tax benefit on foreign net operating loss carryovers and foreign deferred expenses only if it is more likely than not that a benefit will be realized.

Income From Continuing Operations.

Income from continuing operations for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 was $33.8 million, compared to $29.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006.  As a percentage of revenue, income from continuing operations remained at 8.6 percent. Income from continuing operations for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $84.6 million, compared to $60.4 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006.  As a percentage of revenue, income from continuing operations increased to 7.7 percent from 6.5 percent.

41




 

Earnings Per Share, Income From Continuing Operations.

Diluted earnings per share, income from continuing operations for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 was $0.76, compared to $0.69 for the third quarter of fiscal year 2006.   Diluted earnings per share, income from continuing operations for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $1.90, compared to $1.46 for the nine months of fiscal year 2006. The diluted earnings per share calculation for the three and nine months of fiscal year 2007 assumes that the 1,950,000 contingent shares related to the business combination had been issued and outstanding for the entire three and nine months.

Pro Forma Statement of Operations

For a more meaningful comparison of financial results, the following table presents the company’s unaudited results for the nine months ended March 31, 2007, compared with the unaudited pro forma results for the nine months ended March 31, 2006, as if the business combination had occurred at the beginning of each period.  The diluted earnings per share calculation in this pro forma analysis assumes that the 1,950,000 shares related to the business combination had been issued at the beginning of each period.  The financial results for the three month period ended March 31, 2007 and for the three month period ended March 31, 2006 are comparable and discussion regarding these quarters is provided beginning on page 36.

In our opinion, information for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 and the pro forma results for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present this information. Operating results for any period are not necessarily indicative of results for any future periods. The unaudited pro forma combined income statement is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that might have occurred had the business combination actually taken place as of the dates specified, or that may be expected to occur in the future.

42




 

Pro-Forma Combined Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Nine Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

Actual

 

Actual

 

%

 

Actual

 

Pro Forma

 

%

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

395,598

 

$

343,072

 

15.3

%

$

1,098,027

 

$

961,641

 

14.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of providing services:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

211,807

 

191,582

 

10.6

 

598,447

 

538,379

 

11.2

 

Professional and subcontracted services

 

26,494

 

17,884

 

48.1

 

72,659

 

57,681

 

26.0

 

Occupancy, communications and other

 

49,375

 

41,689

 

18.4

 

136,008

 

121,420

 

12.0

 

General and administrative expenses

 

40,445

 

39,300

 

2.9

 

118,005

 

114,493

 

3.1

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

15,123

 

11,510

 

31.4

 

41,797

 

33,744

 

23.9

 

 

 

343,244

 

301,965

 

 

 

966,916

 

865,717

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

52,354

 

41,107

 

27.4

 

131,111

 

95,924

 

36.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss)/income from affiliates

 

(4,490

)

310

 

(1,548.4

)

(5,357

)

1,244

 

(530.6

)

Interest income/(expense), net

 

585

 

(297

)

297.0

 

1,765

 

(1,772

)

199.6

 

Other non-operating income

 

37

 

44

 

(15.9

)

141

 

1,496

 

(90.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

48,486

 

41,164

 

17.8

 

127,660

 

96,892

 

31.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

14,652

 

11,828

 

23.9

 

43,018

 

34,610

 

24.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

33,834

 

$

29,336

 

15.3

%

$

84,642

 

$

62,282

 

35.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

$

0.80

 

$

0.69

 

 

 

$

1.99

 

$

1.52

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

$

0.76

 

$

0.69

 

 

 

$

1.90

 

$

1.51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares of common stock, basic (000)

 

42,488

 

42,234

 

 

 

42,430

 

41,074

 

 

 

Weighted average shares of common stock, diluted (000)

 

44,586

 

42,466

 

 

 

44,562

 

41,341

 

 

 

 

The pro forma information for the nine months ended March 31, 2006 excludes, in Other non-operating income, a loss of $3.6 million on a foreign exchange forward contract entered into in conjunction with the business combination with WWLLP.

43




 

Revenue.

Revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 were $1.1 billion, an increase of $138 million, or 14.3 percent, from $962 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2006.  The European currencies strengthened during the nine months ended March 31, 2007 and resulted in $34 million of the revenue increase.  The average exchange rate used to translate our revenues earned in the U.K. increased to 1.9220 for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 from 1.7606 for the nine months ended March 31, 2006. The average exchange rate used to translate our revenues earned in Euros increased to 1.2983 for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 from 1.2040 in the nine months ended March 31, 2006.

The increases in our segment revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2006 are as follows:

·                  Benefits increased revenues $52.5 million, or 9 percent, over the nine months ended March 31, 2006, due to increased demand from existing clients for plan design, valuation and administration services.  The strengthening of the European currencies accounted for 3 percentage points of the increase.

·                  Technology and Administration Solutions increased revenues $14.8 million, or 14 percent, over the nine months ended March 31, 2006, largely due to an increase in the number of projects that went into service during the fiscal year.  In accordance with EITF 00-3, “Application of AICPA Statement of Position 97-2 to Arrangements that Include the Right to Use Software Stored on Another Entity’s Hardware” (EITF 00-3), the company begins recognizing revenue after projects go into service.  No revenues are recognized during project implementation.  The strengthening of the European currencies accounted for 4 percentage points of the increase.

·                  Human Capital Group increased revenues $18.0 million, or 17 percent, over the nine months ended March 31, 2006, primarily due to continuing strong demand for compensation consulting services.  The strengthening of the European currencies accounted for 2 percentage points of the increase.

·                  Investment Consulting increased revenues $29.1 million, or 45 percent, over the nine months ended March 31, 2006, due to an increase in the number of associates working in this practice combined with an overall strong demand for our services, especially structured products.  The strengthening of the European currencies accounted for 6 percentage points of the increase.

·                  Insurance and Financial Services increased revenues $10.1 million, or 14 percent, over the nine months ended March 31, 2006, primarily due to an increase in project work, including life insurance consulting projects.  The strengthening of the European currencies accounted for 9 percentage points of the increase.

 

44




 

Salaries and Employee Benefits.

Salaries and employee benefit expenses for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 were $598.4 million, compared to $538.4 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006, an increase of $60.0 million or 11.1 percent.   The increase was mainly due to higher salaries of $38.9 million, a higher accrual for discretionary compensation of $20.3 million, higher benefits of $7.7 million, the impact of the strengthening European currencies and a decrease in capitalization of time spent customizing in-house administration systems of $4.5 million, in accordance with AICPA’s Statement of Position 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use” partially offset by a decrease in pension expense of $11.4 million.  As a percentage of revenue, salaries and employee benefits decreased to 54.5 percent from 56.0 percent.

Professional and Subcontracted Services.

Professional and subcontracted services used in consulting operations for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 were $72.7 million, compared to $57.7 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006, an increase of $15.0 million or 26.0 percent. As a percentage of revenue, professional and subcontracted services increased to 6.6 percent from 6.0 percent.  The increase is principally attributable to higher reimbursable expenses incurred on behalf of clients and increased costs in Europe for temporary staff and consulting fees.

Occupancy, Communications and Other.

Occupancy, communications and other expenses for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 were $136.0 million compared to $121.4 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006, an increase of $14.6 million or 12.0 percent.  The increase is mainly due to increases in rent and utilities, repairs and maintenance expenses, travel, telephone and dues, as well as the impact of the strengthening European currencies, partially offset by a decrease in general office expense.  As a percentage of revenue, occupancy, communications and other decreased to 12.4 percent from 12.6 percent.

General and Administrative Expenses.

General and administrative expenses for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 were $118.0 million, compared to $114.5 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006, an increase of $3.5 million or 3.1 percent.   The increase is mainly due to increases in salaries expense of $6.1 million, professional services expense of $3.7 million, rent and utilities expense of $1.9 million, equipment rental expense of $1.0 million partially offset by a decrease in professional indemnity insurance of $7.7 million and decreases in miscellaneous expenses such as telephone, promotion, repairs and maintenance, and dues totaling $1.5 million.  As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses decreased to 10.7 percent from 11.9 percent.

Depreciation and Amortization.

Depreciation and amortization for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $41.8 million compared to $33.7 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006, an increase of $8.1 million or 24.0 percent. The increase is mainly due to amortization of internally developed software used to support our Benefits and Technology and Administration Solutions Groups of $6.0 million and amortization of intangibles of $2.1 million.  As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and amortization increased to 3.8 percent from 3.5 percent.

45




 

(Loss)/Income From Affiliates.

Loss from affiliates for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $5.4 million compared to income of $1.2 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006.  The amount of income or loss recognized reflects our share of PCIC’s earnings for the relative period.

PCIC’s losses, and consequently our share of those losses, are primarily the result of a substantial increase in PCIC’s reserves during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 in response to unusually rapid development of several claims against its three participating firms.

Interest Income/(Expense), net.

Net interest income for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $1.8 million compared to net interest expense of $1.8 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006.  The increase in net interest income in the current period was due to an increased net investment balance and a decreased average debt balance.

Other Non-Operating Income.

Other non-operating income in the nine months of fiscal year 2006 includes a $1.7 million gain recognized by the company on the sale of its New Zealand operations.

Provision for Income Taxes.

Provision for income taxes for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $43.0 million, compared to $34.6 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006. Our effective tax rate was 33.7 percent for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 and 35.7 percent for the nine months of fiscal year 2006.  The tax rate decrease is due to the geographic mix of income and the release of tax reserves. The company has not provided U.S. deferred taxes on cumulative earnings of foreign subsidiaries that have been reinvested indefinitely, which also includes foreign subsidiaries affiliated with our recent business combination with WWLLP.  We record a tax benefit on foreign net operating loss carryovers and foreign deferred expenses only if it is more likely than not that a benefit will be realized.

Income From Continuing Operations.

Income from continuing operations for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $84.6 million, compared to $62.3 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006.  As a percentage of revenue, income from continuing operations increased to 7.7 percent from 6.5 percent.

Earnings Per Share, Income From Continuing Operations.

Diluted earnings per share, income from continuing operations for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $1.90, compared to $1.51 for the nine months of fiscal year 2006. The diluted earnings per share calculation assumes that the 1,950,000 contingent shares related to the business combination have been issued and outstanding since the beginning of each fiscal year presented.

46




 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2007 totaled $69.2 million, compared to $165.3 million at June 30, 2006.  The decrease in cash from June 30, 2006 to March 31, 2007 was mainly attributable to the payment during the first quarter of fiscal year 2007 of $96.5 million of previously accrued discretionary compensation. We also paid $45.9 million in corporate taxes, $29.2 million in capital expenditures and $9.5 million in dividends during the nine months of fiscal year 2007.  These payments were funded by cash flow from current consulting operations, from existing cash balances and from borrowings under our revolving credit facility.  Consistent with the company’s liquidity position, management considers various alternative strategic uses of cash reserves including acquisitions, dividends and stock buybacks, or any combination of these options. The company utilized cash on hand and $6.4 million from its credit facility  toward the cash consideration payment made in connection with the acquisition of substantially all the assets of Brans.   The company believes that it has sufficient resources to fund operations through the next twelve months.

Our non U.S. operations are substantially self-sufficient for their working capital needs.  At March 31, 2007, $42.6 million of the total cash balance of $69.2 million was held outside of North America, which we have the ability to utilize, if necessary. There are no significant repatriation restrictions other than local or U.S. taxes associated with repatriation.

Cash From Operating Activities.

Cash from operating activities for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $55.8 million, compared to $65.0 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006.  The difference is primarily attributable to an increase in billed and unbilled accounts receivable in fiscal year 2007.

The allowance for doubtful accounts increased $3.0 million from June 30, 2006 to March 31, 2007. As a result of the increase in accounts receivable and work in process since June 30, 2006, the number of days of accounts receivable and work in process outstanding increased to 88 at March 31, 2007 from 83 at June 30, 2006.

Cash Used in Investing Activities.

Cash used in investing activities for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $91.6 million, compared to $176.0 million used in investing activities for the nine months of fiscal year 2006.  The difference can be primarily attributed to acquisition and contingent consideration payments associated with the business combination of $132.8 million in the nine months of fiscal year 2006.

Expenditures of capital funds were $29.2 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2007.  Commitments of capital funds are estimated to be $21.0 million for the remainder of fiscal year 2007. We expect cash from operations to adequately provide for these cash needs.

Cash (Used in)/From Financing Activities.

Cash used in financing activities for the nine months of fiscal year 2007 was $63.0 million, compared to cash from financing activities of $32.3 million for the nine months of fiscal year 2006.  This change is primarily attributable to activity under our credit facility which included net borrowings of $45.0 million in the nine months of fiscal year 2006 compared to a net repayment of $30.0 million in the nine months of fiscal year 2007.  Additionally, during the nine months of fiscal year 2007, the company repurchased $33.4 million of common stock, compared to $3.9 million of common stock during the same period in fiscal year 2006. The company also made a one-time payment of $8.4 million under a forward contract in fiscal year 2006.

47




 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual arrangements at March 31, 2007, and the timing and effect that such commitments are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods:

 

 

Remaining payments due by fiscal year as of March 31, 2007

 

Contractual Cash Obligations (in thousands)

 

 

 

Total

 

Remaining
2007

 

2008
through
2009

 

2010
through
2011

 

Thereafter

 

Lease commitments

 

$

354,846

 

$

14,196

 

$

107,077

 

$

85,810

 

$

147,763

 

 

Operating Leases.  We lease office space, furniture and selected computer equipment under operating lease agreements with terms ranging from one to ten years. Management has determined that there is not a large concentration of leases that will expire in any one fiscal year.  Consequently, management anticipates that any increase in future rent expense will be mainly market driven.

Credit Agreement.  The company has a credit facility provided by a syndicate of banks in an aggregate principal amount of $300 million.  Interest rates associated with this facility vary with LIBOR and/or the Prime Rate and are based on our leverage ratio, as defined by the credit agreement.  We are charged a quarterly commitment fee, currently 0.125 percent of the facility, which varies with our financial leverage and is paid on the unused portion of the credit facility.  There were no borrowings under this facility as of March 31, 2007, compared to net borrowings of $45 million as of March 31, 2006.  On February 1, 2007, the company accessed $6.4 million under its credit facility in connection with the Brans Acquisition. Credit under the facility is available upon demand, although the credit facility requires us to observe certain covenants (including requirements for minimum net worth, which act to restrict dividends, cash flow leverage ratio and a fixed coverage charge) and is collateralized with a pledge of stock of material subsidiaries.  We were in compliance with all covenants under the credit facility as of March 31, 2007. This facility is scheduled to mature on June 30, 2010.

A portion of the revolving facility is used to support required letters of credit issued under the credit line.  As a result, $10.6 million of the facility was unavailable for operating needs as of March 31, 2007.  We are also charged a fee for outstanding letters of credit that also fluctuates based on our leverage ratio.

Pension Contributions.  We have made pension contributions of $27.5 million during the nine months of fiscal year 2007.  We anticipate contributing an additional $4.3 million to various plans over the remainder of the fiscal year.

48




 

Guarantees

Wellspring Leases.  We continue to guarantee two leases for office premises for Wellspring Resources, LLC (“Wellspring”), the benefits administration outsourcing business that we exited from in fiscal year 1998.  The last guaranteed lease will expire in November, 2007.  Based on our analysis and the limited duration of the remaining lease obligations, the company no longer records an obligation as the probability of any payment under these lease guarantees is remote.

Business Combination with WWLLP.  On July 31, 2005, the company acquired substantially all the assets and assumed most liabilities of WWLLP, the company’s long-time alliance partner in the U.K. and Europe.  The company entered into indemnity arrangements with WWLLP relating to the acquisition and also agreed that certain indemnity obligations relating to the alliance arrangements will continue after the business combination.  In the business combination agreement, Watson Wyatt Limited, the company’s principal U.K. subsidiary, has agreed to indemnify WWLLP against liabilities arising with respect to certain liabilities assumed in the business combination by Watson Wyatt Limited and also with respect to certain tax liabilities.

As part of the original alliance arrangements in 1995, the company sold its then-existing businesses in the U.K. and Europe to the predecessor of WWLLP or its subsidiaries.  The company agreed to indemnify the buyers against liabilities arising with respect to prior acts or omissions of the businesses transferred.  Furthermore, the company agreed to indemnify WWLLP against liabilities arising with respect to acts or omissions of the company and its subsidiaries during the alliance arrangements.  These indemnities will continue following the business combination.

The company is unable to estimate an amount of any potential future payments under these arrangements because the occurrence of any of the events to which the indemnities apply is entirely speculative and the amount of any payment would depend upon the nature of the event triggering such indemnity. Management believes that any potential for payment under such indemnities should decline with the passage of time.  The company has insurance to cover liabilities arising from acts or omissions by the company and its subsidiaries, and such insurance may cover some or all of its indemnity obligations relating to prior acts or omissions.  Except for such insurance, there are no provisions for recourse to third parties, nor are any assets held by any third parties that the company as indemnitor can liquidate to recover amounts paid under such indemnities.

In connection with our business combination, payment of an additional 1,950,000 shares of the company’s common stock after June 30, 2007 is contingent upon the achievement by the acquired business of agreed-upon financial performance goals. The value of the contingent stock was $91.9 million based on the NYSE closing price on April 30, 2007. The contingent consideration is payable by Watson Wyatt Limited and the payment obligations are guaranteed by Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc.

Brans Acquisition.  On February 1, 2007, the company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed most liabilities of Watson Wyatt Brans & Co. (“Brans”), its long-time alliance partner in the Netherlands.  In connection with this acquisition, payment of up to an additional €8.0 million of Class A shares (approximately 220,000 shares) after January 31, 2008 is contingent upon achievement by the acquired business of certain financial performance goals during the twelve month period ending January 31, 2008.  The contingent consideration is payable by Watson Wyatt Limited and the payment obligations are guaranteed by Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc.

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Risk Management

As a part of our overall risk management program, we carry customary commercial insurance policies, including commercial general liability, employment practices liability, and claims-made professional liability insurance with a self-insured retention of $1 million per claim, which provides coverage for professional liability claims of the company and its subsidiaries, including the cost of defending such claims.  Our primary professional liability insurance coverage beyond our self-insured retention amount is written by an affiliated captive insurance company (PCIC) owned by us and two other professional services firms.

In formulating its premium structure, PCIC estimates the amount it expects to pay for losses (and loss expenses) for all the members as a whole and then allocates that amount to the member firms based on the individual member’s expected losses.  PCIC bases premium calculations, which are determined annually based on experience through March of each year, on relative risk of the various lines of business performed by each of the owner companies, past claim experience of each owner company (experience rating), growth of each of those companies, industry risk profiles in general and the overall insurance markets.  As of July 1, 2006, the captive insurance company carries reinsurance for 90% of losses it insures above $25 million.

Our agreements with PCIC could require additional payments to PCIC in the event that the company decided to exit PCIC and adverse claims significantly exceed prior expectations.  If these circumstances were to occur, the company would record a liability at the time it becomes probable and reasonably estimable.

The company will continue to provide for the self-insured retention where specific estimated losses and loss expenses for known claims in excess of $1 million are considered probable and reasonably estimable.

Although the company maintains professional liability insurance coverage, this insurance does not cover claims made after expiration of our current insurance contracts.  Generally accepted accounting principles require that we record a liability for incurred but not reported (IBNR) professional liability claims if they are probable and reasonably estimable, and for which we have not yet contracted for insurance coverage.  The company uses actuarial assumptions to estimate and record its IBNR liability and has a $35.1 million IBNR liability recorded as of March 31, 2007.

Insurance market conditions for our industry and the company include increases in overall premium cost.  In addition, beginning in 2005 PCIC raised the reinsurance attachment point from $15 million to $25 million. Trends toward higher self-insured retentions and constraints on aggregate excess coverages for this class of insurance coverage are anticipated to continue or to recur periodically, and to be reflected in our future annual insurance renewals.  As a result, we will continue to assess our ability to secure future insurance coverage and we cannot assure that such coverage will continue to be available indefinitely in the event of specific adverse claims experience, adverse loss trends, market capacity constraints or other factors.  In anticipation of the possibility of future reductions in risk transfer from PCIC to re-insurers, as well as the hardening insurance market conditions in recent years, the firms that own PCIC, including the company, have increased PCIC’s capital in the past and we will continue to re-assess capital requirements on a regular basis.

In light of increasing worldwide litigation, including litigation against professionals, the company has implemented a requirement that all client relationships be documented by engagement letters containing risk mitigation clauses that were not included in all historical client agreements.  Nearly 100 percent of the company’s U.S. and U.K. corporate clients have signed engagement letters including risk mitigation clauses, and initiatives to maintain that process in the United States and the United Kingdom and complete it elsewhere are underway.

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Disclaimer Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This filing contains certain statements that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to the following: Note 5 — Retirement Benefits; Note 6 — Goodwill and Intangible Assets; Note 11 — Guarantees; Note 12 — Contingent Liabilities; the Executive Overview; Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates; the discussion of our capital expenditures; Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations; Risk Management; and Part II, Item 1 “Legal Proceedings”.  You can identify these statements and other forward-looking statements in this filing by words such as “may”, “will,”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “plan”, “intend”, “continue”, or similar words, expressions or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. You should read these statements carefully because they contain projections of our future results of operations or financial condition, or state other “forward-looking” information. A number of risks and uncertainties exist which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results reflected in these forward-looking statements.  Such factors include but are not limited to:

·              our ability to integrate acquired businesses, including the Brans business, into our own business, processes and systems, and achieve the anticipated results;

·              our continued ability to recruit and retain qualified associates;

·              the success of our marketing, client development and sales programs after our acquisitions;

·              our ability to maintain client relationships and to attract new clients after our acquisitions;

·              declines in demand for our services;

·              outcomes of pending or future litigation and the availability and capacity of professional liability insurance to fund the outcome of pending cases or future judgments or settlements;

·              our ability to obtain professional liability insurance;

·              a significant decrease in the demand for the consulting, actuarial and other services we offer as a result of changing economic conditions or other factors;

·              actions by competitors offering human resources consulting services, including public accounting and consulting firms, technology consulting firms and Internet/intranet development firms;

·              our ability to achieve cost reductions after our recent acquisitions;

·              foreign currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations;

·              exposure to liabilities that have not been expressly assumed in our acquisition transactions;

·              general economic and business conditions that adversely affect us or our clients;

·              the level of capital resources required for future acquisitions and business opportunities;

·              regulatory developments abroad and domestically that impact our business practice;

·              legislative and technological developments that may affect the demand for or costs of our services;

and other factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 1, 2006.  These statements are based on assumptions that may not come true.  All forward-looking disclosure is speculative by its nature.  The company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information included in this report, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed expectations or otherwise.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of business.  These risks include interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange and translation risk.

Interest Rate Risk

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while at the same time maximizing yields without significantly increasing risk. To achieve this objective, we maintain our portfolio in mainly short term securities that are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value.

Foreign Currency Risk

International net revenues result from transactions by our foreign operations and are typically denominated in the local currency of each country. These operations also incur most of their expenses in the local currency. Accordingly, our foreign operations use the local currency, as their functional currency and our primary international operations use the British Pound. Our international operations are subject to risks typical of international operations, including, but not limited to, differing economic conditions, changes in political climate, differing tax structures, other regulations and restrictions, and foreign exchange rate volatility. Accordingly, our future results could be adversely impacted by changes in these or other factors.

Translation Exposure

Foreign exchange rate fluctuations may adversely impact our consolidated financial position as well as our consolidated results of operations and may adversely impact our financial position as the assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars in preparing our condensed consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, foreign exchange rate fluctuations may adversely impact our condensed consolidated results of operations as exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in currencies other than our functional currencies result in gains and losses that are reflected in our condensed consolidated statement of income.

We consolidate our international subsidiaries by converting them into U.S. dollars in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation” (“FAS 52”). The results of operations and our financial position will fluctuate when there is a change in foreign currency exchange rates.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the chief executive officer, or CEO, and chief financial officer, or CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on that evaluation, our management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2007.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting in the quarter ended March 31, 2007 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Our management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will necessarily prevent all error and all fraud.  However, our management does expect that the control system provides reasonable assurance that its objectives will be met.  A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met.   In addition, the design of such internal controls must take into account the costs of designing and maintaining such a control system.  Certain inherent limitations exist in control systems to make absolute assurances difficult, including the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake, and that individuals can circumvent controls.  The design of any control system is based in part upon existing business conditions and risk assessments. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.  Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in business conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.  As a result, they may require change or revision.  Because of the inherent limitations in a control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be detected.  Nevertheless, the disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their stated objectives, and the CEO and CFO have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable assurance level.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

From time to time, we are a party to various lawsuits, arbitrations or mediations that arise in the ordinary course of business. The disclosure called for by Part II, Item 1, regarding our legal proceedings is incorporated by reference herein from Note 12 “Contingent Liabilities,” of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2007.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS.

There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-16159) filed on September 1, 2006.

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

The company did not engage in any unregistered sales of equity securities during the quarter.  See Item 5 below, however, with respect to our unregistered issuance of shares in connection with an off-shore acquisition after the interim reporting period.

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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The table below presents specified information about the company’s stock repurchases and repurchase plans:

Period

 

 

 

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased

 

Average Price
Paid per Share

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

 

Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs

 

January 1, 2007 through
January 31, 2007

 

84,000

 

$

43.99

 

84,000

 

1,329,534

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 1, 2007 through
February 28, 2007

 

66,700

 

46.58

 

66,700

 

1,262,834

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 1, 2007 through
March 31, 2007

 

135,300

 

48.43

 

135,300

 

1,127,534

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

286,000

 

 

 

286,000

 

 

 

 

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, the company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 1,500,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock. Shares that the company repurchases are primarily issued in connection with the company’s employee benefit plans.

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

None.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

The company previously announced the dismissal of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm on December 7, 2006, and approved Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) as its new independent registered public accounting firm, effective upon completion of Deloitte’s customary client acceptance procedures which were completed on December 12, 2006.  Details of the event were filed under Item 4.01 of Form 8-K on December 13, 2006.

On February 1, 2007, the company issued 252,285 shares of the company’s Class A Common Stock under Regulation S and Section 4 (2) of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the Brans acquisition.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002(1)

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002(1)

32

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Title 18, U.S.C. Section 1350, adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002(1)


(1)   Filed with this Form 10-Q

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Signatures

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

Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc.
(Registrant)


/s/ John J. Haley

 

May 10, 2007

 

 

Name:

John J. Haley

Date

 

 

Title:

President and

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Carl D. Mautz

 

May 10, 2007

 

 

Name:

Carl D. Mautz

Date

 

 

Title:

Vice President and

 

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Peter L. Childs

 

May 10, 2007

 

 

Name:

Peter L. Childs

Date

 

 

Title:

Controller

 

 

 

 

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