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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

ý

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

 

 

 

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004

 

 

 

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 & COMPANY HOLDINGS

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

52-2211537

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

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

 

1717 H STREET NW

Washington, D.C.  20006-3900

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(202) 715-7000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value
(32,326,060 shares outstanding as of July 31, 2004)

 

New York Stock Exchange

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes  ý

 

No  o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

 

Yes  o

 

No  ý

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

 

Yes  ý

 

No  o

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $793,616,165 as of December 31, 2003.

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

 

Portions of the Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on or about November 15, 2004 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 



 

PART I

 

Item 1.  Business.

 

Overview

 

Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings, including its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “we”, “Watson Wyatt” or the “company”), is a global human capital consulting firm. We help our clients enhance business performance by improving their ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified employees. We focus on delivering value-added consulting services that help our clients anticipate, identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities in human capital management.  We implement this strategy through approximately 3,925 associates in 61 offices located in 18 countries.

 

As leading economies worldwide have become more services-oriented, human capital 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. We help our clients address these issues by combining our expertise in human capital management with consulting and technology, to improve the design and implementation of various human resources, or HR, programs, including compensation, retirement and health care plans.

 

We design, develop and implement HR strategies and programs through the following closely-interrelated practice areas:

 

Benefits Group

 

Technology Solutions Group

 

Human Capital Group

       Retirement plans, including pension, 401(k) and executive benefits plans

       Health care, disability and other group benefit plans

•  Investment consulting services to pension plans

       Global compensation, benefits, expatriate and HR practice strategy, implementation and administration

       Actuarial services

•  Strategic workforce planning

 

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

       Call center strategy, design and tools

       Strategic, research-based HR technology and service delivery consulting

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

 

       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, through organization and employee research

       Strategies for attracting, retaining and motivating employees

•  Performance management

 

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

 

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Competitive Advantage

 

We believe that our competitive advantages include our strong client relationships, our thought leadership and our experienced management team.

 

We have long-lasting relationships with our clients, many of which have been our clients for decades, for whom our services have grown over time.  Expanding our relationships with existing clients and identifying new prospects are key to our growth strategy.

 

We also believe that we are at the forefront of many issues affecting human capital through our research, surveys and participation in policy-making.  Our thought leaders are often called upon by the media and government to express opinions on issues affecting health care benefits, retirement plan design and executive compensation.

 

Our senior management team is strong, with an average tenure of 14 years with the company and a reputation for transparency and accountability.  We consider this group to be a major asset to the company.

 

Corporate Information

 

Including predecessors, we have been in business since 1946.  The Wyatt Company was incorporated in Delaware on February 17, 1958.  We conducted business as The Wyatt Company from 1958 until changing our corporate name to Watson Wyatt & Company in connection with the establishment of the Watson Wyatt Worldwide alliance in 1995.  Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings was incorporated in Delaware on January 7, 2000, and conducts business through its principal operating subsidiary, Watson Wyatt & Company.

 

Watson Wyatt Worldwide Alliance

 

Recognizing our clients’ need for consulting services worldwide, in the late 1970s we established operations throughout Europe by acquiring local firms and opening new offices.  In 1995, in response to the rapidly increasing globalization of the world economy, we made a strategic decision to strengthen our European capabilities significantly and extended our global reach. We entered into an alliance with R. Watson & Sons (now Watson Wyatt LLP), a leading United Kingdom-based actuarial, benefits and human resources consulting partnership founded in 1878. Since 1995, we have marketed our services globally under the Watson Wyatt Worldwide brand, sharing resources, technologies, processes and business referrals with Watson Wyatt LLP.

 

The Watson Wyatt Worldwide alliance maintains 88 offices in 30 countries and employs more than 6,000 associates. Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings operates 61 offices in 18 countries in North America, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Watson Wyatt LLP operates 10 offices in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and also operates 1 office engaged in the insurance and financial services business in the United States. The alliance operates 16 offices in 10 continental European countries, principally through a jointly-owned holding company, Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe) Limited.  Watson Wyatt & Company owns 25 percent of the holding company; Watson Wyatt LLP owns 75 percent.

 

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Human Resources Consulting Industry

 

The growing demand for employee benefits and human capital consulting services is directly related to the increasing size and complexity of today’s human resources programs and the societal forces that are stimulating their rapid change.  In the United States alone, employers spend more than $6.2 trillion annually in direct costs of human capital programs, such as compensation and benefits.  In 2003, U.S. employers contributed nearly $191 billion to pension and profit-sharing plans, and more than $429 billion to group health insurance programs, while the assets of U.S. employer-sponsored retirement plans approximated $9.3 trillion.

 

Employers, regardless of geography or industry, are facing unprecedented challenges involving the management of their people. Changing technology, difficult economic times, critical skill shortages and an aging population in many developed countries have increased competition for talented employees.  At the same time, employees’ expectations relating to compensation, benefits and other HR services are growing.  To remain competitive, employers must address these challenges effectively.

 

Consulting Services

 

Our North American operations include three principal practice groups: Benefits, Technology Solutions and Human Capital.  Outside North America, our operations are organized and managed on a geographic basis.  The percentage of revenues generated in the various groups is as follows:

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

Benefits Group

 

64

%

61

%

59

%

Technology Solutions Group

 

11

 

14

 

16

 

Human Capital Group

 

7

 

7

 

7

 

International

 

12

 

11

 

10

 

Other (including Data Services and Communication)

 

6

 

7

 

8

 

Total

 

100

%

100

%

100

%

 

For more information about industry segments, see Note 13 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 15 of this report.

 

Benefits Group

 

Our Benefits Group – with 1,685 associates – consists primarily of consulting practices in retirement, group and health care, and pension investment management.  It is our largest and most established practice, with a franchise dating to 1946.  This group works with clients to create cost-effective retirement and health care benefits programs that help attract, retain and motivate a talented workforce.  We strive to provide tailored benefits programs for our clients, and we base our recommendations on extensive research.  Our Benefits Group accounted for approximately 64 percent of our total segment revenues for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

 

Retirement Consulting

 

We are one of the world’s largest advisers on retirement plans, providing actuarial and consulting services for large defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans. Our consultants work with clients to assess the impact that changing workforce demographics will have on their retirement plans, corporate cash flow requirements and retiree benefits adequacy and security.

 

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In North America, and throughout much of the developed world, organizations provide employees with retirement security through funded pension plans, most of which are either defined benefit or defined contribution plans.  A typical defined benefit plan is characterized by employer contributions and a specified future benefit to the employee.  Such plans typically involve large asset pools, complex calculations to determine employer costs, funding requirements and sophisticated analysis to match liabilities and assets over long periods of time. These plans are commonly referred to as pension plans. A typical defined contribution retirement plan is characterized by employee contributions, possible employer matching contributions and an unspecified future benefit – based on investment returns – paid to the employee.  In the United States, the most common example of a defined contribution plan is a 401(k) plan.

 

On August 30, 2001, we formed an alliance with Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company (GRS), an actuarial and benefits consulting firm that specializes in public sector employee benefit programs, under which we mutually refer future business opportunities and explore joint consulting assignments.  In addition, we sold GRS our U.S.-based public sector retirement practice.

 

Our target market for retirement consulting is companies with large defined benefit plans, such as the Fortune 1000, Pensions & Investments 1000 (P&I 1000), and other similarly-sized plans and plan sponsors. Our consultants provide actuarial services and are the named actuaries to many of the world’s largest retirement plans, including four of the five largest corporate pension plan sponsors in the United States.  The market for actuarial consulting for these large companies is fragmented, and no single consulting firm significantly dominates this target market.  Watson Wyatt is one of the leading service providers to our target market of the combined list of the P&I and Fortune 1000.  Additionally, our corporate client retention rate within this group has remained very high, averaging over 95 percent over the past two years.

 

Our defined benefit services include:

 

                  Strategic plan design

                  Actuarial services

                  Funding recommendations

                  Multinational asset pooling consulting

                  Financial reporting

                  Valuation and diagnostic software and systems

                  Assistance with changes relating to mergers, acquisitions and divestitures

                  Compliance consulting

                  Administrative services

 

We also help companies design and implement defined contribution plans, particularly 401(k) plans in the United States.

 

In both the defined benefit and defined contribution areas, we emphasize research-based consulting to design retirement programs that align our clients’ workforces with their business strategies. Our products and services include:

 

                  Pension Equity Plan – an alternative retirement plan that combines the lump-sum portability of defined contribution and cash balance plans desired by younger workers with a benefits formula based on the final few years of earnings, yet provides the benefits security typical of a traditional defined benefit plan that older and long-service employees seek

 

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                  Flex Pension PlusTM – for Canadian organizations, a tax-effective, supplemental retirement plan for attracting and retaining key employees

 

                  PensionPathTM  – in partnership with our Technology Solutions Group, we deliver this full-featured, web-based solution designed to meet the pension administration needs of companies of all sizes

 

                  PREpare!® – a web-based tool that enables employees to model different savings and retirement income scenarios

 

                  Watson Wyatt 401(k) Value Index® – a tool that looks beyond cost to identify the total value that employers and their employees derive from 401(k) plans

 

                  Phased Retirement Programs – a combination of programs that help clients attract and retain older workers by enabling them to balance work/life needs through a gradual transition to retirement

 

                  FASTool – an interactive tool that allows the immediate comparison of balance sheet information and assumptions related to pension and retiree medical plans for large publicly-traded companies

 

To support our retirement consulting services, we invest heavily in the latest technology to ensure the consistency and efficiency of service delivery in all our offices worldwide. We also maintain extensive proprietary databases, Watson Wyatt COMPARISONTM and BenTrackTM, that enable our clients to track and benchmark benefit plan provisions in the United States and throughout the world.

 

Group and Health Care Consulting

 

Employers look to provide health and welfare benefits that will help them to attract and retain qualified workers and to enhance the health and productivity of their workforce.  Given increasing health care costs, declining employee satisfaction and the increased administrative burden for U.S. companies, this challenge has never been greater.  Globally, many health care systems are strained by shrinking resources and increasing demand due to population aging and declining health status.  In the United States, these underlying forces are creating pressure for new approaches to providing health care benefits for workers and retirees – approaches that engage patients as consumers of health care and not just passive recipients.  These methods empower employees to participate more actively in the health care buying decision by putting workers in charge of spending their own health care dollars and by providing them with the tools and information necessary to make wiser health purchasing decisions.

 

Clients ask us to help them with the design, financing, administration, communication and management of their health and welfare benefit plans, to improve employee health and productivity, and to control their health-related benefit costs.

 

Our services include:

 

            Strategic plan design of health and welfare, paid time off and flexible benefit plans, including designs that feature consumerism and health savings accounts

            Retiree health programs

            Health and productivity management

            eHealth strategy and implementation

            Total program management

            Vendor performance and management

            Measurement of program effectiveness

 

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            Assistance with plan changes relating to mergers, acquisitions and divestitures

 

Our approach to group benefits consulting is data-driven, research-based and makes use of sophisticated consulting tools, including:

 

                  BenefitConnectTM – a customizable, web-based application that combines self-service employee tools with administrative and call center components to facilitate the administration and management of health and welfare benefits

 

                  I-E Engine – an innovative technology that automates the vendor selection and management process through five modules that support specific components of the health and welfare benefits life cycle

 

                  PreViewTM – a medical benefits cost modeling system that accurately and quickly models medical claims under alternative plan designs, covered populations and managed care delivery systems

 

                  ConsumerHealthView – a cost modeling system that assesses the short-term and long-term financial impact of consumer-driven health plans

 

                  Health Plan Value LibraryTM – a database of information on the cost, quality and accessibility of health plans, used to screen and evaluate health plans

 

                  Avoidable Claims Analysis – a data analysis system that identifies opportunities for the reduction of medical claims through health management programs

 

Investment Consulting

 

Pension plan sponsors face unprecedented challenges in today’s market environment.  Through our registered investment advisor subsidiary, we offer investment consulting services that help clients throughout the world maximize the return on their retirement plan assets, develop governance policies and strategies, and design investment structures to successfully manage financial liabilities within the context of their overall business objectives.

 

Our services include:

 

                  Asset/liability modeling and asset allocation studies

                  Governance and investment policy development

                  Investment policy implementation

                  Investment structure analysis

                  Investment manager selection and evaluation

                  Performance evaluation and monitoring

 

We offer the following integrated services for plan sponsors:

 

                  Watson Wyatt Pension Risk Management™ – an integrated methodology for determining the appropriate amount of investment risk for a plan and allocating that risk across all investment decisions

 

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                  Watson Wyatt Advanced Investment Solutions® – fiduciary outsourcing for defined benefit plans.  We work with the plan sponsor to develop an investment policy and directly manage the implementation of that policy

 

Technology Solutions Group

 

Our Technology Solutions Group of 320 associates helps clients identify, select and implement best-fit HR and benefits technologies in an outsourcing market increasingly defined by four key dynamics: enterprise resource planning systems (ERPs), total benefits outsourcing (TBO), human resource outsourcing (HRO) and co-sourcing using point solutions.

 

We believe that nearly every Fortune 1000 corporation in North America has an ERP solution in place, most commonly for HR information systems. ERP vendors are expanding into broader HR services, including benefits or compensation administration, looking for increased revenues through upgrades and additional services offerings.  TBO providers are also expanding their service lines across additional HR domains and promoting a “one-stop-shop” method to benefits administration. Watson Wyatt’s technology business strategy is targeted towards businesses that use a mix of sourcing strategies. Combining best-in-class technology solutions with outsourcing services offers employers lower cost, greater flexibility and more comprehensive options than stand-alone ERPs or total outsourcing systems.

 

Watson Wyatt has long provided benefits administration solutions to our clients.  We offer targeted applications in our core areas, including:

 

                  PensionPath™ – this web-based solution is designed to meet the pension administration needs of companies. The offering includes case management and administration tools to manage the entire life cycle of pension administration, from new hire to retirement, and employee self-service tools that enhance workers’ understanding of their retirement benefits’ future value.

 

PensionPath can be customized on both the front- and back-end to match the client’s brand and specific service needs, while allowing employees to easily obtain pension estimates. Much more than the typical pension calculator, PensionPath brings an extensive array of system-level tools into the hands of benefits staff, including event processing and administration, ad hoc and standard reporting, full calculations, history tracking and multi-user capabilities.

 

                  BenefitConnect™ – a web-based solution combining self-service tools that educate and engage employees with administrative and call center components to reduce the burden of health and welfare plan administration for employers.  This tool provides employers greater flexibility and control over the cost of their health and welfare plan enrollment and administration.

 

BenefitConnect serves the entire spectrum of potential users, including employees, plan administrators, customer service representatives, HR and benefit managers, vendors and carriers. It can be configured and branded to meet companies’ unique requirements and plan and vendor formats. BenefitConnect’s full functionality helps users manage benefits data, make eligibility calculations, facilitate annual and ongoing plan enrollment, integrate with payroll solutions and carriers to process participant elections, and manage and track employee calls, transactions and cases. It also allows companies to create or leverage their internal call center with a powerful suite of web-based call center tools.

 

                  Reward® a suite of compensation management applications that automates all aspects of pay delivery – including market pricing, compensation design and analysis and manager self-service – for compensation planning.

 

                  eStatements – integrated, web-based applications that provide employees with a personalized view of their compensation and benefit programs, costs and account balances

 

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                  AnswerKey – Watson Wyatt’s shared service center solution is a web-based case management tool designed to support the business of service center operations by effectively integrating data and critical tools

 

We also provide clients with strategic, research-based HR technology and service delivery consulting, while working with them to align their HR strategy with their business goals and to use HR technology to improve customer satisfaction and sustainable return on investment (ROI). Our services in this area include vendor assessments and selection and service delivery model development, including shared services strategy and design.

 

Our approach establishes the foundation for employee relationship management, allowing our clients to connect their people and processes to their business strategy to improve performance.  Our Technology Solutions Group represented approximately 11 percent of our total segment revenues for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004.

 

Human Capital Group

 

Our Human Capital Group of 155 associates helps clients achieve competitive advantage by aligning their workforce with their business strategy. This includes helping clients develop and implement strategies for attracting, retaining and motivating their employees to maximize the return on their investment in human capital. Our Human Capital Group represented approximately 7 percent of our total segment revenues for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

 

Our Human Capital Group focuses in three principal areas: executive compensation, Strategic Rewards® and organization effectiveness.

 

Executive Compensation

 

We advise our clients’ management and boards of directors on executive pay programs, including cash compensation, stock options and stock purchase plans, and on ways to align pay-for-performance plans throughout the organization to increase stockholder value.

 

Strategic Rewards®

 

We help align an organization’s rewards – including compensation, stock programs, incentives, recognition programs and flexible work arrangements – with its business strategies, cultural values, work design and human resources strategy.  Our Human Capital Group and Benefits Group work together to develop optimal total compensation programs for our clients.

 

Organization Effectiveness

 

We help clients to clarify and implement business strategy, recognizing the impact of employee attitudes, commitment and effective team and leadership development on business success. We provide a wide array of services centered on organization assessment, including organization measurement and surveys. In the area of talent management, we provide tools and methodologies for talent selection and development, succession planning and performance management. We also provide consulting regarding organization design and the organization and development of the HR function.

 

We have created the Watson Wyatt Human Capital Indexâ, a proprietary tool for demonstrating the relationship between the effectiveness of an organization’s human capital practices and the creation of superior stockholder returns.

 

8



 

Our WorkUSA®/WorkCanadaTM database includes the opinions of 12,000 North American employees surveyed independently, reflecting a large cross-section of jobs and industry types. Our clients compare their own employee survey results against these norms to identify workplace perceptions and satisfaction and commitment levels.

 

International Operations

 

We manage our operations outside North America geographically.  These operations include 25 offices in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, employing 950 associates, which generally provide our full array of services. This segment represented approximately 12 percent of our total segment revenues for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

 

We established our presence in Asia-Pacific in 1979 with offices in Hong Kong and Malaysia and grew substantially throughout the 1980s and 1990s by establishing new offices and acquiring existing firms.  We have been successful in helping our clients with complex personnel and cultural issues that are necessary to grow their businesses.

 

We also provide compensation and benefits surveys in the region, with more than 50 different survey products. We are a leading provider of retirement and other employee benefit consulting services in Asia-Pacific, and we provide investment consulting services to some of the largest pension plans in Japan and Hong Kong.  We were named HR Consultancy of the Year in Hong Kong by China Staff magazine for the past six years in a row and this year we also received the same award for China. In addition to our human capital and benefits consulting services, we also market technology solutions to clients in the region.

 

Our Latin American presence began in the early 1980s in Mexico and grew to include such major markets as Brazil in the 1990s. With deregulation, privatization and the influx of multinationals, we believe there are significant opportunities for growth in the region, both in the benefits area – where most of our services are concentrated currently – and in the human capital consulting area.

 

Other Services

 

Communication Consulting

 

In our communication consulting group, we help clients connect people with the organization’s purpose, driving both results and behavioral change.  Our award-winning work and ground-breaking research prove that effective communication increases total returns to shareholders; improves service, quality and productivity levels; helps fuel growth; enhances organizational ability to manage change successfully; builds employee community, trust and commitment; and educates, engages and motivates employee behavioral change.  Working with clients who have responsibility for employee communication in human resources, corporate or line functions, our consultants combine strong creative skills with technical excellence to create programs that range from high-level strategic planning to tactical implementation.

 

9



 

We help clients develop and implement communication strategies for diverse issues, including:

 

                  Clarifying the financial value and scope of employee compensation and benefits and enhancing employees’ appreciation of their total rewards package

 

                  Drawing a clear line of sight between employee performance and company objectives through open communication and leadership communication training

 

                  Optimizing the use of technology in communication through audits and best practice design

 

                  Facilitating organizational change so that all stakeholders fully understand the change and their role in its success

 

                  Maintaining employee trust, confidence and commitment through all cycles of performance

 

                  Demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) of employee communication in achieving business objectives

 

                  Targeting, attracting and hiring the right talent to meet business objectives through innovative communication materials

 

Watson Wyatt Data Services

 

Watson Wyatt Data Services provides a comprehensive array of global compensation, benefits and employment practices information that is often studied and cited by many of our clients and competitors. In the United States, we publish and market an extensive library of reports on human resources issues, and more than 5,000 organizations participate in one or more of our annual surveys. Our databases contain compensation information for U.S. companies that employ over 10 million workers.  Detailed compensation and benefits data is maintained for 2 million workers in virtually every industry sector and major metropolitan area.  Outside of the United States, our worldwide alliance offers more than 80 remuneration, benefits and employment practice reference guides, covering 50 countries and 6 continents. In addition to our annual survey reports, we also offer many reference works intended to help practitioners create or maintain programs in a variety of subject areas, including variable pay, performance management and personnel policies.

 

Integrated Service Approach

 

While we focus our consulting services in the principal areas described above, we draw upon consultants from our different practices to deliver integrated services to meet the needs of our clients. An example is our Total Rewards approach, which encompasses compensation, benefits, career growth and company culture. We help clients determine the correct mix of reward programs to attract and retain the right employees and to motivate them to produce desired results.  We also assemble cross-practice teams to help clients through mergers and acquisitions.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

Our growth strategy is based on a commitment to ensuring client satisfaction through our account management program.  Our approximately 50 account managers focus on effectively delivering services to clients and on expanding our relationships across service lines, geographic boundaries and divisions within client companies.  A key element of this program is an approach we call ClientFirstTM. Using

 

10



 

proprietary processes and tools, we work with clients to define their needs and expectations before an engagement begins and then continually measure our performance according to agreed-upon standards.

 

We pursue new clients using cross-disciplinary teams of consultants, as well as dedicated business developers who initiate relationships with carefully selected companies. Our efforts to expand our accounts and our client base are supported by market research, comprehensive sales training programs and extensive marketing databases. Our sales efforts are also supported by a full array of marketing programs designed to raise awareness of the Watson Wyatt Worldwide brand and our reputation within our target markets. These programs promote our thought leadership on key human resources issues and establish us as a preferred human capital consulting firm to many of the world’s largest companies.

 

Clients

 

We work with major corporations, emerging growth companies, government agencies and not-for-profit institutions in North America, Latin America and Asia-Pacific across a wide variety of industries.  Our client base is broad and geographically diverse.  For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, our 10 largest clients accounted for approximately 12 percent of our consolidated revenues, and no individual client represented more than three percent of our consolidated revenues.

 

Competition

 

The human capital consulting business is highly competitive.  We believe there are several barriers to entry – such as the need to assemble specialized intellectual capital to provide expertise on a global scale – and that we have developed competitive advantages in providing human resources consulting services. However, we face intense competition from several different sources.

 

Our current and anticipated competitors include:

 

            Major human resources-focused consulting firms that compete in serving the large employer market worldwide, such as Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Towers Perrin and Hewitt Associates

 

            Smaller benefits and compensation consulting firms, such as The Segal Company and the Hay Group

 

            The human resources consulting divisions of diversified professional services, financial services and insurance firms, such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte & Touche, Ernst & Young, Mellon Financial Corporation, Aon, and Booz, Allen & Hamilton

 

            Information technology consulting firms, such as Accenture, IBM and BearingPoint, as well as Internet/intranet development firms

 

            Boutique consulting firms comprised primarily of professionals formerly associated with the firms mentioned above

 

The market for our services is subject to change as a result of increased regulatory, legislative, competitive and technological developments and competition from established and new competitors. We believe the primary factors in selecting a human resources consulting firm include reputation, the ability to provide measurable increases to stockholder value, global scale, service quality and the ability to tailor services to a clients’ unique needs. We believe we compete favorably with respect to these factors.

 

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Employees

 

As of June 30, 2004, the company employed 3,925 associates as follows:

 

Benefits Group

 

1,685

 

Technology Solutions Group

 

320

 

Human Capital Group

 

155

 

International

 

950

 

Other (including Data Services and Communication)

 

585

 

Corporate

 

230

 

Total

 

3,925

 

 

None of our associates are subject to collective bargaining agreements.  We believe relations between management and associates are good.

 

Risk Factors

 

In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this report, the following are some of the important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements.

 

We must continue to recruit and retain qualified consultants; our failure to do so could adversely affect our ability to compete successfully.

 

Our continued success and future growth depend heavily upon our ability to attract and retain highly skilled and motivated consultants. We must meet these human capital requirements if we are to deliver our sophisticated and technical services to our clients. We compete against many companies with greater financial resources both within our industry and in other industries to attract these qualified individuals. Our failure to recruit and retain adequate talent could reduce our competitive strength and adversely affect our profitability.

 

The loss of key consultants and managers could damage or result in the loss of client relationships and adversely affect our business.

 

Our success largely depends upon the business generation capabilities and project execution skills of our consultants. In particular, our consultants’ personal relationships with our clients are a critical element of obtaining and maintaining client engagements. Losing consultants and account managers who manage substantial client relationships or possess substantial experience or expertise could adversely affect our ability to secure and complete engagements, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

 

In addition, if any of our key consultants were to join an existing competitor or form a competing company, some of our clients could choose to use the services of that competitor instead of our services.

 

Competition from firms with greater resources could result in loss of our market share that could reduce our profitability.

 

The markets for our principal services are highly competitive. Our competitors currently include other human resources consulting and actuarial firms, as well as the human resources consulting divisions of diversified professional services and insurance firms and accounting firms. Several of our competitors have greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we have, which could enhance their ability to respond more quickly to technological changes, finance acquisitions and fund internal growth. New competitors or alliances among competitors could emerge and gain significant market share.

 

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Demand for our services may decrease for various reasons, including a general economic downturn or a decline in a client’s or an industry’s financial condition, that could adversely affect our operating results.

 

We can give no assurance that the demand for our services will continue to grow or that we will compete successfully with our existing competitors, new competitors or our clients’ internal capabilities.  Our clients’ demand for our services also may change based on their own needs and financial conditions.  When economic downturns affect particular clients or industry groups, they frequently reduce their budgets for outside consultants, which could reduce the demand for our services and increase price competition.

 

In addition, the demand for many of our core benefits services is affected by government regulation and taxation of employee benefits plans. This regulation and taxation drive our clients’ needs for compliance-related services. Significant changes in tax or social welfare policy or regulations could lead some employers to discontinue their employee benefit plans, thereby reducing the demand for our services. A simplification of regulations or tax policy also could reduce the need for our services.

 

Our clients generally may terminate our services at any time, which could decrease associate utilization.

 

Our clients generally may terminate our engagements at any time. If a client reduces the scope of or terminates the use of our services with little or no notice, our associate utilization will decline. In such cases, we must rapidly re-deploy our associates to other engagements in order to minimize the potential negative impact on our financial performance. In addition, because much of our work is project-based rather than recurring in nature, our associates’ utilization depends on our ability to continually secure additional engagements.

 

Improper management of our fixed-fee engagements could hurt our financial results.

 

We enter into some of our engagements on a negotiated fixed-fee basis. If we do not properly negotiate the price and manage the performance of these engagements, we might incur losses on individual engagements, and our overall financial results would be adversely affected.

 

We are subject to malpractice claims arising from our work, which could adversely affect our reputation and business, and we are subject to government inquiries and investigations.

 

Professional services providers, including those in the human resources consulting industry, are increasingly subject to claims from their clients. Clients and third parties who are dissatisfied with our services or who claim to suffer damages caused by our services have brought and may bring lawsuits against us. The nature of our work, especially our actuarial services, involves assumptions and estimates concerning future events, the actual outcome of which we cannot know with certainty in advance. In addition, we could make computational, software programming or data management errors.

 

Clients have sought and may seek to hold us responsible for the financial consequences of these errors or variances.  Given that we frequently work with large pension funds, relatively small percentage errors or variances could create significant dollar variances and claims for unfunded liabilities.  The risks from such variances could be aggravated in an environment of declining pension fund asset values. In most cases, our exposure to liability on a particular engagement is substantially greater than the profit opportunity that the engagement generates for us.  For example, claims could include:

 

      A client’s assertion that actuarial assumptions used in a pension plan were unreasonable, leading to plan underfunding

 

13



 

                  A claim arising out of the use of inaccurate data, which could lead to an underestimation of plan liabilities

 

                  A claim that employee benefit plan documents were misinterpreted or plan amendments were misstated in plan documents, leading to overpayments to beneficiaries

 

Defending lawsuits arising out of any of our services has required and could require substantial amounts of management attention, which could affect management’s focus on operations, adversely affect our financial performance and result in increased insurance costs. In addition to defense costs and liability exposure, malpractice claims may produce negative publicity that could hurt our reputation and business. For a discussion of significant legal proceedings, please refer to “Legal Proceedings” on page 18. We are subject to inquiries and investigations by federal, state or other governmental agencies regarding aspects of our business, especially regulated businesses such as investment consulting or insurance consulting.  Such inquiries or investigations may consume significant management time and require additional expense.

 

Insurance may become more difficult or expensive to obtain.

 

Insurance markets have hardened over recent years for most classes of professional liability risk.  As claims experience has increased for professionals, and for actuaries in particular, the cost of malpractice insurance has been increasing substantially, and the deductible or self-insured retention has been increasing.  Availability and price of insurance is subject to many variables, including general market conditions, loss experience in related industries and in the actuarial and benefits consulting industry, and the specific claims experience of an individual firm. Increases in the cost of insurance could affect our profitability, and the unavailability of insurance to cover certain levels of risk could have an adverse impact on our financial condition, particularly in a specific period.

 

Our quarterly revenues may fluctuate while our expenses are relatively fixed.

 

Quarterly variations in our revenues and operating results occur as a result of a number of factors, such as:

 

                  The significance of client engagements commenced and completed during a quarter

 

                  The seasonality of some specific types of services.  In particular, retirement revenues are more heavily weighted toward the second half of the fiscal year, when annual actuarial valuations are required to be completed for calendar year-end companies and the related services are performed.  In the Technology Solutions Group, the distribution of work is concentrated at the end of the first fiscal quarter and through the second fiscal quarter, as there is demand from our clients for assistance in updating systems and programs used in the annual re-enrollment of employees in benefit plans, such as flex plans. Much of the remaining business is project-oriented and is thus influenced more by particular client needs and the availability of our workforce.

 

                  The number of business days in a quarter, associate hiring and utilization rates and clients’ ability to terminate engagements without penalty

 

                  The size and scope of assignments

 

                  The level of vacation and holidays taken by our associates

 

                  General economic conditions

 

14



 

Approximately 70-75 percent of our total operating expenses are relatively fixed, encompassing the majority of administrative, occupancy, communications and other expenses, depreciation and amortization, and salaries and employee benefits excluding fiscal year-end incentive bonuses.  Therefore, a variation in the number of client assignments or in the timing of the initiation or the completion of client assignments can cause significant variations in quarterly operating results and could result in losses.  Over the most recent eight fiscal quarters, net income from continuing operations has fluctuated from $10.8 million to $14.0 million.

 

We depend on Watson Wyatt LLP to represent our brand in the European market and could lose our position in Europe or need to modify our name if our alliance agreements were to terminate.

 

Since 1995 we have marketed our services globally with Watson Wyatt LLP as Watson Wyatt Worldwide. Under our alliance agreements with Watson Wyatt LLP:

 

                  We operate in North America, Latin America and Asia-Pacific

 

                  Watson Wyatt LLP operates in the United Kingdom and Ireland

 

                  Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe) Limited, of which we own a 25 percent minority interest, operates in continental Europe

 

The alliance agreements with Watson Wyatt LLP generally restrict each party’s ability to enter into each other’s geographic markets. If the alliance agreements were to terminate, we could lose our position in Europe, which could interrupt our global development and impair our ability to deliver services seamlessly to clients throughout the world.

 

In addition, a termination of our alliance with Watson Wyatt LLP could precipitate a name change, which could result in confusion in our markets.

 

Our international operations present particular risks that could negatively affect our business.

 

We conduct a portion of our business from offices outside the United States. This subjects us to foreign financial and business risks, which could arise in the event of:

 

                  Unusual currency exchange rate fluctuations

 

                  Unexpected increases in taxes

 

                  New regulatory requirements and/or changes in policies and local laws that materially affect the demand for our services or directly affect our foreign operations

 

                  Unusual and unexpected monetary exchange controls

 

                  Unusually severe or protracted recessions in foreign economies

 

                  Civil disturbance or other catastrophic events that reduce business activity in other parts of the world

 

Any of these factors could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

15



 

Operational readiness of our global administrative infrastructure might not be as complete as required to manage international operations effectively.

 

The management of geographically dispersed operations requires substantial management resources, resulting in significant ongoing expense. We have not fully integrated all of our global operations from an administrative and reporting standpoint. We are developing and implementing additional systems and management reporting to help us manage our global operations, but we cannot predict when these systems will be fully operational or how successful they will be. These risks could be aggravated in the event of a major business disruption caused by terrorist attacks or similar events.

 

Our business faces rapid technological change and our failure to respond to this change quickly could adversely affect our business.

 

Increasingly, to remain competitive in our practice areas, we must identify and offer the most current technologies and methodologies. This is particularly true of our Technology Solutions Group, in which our success largely depends upon our ability to quickly absorb and apply technological advances in both generic applications and, particularly, those that are specifically required to deliver employee benefits services. In some cases, significant technology choices and investments are required. If we do not respond correctly, quickly or in a cost-effective manner, our business and operating results might be harmed.

 

The effort to gain technological expertise and develop new technologies in our business may require us to incur significant expenses and, in some cases, to implement them globally. If we cannot offer new technologies as quickly or effectively as our competitors, we could lose market share. We also could lose market share if our competitors develop more cost-effective technologies than we offer or develop.

 

Limited protection of our proprietary expertise, methodologies and software could harm our business.

 

We cannot guarantee that trade secret, trademark and copyright law protections are adequate to deter misappropriation of our confidential information.  We may be unable to detect the unauthorized use of our intellectual property and take the necessary steps to enforce our rights.  Redressing infringements also may consume significant management time and financial resources.

 

The interests of our current associates who own our common stock may differ from those of other stockholders.

 

Our associate stockholders’ interests in our business matters, since they are also employees of the company, may not always be consistent with the interests of our non-associate stockholders.

 

Change in associate ownership could adversely affect our firm culture.

 

Prior to our initial public offering in 2000, we had been predominantly owned by our associates. As owners, our associates have traditionally been able to influence the direction of the firm, which promotes an entrepreneurial spirit and motivates individual performance. The amount of common stock owned by our associates has declined and may continue to decline over time. A decline in associate ownership and an increase in non-associate influence could lower morale which could, in turn, adversely affect our business operations.

 

16



 

We have various mechanisms in place that may prevent a change in control that a stockholder might favor.

 

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that might discourage, delay or prevent a change in control that a stockholder might favor. Our certificate of incorporation and/or bylaws:

 

                  Authorize the issuance of preferred stock without fixed characteristics that could be issued by our Board of Directors to increase the number of outstanding shares and deter a takeover attempt

 

                  Classify our Board of Directors with staggered, three-year terms, which may lengthen the time required to gain control of our Board of Directors

 

                  Provide that only the President or our Board of Directors may call a special meeting of stockholders

 

                  Prohibit stockholder action by written consent, which requires all actions to be taken at a meeting of the stockholders

 

                  Provide that vacancies on our Board of Directors, including new directorships, may be filled only by the Directors then in office

 

                  Require super-majority voting for the stockholders to amend our bylaws, the classified board and other provisions of our certificate of incorporation

 

                  Prohibit a stockholder from presenting a proposal or director nomination at an annual meeting unless the stockholder provides us with sufficient advance notice

 

Other

 

Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are available, without charge, on our web site (www.watsonwyatt.com), as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed electronically with the SEC.  We have also adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all associates, senior financial employees, the principle executive officer, other officers and members of management, which is posted on our website.  Watson Wyatt’s Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee all operate pursuant to written charters adopted by the company’s board of directors, copies of which are available on the company’s website.  Copies of all these documents are also available, without charge, from our Investor Relations department, located in our corporate headquarters at 1717 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006.

 

Item 2.           Properties.

 

We operate in 61 offices in principal markets throughout the world.  Operations are carried out in leased offices under operating leases that normally do not exceed 10 years in length. We do not anticipate difficulty in meeting our space needs at lease expiration.

 

The fixed assets owned by Watson Wyatt represented approximately 13 percent of total assets at June 30, 2004, and consisted primarily of computer equipment, office furniture and leasehold improvements.

 

17



 

Item 3.           Legal Proceedings.

 

From time to time, we are a party to various lawsuits, arbitrations or mediations that arise in the ordinary course of business. These disputes typically involve claims relating to the rendering of professional services or employment matters.  Management believes, based on currently available information, that the results of all pending claims against us will not have a material adverse effect on the company.  The matters reported on below involve the most significant pending or potential claims against us.

 

Iron Workers Local 25 et al. v. Watson Wyatt & Co.  On July 8, 2004, Watson Wyatt & Co. was served with an amended complaint filed by a former client in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.  The complaint alleges malpractice, breach of contract, and related claims in the performance of actuarial consulting.  The Complaint states that the plaintiff’s Pension Fund is underfunded as a result of the alleged deficiencies in our work.   The amount of damages sought are not specified. We are in the process of reviewing the claim with outside counsel and preparing our response.

 

SEC Examination of Investment Advisers.  In December 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) formally asked many of the major investment consulting firms, Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting among them, to provide detailed information on their business structures and practices in order to determine if conflicts of interest with money managers exist.  In March 2004, Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting (WWIC) completed its responses to the SEC staff’s requests for information.  WWIC has received no further inquiry from the SEC staff on this topic since that time.

 

Department of Justice Antitrust Investigation.  In March 2004, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to Watson Wyatt and other companies in the employee benefits industry.  The DOJ is seeking to determine whether firms which have entered into agreements with their clients limiting liability have done so in violation of U.S. antitrust laws. Watson Wyatt has provided information to DOJ in response to the CID and is in the process of providing the remaining information requested under the CID.

 

Client Demand Letter.  On July 23, 2004, we received a demand letter from counsel for a client alleging that errors in valuations for 2001 and subsequent years understated the liabilities of its pension plan and overstated its net worth.  As a result, the client claims it did not annuitize its defined benefit plan and redeemed its stock at an inflated price.  The letter claims damages “in excess of $35 million.”  We are investigating these allegations.

 

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

None.

 

Part II

 

Item 5.           Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

 

In conjunction with our initial public offering (“IPO”) in October 2000, we entered into agreements providing for additional transfer restrictions with major stockholders, executive officers and employee directors.  As a result of these agreements, 1,947,272 Class A shares became freely transferable in October 2003 and 1,690,778 Class A shares are currently restricted and will become freely transferable in October 2004.

 

18



 

Market Information

 

Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings Class A common stock is currently traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WW.  The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing share prices for each quarter of fiscal years 2004 and 2003, determined by the daily closing stock prices.

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

High

 

Low

 

High

 

Low

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First quarter (July 1 through September 30)

 

$

23.49

 

$

22.30

 

$

23.95

 

$

18.30

 

Second quarter (October 1 through December 31)

 

24.62

 

22.75

 

22.50

 

17.45

 

Third quarter (January 1 through March 31)

 

25.43

 

22.68

 

22.16

 

18.27

 

Fourth quarter (April 1 through June 30)

 

26.88

 

25.13

 

23.38

 

19.40

 

 

Holders

 

As of June 30, 2004, there were approximately 650 registered shareholders of our Class A common stock.

 

Dividends

 

In May 2004, the Board of Directors of the company approved the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.075 per share.  The first quarterly dividend payment of $2.4 million was made on July 15, 2004, to shareholders of record as of June 30, 2004.

 

Under our credit facility (see Note 9 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 15 of this report), we are required to observe certain covenants (including requirements for a fixed coverage charge, cashflow leverage ratio and asset coverage) that may affect the amounts available for the declaration or payment of dividends.  The continued payment of cash dividends in the future is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and depends on numerous factors, including, without limitation, our net earnings, financial condition, availability of capital, debt covenant limitations and our other business needs, including those of our subsidiaries and affiliates.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

Our equity compensation plans include the 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which provides for the granting of nonqualified stock options and stock appreciation rights, the 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the 2001 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Selected Employees and the Compensation Plan for Outside Directors.  We grant deferred stock units to our senior associates as a part of their annual discretionary compensation and have discontinued the issuance of stock options.  All deferred stock units issued in connection with the 2001 Deferred Stock Unit Plan were fully vested upon issuance.  The company expects that the deferred stock units that will be granted in September 2004 will vest immediately.  All of our equity compensation plans have been approved by stockholders.  See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the general terms of these plans.

 

19



 

The following chart gives aggregate information regarding grants under all of the Company’s equity compensation plans through June 30, 2004:

 

Plan Category

 

Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options

 

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options

 

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in the
first column)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders

 

1,071,915

 

$

13.45

 

4,940,129

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

1,071,915

 

$

13.45

 

4,940,129

 

 


(1) Includes 2,548,915 shares remaining available for future issuance under the 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan, 1,304,577 shares under the 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 1,063,528 shares under the 2001 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Selected Employees and 23,109 shares under the Compensation Plan for Outside Directors.

 

In August 2001, the Board of Directors adopted the company’s 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), which subsequently was approved by the stockholders in November 2001.  The ESPP is intended to provide employees of the company with additional incentives by permitting them to acquire a proprietary interest in the company through the purchase of shares of the company’s common stock.  An additional 1,500,000 shares of common stock were authorized and reserved for issuance under the ESPP at the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders in November 2003.  As discussed below, the company has repurchased shares of common stock, one purpose of which is to offset potential dilution from shares issued in connection with this plan.

 

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

 

April 1, 2004, through
April 30, 2004

 

830,802

 

$

25.25

 

830,802

 

928,934

 

May 1, 2004, through
May 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

928,934

 

June 1, 2004, through
June 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

928,934

 

Total

 

830,802

 

$

25.25

 

830,802

 

 

 

 

20



 

In May 2003, the company announced a plan to purchase up to 1,150,000 shares of our Class A common stock.  The plan does not have an expiration date.

 

In April 2004, the company purchased 830,802 shares at a price of $25.25 for $21.0 million, as part of a publicly announced tender offer.  The tender offer expired on April 2, 2004.

 

Item 6.           Selected Consolidated Financial Data.

 

The table on the following page sets forth selected consolidated financial data of Watson Wyatt as of June 30, 2004 and for each of the years in the five-year period ended June 30, 2004.  The selected consolidated financial data as of June 30, 2004 and 2003, and for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2004, were derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Watson Wyatt included in this Form 10-K.  The selected consolidated financial data as of June 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000, and for each of the years ended June 30, 2001 and 2000, were derived from audited consolidated financial statements of Watson Wyatt not included in this Form 10-K.  Earnings per share data for the period ended June 30, 2000 was also restated to reflect our corporate reorganization and two-for-one share conversion that occurred in October 2000 as if our corporate reorganization and two-for-one share conversion were effective at the beginning of that period.  See Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the corporate reorganization and share conversion.

 

The consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.  Amounts are in thousands of U.S. Dollars except per share data.

 

21



 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

Statement of Operations Data:
(amounts are in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

702,005

 

$

709,616

 

$

710,480

 

$

700,189

 

$

624,583

 

Costs of providing services:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

396,775

 

401,274

 

404,822

 

379,645

 

339,904

 

Stock incentive bonus plan (a)

 

 

 

 

 

30,283

 

Professional and subcontracted services

 

49,159

 

47,356

 

48,724

 

54,089

 

49,890

 

Occupancy, communications and other

 

105,459

 

106,224

 

109,163

 

114,417

 

101,733

 

General and administrative expenses

 

63,631

 

57,285

 

55,517

 

57,475

 

54,115

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

18,511

 

19,621

 

20,049

 

21,995

 

17,878

 

 

 

633,535

 

631,760

 

638,275

 

627,621

 

593,803

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

68,470

 

77,856

 

72,205

 

72,568

 

30,780

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from affiliates

 

7,109

 

5,787

 

2,866

 

3,780

 

3,001

 

Interest income (expense), net

 

743

 

991

 

1,235

 

1,711

 

(53

)

Other non-operating income

 

6,222

 

761

 

2,166

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

82,544

 

85,395

 

78,472

 

78,059

 

33,728

 

Provision for income taxes

 

32,605

 

35,015

 

31,388

 

33,623

 

15,195

 

Income from continuing operations

 

49,939

 

50,380

 

47,084

 

44,436

 

18,533

 

Discontinued operations (b)

 

654

 

6,786

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

50,593

 

$

57,166

 

$

47,084

 

$

44,436

 

$

18,533

 

Earnings per share, continuing operations, basic

 

$

1.52

 

$

1.52

 

$

1.43

 

$

1.39

 

$

0.62

 

Earnings per share, continuing operations, diluted

 

$

1.50

 

$

1.51

 

$

1.41

 

$

1.37

 

$

0.62

 

Earnings per share, discontinued operations, basic

 

$

0.02

 

$

0.21

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Earnings per share, discontinued operations, diluted

 

$

0.02

 

$

0.21

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Earnings per share, net income, basic

 

$

1.54

 

$

1.73

 

$

1.43

 

$

1.39

 

$

0.62

 

Earnings per share, net income, diluted

 

$

1.52

 

$

1.72

 

$

1.41

 

$

1.37

 

$

0.62

 

Weighted average shares of common stock, basic

 

32,866

 

32,962

 

32,985

 

32,068

 

30,000

 

Weighted average shares of common stock, diluted

 

33,207

 

33,287

 

33,421

 

32,363

 

30,000

 

 

 

 

As of June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

Balance Sheet Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

156,940

 

$

144,374

 

$

95,974

 

$

81,735

 

$

41,410

 

Working capital

 

207,455

 

169,308

 

123,171

 

96,171

 

16,177

 

Total assets

 

512,168

 

514,462

 

436,817

 

392,016

 

334,520

 

Note payable

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared

 

2,441

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

245,184

 

151,737

 

159,221

 

111,885

 

(81,109

)

Redeemable common stock

 

 

 

 

 

115,480

 

Shares outstanding

 

32,317

 

32,943

 

32,897

 

33,033

 

29,610

 

 

22



 


(a)       Following the initial public offering in October 2000, we terminated the stock incentive bonus plan and replaced it with equity-based incentive plans more customary to publicly-traded companies.

(b)      In fiscal year 2004 and 2003, we revised our estimates related to the remaining future obligations and costs associated with the discontinuation of our benefits administration outsourcing business.  As a result, we reduced the amount of our liability for losses from disposal by $11.4 million, less the associated income tax expense of $4.7 million, and by $1.0 million, less the associated income tax expense of $0.4 million, respectively.  In fiscal years 2004 and 2003, the company received sublease income of approximately $106,000 and $40,000 in excess of lease payments related to this business, resulting in a year-to-date income from discontinued operations of $1.1 million and $11.5 million, less the associated income tax expense of $0.5 million and $4.7 million.

 

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

 

Special Note 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: the first paragraph of Part I, Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” on page 18; “the Executive Overview” on page 23 through 25; the second paragraph under “Revenue Recognition” on page 26; under the heading “Pension Assumptions” on pages 27 and 28; under the heading “Incurred But Not Reported Claims” on pages 28 and 29; the paragraph under Capital Commitments on page 35; under the heading “Risk Management” on pages 36 and 37; under the subheading “Stock-based Compensation” in Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” on pages 52 and 53; the projected contribution table in Note 6 “Retirement Benefits” on page 59; the benefit payments table in Note 6 “Retirement Benefits” on page 63; the benefit payments table in Note 6 “Retirement Benefits” on page 67; in the second paragraph of Note 10 “Employee Stock Plans and Equity” on page 69; in the second paragraph under the heading “2001 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Selected Employees” in Note 10 on page 72; and in the second and fifth paragraphs of Note 14 “Commitments and Contingent Liabilities” on pages 79 and 80.  In some cases, 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. 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 continued ability to recruit and retain highly qualified associates; outcomes of litigation; the ability of the company to obtain professional liability insurance; a significant decrease in the demand for the consulting 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; regulatory, legislative and technological developments that may affect the demand for or costs of our services and other factors discussed under “Risk factors” in Item 1 of this Form 10-K.  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.

 

Executive Overview

 

Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings is a global provider of human capital consulting services.  We provide services in three principal practice areas: Benefits, Technology Solutions and Human Capital consulting, operating from 61 offices in 18 countries throughout North America, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.  We also operate through our affiliates in Europe: Watson Wyatt LLP – which conducts operations in the United Kingdom and Ireland and in which we hold a 10 percent interest in a defined distribution pool – and Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings (Europe) Limited, a holding company through which we conduct Continental European operations.  We own 25 percent of Watson Wyatt &

 

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Company Holdings (Europe) Limited and Watson Wyatt LLP owns the remaining 75 percent.  We collectively market our services globally under the Watson Wyatt Worldwide brand, sharing resources, technologies, processes and business referrals with our alliance partners.

 

We design, develop and implement HR strategies and programs through the following closely-interrelated practice areas:

 

Benefits Group – The Benefits Group, accounting for 64 percent of our fiscal year 2004 revenues, is the foundation of our business.  Retirement, the core of our Benefits business, is less impacted by discretionary spending reductions than our other segments, mainly due to the recurring nature of many projects.  Our corporate client retention rate within this group has remained very high, averaging over 95 percent over the past two years. 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, leverage from other practices, an improving economy, increased global demand and increased market share.

 

Technology Solutions Group – Our Technology Solutions Group, accounting for 11 percent of our fiscal year 2004 revenues, provides information technology services to our customers.  In fiscal year 2004, delays in discretionary technology spending resulted in lower revenues, but the backlog of work, which is a fairly accurate indicator of future revenues, has improved over the past two quarters.  We are seeing particular acceptance of our scalable benefits administration solutions as an alternative to total business process outsourcing.  Enhancing our applications and leveraging our other segments are vital to our growth strategy.

 

Human Capital Group – Our Human Capital Group, accounting for 7 percent of our fiscal year 2004 revenues, generally encompasses short-term projects and as a result is most sensitive to economic conditions.  Growth slowed significantly in the second half of fiscal year 2001 and continued to contract in fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004.  Presently, our Executive Compensation area is seeing vigorous demand in response to issues related to stock compensation programs and changes resulting from new accounting rules, but this increase is offset by weak demand for broad-based talent management consulting.

 

In the short term, our revenues are driven by many factors including the general state of the 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.  During fiscal year 2004, we continued to add new target market clients, and grew revenues from existing clients.

 

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.  Our overall revenues have been flat over the past three years, and it is clear that the competitive environment will remain challenging until the economy rebounds and companies are committed to spending on human capital projects.  To mitigate the pressures faced by the economic downturn, 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 an improvement in the overall economy.

 

In the long term, we believe that benefits spending will continue to be the largest component of U.S. corporate spending.  We believe that the aging workforce, the projected shortfall in workers over the next decade and changing regulations will translate into opportunities for us.  We believe that the company’s

 

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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 our highly fragmented industry represents tremendous growth opportunities for us, because we are the only firm to offer a comprehensive line of benefits and human capital consulting as well as strategic technology solutions.

 

Financial Statement Overview

 

The financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K reflect Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2004 and 2003, Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 12-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 12-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, and a Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the 12-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

We operate globally as an alliance with our affiliates.  However, the revenues and operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations only reflect the results of operations of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings. Our share of the results of our affiliates, recorded using the equity method of accounting, is reflected in the “Income from affiliates” line. Our affiliates are Watson Wyatt LLP, Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe) Limited and Professional Consultants Insurance Company, Inc. (PCIC), our captive insurance company.

 

We derive substantially all of our revenue from fees for consulting services, which generally are billed at standard hourly rates or on a fixed-fee basis.  Clients are typically invoiced on a monthly basis with revenue recognized as services are performed. For the most recent three fiscal years, revenue from U.S. consulting operations has comprised approximately 80 percent of consolidated revenue. No single client accounted for more than four 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.  For the most recent three fiscal years, approximately 60 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. General and administrative expenses include the operational costs and professional fees paid by corporate management, general counsel, marketing, human resources, finance, research and technology support.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of 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

 

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experience.  Because of the use of estimates inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.  The accounting policies discussed below are critical to the understanding of the use of estimates in the company’s financial statements.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue includes fees primarily generated from consulting services provided in the areas of employee benefits, human capital strategies and related technology solutions.  We recognize revenue from these consulting engagements 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.

 

Revenue is recognized on time-and-materials engagements based on billable rates times hours worked plus expenses incurred.  For fixed-fee arrangements, revenue is also recognized based on billable rates times hours worked plus expenses incurred.  However, for significant fixed-fee engagements in our Technology Solutions Group, we periodically review ongoing engagements through the preparation of an estimate-to-complete.  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.  These periodic engagement reviews require us to make judgments and estimates regarding the overall profitability and stage of project completion which, 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 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.  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.

 

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.

 

In December 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 (SAB 104), “Revenue Recognition,” which supercedes Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 (SAB 101), “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.”  The primary purpose of SAB 104 is to rescind accounting guidance contained in SAB 101 related to multiple element revenue arrangements, superceded as a result of the issuance of EITF 00-21.  While the wording of SAB 104 has changed to reflect the issuance of EITF 00-21, the revenue recognition principles of SAB 101 remain largely unchanged by the issuance of SAB 104.  The issuance of SAB 104 has not had an effect on our revenue recognition policies as they are in accordance with SAB 104.

 

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 recorded as a reduction to revenue.  Our allowance policy is

 

26



 

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.  After determining the estimated annual bonus amount, the bonus is then allocated to remaining quarterly reporting periods as a constant percentage of estimated pre-bonus profitability.  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.

 

As a result of a $5.6 million pre-tax non-operating gain recorded in the first quarter of fiscal year 2004, the company recorded a $5.6 million supplemental bonus accrual in the first quarter that is incremental to the company’s fiscal year end bonus.  This supplemental bonus amount, which will be paid out in September 2004 with the regular bonus cycle, is included in salaries and employee benefits.  Management does not expect this charge to recur.

 

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 with offices in 18 countries, 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 judgments regarding the future recoverability of deferred tax assets.  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 principal plans (United States, Canada, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom), benefits are based on our associates’ years of service and compensation during the five highest-paid consecutive years of service.

 

Pension and Other Postretirement Employee Benefits (OPEB) costs and obligations are dependent on assumptions used in calculating such amounts.  These assumptions include discount rates, health-care cost trend rates, benefits earned, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, mortality rates, and other factors.  In accordance with GAAP, actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and amortized

 

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over future periods and, therefore, generally affect recognized expense and the recorded obligation in future periods.  While management believes that the assumptions used are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may affect Watson Wyatt & Company’s pension and other postretirement obligations and future expense.

 

The company has established a discount rate of 6.25% at year-end June 30, 2004, for its U. S. pension and OPEB plans which represents a 25 basis point increase from the 6.00% discount rate used for the prior year.  The company’s U. S. pre-tax pension expense is forecasted to decrease from approximately $29 million in fiscal year 2004, excluding any curtailments and settlements, to approximately $21 million in fiscal year 2005 due to the approximately 19% fiscal year 2004 actual return on assets, a $10 million pension contribution in fiscal year 2004 and the increase in the discount rate.  The U.S. OPEB plan expense is expected to remain constant at $2 million for fiscal year 2005.

 

The expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption remained unchanged at 9.00 percent at the end of fiscal year 2004.  Selection of the 9.00 percent return assumption was supported by an analysis performed by the company of the weighted-average yield expected to be achieved with the anticipated investment allocations.  The investment makeup is heavily weighted towards equities.  The return on assets in fiscal year 2004 was 19 percent, compared to a return of 2 percent in fiscal year 2003.

 

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

 

Change in Assumption

 

Effect on FY2005
Pre-Tax Pension Expense

 

25 basis point decrease in discount rate

 

+$2.8 million

 

25 basis point increase in discount rate

 

-$2.6 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.

 

These changes in assumptions would have no effect on the company’s funding requirements. In addition, at June 30, 2004, a 25 basis point decrease in the discount rate would cause the accumulated benefit obligation to exceed the value of plan assets, thereby necessitating the recording of a minimum pension liability.  As a result, we would be required to record an increase in the pension liability of $53.5 million, a non-cash charge to stockholders’ equity of $32.4 million and an increase in deferred tax assets of $21.1 million.  A 25 basis point increase in the discount rate would have no impact on the liability, stockholders’ equity or deferred tax assets since there is no unfunded accumulated benefit obligation when using either a 6.25% or 6.50% discount rate.

 

The company 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 this display.

 

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

 

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these estimates.  Our estimated IBNR liability is based on long-term trends and averages, and considers 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.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth Consolidated Statement of Operations data as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Year ended June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of providing services:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

56.5

 

56.5

 

56.9

 

Professional and subcontracted services

 

7.0

 

6.7

 

6.9

 

Occupancy, communications and other

 

15.0

 

14.9

 

15.4

 

General and administrative expenses

 

9.1

 

8.1

 

7.8

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

2.6

 

2.8

 

2.8

 

 

 

90.2

 

89.0

 

89.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

9.8

 

11.0

 

10.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from affiliates

 

1.0

 

0.8

 

0.4

 

Interest income, net

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Other non-operating income

 

0.9

 

0.1

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

11.8

 

12.0

 

11.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

4.7

 

4.9

 

4.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

7.1

%

7.1

%

6.6

%

 

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2004, Compared to Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2003

 

Revenue

 

Revenues for fiscal year 2004 were $702.0 million, a decrease of 1 percent from $709.6 million in the prior period.

 

The Benefits Group increased revenue by $17.8 million or 4 percent during fiscal year 2004 due to new client wins, as well as growth in the health care consulting group related to retainer contracts and consumer driven health plan design.  Revenue from our Technology Solutions Group decreased by $17.3 million or 18 percent, reflecting a delay in starting certain projects as well as the exclusion of $2.7 million of consultant time spent customizing administration systems.  Revenue from our Human Capital Group

 

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decreased $1.6 million or 3 percent during fiscal year 2004, reflecting increased demand in executive compensation offset by weak results in organization effectiveness consulting.  Our international segment finished the fiscal year with revenue growth of $6.7 million or 9 percent.  However, revenue was up 1% after adjusting for the impact of the weakening U.S. dollar.  Revenue for other practice areas in North America decreased by $5.9 million or 12 percent during fiscal year 2004.

 

Salaries and Employee Benefits

 

Salaries and employee benefit expenses for fiscal year 2004 were $396.8 million, a decrease of 1 percent from $401.3 million in the prior period, and remained at 56.5 percent as a percentage of revenue.  Salaries and employee benefit expenses for fiscal year 2004 include severance charges of $3.2 million related to the company’s job reductions in North America, compare to severance charges of $1.8 million in fiscal year 2003.  The $5.9 million decrease, exclusive of these charges, was due to lower benefits costs of $9.1 million, which reflects the suspension of the company match on our defined contribution retirement plan and reduced health care costs to the company, and to lower salaries of $5.1 million, which reflects the company’s targeted job reductions net of modest salary increases.  These decreases are partially offset by higher pension and post-retirement expenses of $5.7 million and by a higher accrual for discretionary compensation of $2.9 million.

 

Professional and Subcontracted Services

 

Professional and subcontracted services were $49.2 million for fiscal year 2004, an increase of 4 percent from $47.4 million in the prior period, and increased as a percentage of revenue to 7.0 percent from 6.7 percent.  The increase is the result of legal provisions recorded to meet the company’s self-insured retention where specific estimated losses are considered probable and estimable.

 

Occupancy, Communications and Other

 

Occupancy, communications and other expenses were $105.5 million for fiscal year 2004, a decrease of 1 percent from $106.2 million in the prior period, and increased as a percentage of revenue to 15.0 percent from 14.9 percent.  Occupancy, communications and other expenses include a $1.9 million charge resulting from a lease termination as further described below under Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Operating Leases.  The decrease, exclusive of this charge, reflects the company’s cost containment measures, as evidenced through lower expenses in many categories including office supplies, telephone, general office and promotional expenses.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses were $63.6 million for fiscal year 2004, an increase of 11 percent from $57.3 million in the prior period, and increased as a percentage of revenue to 9.1 percent from 8.1 percent.  The increase is mainly due to higher insurance costs of $5.5 million, a $1.3 million charge resulting from a lease termination as further described below under Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Operating Leases and expenses associated with compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC rules of $1.4 million.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization expense was $18.5 million for fiscal year 2004, a decrease of 6 percent from $19.6 million in the prior period, and decreased as a percentage of revenue to 2.6 percent from 2.8 percent.  The decrease was due to lower capital spending during fiscal year 2003.

 

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Income From Affiliates

 

Income from affiliates was $7.1 million, an increase of 22 percent from $5.8 million in the prior period.  The increase was due to the company’s interest in higher operating results of Watson Wyatt LLP of $1.0 million and WWHE of $0.2 million, partially offset by lower equity income of PCIC of $0.2 million.

 

Interest Income, Net

 

Interest income, net was $0.7 million for fiscal year 2004, a decrease of 30 percent from $1.0 million in the prior period.  The decrease was attributable to lower interest rates earned on our cash and cash equivalents.

 

Other Non-Operating Income

 

Other non-operating income was $6.2 million for fiscal year 2004, which is principally attributable to the $5.6 million non-operating gain the company recorded related to PCIC which the company does not expect to recur.  See Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about this non-operating gain.  During fiscal years 2004 and 2003, the company also received cash payments of $0.6 million in connection with the fiscal year 2002 sale of our U.S.-based public retirement business to GRS.  All payments received in connection with this sale were contingent upon the successful transition of certain clients to GRS and upon their retention by GRS.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

Provision for income taxes was $32.6 million for fiscal year 2004, compared to $35.0 million for the prior period.  Our effective tax rate was 39.5 percent for fiscal year 2004, compared to 41.0 percent for fiscal year 2003. The change in rate was principally due to the realization of tax credits claimed on previously filed amended returns.

 

 Income From Continuing Operations

 

Income from continuing operations was $49.9 million, a decrease of 1 percent from $50.4 million in the prior period.  As a percentage of revenue, income from continuing operations remained at 7.1 percent.

 

Earnings Per Share, Income From Continuing Operations

 

Diluted earnings per share, income from continuing operations was $1.50 for fiscal year 2004, compared to $1.51 in the prior period.  Included in the 2004 earning per share amount is a $3.2 million lease loss, or $0.06 per share.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

Discontinued operations for fiscal years 2004 and 2003 reflect the reduction of the company’s accrual for the estimated remaining future obligations and costs related to the exit from Wellspring by $1.0 million and $11.4 million, respectively, less the associated income tax expenses.  Also, during fiscal year 2004 and 2003, the company received sublease income of approximately $0.1 million and $40,000, respectively, in excess of lease payments related to Wellspring.  See Note 16 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to Wellspring.

 

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Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2003, Compared to Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2002

 

Revenue

 

Revenue from operations was $709.6 million for fiscal year 2003, compared to $710.5 million in fiscal year 2002.  The Benefits Group increased revenue by $7.4 million or 2 percent during fiscal year 2003 due to new client wins, special project work related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and rising health care costs.  Revenue from our Technology Solutions Group decreased by $10.3 million or 10 percent, reflecting continued weakness in capital spending.  Revenue from our Human Capital Group decreased $0.7 million or 1 percent during fiscal year 2003, but ended the year with 5 percent growth in the fourth quarter as we secured a number of new engagements with major companies for stock program advice and executive compensation work.  Our international segment finished the fiscal year with revenue growth of $7.3 million or 11 percent, as a result of increased demand for retirement work in Australia, New Zealand and Japan.  Revenue for other practice areas in North America decreased by $8.6 million or 15 percent during fiscal year 2003.

 

Salaries and Employee Benefits

 

Salaries and employee benefit expenses for fiscal year 2003 were $401.3 million, a decrease of 1 percent from $404.8 million in fiscal year 2002, and decreased as a percentage of revenue to 56.5 percent from 56.9 percent.  Salaries and employee benefit expenses for fiscal year 2003 include severance charges of $1.8 million related to the company’s targeted job reductions, mainly in our Human Capital and Technology Solutions groups, all of which had been paid to associates under severance agreements.  The decrease, exclusive of this charge, was due to a $12.0 million decrease in the provision for discretionary compensation and a $0.8 million decrease in base salaries as a result of headcount reductions and attrition in North America, net of a $9.3 million increase in pension costs and modest annual salary increases.            Excluding severance costs, salaries and employee benefit expenses would have been 56.3 percent of revenue for fiscal year 2003.

 

Professional and Subcontracted Services

 

Professional and subcontracted services were $47.4 million for fiscal year 2003, a decrease of 3 percent from $48.7 million in fiscal year 2002, and decreased as a percentage of revenue to 6.7 percent from 6.9 percent.  Reimbursable expenses billed to clients increased by $3.7 million, but were offset by decreases in legal expenses.  Professional and subcontracted services for fiscal year 2003 include severance charges of $0.2 million related to the company’s targeted job reductions mentioned above, all of which had been paid as of June 30, 2003.

 

Occupancy, Communications and Other

 

Occupancy, communications and other expenses were $106.2 million for fiscal year 2003, a decrease of 3 percent from $109.2 million in fiscal year 2002, and decreased as a percentage of revenue to 14.9 percent from 15.4 percent.  The company implemented successful cost containment strategies during the second quarter of fiscal year 2002 which had continued through the period, resulting in lower travel, telephone and other discretionary expenses for the year.  These decreases were partially offset by increases in rent expense of $1.5 million.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses for fiscal year 2003 were $57.3 million, an increase of 3 percent from $55.5 million in fiscal year 2002, and increased as a percentage of revenue to 8.1 percent from 7.8 percent.  The increase is mainly due to higher insurance expenses of $1.5 million and additional expenses

 

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associated with compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of approximately $0.4 million, partially offset by lower base salaries of $1.0 million.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization for fiscal year 2003 was $19.6 million, a decrease of 2 percent from $20.0 million in fiscal year 2002.  As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and amortization remained at 2.8 percent.  The decrease was due to lower purchases of capital assets during fiscal year 2003.

 

Interest Income, Net

 

Interest income, net for fiscal year 2003 was $1.0 million, a decrease of 17 percent from $1.2 million in fiscal year 2002.  The decrease was attributable to lower interest rates earned on our cash and cash equivalents.

 

Other Non-Operating Income

 

During fiscal year 2003, the company received cash payments of $0.6 million in connection with the sale of our U.S.-based public retirement business. During fiscal year 2002, the company received a cash payment of $1.0 million as a result of this sale, and also recorded a $1.2 million gain on the sale of common stock that the company received as a result of the demutualization of a health and general insurance provider.

 

Income From Affiliates

 

Income from affiliates for fiscal year 2003 was $5.8 million, an increase of 100 percent from $2.9 million in fiscal year 2002.  The increase was due to improved operations of our affiliated captive insurance company, Professional Consultants Insurance Company (PCIC) of $1.8 million, and the company’s interest in improved performance of our European affiliates, Watson Wyatt LLP and Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe) Limited, of $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

Provision for income taxes for fiscal year 2003 was $35.0 million, compared to $31.4 million for fiscal year 2002.  Our effective tax rate was 41.0 percent for fiscal year 2003, compared to 40.0 percent for fiscal year 2002. The change in rate was due to an increase in the effective rate on foreign income.

 

Income From Continuing Operations

 

Income from continuing operations for fiscal year 2003 was $50.4 million, an increase of 7 percent from $47.1 million in fiscal year 2002.  As a percentage of revenue, income from continuing operations increased to 12.0 percent from 11.0 percent.

 

Earnings Per Share, Income From Continuing Operations

 

Diluted earnings per share, income from continuing operations for fiscal year 2003 was $1.51, an increase of 7 percent from $1.41 in fiscal year 2002.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2003 the company reduced the amount of its estimated liability for losses from the exit from Wellspring, the Company’s benefits administration outsourcing business, by

 

33



 

$11.4 million, net of associated tax expense of $4.7 million.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003, the company received sublease income in excess of lease payments of approximately $40,000 for the leases related to Wellspring, resulting in a year-to-date income from discontinued operations of $11.5 million.  See Note 16 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to Wellspring and the reduction of the estimated liability for losses from the exit from Wellspring.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2004, totaled $156.9 million, compared to $144.4 million at June 30, 2003. During fiscal year 2004, we paid $34.9 million in previously accrued discretionary compensation, $33.1 million for the repurchase of the company’s stock, $43.1 million in corporate taxes and contributed $10.0 million to our U.S. defined benefit pension plan.  These outflows of cash were offset by positive cash flow from consulting operations.  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.

 

Cash From Operating Activities

 

Cash from operating activities for fiscal year 2004 was $59.5 million, compared to cash from operating activities of $74.7 million for fiscal year 2003.  The variance is primarily due to the increase in accounts receivable, the timing of insurance payments and higher pension accruals (excluding the effect of the minimum pension liability), net of higher corporate tax payments and higher payments to retirees in fiscal year 2004 and a lower payment of discretionary compensation in fiscal year 2003.

 

The allowance for doubtful accounts increased $0.4 million and the allowance for work in process increased $0.1 million from June 30, 2003 to June 30, 2004.  The number of days of accounts receivable and work in process outstanding was 79 at June 30, 2004, up from 72 at June 30, 2003, in part due to the impact of new billing procedures put in place in the third quarter of 2004.

 

Cash from operating activities for fiscal year 2003 was $74.7 million, compared to cash from operating activities of $51.6 million for fiscal year 2002. The variance is mainly due to lower payments to retirees of $6.2 million, improved collections on receivables of $9.4 million and the timing of annual payments of insurance premiums, which contributed $4.9 million to the increase in cash from operations.  The allowance for doubtful accounts decreased $0.5 million from June 30, 2002, to June 30, 2003.  The number of days of accounts receivable and work in process outstanding was 72 at June 30, 2003, down from 79 at June 30, 2002.

 

Cash Used in Investing Activities

 

Cash used in investing activities for fiscal year 2004 was $23.2 million, compared to $22.2 million for fiscal year 2003.  The increase can be primarily attributed to increased purchases of fixed assets of $6.1 million, reduced contingent consideration payments of $2.0 million and no additional investments in affiliates, compared to the $2.0 million investment in WWHE and the $1.7 million investment in PCIC in fiscal year 2003.

 

Cash used in investing activities for fiscal year 2003 was $22.2 million, compared to $36.6 million for fiscal year 2002.  The decrease is mostly due to reduced purchases of fixed assets due to fewer office relocations and renovations.

 

34



 

Cash Used in Financing Activities

 

Cash used in financing activities was $24.9 million for fiscal year 2004, compared to $6.7 million for fiscal year 2003.  The increase was primarily attributable to the $21.0 million purchase of 830,802 shares in the Company’s publicly announced tender offer.

 

Cash used in financing activities was $6.7 million for fiscal year 2003, compared to $2.6 million for fiscal year 2002. Cash used in financing activities for fiscal year 2003 consisted primarily of payments of $13.8 million for the repurchase of 673,816 shares of common stock, net of $6.4 million representing 393,436 shares that the company re-issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

 

Capital Commitments

 

Expenditures of capital funds were $24.3 million for fiscal year 2004.  Anticipated commitments of capital funds are estimated at $37.9 million for fiscal year 2005, mainly for dividends, computer hardware purchases, office relocations and renovations, development and upgrade of retirement and human resource systems and acquisition-related payments. We expect cash from operations to adequately provide for these cash needs.

 

Dividends

 

In May 2004, the Board of Directors of the company approved the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.075 per share.  The first quarterly dividend payment of $2.4 million was made on July 15, 2004 to shareholders of record as of June 30, 2004 and is accrued on these financial statements.

 

Under our credit facility (see Note 9 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 15 of this report), we are required to observe certain covenants (including requirements for a fixed coverage charge, cashflow leverage ratio and asset coverage) that affect the amounts available for the declaration or payment of dividends.  The continued payment of cash dividends in the future is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and depends on numerous factors, including, without limitation, our net earnings, financial condition, availability of capital, debt covenant limitations and our other business needs, including those of our subsidiaries and affiliates.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

 

Operating Leases.  We lease office space, furniture and selected computer equipment under operating lease agreements with terms ranging from one to ten years.  Future expected payments are as follows:

 

 

 

Remaining payments due by fiscal year as of June 30, 2004

 

Contractual Cash
Obligations

 

Total

 

2005

 

2006
through
2007

 

2008
through
2009

 

Thereafter

 

Lease commitments

 

$

264,011

 

$

40,490

 

$

61,481

 

$

50,906

 

$

111,134

 

 

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.

 

On April 27, 2004, the company executed a new lease agreement committing its Washington, D.C., office, which includes consulting and corporate operations, to move to Northern Virginia.  The terms of the lease are expected to result in cost savings over the 12-year term.  The company simultaneously provided notice of early termination of its existing Washington, D.C. lease, which resulted in a $3.2

 

35



 

million charge during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004.  The $3.2 million charge had no net cash impact on the company because the company will receive a $3.2 million payment from the new lessor as an incentive to enter into the new lease.  The portion of the charge applicable to our consulting operations, or $1.9 million, is included in Occupancy, Communications and Other expenses, while the portion of the charge applicable to our corporate operations, or $1.3 million, is included in our General and Administrative expenses.

 

Guarantees

 

Wellspring Leases.  The Company continues to guarantee certain leases for office premises and equipment for Wellspring.  At June 30, 2004, minimum remaining payments guaranteed under these leases, which expire at various dates through 2007, totaled $18.1 million, excluding anticipated sublease income.  The leases are currently generating positive cash flows of approximately $0.1 million per fiscal year.  In the third quarter of fiscal year 2004, the company reduced its accrual for the estimated remaining future obligations and costs related to the exit from Wellspring by $1.0 million, less the associated income tax expenses.  Management will continue to evaluate the adequacy of these provisions and make adjustments as appropriate.  See Note 16 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to Wellspring.

 

Affiliate Agreements.  In connection with the establishment of our alliance with Watson Wyatt LLP in 1995, the company agreed to guarantee Watson Wyatt LLP’s performance under a lease for office space in London that expires in 2015.  Payments by Watson Wyatt LLP under the lease total £1.4 million (or approximately $2.5 million based on the June 30, 2004, exchange rate) per year.  We also granted Watson Wyatt LLP an option to return the leased space to our UK subsidiary in 2009.  If Watson Wyatt LLP were to exercise this option, the company would attempt to sublease the space at the then-current market rates.

 

Credit Agreement

 

In June 2004, we reduced the size of our revolving credit facility to $50 million from $100 million in order to better align it with our business needs.  The facility is provided by a syndicate of banks.  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 0.20 percent of the facility, that varies with our financial leverage and is paid on the unused portion of the credit facility.  No amounts were outstanding under the company’s revolving credit facility as of June 30, 2004 or June 30, 2003.  Credit under the facility is available upon demand, although the credit facility requires us to observe certain covenants (including requirements for a fixed coverage charge, cashflow leverage ratio and asset coverage) and is collateralized with a pledge of stock of material subsidiaries.  We were in compliance with all covenants under the credit facility as of June 30, 2004.

 

A portion of the revolving facility is used to support required letters of credit issued under the credit line.  As a result, $7.5 million of the facility is currently unavailable for operating needs.  We are also charged a fee for outstanding letters of credit that also fluctuates based on our leverage ratio.  The credit facility is scheduled to mature on June 29, 2009.

 

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 including the cost of defending such claims.  Our primary insurance coverage beyond this retention is written by an affiliated captive insurance company owned by us and two other professional services firms.  Prior to July 1, 2003, the first $5 million of coverage had a premium

 

36



 

structure which provided that the captive insurance company would recover from the firm defending the claim approximately 75 percent of any loss up to $5 million.  The company recorded an accrual for this liability.  This recovery occurred through insurance premium payments in subsequent years.  The remaining 25 percent of any loss up to $5 million was a risk borne by the captive insurance company, which carried reinsurance in the commercial markets for most losses above $5 million.

 

As of July 1, 2003, PCIC has attempted to recover through its premium structure the amounts it expects to pay out for member companies in claims losses, continuing the loss sharing formula whereby 75% of the losses incurred by PCIC with respect to each member are incorporated in the member’s future premium charges, and will increase such member’s premium by approximately a like amount over the next five years. PCIC now 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, growth of each of those companies, industry risk profiles in general and the overall insurance markets.  As of July 1, 2004, the captive insurance company carries reinsurance for a substantial portion of losses 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 estimable and probable.

 

The company will continue to provide for the self-insured retention where specific estimated losses 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 estimable and probable, 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 $13.2 million IBNR liability recorded as of June 30, 2004.

 

Current insurance market conditions for our industry include increases in overall premium cost, higher self-insured retentions and reductions in aggregate excess coverages, trends that are anticipated to continue.  We expect these trends to be reflected in our future annual insurance renewals and, as a result, we will continue to assess our ability to secure future insurance coverage.  In anticipation of the possibility of future reductions in risk transfer from PCIC to reinsurers, as well as the trend toward a generally hardening insurance market, the firms that own PCIC, including the company, increased PCIC’s capital in fiscal years 2002 and 2003.  No capital contribution was provided during fiscal year 2004.

 

In light of increasing worldwide litigation, including litigation against professionals, the company has been implementing a requirement that all client relationships be documented by engagement letters containing specific risk mitigation clauses that were not included in all historical client agreements.  Nearly 100 percent of the company’s U.S. corporate clients have signed engagement letters including mitigation clauses, and initiatives to complete that process both in the United States and elsewhere are underway. The company has disengaged from certain client relationships where satisfactory engagement terms could not be achieved.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” which clarifies the financial reporting guidance associated with the consolidation of another entity.  In December 2003, the FASB revised and superceded

 

37



 

FIN 46 with the issuance of FIN 46R in order to address certain implementation issues.  The company adopted FIN 46R effective March 31, 2004 and has included appropriate disclosure in this Form 10-K.  Adoption of the FIN 46R has not resulted in a change in our accounting.  See Note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the impact of adopting FIN 46R.

 

Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” (EITF 00-21), was effective for the company beginning July 1, 2003.  There was no change in revenue recognized in the current portfolio of client engagements due to our adoption of EITF 00-21.

 

In December 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 (SAB 104), “Revenue Recognition,” which supercedes Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 (SAB 101), “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.”  SAB 104’s primary purpose is to rescind accounting guidance contained in SAB 101 related to multiple element revenue arrangements, superceded as a result of the issuance of EITF 00-21.  While the wording of SAB 104 has changed to reflect the issuance of EITF 00-21, the revenue recognition principles of SAB 101 remain largely unchanged by the issuance of SAB 104.  The issuance of SAB 104 has not had an effect on our revenue recognition policies as they are in accordance with SAB 104.

 

In May 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. 106-2 “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003” (the Act) (FAS 106-2), which is effective as of the first quarter beginning after June 15, 2004. The Act includes a prescription drug benefit under Medicare Part D as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent (as defined in the Act) to Medicare Part D.  The adoption of FAS 106-2 does not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the company.

 

In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) published revisions to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits” (FAS 132).  FAS 132 revisions retain the original disclosures but require additional annual disclosures about assets, obligations, cash flows and interim disclosures about net periodic benefit costs of defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans.  The statement is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003.  The company has adopted FAS 132 as revised and included appropriate disclosure in this Form 10-K.

 

In June 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued EITF 02-14 “Whether an Investor Should Apply the Equity Method of Accounting to Investments Other Than Common Stock if the Investor Has the Ability to Exercise Significant Influence Over the Operating and Financial Policies of the Investee.”  This EITF indicates that an investor should only apply the equity method of accounting when it has investments in either common stock or in-substance common stock of a corporation, provided that the investor has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee.  The issuance of EITF 02-14 has not had an effect on our accounting for equity investments which has been in accordance with EITF 02-14.

 

Item 7A. 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 and foreign currency exchange risk.  We have examined our exposure to these risks and concluded that none of our exposures in these areas are material to fair values, cash flows or earnings.  We do not engage in any hedging of market risks with derivative instruments.

 

38



 

Item 8.           Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

The financial statements and supplementary data are included as Item 15 of this report.

 

Item 9.           Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

There are no changes in accountants or disagreements with accountants on accounting principles and financial disclosures required to be disclosed in this Item 9.

 

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The chief executive officer (CEO) and chief financial officer (CFO) of the company evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of fiscal year 2004.  They have concluded that, as of June 30, 2004, such controls and procedures have been effectively designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that the company files with or submits to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding such disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

No changes to our internal control over financial reporting have occurred during the fourth quarter that have come to management’s attention that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Our company is required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and SEC rules and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) standards for implementing Section 404 by June 30, 2005.  With regards to the company’s continuing compliance efforts, the company has substantially completed all documentation of financial and company-wide controls.  We began testing certain key controls in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004 in preparation for compliance with Section 404 and plan to continue testing through the first half of fiscal year 2005 in preparation for management’s assessment in the second half of fiscal year 2005.

 

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

 

Our management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our internal controls 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

 

39



 

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, management believes that the company’s internal controls over financial reporting for fiscal year 2004 were adequate.

 

Part III

 

Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

 

The response to this item will be included in a definitive proxy statement filed within 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year.  The information contained under the headings (i) “Proposal 1: Election of Directors”, (ii) “Biographical Information For Other Executive Officers Of The Company” and (iii) “Section 16(A) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the proxy statement are incorporated herein by this reference.

 

Item 11.  Executive Compensation.

 

The response to this item will be included in a definitive proxy statement filed within 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year.  The information contained under the heading “Executive Compensation” in the proxy statement is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

 

The response to this item will be included in a definitive proxy statement filed within 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year.  The information contained under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the proxy statement is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

 

The response to this item will be included in a definitive proxy statement filed within 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year.  The information contained under the heading “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in the proxy statement is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

Item 14.  Principal Auditor Fees and Services.

 

The response to this item will be included in a definitive proxy statement filed within 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year.  The information contained under the heading “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” in the proxy statement is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

40



 

Part IV

 

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.

 

a)

Financial Information

 

 

 

 

(1)

Consolidated Financial Statements of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings

 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Statements:

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2004

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2004

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2004

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

(2)

Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Schedule II)

 

 

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

 

 

 

(3)

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

See (c) below.

 

 

 

 

b)

Reports on Form 8-K

 

 

 

 

 

(i) On May 6, 2004, the company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, which included a press release dated the same day, in which we reported our third quarter fiscal year 2004 earnings.
(ii) On May 17, 2004, the company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, which announced that its board of directors has approved the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.075 per share.
(iii) On August 12, 2004, the company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, which included a press release dated the same day, in which we reported our fourth quarter and fiscal year ended 2004 earnings.

 

 

 

 

c)

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

See Exhibit Index on page 85.

 

 

 

 

d)

Financial Statement Schedules

 

 

 

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

41



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 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 & COMPANY HOLDINGS

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

Date:  August 17, 2004

 

By:

/s/ John J. Haley

 

 

 

John J. Haley

 

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

 

 

Title

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John J. Haley

 

 

President, Chief Executive Officer

 

8/17/04

John J. Haley

 

 

and Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Carl D. Mautz

 

 

Vice President and Chief

 

8/17/04

Carl D. Mautz

 

 

Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Peter L. Childs

 

 

Controller

 

8/17/04

Peter L. Childs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John J. Gabarro

 

 

Director

 

8/17/04

John J. Gabarro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ R. Michael McCullough

 

 

Director

 

8/17/04

R. Michael McCullough

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Linda D. Rabbitt

 

 

Director

 

8/17/04

Linda D. Rabbitt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Gilbert T. Ray

 

 

Director

 

8/17/04

Gilbert T. Ray

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Sylvester J. Schieber

 

 

Vice President and Director

 

8/17/04

Sylvester J. Schieber

 

 

 

 

 

 

42



 

/s/ John B. Shoven

 

 

Director

 

8/17/04

John B. Shoven

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Edward Manno Shumsky

 

 

Vice President and Director

 

8/17/04

Edward Manno Shumsky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Paul N. Thornton

 

 

Director

 

8/17/04

Paul N. Thornton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Gene H. Wickes

 

 

Vice President and Director

 

8/17/04

Gene H. Wickes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John C. Wright

 

 

Director

 

8/17/04

John C. Wright

 

 

 

 

 

 

43



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and

Stockholders of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings:

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholder’s equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings and its subsidiaries at June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In addition, in our opinion, the accompanying financial statement schedule II presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.  These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.  We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

 

Washington, D.C.

August 13, 2004

 

44



 

WATSON WYATT & COMPANY HOLDINGS

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Per Share Data)

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

702,005

 

$

709,616

 

$

710,480

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of providing services:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

396,775

 

401,274

 

404,822

 

Professional and subcontracted services

 

49,159

 

47,356

 

48,724

 

Occupancy, communications and other

 

105,459

 

106,224

 

109,163

 

General and administrative expenses

 

63,631

 

57,285

 

55,517

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

18,511

 

19,621

 

20,049

 

 

 

633,535

 

631,760

 

638,275

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

68,470

 

77,856

 

72,205

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from affiliates

 

7,109

 

5,787

 

2,866

 

Interest income, net

 

743

 

991

 

1,235

 

Other non-operating income

 

6,222

 

761

 

2,166

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

82,544

 

85,395

 

78,472

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

39,944

 

39,063

 

37,383

 

Deferred

 

(7,339

)

(4,048

)

(5,995

)

 

 

32,605

 

35,015

 

31,388

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

49,939

 

50,380

 

47,084

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustment to reduce estimated loss on disposal of discontinued operations, less applicable income tax expense of $409 and $4,671 for the years ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003

 

592

 

6,764

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sublease income from discontinued operations, less applicable income tax expense of $43 and $16 for the years ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003

 

62

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

50,593

 

$

57,166

 

$

47,084

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

1.52

 

$

1.52

 

$

1.43

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

0.02

 

0.21

 

 

Net income

 

$

1.54

 

$

1.73

 

$

1.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

1.50

 

$

1.51

 

$

1.41

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

0.02

 

0.21

 

 

Net income

 

$

1.52

 

$

1.72

 

$

1.41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares of common stock, basic (000)

 

32,866

 

32,962

 

32,985

 

Weighted average shares of common stock, diluted (000)

 

33,207

 

33,287

 

33,421

 

 

See accompanying notes to the

consolidated financial statements

 

45



 

WATSON WYATT & COMPANY HOLDINGS

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Data)

 

 

 

June 30,
2004

 

June 30,
2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

156,940

 

$

144,374

 

Receivables from clients:

 

 

 

 

 

Billed, net of allowances of $1,241 and $862

 

86,726

 

78,373

 

Unbilled, net of allowances of $456 and $419

 

63,108

 

60,549

 

 

 

149,834

 

138,922

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

15,052

 

3,885

 

Other current assets

 

11,388

 

11,448

 

Total current assets

 

333,214

 

298,629

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in affiliates

 

30,235

 

26,431

 

Fixed assets, net

 

65,438

 

60,716

 

Deferred income taxes

 

55,240

 

101,214

 

Goodwill and intangible assets

 

20,909

 

20,878

 

Other assets

 

7,132

 

6,594

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

 

$

512,168

 

$

514,462

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, including discretionary compensation

 

$

113,233

 

$

114,013

 

Income taxes payable

 

12,526

 

15,308

 

Total current liabilities

 

125,759

 

129,321

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued retirement benefits

 

97,984

 

195,705

 

Deferred rent and accrued lease losses

 

10,199

 

4,608

 

Deferred income taxes

 

628

 

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

32,414

 

33,091

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

 

266,984

 

362,725

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 

 

 

69,000,000 shares authorized; 33,372,880 and 33,087,880 issued and 32,317,156 and 32,943,156 outstanding

 

334

 

331

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

149,508

 

145,922

 

Treasury stock, at cost - 1,055,724 and 144,724 shares

 

(26,149

)

(2,956

)

Retained earnings

 

125,669

 

77,517

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(4,178

)

(69,077

)

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

245,184

 

151,737

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

$

512,168

 

$

514,462

 

 

See accompanying notes to the
consolidated financial statements

 

46



 

WATSON WYATT & COMPANY HOLDINGS

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

50,593

 

$

57,166

 

$

47,084

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other non-operating gain related to PCIC

 

(5,600

)

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense

 

(592

)

(6,786

)

 

Provision for doubtful receivables from clients

 

5,612

 

7,859

 

4,541

 

Depreciation

 

18,196

 

19,205

 

19,887

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

315

 

416

 

162

 

Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes

 

(7,457

)

2,994

 

(5,995

)

Income from affiliates

 

(7,109

)

(5,787

)

(2,866

)

Distributions from affiliates

 

5,521

 

4,831

 

1,970

 

Other, net

 

508

 

(595

)

(525

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of discontinued operations)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables from clients

 

(16,524

)

4,831

 

(4,563

)

Other current assets

 

377

 

5,594

 

(6,468

)

Other assets

 

(538

)

1,639

 

578

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

7,359

 

(14,982

)

(12,468

)

Income taxes payable

 

(3,190

)

(3,968

)

967

 

Accrued retirement benefits

 

6,025

 

(1,855

)

6,488

 

Deferred rent and accrued lease losses

 

5,591

 

948

 

176

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

405

 

3,201

 

2,616

 

Net cash from operating activities

 

59,492

 

74,711

 

51,584

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows used in investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of fixed assets

 

(23,629

)

(17,505

)

(31,557

)

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

 

157

 

40

 

144

 

Proceeds from divestitures

 

622

 

1,281

 

1,747

 

Acquisitions and contingent consideration payments

 

(321

)

(2,310

)

(5,262

)

Investments in affiliates

 

 

(3,661

)

(1,700

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(23,171

)

(22,155

)

(36,628

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows used in financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances of common stock - exercises of stock options

 

2,142

 

714

 

429

 

Issuances of common stock - employee stock purchase plan

 

6,789

 

6,408

 

1,448

 

Offering costs on repurchases of common stock

 

(728

)

 

 

Repurchases of common stock

 

(33,139

)

(13,824

)

(4,521

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(24,936

)

(6,702

)

(2,644

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

 

1,181

 

2,546

 

1,927

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

12,566

 

48,400

 

14,239

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

144,374

 

95,974

 

81,735

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 

$

156,940

 

$

144,374

 

$

95,974

 

 

See accompanying notes to the
consolidated financial statements

 

47



 

WATSON WYATT & COMPANY HOLDINGS

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Class A
Common
Stock
Outstanding
(number of
shares)

 

Class B-1
Common
Stock
Outstanding
(number of
shares)

 

Class B-2
Common
Stock
Outstanding
(number of
shares)

 

Class A
Common
Stock

 

Class B-1
Common
Stock

 

Class B-2
Common
Stock

 

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

 

Treasury
Stock,
at Cost

 

Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss)/Income

 

Total

 

Balance at June 30, 2001

 

9,390

 

10,399

 

13,244

 

$

94

 

$

104

 

$

132

 

$

146,649

 

$

 

$

(26,733

)

$

(8,361

)

$

111,885

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

47,084

 

 

 

47,084

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,942

 

2,942

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50,026

 

Reclassification for sale of 442,500 shares by existing stockholders

 

443

 

(443

)

 

 

4

 

(4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfer restriction expiration of 9,956,140 shares

 

9,956

 

(9,956

)

 

 

100

 

(100

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conversion of 333,498 shares held by Watson Wyatt LLP for distribution to its partners

 

333

 

 

 

(333

)

3

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution of 62,600 shares from Watson Wyatt LLP to Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings

 

(63

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(209

)

 

 

 

 

(209

)

Other conversion

 

43

 

 

 

(43

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of Class A shares

 

(190

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,521

)

 

 

 

 

(4,521

)

Issuances of common stock - exercises of common stock options

 

38

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

428

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

429

 

Issuances of common stock - employee stock purchase plan

 

79

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(206

)

1,654

 

 

 

 

 

1,448

 

Tax benefit of exercise of common stock options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

163

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

163

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2002

 

20,029

 

 

12,868

 

202

 

 

129

 

147,034

 

(3,076

)

20,351

 

(5,419

)

159,221

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

57,166

 

 

 

57,166

 

 

See accompanying notes to the
consolidated financial statements

 

48



WATSON WYATT & COMPANY HOLDINGS

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

continued

 

Additional minimum pension liability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(67,869

)

(67,869

)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,211

 

4,211

 

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,492

)

Transfer restriction expiration of 12,745,015 shares

 

12,745

 

 

 

(12,745

)

127

 

 

 

(127

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other conversion

 

123

 

 

 

(123

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchases of common stock

 

(673

)

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

(13,824

)

 

 

 

 

(13,824

)

Issuances of common stock - exercises of common stock options

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(205

)

919

 

 

 

 

 

714

 

Issuances of common stock - employee stock purchase plan

 

393

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,347

)

7,755

 

 

 

 

 

6,408

 

Issuances of common stock - deferred stock units

 

259

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

285

 

5,021

 

 

 

 

 

5,306

 

Issuance of common stock to outside directors

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(42

)

249

 

 

 

 

 

207

 

Tax benefit of exercise of common stock options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

197

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

197

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2003

 

32,943

 

 

 

331

 

 

 

145,922

 

(2,956

)

77,517

 

(69,077

)

151,737

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50,593

 

 

 

50,593

 

Additional minimum pension liability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

61,218

 

61,218

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,681

 

3,681

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

115,492

 

Cash dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,441

)

 

 

(2,441

)

Repurchases of common stock

 

(1,342

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(33,139

)

 

 

 

 

(33,139

)

Offering costs on repurchases of common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(728

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(728

)

Issuances of common stock - employee stock purchase plan shares

 

359

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

420

 

6,368

 

 

 

 

 

6,789

 

Issuances of common stock - deferred stock units

 

178

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

4,081

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,083

 

Issuances of common stock to outside directors

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22

 

330

 

 

 

 

 

352

 

Issuances of common stock- stock options

 

165

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,106

)

3,248

 

 

 

 

 

2,142

 

Tax benefit of exercises of stock options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

897

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

897

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2004

 

32,317

 

 

 

$

334

 

$

 

$

 

$

149,508

 

$

(26,149

)

$

125,669

 

$

(4,178

)

$

245,184

 

 

(continued)

See accompanying notes to the
consolidated financial statements

 

49



 

WATSON WYATT & COMPANY HOLDINGS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars Except Share and Percentage Data)

 

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Nature of the Business - Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings (collectively referred to as “we”, “Watson Wyatt” or the “company”), together with our subsidiaries, is an international company engaged in the business of providing professional consultative services on a fee basis, primarily in the human resource areas of employee benefits and compensation, but also in other areas of specialization such as human capital consulting and human resource-related technology consulting.  The company’s fiscal year ends on June 30th.

 

Principles of Consolidation - Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and our majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.  Investments in affiliated companies over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method.

 

Effective March 31, 2004, the Company adopted the revised interpretation of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, (FIN 46-R). FIN 46-R requires that certain variable interest entities be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The Company does not have a controlling financial interest in entities it determined to be variable interest entities, and as a result, the Company is not the primary beneficiary and is not required to consolidate their results.

 

Use of Estimates - Preparation of 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.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Estimates are used when accounting for revenue, allowances for uncollectible receivables, investments in affiliates, depreciation and amortization, profits on long-term contracts, asset write-downs, employee benefit plans, taxes, accruals for premiums for professional liability insurance, pension plan assumptions, accruals for estimated losses related to reported and unreported professional liability claims and discontinued operations.

 

Reclassifications - Certain amounts previously presented have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents - We consider short-term, highly-liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.  All of our cash and investments at June 30, 2004 and 2003 were deemed to be cash and cash equivalents.

 

Receivables from Clients - Billed receivables from clients are presented at their billed amount less an allowance for doubtful accounts. Unbilled receivables are stated at full billing rates less an allowance for unbillable amounts.

 

50



 

Revenue Recognition - Revenue includes fees primarily generated from consulting services provided in the areas of employee benefits, human capital strategies and related technology solutions.  We recognize revenue from these consulting engagements 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.

 

Revenue is recognized on time-and-materials engagements based on billable rates times hours worked plus expenses incurred.  For fixed-fee arrangements, revenue is also recognized based on billable rates times hours worked plus expenses incurred.  However, for significant fixed-fee engagements in our Technology Solutions Group, we periodically review ongoing engagements through the preparation of an estimate-to-complete.  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.  These periodic engagement reviews require us to make judgments and estimates regarding the overall profitability and stage of project completion which, 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 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.  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,” and any revenue associated with the related contract, together with amortization of the related capitalized software, is recognized over the service period.

 

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.

 

Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” (EITF 00-21), was effective for the company beginning July 1, 2003.  There was no change in revenue recognized in the current portfolio of client engagements due to our adoption of EITF 00-21.

 

In December 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 (SAB 104), “Revenue Recognition,” which supercedes Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 (SAB 101), “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.”  The primary purpose of SAB 104 is to rescind accounting guidance contained in SAB 101 related to multiple element revenue arrangements, superceded as a result of the issuance of EITF 00-21.  While the wording of SAB 104 has changed to reflect the issuance of EITF 00-21, the revenue recognition principles of SAB 101 remain largely unchanged by the issuance of SAB 104.  The issuance of SAB 104 has not had an effect on our revenue recognition policies as they are in accordance with SAB 104.

 

Other Non-operating Income - Non-operating income for the year ended June 30, 2004 included the $5.6 million gain the company recorded related to PCIC, as further described in Note 18.  During each of fiscal years 2004 and 2003, the company also received cash payments of $0.6 million in connection with the fiscal year 2002 sale of our U.S.-based public retirement business to GRS.  All payments received in connection with this sale were contingent upon the successful transition of certain clients to GRS and upon retention of such clients by GRS.

 

51



 

Foreign Currency Translation - Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions, including settlement of intercompany receivables and payables, are recognized currently in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Assets and liabilities of our subsidiaries outside the United States are translated into the reporting currency, the U.S. dollar, based on exchange rates at the balance sheet date.  Revenue and expenses of our subsidiaries outside the United States are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates during the year.  Gains and losses on translation of our equity interests in our subsidiaries outside the United States and on intercompany notes are reported separately as accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, since we do not plan or anticipate settlement of such balances in the foreseeable future.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The carrying amount of our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, receivables from clients and notes and accounts payable approximates fair value because of the short maturity and liquidity of those instruments.  There were no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit agreement at June 30, 2004 or June 30, 2003.  There were no events of default that would require us to satisfy the guarantees described in Note 14.  We do not use derivative instruments as a hedging strategy or for any other purpose.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk - Financial instruments that potentially subject the company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of certain cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and receivables from clients.  We invest our excess cash in financial instruments with short-term ratings no lower than A1/P1 or equivalent.  Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables from clients are limited due to our large number of clients and their dispersion across many industries and geographic regions.

 

Incurred But Not Reported (IBNR) Claims - The company accrues for IBNR professional liability claims that are estimable and probable, and for which we have not yet contracted for insurance coverage.  This liability was $13.2 million and $12.6 million at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Stock-based Compensation - We have elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25), for stock options issued under the 2000 Long-term Incentive Plan and the 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  Compensation expense for the 2000 Long-term Incentive Plan, if any, would be recorded and measured as the difference between the fair market value of the stock at the date of the grant and the option price.  The compensation expense would be recognized over the five-year vesting period identified in the plan.  We have elected the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (FAS 123).

 

52



 

As required by FAS 123, the company has determined pro forma net income and earnings per share as if the company had accounted for its stock compensation plans under the fair value method of FAS 123. The company estimated compensation expense for its Stock Purchase Plan based on the 15 percent discounted purchase price offered to employees enrolled in the plan, which approximates fair value.  For the Stock Option Plan, the company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate the fair value of options granted for pro forma disclosure purposes.  Using the Black-Scholes model, the weighted average fair value of options granted during fiscal year 2002 was $8.00 per option, and $5.26 per option for fiscal year 2001.  No options were granted during fiscal years 2003 or 2004.  The following assumptions were used in the calculation:

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected dividend yield

 

0

%

0

%

Volatility

 

40

%

40

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

4.12

%

5.79

%

Expected life

 

4 years

 

4 years

 

 

The table below reflects the pro forma effect on net income and earnings per share for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, as if the company were to recognize compensation expense under the “fair-value-based method” of FAS 123.

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income, as reported

 

$

50,593

 

$

57,166

 

$

47,084

 

Add: Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

 

243

 

66

 

30

 

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair-value-based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

 

(1,662

)

(1,518

)

(1,315

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma net income

 

$

49,174

 

$

55,714

 

$

45,799

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic - as reported

 

$

1.54

 

$

1.73

 

$

1.43

 

Basic - pro forma

 

$

1.50

 

$

1.69

 

$

1.39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted - as reported

 

$

1.52

 

$

1.72

 

$

1.41

 

Diluted - pro forma

 

$

1.48

 

$

1.67

 

$

1.37

 

 

The company does not currently intend to issue further stock options under the 2000 Long-term Incentive Plan.  Deferred stock units are now granted to senior associates of the company in lieu of a portion of their annual fiscal year-end bonus.  All deferred stock units issued in connection with the 2001 Deferred Stock Unit Plan were fully vested upon issuance.  Each stock unit represents one share of common stock to the recipient.  Compensation expense is determined by the value of the stock at the date of the grant.

 

In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure” (FAS 148).  FAS 148 provides additional transition guidance for those entities that elect to expense stock options pursuant to FAS 123,

 

53



 

“Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”.  The company has adopted the disclosure provisions of FAS 148 and as a result provides pro forma information on a quarterly and annual basis regarding stock-based employee compensation costs.

 

Earnings per Share - The computation of basic earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of outstanding stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares using the “treasury stock” method.  See Note 15 for identification of the components of basic and diluted earnings per share.

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Watson Wyatt has historically applied the purchase method of accounting to its acquisitions.  In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (FAS 142), goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are no longer amortized, but must be assessed at least annually for impairment beginning in the year of adoption.  The company performs its impairment tests in the third quarter of the company’s fiscal year, and has determined that no impairment of goodwill exists.  FAS 142 also provides that other intangible assets that have finite useful lives will continue to be amortized over their useful lives.  See Note 11 for further disclosures regarding the impact of this pronouncement on our financial results.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” which clarifies the financial reporting guidance associated with the consolidation of another entity.  In December 2003, the FASB revised and superceded FIN 46 with the issuance of FIN 46R in order to address certain implementation issues.  The company adopted FIN 46R effective March 31, 2004 and has included appropriate disclosure in this Form 10-K.  Adoption of the FIN 46R has not resulted in a change in our accounting.  See Note 4 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the impact of adopting FIN 46R.

 

In May 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. 106-2 “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003” (the Act) (FAS 106-2), which is effective as of the first quarter beginning after June 15, 2004. The Act includes a prescription drug benefit under Medicare Part D as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent (as defined in the Act) to Medicare Part D.  The adoption of FAS 106-2 does not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the company.

 

In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) published revisions to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits” (FAS 132).  FAS 132 revisions retain the original disclosures but require additional annual disclosures about assets, obligations, cash flows and interim disclosures about net periodic benefit costs of defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans.  The statement is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003.  The company has adopted FAS 132 as revised and included appropriate disclosures in Note 6 of this Form 10-K.

 

In June 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued EITF 02-14 “Whether an Investor Should Apply the Equity Method of Accounting to Investments Other Than Common Stock if the Investor Has the Ability to Exercise Significant Influence Over the Operating and Financial Policies of the Investee.”  This EITF indicates that an investor should only apply the equity method of accounting when it has investments in either common stock or in-substance common stock of a corporation, provided that the investor has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the

 

54



 

investee.  The issuance of EITF 02-14 has not had an effect on our accounting for equity investments which has been in accordance with EITF 02-14.

 

Note 2 - Initial Public Offering and Common Stock

 

In October 2000, we completed an initial public offering (“IPO”) of our Class A common stock. In conjunction with this offering, each share of Watson Wyatt & Company’s redeemable common stock was converted into one share of Class B-1 common stock and one share of Class B-2 common stock of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings. The Class B common stock was divided into two classes to accommodate different transfer restriction periods.  A total of 9,956,140 Class B-1 and 12,745,015 Class B-2 shares were automatically converted to Class A shares as the relevant 12- and 24 -month transfer restrictions expired in October 2001 and 2002.

 

In conjunction with our initial public offering, we also entered into agreements providing for additional transfer restrictions with major stockholders, executive officers and employee directors.  As a result of these agreements, 1,947,272 Class A shares became freely transferable in October 2003, and 1,690,778 Class A shares are currently restricted and will become freely transferable in October 2004.

 

In April 2004, the company completed a tender offer for shares of its Class A common stock, through which the company purchased 830,802 shares of its Class A shares at a purchase price of $25.25 per share.  The aggregate purchase price of the shares purchased through the tender offer was $21.0 million, excluding $0.7 million fees and expenses.

 

Note 3 - Cash Flow Information

 

Net cash from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows includes cash payments for the following:

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

$

780

 

$

787

 

$

1,376

 

Income taxes

 

43,077

 

36,272

 

36,574

 

 

55



 

Note 4 - Investments in Affiliates

 

Although we operate globally as an alliance with our affiliates, the revenues and operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect only the results of operations of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings.  Our share of the results of our affiliates, recorded using the equity method of accounting, is reflected in the “Income from affiliates” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Entities accounted for under the equity method and our investments in those affiliates are as follows:

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watson Wyatt LLP

 

$

17,119

 

$

15,268

 

Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe) Limited

 

6,799

 

6,274

 

Professional Consultants Insurance Company, Inc.

 

6,317

 

4,889

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investment in affiliates

 

$

30,235

 

$

26,431

 

 

Watson Wyatt LLP and Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe) Limited

 

Our principal affiliates are Watson Wyatt LLP (WWLLP) and Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe) Limited (WWHE).  On April 1, 1995, the company transferred its United Kingdom (“U.K.”) operations to WWLLP, an actuarial partnership based in the U.K., and received a beneficial interest in WWLLP and a 10% interest in a defined profit pool of WWLLP.  The company also transferred its Continental European operations to WWHE as a newly formed holding company, jointly owned and controlled by the Company and WWLLP, in exchange for 50.1% of its shares. Effective July 1, 1998, the company sold one-half of its investment in WWHE to WWLLP.  WWHE is now jointly owned and controlled by the company (25%) and WWLLP (75%).  While Watson Wyatt & Company, WWLLP, and WWHE remain separate legal entities, the companies have marketed their services globally under the Watson Wyatt Worldwide brand, sharing resources, technologies, processes and business referrals.  We retain the ability to exercise significant influence over WWLLP and WWHE.  As of June 30, 2004, we had net receivables from WWLLP and WWHE of $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively.  As of June 30, 2003, we had net receivables from WWLLP and WWHE of $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

 

Our investment balance in WWHE reflects our initial investment, our 25 percent share of their cumulative net loss and a note receivable that we carry on our balance sheet at $9.0 million.  The note is collateralized by the assets and performance of WWHE and calls for principal and unpaid interest to be paid by 2020.  In light of the historical performance of WWHE, the company has not recognized interest income for the note.  If the company had recognized interest income for the note, its carrying value, including accrued unpaid interest, would approximate £13.7 million, or approximately $25 million, as of June 30, 2004.  Management believes that the company’s maximum financial statement exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of the company’s investment in WWHE of $6.8 million as of June 30, 2004.  We evaluate the WWHE investment on a quarterly and annual basis and have determined that the current carrying value of the WWHE investment is recoverable.

 

Professional Consultants Insurance Company, Inc.

 

Professional Consultants Insurance Company, Inc. (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 to three actuarial and management consulting firms, all of which participate in the program as both policyholders and stockholders.

 

56



 

Capital contributions to PCIC are required when approved by a majority of its stockholders.  Our initial investment included a $500,000 cash contribution and a $1,500,000 letter of credit.  In July 2002, the stockholders agreed to provide additional capital contributions in exchange for additional shares.  As payment for those shares, in July 2002 we contributed $1,700,000 in cash and provided a letter of credit for $1,700,000, and in June 2003, we contributed an additional $1,700,000 in cash and provided an additional letter of credit for $1,700,000.  As of June 30, 2004, the company has designated PCIC as the beneficiary on a total of $4.9 million of letters of credit.  Our ownership interest in PCIC as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 was 34.8 percent.  Management believes that the company’s maximum financial statement exposure to loss of its investment in PCIC is limited to the carrying value of the company’s investment in PCIC of $6.3 million, combined with letters of credit totaling $4.9 million for which PCIC has been designated as beneficiary, for a total maximum exposure of $11.2 million.

 

Combined summarized balance sheet information at June 30 for the company’s affiliates follows:

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

$

272,757

 

$

204,451

 

Noncurrent assets

 

116,815

 

128,744

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

389,572

 

$

333,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

$

77,166

 

$

77,008

 

Noncurrent liabilities

 

162,669

 

149,650

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

149,737

 

106,537

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

389,572

 

$

333,195

 

 

Income from affiliates includes our proportionate share of income from these equity investments.  Combined summarized operating results (prior to distribution of profits) reported by the affiliates for the years ended June 30 are as follows:

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

423,783

 

$

354,890

 

$

291,951

 

Operating expenses

 

294,260

 

254,752

 

223,422

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before taxes

 

129,523

 

100,138

 

68,529

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

127,152

 

$

97,607

 

$

68,997

 

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” which was later revised in December 2003 (FIN 46R) and effective March 31, 2004, for the company.  This interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities.  FIN 46R introduces the concept of a variable interest entity and requires consolidation by the primary beneficiary where there is a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity or where the variable interest entity does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties.

 

57



 

The company evaluated each of WWLLP, WWHE and PCIC based on FIN 46R’s criteria in order to determine the applicability of FIN 46R.  The company’s current assessment is that, of the three entities, WWHE and PCIC are considered to be variable interest entities.  The company has concluded, however, that it is not the primary beneficiary of WWHE or PCIC and, as a result, the Company is not required to consolidate their results.

 

Note 5 - Fixed Assets

 

Furniture, fixtures, equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost and presented net of accumulated depreciation or amortization.  Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated using straight-line and accelerated methods over lives ranging from three to seven years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease terms or the assets’ lives.

 

The components of fixed assets are:

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

$

112,002

 

$

106,820

 

Leasehold improvements

 

44,454

 

46,376

 

 

 

156,456

 

153,196

 

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(91,018

)

(92,480

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed assets, net

 

$

65,438

 

$

60,716

 

 

Note 6 – 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 principal plans (United States, Canada, Hong Kong and U.K.), benefits are based on the number of years of service and the associates’ compensation during the five highest paid consecutive years of service.  The non-qualified plan 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 which is reflected in the balance sheet.  Included in the results is our U.K. plan, which is inactive but is part of the additional minimum pension liability reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The measurement date for the plans is June 30.

 

58



 

Funding is based on actuarially determined contributions and is limited to amounts that are currently deductible for tax purposes. Since funding calculations are based on different measurements than those used for accounting purposes, pension contributions are not equal to net periodic pension cost.  The excess of net periodic pension cost over such contributions and direct benefit payments under non-qualified plan provisions is accrued by the company.  The following table sets forth our projected voluntary pension contributions for fiscal year 2005, as well as the voluntary pension contributions to our various plans in fiscal years 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

2005 (Projected)

 

2004 (Actual)

 

2003 (Actual)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

10,000

 

10,000

 

22,000

 

Canada

 

2,700

 

46

 

 

U.K.

 

1,300

 

1,262

 

1,134

 

Hong Kong

 

800

 

1,039

 

1,147

 

 

The fair value of plan assets is based on the market value of domestic equity, international equity and fixed income securities that are in the pension portfolio.  To the extent the expected return on the pension portfolio varies from the actual return, there is an unrecognized gain or loss.

 

The non-current portions of accrued costs related to our principal retirement plans reflected in the company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets are:

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defined benefit retirement plans

 

$

44,313

 

$

143,730

 

Canadian Separation Allowance Plan

 

4,878

 

4,847

 

Postretirement benefits other than pensions

 

48,793

 

47,128

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued retirement benefits

 

$

97,984

 

$

195,705

 

 

The assumptions used in the valuation for the U.S. plan, which comprises the majority of the principal defined benefit pension plans, included the following at the end of the past three fiscal years:

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate, Projected Benefit Obligation

 

6.25

%

6.00

%

7.25

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate, Net Periodic Benefit Cost

 

6.00

%

7.25

%

7.25

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected long-term rate of return on assets

 

9.00

%

9.00

%

10.00

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rate of increase in compensation, PBO

 

3.34

%

3.09

%

4.34

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rate of increase in compensation, Net Periodic Benefit Cost

 

3.09

%

4.34

%

4.34

%

 

The 6.25 percent discount rate assumption used at the end of fiscal year 2004 represents a 25 basis point increase from the 6.00 percent discount rate used at the end of fiscal years 2003.  The company’s 2004 discount rate assumption was determined by matching future pension benefit payments with expected future AA bond yields for the same periods.

 

59



 

The expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption remained at 9.00 percent at June 30, 2004.  Continuation of the 9.00 percent return assumption 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 company calculates the net periodic benefit costs for a given fiscal year based on assumptions established at the end of the previous fiscal year.  Actuarial gains and losses associated with changing any of these assumptions are not recognized immediately; instead they are accumulated as part of the unrecognized net loss/(gain) balance and amortized into the net periodic pension expense over the average remaining service period of participating employees.

 

Net periodic pension cost consists of the following components reflected as expense in the company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations:

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

26,674

 

$

26,201

 

$

27,751

 

Interest cost

 

33,490

 

33,564

 

32,540

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(35,831

)

(37,466

)

(41,506

)

Amortization of transition obligation

 

(4

)

199

 

213

 

Amortization of net unrecognized losses/ (gains)

 

11,406

 

4,760

 

(164

)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(2,169

)

582

 

545

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic pension cost

 

$

33,566

 

$

27,840

 

$

19,379

 

 

The following table summarizes benefit obligations associated with the qualified and non-qualified plans:

 

 

 

June 30, 2004

 

June 30, 2003

 

 

 

Qualified

 

Non-qualified

 

Qualified

 

Non-qualified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated benefit obligation

 

$

469,549

 

$

61,172

 

$

458,596

 

$

63,740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

 

$

486,225

 

$

80,318

 

$

393,038

 

$

74,829

 

Service cost

 

21,081

 

5,593

 

20,055

 

6,146

 

Interest cost

 

28,704

 

4,786

 

28,054

 

5,510

 

Actuarial losses/(gains)

 

(15,828

)

297

 

62,070

 

6,626

 

Benefit payments

 

(15,608

)

(1,476

)

(14,026

)

(4,708

)

Plan amendments

 

 

 

(10,422

)

(9,786

)

Settlements

 

 

(10,542

)

 

 

Other

 

1,580

 

(613

)

2,506

 

330

 

Foreign currency adjustment

 

2,574

 

128

 

4,950

 

1,371

 

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

 

$

508,728

 

$

78,491

 

$

486,225

 

$

80,318

 

 

60



 

Plan amendments are changes in the pension plan that will either increase or decrease future retirement benefits for work performed in prior periods.  In fiscal year 2003, we amended the plans for early retirement eligibility provisions, early retirement factors and the averaging period for pay.  In fiscal year 2002, we amended the plans to reflect the changes to the maximum benefit and compensation limits under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act (EGTRRA) enacted in June 2001.  The unrecognized prior service cost is the cumulative prior service costs and benefits from amendments to the pension plans that have not yet been recognized in the financial statements.

 

The table below provides information for the U.S. qualified pension plan with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets in fiscal year 2003.  In fiscal year 2004, the U.S. qualified plan assets were greater than the accumulated benefit obligation.  The non-qualified amounts reflect only the U.S. and Canadian plans and are unfunded.

 

 

 

June 30, 2004

 

June 30, 2003

 

 

 

Qualified

 

Non-qualified

 

Qualified

 

Non-qualified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Projected Benefit Obligation

 

$

440,820

 

$

78,491

 

$

425,418

 

$

80,318

 

Accumulated Benefit Obligation

 

406,397

 

61,172

 

401,471

 

63,740

 

Fair value of plan assets

 

407,776

 

 

346,551

 

 

 

The table below provides information for the UK pension plan with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets in fiscal years 2004 and 2003.

 

 

 

June 30, 2004

 

June 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Projected Benefit Obligation

 

$

25,997

 

$

21,959

 

Accumulated Benefit Obligation

 

25,997

 

21,959

 

Fair value of plan assets

 

19,107

 

15,315

 

 

The Canada and Hong Kong qualified plans each had assets greater than the accumulated benefit obligation.

 

61



 

The following table summarizes plan assets associated with the qualified and non-qualified plans:

 

 

 

June 30, 2004

 

June 30, 2003

 

 

 

Qualified

 

Non-qualified

 

Qualified

 

Non-qualified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

 

$

405,339

 

$

 

$

386,830

 

$

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

71,986

 

 

3,036

 

 

Company contributions

 

12,347

 

12,018

 

24,281

 

4,708

 

Benefit payments

 

(15,628

)

(12,018

)

(14,026

)

(4,708

)

Foreign currency adjustment

 

1,978

 

 

5,218

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

 

$

476,022

 

$

 

$

405,339

 

$

 

 

The following table, and the narrative that follows, provide information relating to the weighted-average asset allocations at June 30, 2004 and 2003 and the investment strategy for the company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plan, which comprises the majority of our define benefit pension plans:

 

 

 

Plan Assets at June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Asset Category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities

 

83.2

%

82.5

%

Debt securities

 

16.3

%

17.1

%

Real estate

 

0.0

%

0.0

%

Other

 

0.5

%

0.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

100

%

100

%

 

The investment objectives of the company’s qualified pension plan are designed to generate returns that will enable the plan to meet its future obligations. The precise amount for which these obligations will be settled depends on future events, including the life expectancy of the plan’s members and salary inflation. The obligations are estimated using actuarial assumptions, based on the current economic environment.

 

The pension plan seeks to achieve total returns both sufficient to meet expected future obligations as well as returns greater than its policy benchmark reflecting the target weights of the asset classes used in its targeted strategic asset allocation.  The plan’s targeted strategic allocation to each asset class was determined through an Asset-Liability Modeling study to evaluate long-term asset-allocation strategy.  This comprehensive study provides an evaluation of the projected status of asset and liability measures for the plan under a range of both positive and negative environments.  The study includes a number of different asset mixes, spanning a range of diversification and potential equity exposures.

 

In evaluating the strategic asset allocation choices, an emphasis is placed on the long-term characteristics of each individual asset class, and the benefits of diversification among multiple asset classes. Consideration is also given to the proper long-term level of risk for the plan, particularly with respect to the long-term nature of the plan’s liabilities, the impact of asset allocation on investment results, and the corresponding impact on the volatility and magnitude of plan contributions and expense and the impact certain actuarial techniques may have on the plan’s recognition of investment experience.  The currently adopted strategic asset allocation targets 85 percent in equity securities and 15 percent in debt securities including additional allocations within specific asset classes of these broad categories.

 

62



 

The company monitors investment performance and portfolio characteristics on a quarterly basis to ensure that managers are meeting expectations with respect to their investment approach.  With the exception of securities issued by the U.S. Government and its agencies, no single issue is to comprise more than 5 percent of the portfolio’s value although index fund managers are exempt from the security weighting constraints. There are also various restrictions and controls placed on managers including prohibition from investing in company stock.

 

The expected return on assets assumption is developed in conjunction with advisors and using the company’s asset model that reflects a combination of rigorous historical analysis and the forward looking views of the financial markets as revealed through the yield on long-term bonds, the price earnings ratios of the major stock market indices and long-term inflation. Amounts are tested for reasonableness against their historical averages. The assumption was lowered from 10.0 percent to 9.0 percent for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003. The expected return on assets assumption is intended to be a long-term assumption and is not expected to be modified frequently.  The return on assets in fiscal year 2004 was 19 percent, compared to a return of 2 percent in fiscal year 2003.

 

The following benefit payments for our defined benefit pension plan, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

 

Fiscal
Year

 

Benefit
Payments

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

$

19,148

 

2006

 

20,670

 

2007

 

22,772

 

2008

 

24,951

 

2009

 

28,430

 

Years 2010 - 2014

 

179,260

 

 

 

$

295,231

 

 

The following table summarizes the funding status associated with the qualified and non-qualified plans:

 

 

 

June 30, 2004

 

June 30, 2003

 

 

 

Qualified

 

Non-qualified

 

Qualified

 

Non-qualified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded status at end of year

 

$

(32,702

)

$

(78,491

)

$

(80,886

)

$

(80,318

)

Unrecognized prior service cost

 

(9,375

)

(3,579

)

(11,269

)

(3,872

)

Unrecognized net loss/(gain)

 

95,876

 

(7,721

)

157,476

 

(9,425

)

Unrecognized transition obligation/(asset)

 

(247

)

209

 

(301

)

263

 

Net amount recognized

 

$

53,552

 

$

(89,582

)

$

65,020

 

$

(93,352

)

 

The unrecognized amounts represent the actual changes in the estimated PBO and plan assets that have not yet been recognized in either the balance sheet or the income statement.  Any differences between actual and assumed results are amortized into the net periodic pension expense over the average remaining service period of participating employees.

 

During fiscal year 2003, the value of the assets held in the pension plans decreased and the decline in interest rates increased our accumulated benefit obligation, resulting in the accumulated benefit obligation

 

63



 

becoming greater than the value of the plan assets for the U.S. and U.K. pension plans.  The company was therefore required to record an additional minimum pension liability for those plans at June 30, 2003, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87 “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions” (FAS 87).  This resulted in an increase in the pension liability of $113.4 million, an increase in intangible assets of $0.1 million, a non-cash charge to Stockholders’ Equity of $67.9 million (reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss) and an increase in deferred tax assets of $45.4 million as of June 30, 2003.

 

In fiscal year 2004, the value of the assets held in the pension plans in the U.S. increased due to market appreciation, resulting in the value of the plan assets becoming greater than the accumulated benefit obligation, thereby eliminating the requirement to record an additional minimum pension liability for the U.S. plans. This resulted in a decrease in the pension liability of $105.4 million, a reduction in the charge to Stockholders’ Equity of $62.4 million (reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss) and a decrease in deferred tax assets of $43.1 million as of June 30, 2004. The value of the assets held in the pension plan in the U.K. remained below the accumulated benefit obligation, resulting in the accumulated benefit obligation remaining greater than the value of the plan assets for U.K. pension plan.  An additional liability of $1.7 million, a non-cash charge to Stockholders’ Equity of $1.2 million (reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss) and an increase in deferred tax assets of $0.5 million as of June 30, 2004 was recorded for the U.K. increase.  The remaining balances related to the minimum pension liability as of June 30, 2004 are a pension liability of $9.6 million, an intangible asset of $0.1 million, an accumulated other comprehensive loss of $6.7 million (reflected in Stockholders’ Equity) and a deferred tax asset of $2.9 million.

 

Our Canadian and Hong Kong pension plan assets were greater than their associated accumulated benefit obligation as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 and thus did not require the recording of additional minimum pension liabilities in either period.

 

The table below summarizes the amounts reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets for the period indicated:

 

 

 

June 30, 2004

 

June 30, 2003

 

 

 

Qualified

 

Non-qualified

 

Qualified

 

Non-qualified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost

 

$

53,552

 

$

 

$

(40,424

)

$

 

Accrued benefit liability

 

(9,625

)

(89,582

)

(7,967

)

(93,352

)

Intangible assets

 

124

 

 

113

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

9,501

 

 

113,298

 

 

Net amounts recognized

 

$

53,552

 

$

(89,582

)

$

65,020

 

$

(93,352

)

 

Defined Contribution Plans

 

We sponsor a savings plan that provides benefits to substantially all U.S. associates. Effective July 1, 2003, the company match was suspended.  Under the plan in previous years, we have matched employee contributions at 50 percent of the first 6 percent of total pay, which includes base salary, overtime and annual performance-based bonuses.  Vesting of the company match occurs after three years for new employees and is 100 percent for all employees hired before January 1, 1997.  The expense in fiscal years 2003 and 2002 was $7.4 million and $7.9 million, respectively.  Under the plan, we also have the ability to make discretionary profit-sharing contributions.  We made no profit-sharing contributions during fiscal

 

64



 

years 2004, 2003 and 2002.  We also sponsor a Canadian Separation Allowance Plan (CSAP) that provides retirement benefits to substantially all Canadian associates.  The CSAP is an unfunded benefit plan; as such, the amounts due to associates are recorded as a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of the company.  CSAP expense for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 amounted to $243,000, $264,000 and $328,000, respectively.

 

Effective July 1, 2004, the company reinstituted a match to employee contributions at a rate of 50% of the first 6% up to $60,000 of associates’ eligible compensation.  The company will 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.

 

Health Care Benefits

 

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.  The liability totaled $2.3 million and $2.7 million at June 30, 2004, and June 30, 2003, respectively, and is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

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 plans are unfunded.

 

Assumptions used in the valuation for the U.S. plan, which comprises the majority of the principal postretirement plans, included the following over the past three fiscal years:

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health care cost trend, accumulated benefit obligation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-65 benefits
(decreasing to 5.00% for 2008 and thereafter)

 

9.00

%

10.00

%

7.00

%

Post-65 benefits
(decreasing to 5.00% for 2008 and thereafter)

 

9.00

%

10.00

%

7.60

%

Discount rate, accumulated benefit obligation postretirement benefit

 

6.25

%

6.00

%

7.25

%

 

Actuarial gains and losses associated with changing any of the assumptions are accumulated as part of the unrecognized net gain balance which is amortized and included in the net periodic postretirement costs over the average remaining service period of participating employees, which is approximately 16 years.  The health care trend assumptions above have been graded down one year.

 

65



 

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effect:

 

 

 

1% Increase

 

1% Decrease

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect on net periodic postretirement benefit cost in fiscal year 2004

 

$

272

 

$

(218

)

Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of June 30, 2004

 

2,402

 

(1,863

)

 

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost consists of the following components reflected as expense in the company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations:

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

1,686

 

$

1,769

 

$

1,771

 

Interest cost

 

2,300

 

2,514

 

2,362

 

Amortization of transition obligation

 

47

 

46

 

44

 

Amortization of net unrecognized gains

 

(274

)

(516

)

(877

)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(624

)

(464

)

(129

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost

 

$

3,135

 

$

3,349

 

$

3,171

 

 

The following table sets forth the changes in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

 

$

39,545

 

$

38,488

 

Service cost

 

1,686

 

1,769

 

Interest cost

 

2,300

 

2,514

 

Participant contributions

 

207

 

171

 

Actuarial losses (gains)

 

(1,794

)

5,147

 

Benefit payments

 

(2,637

)

(3,088

)

Plan amendments

 

 

(6,653

)

Other

 

769

 

441

 

Foreign currency adjustment

 

74

 

757

 

Benefit obligation at end of year

 

$

40,150

 

$

39,546

 

 

Plan amendments are changes in the postretirement plan that will either increase or decrease future benefits for work performed in prior periods.  In fiscal year 2003, we amended the plan to include changes in the prescription drug plan, changes in pre-65 medical benefits and revisions to contribution schedules for existing and future retirees.

 

66



 

The following table sets forth the changes in the company contributions and benefit payments for the postretirement plan:

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

 

$

 

$

 

Company contributions

 

2,430

 

2,917

 

Participant contributions

 

207

 

171

 

Benefit payments

 

(2,637

)

(3,088

)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

 

$

 

$

 

 

The following benefit payments for our postretirement plan, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

 

Fiscal
Year

 

Benefit
Payments

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

$

2,125

 

2006

 

2,233

 

2007

 

2,293

 

2008

 

2,394

 

2009

 

2,506

 

Years 2010 - 2014

 

14,875

 

 

 

$

26,426

 

 

The following table sets forth the changes in the funded status in the postretirement plan:

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded status at end of year

 

$

(40,150

)

$

(39,546

)

Unrecognized net gain

 

(4,987

)

(4,244

)

Unrecognized prior service cost

 

(6,508

)

(7,134

)

Unrecognized transition obligation

 

426

 

468

 

Net accrued postretirement liability

 

$

(51,219

)

$

(50,456

)

 

The unrecognized prior service cost represents the cumulative prior service costs and benefits from amendments to the postretirement plan which has not yet been recognized in the financial statements.  Previous amendments are being amortized and included in the net periodic postretirement benefit costs over the average remaining service period of participating employees, which is approximately eight years.

 

Based on the Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position No. 106-2 “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003” (FAS 106-2), plans meeting the definition of actuarial equivalence can begin to reflect drug subsidies that will be provided in 2006 under Medicare (Part D).  The liabilities determined as of June 30, 2004 for disclosure purposes reflect these changes. The adoption of FAS 106-2 does not have a material effect on liabilities above.

 

67



 

Note 7 - Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of:

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

35,617

 

$

44,333

 

Accrued salaries and bonuses

 

42,655

 

41,816

 

Current portion of defined benefit retirement plans and postretirement benefits other than pensions

 

7,170

 

3,754

 

Accrued vacation

 

15,482

 

15,610

 

Advance billings deferred revenue

 

9,868

 

8,500

 

Dividends payable

 

2,441

 

 

Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

113,233

 

$

114,013

 

 

Note 8 - Leases

 

We lease office space, furniture and selected computer equipment under operating lease agreements with terms generally ranging from one to ten years.  We have entered into sublease agreements for some of our excess leased space.  Rental expense was $56.1 million, $52.8 million, and $51.1 million for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, inclusive of operating expenses related to such space and equipment.  Sublease income was $0.6 million, $0.5 million and $3.4 million for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.  We have no subleases extending beyond fiscal year 2005.

 

Future minimum lease payments for operating lease commitments and anticipated cash inflows for sublease income are:

 

Fiscal
Year

 

Lease
Commitments

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

$

40,490

 

2006

 

31,647

 

2007

 

29,834

 

2008

 

26,773

 

2009

 

24,133

 

Thereafter

 

111,134

 

Total

 

$

264,011

 

 

We evaluate office capacity on an ongoing basis to meet changing needs in our markets while minimizing our occupancy expense.

 

On April 27, 2004, the company executed a new lease agreement committing its Washington, D.C. office, which includes consulting and corporate operations, to move to Northern Virginia.  The company simultaneously provided notice of early termination of its existing Washington, D.C. lease, which resulted in a $3.2 million charge during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004.  The $3.2 million charge had no net cash impact on the company because the company will receive a $3.2 million payment from the new lessor as an incentive to enter into the new lease.

 

68



 

Note 9 - Line of Credit

 

In June 2004, we reduced the size of our revolving credit facility to $50 million from $100 million in order to better align it with our business needs.  The facility is provided by a syndicate of banks.  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 0.20 percent of the facility that varies with our financial leverage and is paid on the unused portion of the credit facility.  No amounts were outstanding under the company’s revolving credit facility as of June 30, 2004 or June 30, 2003.  Credit under the facility is available upon demand, although the credit facility requires us to observe certain covenants (including requirements for a fixed coverage charge, cashflow leverage ratio and asset coverage) and is collateralized with a pledge of stock of material subsidiaries.  We were in compliance with all covenants under the credit facility as of June 30, 2004.

 

A portion of the revolving facility is used to support required letters of credit issued under the credit line.  As a result, $7.5 million of the facility is currently unavailable for operating needs.  We are also charged a fee for outstanding letters of credit that also fluctuates based on our leverage ratio.  The credit facility is scheduled to mature on June 29, 2009.

 

Note 10 - Employee Stock Plans and Equity

 

2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan

 

In June 2000, the company adopted the Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Stock Option Plan”), which provides for the granting of non-qualified stock options and stock appreciation rights (collectively referred to as “awards”) to full-time associates of the company and to non-associate members of the Board of Directors.  The total number of shares of common stock awards that may be granted under the Stock Option Plan is 4,500,000 shares.  Prior to adopting the Stock Option Plan, the company had no outstanding options.

 

The stock option agreements have a seven-year life and vest 20 percent at each option anniversary date over a five-year period.  All options under the Stock Option Plan were granted with an exercise price equal to the stock’s fair market value on the date of grant.  Generally, the number of options granted to associates was based on a percentage of annual compensation.  The company does not currently intend to issue further stock options under the Stock Option Plan.

 

69



 

The table below presents stock option activity since the inception of the plan:

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

 

 

(in 000’s)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2000

 

 

$

 

Granted

 

1,932

 

13.41

 

Exercised

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(157

)

12.90

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2001

 

1,775

 

$

13.45

 

Granted

 

19

 

21.76

 

Exercised

 

(38

)

12.63

 

Forfeited

 

(217

)

13.79

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2002

 

1,539

 

$

13.51

 

Granted

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(54

)

12.63

 

Forfeited

 

(143

)

14.60

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2003

 

1,342

 

$

13.43

 

Granted

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(164

)

12.91

 

Forfeited

 

(106

)

13.91

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2004

 

1,072

 

13.45

 

 

70



 

At June 30, 2004, there were 600,091 options exercisable at a weighted average price of $13.41.  The table below presents additional information about the options outstanding and exercisable at June 30, 2004:

 

 

 

Outstanding Options

 

Exercisable Options

 

Range of
Exercise Price

 

Number
of
Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)

 

Number
of
Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

 

 

(in 000’s)

 

 

 

 

 

(in 000’s)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$10.00 - $15.00

 

952,091

 

$

12.50

 

3.2

 

534,525

 

$

12.50

 

$15.01 - $20.00

 

40,871

 

$

17.89

 

3.5

 

23,759

 

$

17.94

 

$20.01 - $25.00

 

76,833

 

$

22.48

 

3.5

 

40,935

 

$

22.37

 

$25.01 - $30.00

 

2,120

 

$

26.50

 

4.0

 

872

 

$

26.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$10.00 - $30.00

 

1,071,915

 

$

13.45

 

3.2

 

600,091

 

$

13.41

 

 

2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

The 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Stock Purchase Plan”) was approved at the annual stockholders’ meeting in November 2001.  The Stock Purchase Plan, which qualifies as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 of the United States of America, originally provided for the issuance of up to 750,000 shares of the company’s common stock.  In April 2003, the Board of Directors approved an additional 1,500,000 shares for issuance under this plan.  The company gained stockholder approval for issuance of these additional shares at our annual meeting in November 2003.  Full-time and regular part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Stock Purchase Plan through payroll deductions of up to 10 percent of each participant’s compensation, subject to certain restrictions.  Under the plan, four three-month offering periods are to be held during each fiscal year beginning each November 1, February 1, May 1 and August 1.  A summary of stock purchased under the Stock Purchase Plan is shown below for fiscal years 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate purchase price (in 000’s)

 

$

6,789

 

$

6,408

 

Shares purchased (in 000’s)

 

360

 

393

 

Employee participants

 

1,138

 

1,175

 

 

The purchase price for shares of common stock to be purchased during any offering period is the lower of 85 percent of the fair market value of common stock on the beginning date and ending date of each offering period.  Shares of common stock acquired pursuant to the Stock Purchase Plan may not be disposed of by the participant for at least three months following the exercise date.

 

2001 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Selected Employees

 

In November 2001, the 2001 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Selected Employees (the “Stock Unit Plan”) was approved at the annual meeting of stockholders.  The Stock Unit Plan is intended to provide senior associates of the company with additional incentives by permitting the company to grant them an equity

 

71



 

interest in the company in the form of deferred stock units, in lieu of a portion of their annual fiscal year end bonus, typically paid in September of each year. Each stock unit represents one share of common stock.  The total number of shares authorized for issuance in payment of deferred stock units under the Stock Unit Plan is 1,500,000 shares.

 

Deferred stock units were granted in September 2002 and 2003 and vested immediately.  The company expects that the deferred stock units to be granted in September 2004 will vest immediately. Vesting of future awards is at the discretion of the company, with such determination being made prior to issuance of the deferred stock units.

 

Compensation Plan for Outside Directors

 

In November 2001, the Board of Directors approved the Compensation Plan for Outside Directors (the “Outside Director’s Plan”) which provides for the cash and stock compensation of outside Directors.  Under the 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 (at the completed quarter-end share price) for services provided during the preceding quarter.  The total number of shares reserved for issuance under the Outside Director’s Plan is 50,000.  In August 2003, the Board of Directors approved amendments to the plan that included an increase in the compensation of the outside Directors and provided for an annual grant of company stock.  The Company gained stockholder approval of amendments to the plan at our annual meeting in November 2003.  Compensation expense recognized pursuant to this plan was $0.6 million and $0.2 million in fiscal year 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Dividends

 

In May 2004, the Board of Directors of the company approved the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.075 per share.  The first quarterly dividend payment of $2.4 million was made on July 15, 2004 to shareholders of record as of June 30, 2004 and is accrued on these financial statements.

 

Under our credit facility (see Note 9 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 15 of this report), we are required to observe certain covenants (including requirements for a fixed coverage charge, cashflow leverage ratio and asset coverage) that affect the amounts available for the declaration or payment of dividends.  The continued payment of cash dividends in the future is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and depends on numerous factors, including, without limitation, our net earnings, financial condition, availability of capital, debt covenant limitations and our other business needs, including those of our subsidiaries and affiliates.

 

72



 

Note 11 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, are as follows:

 

 

 

Benefits
Group

 

Technology
Solutions
Group

 

Human
Capital
Group

 

International

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2002

 

$

14,684

 

$

949

 

$

59

 

$

244

 

$

1,214

 

$

17,150

 

Goodwill recorded during the period

 

1,154

 

500

 

 

656

 

 

2,310

 

Impairment losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translation adjustment

 

440

 

 

10

 

79

 

 

529

 

Balance as of June 30, 2003

 

$

16,278

 

$

1,449

 

$

69

 

$

979

 

$

1,214

 

$

19,989

 

Goodwill recorded during the period

 

 

 

 

114

 

 

114

 

Impairment losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translation adjustment

 

53

 

 

1

 

(9

)

 

45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2004

 

$

16,331

 

$

1,449

 

$

70

 

$

1,084

 

$

1,214

 

$

20,148

 

 

The following table reflects changes in the net carrying amount of the components of intangible assets for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2003 and 2004:

 

 

 

Non-Contractual
Customer
Relationships

 

Non-Compete
Agreements

 

Purchased
Software

 

Pension

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2002

 

$

866

 

$

361

 

$

53

 

$

 

$

1,280

 

Intangible assets recorded during the period

 

 

 

 

113

 

113

 

Amortization expense

 

(298

)

(92

)

(26

)

 

(416

)

Translation adjustment

 

(88

)

 

 

 

(88

)

Balance as of June 30, 2003

 

$

480

 

$

269

 

$

27

 

$

113

 

$

889

 

Intangible assets recorded during the period

 

206

 

 

 

 

206

 

Amortization expense

 

(198

)

(92

)

(25

)

 

(315

)

Translation adjustment

 

(29

)

(1

)

 

11

 

(19

Balance as of June 30, 2004

 

$

459

 

$

176

 

$

2

 

$

124

 

$

761

 

 

73



 

The following table reflects the carrying value of intangible assets at June 30, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

Fiscal year 2004

 

Fiscal year 2003

 

 

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Amortizable intangible assets and intangible pension asset:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-contractual customer relationships

 

$

962

 

$

503

 

$

778

 

$

298

 

Non-compete agreements

 

672

 

496

 

672

 

403

 

Purchased software

 

125

 

123

 

125

 

98

 

Intangible pension asset

 

124

 

 

113

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total amortizable intangible assets

 

$

1,883

 

$

1,122

 

$

1,688

 

$

799

 

 

The change in the gross carrying amount of non-contractual customer relationships reflects translation adjustments.

 

The weighted average remaining life of amortizable intangible assets at June 30, 2004, was 3.4 years.  Future estimated amortization expense is as follows:

 

Fiscal year ending June 30

 

Amount

 

2005

 

$

314

 

2006

 

156

 

2007

 

50

 

2008

 

29

 

2009

 

29

 

Thereafter

 

59

 

 

Note 12 - Income Taxes

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect the effect of temporary differences between the assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for income tax purposes.  The company recognizes deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that a benefit will be realized.

 

74



 

The components of the income tax provision for continuing operations include:

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current tax expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

28,543

 

$

26,159

 

$

29,620

 

State and local

 

7,350

 

6,234

 

6,367

 

Foreign

 

4,051

 

6,670

 

1,396

 

 

 

39,944

 

39,063

 

37,383

 

Deferred tax (benefit) expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

(6,483

)

(827

)

(5,076

)

State and local

 

(1,828

)

(331

)

(1,434

)

Foreign

 

972

 

(2,890

)

515

 

 

 

(7,339

)

(4,048

)

(5,995

)

Total provision for income taxes

 

$

32,605

 

$

35,015

 

$

31,388

 

 

Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2004, and June 30, 2003, are comprised of the following:

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

(2,789

)

$

 

Change in accounting method

 

 

(10,149

)

Foreign temporary differences

 

(628

)

(629

)

Other

 

(1,317

)

(933

)

Gross deferred tax liabilities

 

(4,734

)

(11,711

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

1,387

 

Accrued retirement benefits

 

41,742

 

81,333

 

Deferred rent

 

3,627

 

1,789

 

Foreign temporary differences

 

7,568

 

6,639

 

Foreign net operating loss carryforwards

 

6,449

 

4,676

 

Discontinued operations exit costs

 

1,226

 

1,634

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

8,595

 

10,893

 

Accrued compensation

 

15,703

 

15,670

 

Deferred revenue

 

375

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross deferred tax assets

 

85,285

 

124,021

 

Deferred tax assets valuation allowance

 

(10,887

)

(7,211

)

Net deferred tax asset

 

$

69,664

 

$

105,099

 

 

At June 30, 2004, we had unused loss carryforwards for tax purposes in various jurisdictions outside the U.S. amounting to $21.0 million of which $7.1 million can be indefinitely carried forward under local statutes.  The remaining foreign loss carryforwards will expire, if unused, in varying amounts from 2005 through 2012.  The valuation allowance includes the tax effect of foreign net operating loss carryforwards $(6.4) million and the tax effect of certain foreign temporary expenses $(4.4) million.

 

75



 

The net change in the valuation allowance of $3.7 million in fiscal year 2004 and $1.7 million in fiscal year 2003 is due primarily to the tax effect of the change in foreign net operating losses and deferred foreign expenses.

 

Domestic and foreign components of income from continuing operations before income taxes for each of the three years ended June 30 are as follows:

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic

 

$

72,488

 

$

76,686

 

$

73,786

 

Foreign

 

10,056

 

8,709

 

4,686

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

82,544

 

$

85,395

 

$

78,472

 

 

The company has not provided U.S. deferred taxes on cumulative earnings of foreign subsidiaries that have been reinvested indefinitely.  These earnings relate to ongoing operations and at June 30, 2004 were approximately $75 million.  Due to the availability of U.S. foreign tax credits, it is not practicable to estimate the U.S. federal income tax liability that might be payable if such earnings were not reinvested indefinitely.  Deferred taxes have been provided for earnings of foreign subsidiaries which the company plans to remit.

 

The reported income tax provision differs from the amounts that would have resulted had the reported income before income taxes been taxed at the U.S. federal statutory rate.  The principal reasons for the differences between the amounts provided and those that would have resulted from the application of the U.S. federal statutory tax rate are as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax provision at U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35 percent

 

$

28,890

 

$

29,888

 

$

27,465

 

Increase (reduction) resulting from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign income subject to (lower) higher foreign tax rates

 

(117

)

(541

)

(1,491

)

Tax benefit of foreign losses reserved, net

 

1,146

 

1,272

 

1,762

 

State income taxes, net of federal tax effect

 

3,152

 

3,416

 

3,206

 

Non-deductible expenses

 

838

 

802

 

839

 

Tax credits

 

(2,030

)

(409

)

(452

)

Other

 

726

 

587

 

59

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax provision

 

$

32,605

 

$

35,015

 

$

31,388

 

 

Note 13 - Segment Information

 

In North America, the company is primarily organized and managed by practice.  Although our consultants in our international offices provide services in these same practice areas, our international

 

76



 

operations as a whole are managed geographically and comprise a single operating segment.  Therefore, we have five reportable operating segments:

 

(1)

 

Benefits Group

(2)

 

Technology Solutions Group

(3)

 

Human Capital Group

(4)

 

International

(5)

 

Other (including Data Services and Communication)

 

The company evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on net operating income on a pre-bonus, pre-tax basis.

 

The table below presents specified information about reported segments as of and for the year ended June 30, 2004:

 

 

 

Benefits
Group

 

Technology
Solutions
Group

 

Human
Capital
Group

 

International

 

Other

 

Total

 

Revenue
(net of reimbursable expenses)

 

$

425,477

 

$

77,114

 

$

44,872

 

$

83,129

 

$

41,780

 

$

672,372

 

Net operating income

 

91,559

 

8,141

 

5,076

 

3,319

 

533

 

108,628

 

Interest expense

 

599

 

23

 

76

 

5

 

31

 

734

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

9,306

 

2,246

 

1,008

 

2,471

 

3,031

 

18,062

 

Receivables

 

103,392

 

9,330

 

8,978

 

18,034

 

5,420

 

145,154

 

 

The table below presents specified information about reported segments as of and for the year ended June 30, 2003:

 

 

 

Benefits
Group

 

Technology
Solutions
Group

 

Human
Capital
Group

 

International

 

Other

 

Total

 

Revenue
(net of reimbursable expenses)

 

$

407,676

 

$

94,367

 

$

46,476

 

$

76,435

 

$

47,723

 

$

672,677

 

Net operating income

 

99,390

 

12,652

 

1,223

 

3,843

 

1,402

 

118,510

 

Interest expense

 

575

 

48

 

77

 

11

 

37

 

748

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

11,208

 

3,475

 

1,494

 

2,544

 

4,426

 

23,147

 

Receivables

 

85,161

 

13,333

 

8,080

 

16,425

 

6,350

 

129,349

 

 

The table below presents specified information about reported segments as of and for the year ended June 30, 2002:

 

 

 

Benefits
Group

 

Technology
Solutions
Group

 

Human
Capital
Group

 

International

 

Other

 

Total

 

Revenue
(net of reimbursable expenses)

 

$

400,307

 

$

104,700

 

$

47,155

 

$

69,092

 

$

56,278

 

$

677,532

 

Net operating income (loss)

 

110,091

 

19,971

 

(6,216

)

647

 

1,776

 

126,269

 

Interest expense

 

1,415

 

212

 

211

 

5

 

164

 

2,007

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

9,759

 

3,205

 

1,655

 

2,378

 

4,489

 

21,486

 

Receivables

 

89,569

 

16,094

 

9,140

 

15,159

 

8,863

 

138,825

 

 

77



 

A reconciliation of the information reported by segment to the consolidated amounts follows for the years ended June 30 (in thousands):

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total segment revenue

 

$

672,372

 

$

672,677

 

$

677,532

 

Reimbursable expenses not included in segment revenue

 

30,965

 

32,997

 

29,266

 

Other, net

 

(1,332

)

3,942

 

3,682

 

Consolidated revenue

 

$

702,005

 

$

709,616

 

$

710,480

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Operating Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total segment income

 

$

108,628

 

$

118,510

 

$

126,269

 

Income from affiliates

 

7,109

 

5,787

 

2,866

 

Differences in allocation methods for depreciation, G&A, pension and medical costs

 

4,705

 

(2,357

)

(1,715

)

Other non-operating income

 

6,222

 

761

 

2,166

 

Discretionary bonuses

 

(38,870

)

(36,026

)

(49,058

)

Other, net

 

(5,250

)

(1,280

)

(2,056

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated pretax income

 

$

82,544

 

$

85,395

 

$

78,472

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total segment expense

 

$

734

 

$

748

 

$

2,007

 

Differences in allocation method

 

159

 

54

 

(1,302

)

Consolidated interest expense

 

$

893

 

$

802

 

$

705

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation & Amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total segment expense

 

$

18,062

 

$

23,147

 

$

21,486

 

Goodwill and other intangible asset amortization, not allocated to segments

 

315

 

416

 

162

 

Differences in allocation method and other

 

134

 

(3,942

)

(1,599

)

Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense

 

$

18,511

 

$

19,621

 

$

20,049

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total segment receivables

 

$

145,154

 

$

129,349

 

$

138,825

 

Net valuation differences

 

4,680

 

9,573

 

12,787

 

Total billed and unbilled receivables

 

149,834

 

138,922

 

151,612

 

Assets not reported by segment

 

362,334

 

375,540

 

285,205

 

Consolidated assets

 

$

512,168

 

$

514,462

 

$

436,817

 

 

78



 

The following represents total revenue and long-lived assets information by geographic area as of and for the years ended June 30:

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Long-lived Assets

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

565,228

 

$

580,428

 

$

588,138

 

$

90,385

 

$

79,579

 

$

74,260

 

Foreign

 

136,777

 

129,188

 

122,342

 

33,329

 

35,040

 

35,041

 

 

 

$

702,005

 

$

709,616

 

$

710,480

 

$

123,714

 

$

114,619

 

$

109,301

 

 

Revenue is based on the country of domicile for the legal entity that originated the revenue.  Exclusive of the United States, revenue from no single country constituted more than 10 percent of consolidated revenues.  Revenue from no single customer constituted more than 3 percent of consolidated revenues.

 

Note 14 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

 

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.

 

Letters of Credit.  The company has two outstanding letters of credit totaling $7.5 million under our existing credit facility to guarantee payment to beneficiaries in the event that the company fails to meet its financial obligations to these beneficiaries.  One letter of credit for $2.6 million will expire in October 2006, while the second letter of credit for $4.9 million will remain outstanding as long as we retain an ownership share of our affiliated captive insurance company, PCIC.  The estimated fair market value of these letters of credit is nominal because they have never been used, and the company believes that future usage is remote.

 

Affiliate Agreements.  In 1995, we entered into an alliance agreement with R. Watson & Sons, a United Kingdom-based actuarial, benefits and human resources consulting partnership (now WWLLP), the predecessor of which was founded in 1878.  Included in the agreements between the company and WWLLP (the “Alliance Agreements”) are various indemnities and guarantees relating to the performance of the company and its subsidiaries, some of which became part of WWHE, as to such matters as tax liabilities, liabilities for prior acts or omissions arising from the operation of the UK and European businesses prior to the alliance and failure to perform various obligations under the Alliance Agreements.  In addition, certain events, such as a sale of material parts of our business, could require the company to either purchase from or sell to WWLLP an interest in our European business and/or repurchase the shares of the company’s stock currently held by WWLLP.  The company is unable to estimate an amount of any potential future payments under these contractual arrangements because the potential occurrence of any of the events to which the indemnities apply is entirely speculative, there is no history of payments and the dollar amount, if any, would be dependent upon the nature of the event triggering such indemnity.  Management believes that any potential for payment under such indemnities and guarantees should decline with the passage of time.  There are no provisions for recourse to third parties, nor are any assets held by any third parties that the company as guarantor can liquidate to recover amounts paid under such indemnities.

 

The company owns 25 percent of WWHE and WWLLP owns the remaining 75 percent.  Additional capital for WWHE, if required, may be provided by both owners based on their respective ownership interests.  If either the company or WWLLP does not provide its pro rata share of any additional capital invested in WWHE, that party’s respective ownership interest will be reduced accordingly.

 

79



 

In connection with the establishment of our alliance with WWLLP, the company agreed to guarantee WWLLP’s performance under a lease for office space in London that expires in 2015.  Payments by WWLLP under the lease total approximately £1.4 million (or approximately $2.5 million based on the June 30, 2004, exchange rate) per year.  We also granted WWLLP an option to return the leased space to our UK subsidiary in 2009.  If WWLLP exercises this option, the company would attempt to sublease the space at the then-current market rates.

 

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 three leases for office premises for Wellspring Resources, LLC (“Wellspring”), the benefits administration outsourcing business that we exited from in fiscal year 1998.  At June 30, 2004, minimum remaining payments guaranteed under these leases, which expire at various dates through 2007, total $18.1 million, excluding anticipated future sublease income.  See Note 16 for more information regarding our obligation to guarantee Wellspring’s leases.

 

Legal Proceedings.  From time to time, we are a party to various lawsuits, arbitrations or mediations that arise in the ordinary course of business. These disputes typically involve claims relating to the rendering of professional services or employment matters.  Management believes, based on currently available information, that the results of all pending claims against us will not have a material adverse effect on the company.  The matters reported on below involve the most significant pending or potential claims against us.  These matters did not significantly impact financial results for fiscal year 2004.

 

Iron Workers Local 25 et al. v. Watson Wyatt & Co.  On July 8, 2004, Watson Wyatt & Co. was served with an amended complaint filed by a former client in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.  The complaint alleges malpractice, breach of contract, and related claims in the performance of actuarial consulting.  The Complaint states that the plaintiff’s Pension Fund is underfunded as a result of the alleged deficiencies in our work.  The amount of damages sought are not specified. We are in the process of reviewing the claim, with outside counsel and preparing our response.

 

SEC Examination of Investment Advisers.  In December 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) formally asked many of the major investment consulting firms, Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting among them, to provide detailed information on their business structures and practices in order to determine if conflicts of interest with money managers exist.  In March 2004, Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting (WWIC) completed its responses to the SEC staff’s requests for information.  WWIC has received no further inquiry from the SEC staff on this topic since that time.

 

Department of Justice Antitrust Investigation.   In March 2004, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to Watson Wyatt and other companies in the employee benefits industry.  The DOJ is seeking to determine whether actuarial firms which have entered into agreements with their clients limiting liability have done so in violation of U.S. antitrust laws. Watson Wyatt has provided information to DOJ in response to the CID and is in the process of providing the remaining information requested under the CID.

 

80



 

Client Demand Letter.  On July 23, 2004, we received a demand letter from counsel for a client alleging that errors in valuations for 2001 and subsequent years understated the liabilities of its pension plan and overstated its net worth.  As a result, the client claims it did not annuitize its defined benefit plan and redeemed its stock at an inflated price.  The letter claims damages “in excess of $35 million.”  We are investigating these allegations.

 

Note 15 - Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year.  Diluted earnings per share is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of outstanding stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares using the “treasury stock” method.  The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

49,939

 

$

50,380

 

$

47,084

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

654

 

6,786

 

 

Net income

 

$

50,593

 

$

57,166

 

$

47,084

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock

 

32,866

 

32,962

 

32,985

 

Dilutive effect of employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares

 

341

 

325

 

436

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock and stock equivalents

 

33,207

 

33,287

 

33,421

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

1.52

 

$

1.52

 

$

1.43

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

0.02

 

0.21

 

 

Basic earnings per share, net income

 

$

1.54

 

$

1.73

 

$

1.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

1.50

 

$

1.51

 

$

1.41

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

0.02

 

0.21

 

 

Diluted earnings per share, net income

 

$

1.52

 

$

1.72

 

$

1.41

 

 

There were 2,120 outstanding stock options for the year ended June 30, 2004, that were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because their effect would have been antidilutive.

 

Note 16 - Discontinued Operations

 

The company continues to guarantee three leases for office premises for Wellspring.  During fiscal year 2004, the company received sublease income of approximately $0.1 million in excess of lease payments related to this business.  Since the second quarter of fiscal year 2003, the leases have been generating positive cash flows of approximately $0.1 million per fiscal year.

 

81



 

During the third quarter of fiscal years 2003 and 2004, the company evaluated its accrual for the estimated remaining future obligations and costs related to the exit from Wellspring.  The evaluations included an analysis of occupancy rates of Wellspring, along with an analysis of real estate market conditions in cities in which the leases exist and an assessment of probable future sublease income for these leases.  As a result of the analysis performed during fiscal years 2003 and 2004, the company reduced its accrual by $11.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively, less the associated income tax expenses.  Such adjustments are reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the third quarter of fiscal years 2003 and 2004 in the line “Adjustment to reduce estimated loss on disposal of discontinued operations.”  The remaining noncurrent liability of $3.0 million represents management’s estimate of potential future cash outflows related to guarantees associated with Wellspring leases.

 

Note 17 - Targeted Job Reductions

 

We eliminated approximately 100 positions in our North American region during the first quarter of fiscal year 2004.  A charge to earnings of $2.6 million related to these reductions was included in the company’s financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.  We eliminated an additional 22 positions in our North American region during the second quarter of fiscal year 2004, resulting in a charge to earnings of $0.7 million in the company’s financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2003.  Of the $3.3 million of total severance charges, $3.2 million was included in salaries and employee benefits and $0.1 million was included in professional and subcontracted services during fiscal year 2004.

 

Also, we eliminated approximately 70 positions in our North American region during the second quarter of fiscal year 2003.  A charge to earnings of $2.0 million related to these reductions was included in the company’s financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2002.  Of the $2.0 million severance charge, $1.8 million was included in salaries and employee benefit expenses and $0.2 million was included in professional and subcontracted services.

 

Note 18 – Professional Consultants Insurance Company (PCIC) Other Non-operating Gain

 

On July 9, 2003, the Board of Directors of PCIC, a captive insurance company of which we own 34.8 percent, decided to pass on to each of its owners a credit in their 2003-04 policy year in connection with benefits received from an aggregate stop loss insurance policy entered into by PCIC.  PCIC’s Board of Directors determined that this credit would be used to offset all or a portion of each insured’s obligation to PCIC for historical loss experience.  As a result, the Company recorded a $5.6 million pre-tax non-operating gain in the first quarter of fiscal year 2004 and included this gain in “Other non-operating income” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

As a result of this gain, the Company also recorded a $5.6 million supplemental bonus accrual in the first quarter of fiscal year 2004 that is incremental to the Company’s fiscal year end bonus, but will be paid in September 2004 with the regular bonus cycle.  This supplemental bonus is included in Salaries and employee benefits.

 

Note 19 - Sale of U.S.-Based Public Sector Retirement Business

 

In fiscal year 2002, we sold our U.S.-based public sector retirement business to Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company (“GRS”).  The future consideration from the sale of the U.S.-based public sector retirement business is contingent upon the successful transition of certain clients to GRS and upon their retention by GRS.  Simultaneous with the sale, we entered into an alliance agreement with GRS under which we will mutually refer future business opportunities and explore joint consulting assignments.

 

82



 

In accordance with the terms of the sale, GRS paid the Company $0.5 million of contingent payments in each of the first quarters of fiscal years 2003 and 2004. The amount of additional contractual cash payments over the upcoming three fiscal years is also contingent upon the successful transition of certain clients to GRS and upon their retention by GRS.

 

Note 20 - Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

 

Unaudited, summarized financial data by quarter for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

 

2004 Quarter Ended

 

 

 

September 30

 

December 31

 

March 31

 

June 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

170,983

 

$

170,353

 

$

180,655

 

$

180,014

 

Income from operations

 

13,053

 

17,060

 

21,024

 

17,333

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

21,182

 

18,305

 

23,350

 

19,707

 

Income from continuing operations

 

12,497

 

10,802

 

13,976

 

12,664

 

Discontinued operations

 

10

 

16

 

613

 

15

 

Net income

 

12,507

 

10,818

 

14,589

 

12,679

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations, basic

 

0.38

 

0.33

 

0.42

 

0.39

 

Continuing operations, diluted

 

0.37

 

0.32

 

0.42

 

0.39

 

Discontinued operations, basic

 

 

 

0.02

 

 

Discontinued operations, diluted

 

 

 

0.02

 

 

Net income, basic

 

0.38

 

0.33

 

0.44

 

0.39

 

Net income, diluted

 

0.37

 

0.32

 

0.44

 

0.39

 

 

 

 

2003 Quarter Ended

 

 

 

September 30

 

December 31

 

March 31

 

June 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

178,958

 

$

174,624

 

$

177,596

 

$

178,438

 

Income from operations

 

20,530

 

18,178

 

19,609

 

19,539

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

22,141

 

20,582

 

21,081

 

21,591

 

Income from continuing operations

 

13,063

 

12,144

 

12,441

 

12,732

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

6,752

 

34

 

Net income

 

13,063

 

12,144

 

19,193

 

12,766

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations, basic

 

0.40

 

0.37

 

0.37

 

0.39

 

Continuing operations, diluted

 

0.39

 

0.36

 

0.37

 

0.38

 

Discontinued operations, basic

 

 

 

0.21

 

 

Discontinued operations, diluted

 

 

 

0.21

 

 

Net income, basic

 

0.40

 

0.37

 

0.58

 

0.39

 

Net income, diluted

 

0.39

 

0.36

 

0.58

 

0.38

 

 

83



 

WATSON WYATT & COMPANY HOLDINGS

Schedule II

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

Description

 

Balance at
Beginning of Year

 

Additions
Charged Against
(Credited to)
Revenue

 

Additions
Charged to
Other Accounts

 

Deductions

 

Balance at
End of
Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for
Uncollectible accounts

 

$

862

 

$

5,468

 

$

 

$

(5,089

)

$

1,241

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for
Unbillable accounts

 

419

 

37

 

 

 

456

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation allowance
for deferred tax assets

 

7,211

 

 

3,676

(1)

 

10,887

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for
Uncollectible accounts

 

$

1,405

 

$

7,871

 

$

 

$

(8,414

)

$

862

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for
Unbillable accounts

 

431

 

(12

)

 

 

419

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation allowance
for deferred tax assets

 

5,463

 

 

1,748

(1)

 

7,211

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for
uncollectible accounts

 

$

2,695

 

$

5,240

 

$

 

$

(6,530

)

$

1,405

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for
unbillable accounts

 

1,130

 

(699

)

 

 

431

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation allowance
for deferred tax assets

 

5,911

 

 

(448

)(2)

 

5,463

 

 


(1)                                  The net increase is primarily due to the tax effect of the change in realizable foreign net operating losses and other foreign temporary differences.

 

(2)                                  The net decrease is primarily due to the tax effect of the change in realizable foreign tax credits, foreign net operating loss carryforwards and other foreign temporary differences.

 

84



 

Item 15(c).  Exhibit Index.

 

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings(1)

3.2

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings(2)

4

 

Form of Certificate Representing Common Stock(1)

10.1

 

Credit Agreement Among Suntrust Bank and Others dated June 30, 2004(8)

10.2

 

Senior Officer Deferred Compensation Plan(4)

10.3

 

Form of agreement among Watson Wyatt & Company, Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings and employee directors, executive officers and significant stockholders restricting the transfer of shares(3)

10.4

 

2001 Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Selected Employees(5)

10.5

 

Compensation Plan for Outside Directors(6)

10.6

 

Lease between Watson Wyatt & Company and Arlington Office, L.L.C., dated April 27, 2004(7)

21

 

Subsidiaries of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings(8)

23

 

Consent of the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm(8)

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(8)

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(8)

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)                                  Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form S-3/A, Amendment No. 1 (File No. 33-394973), filed on March 17, 2000

(2)                                  Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 10-Q, filed on May 2, 2001

(3)                                  Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form S-3/A, Amendment No. 5 (File No. 33-394973), filed on September 14, 2000

(4)                                  Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 10-K, filed on August 15, 2001

(5)                                  Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form DEF14A, filed on October 17, 2003

(6)                                  Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form S-8, filed on December 19, 2001

(7)                                  Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 10-Q, filed on May 7, 2004

(8)                                  Filed with this Form 10-K

 

85