EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1140536
Filing Year: 2025
Filename: 1140536_10-K_2025_0000950170-25-026278.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
The Company
WTW is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that provides data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Utilizing the global view and local expertise of our approximately 49,000 colleagues serving more than 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen strategies, enhance resilience, motivate workforces and maximize performance. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Working closely with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success.
Our clients operate on a global and local scale in a multitude of businesses and industries throughout the world and generally range in size from large, major multinational corporations to middle-market domestic and international companies. Our clients include many of the world’s leading corporations, including approximately 96% of the FTSE 100, 89% of the Fortune 1000, and 90% of the Fortune Global 500 companies. We also advise the majority of the world’s leading insurance companies. We work with major corporations, emerging growth companies, governmental agencies and not-for-profit institutions in a wide variety of industries, with many of our client relationships spanning decades. None of the Company’s clients individually represented more than 10% of its consolidated revenue for each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. We place insurance with approximately 2,500 insurance carriers, none of which individually accounted for a significant concentration of the total premiums we placed on behalf of our clients in 2024, 2023 or 2022.
Available Information
The Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website that contains annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information that issuers (including WTW) file electronically with the SEC. The SEC’s website is www.sec.gov.
The Company makes available, free of charge through our website, www.wtwco.com, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our proxy statement, current reports on Form 8-K and Forms 3, 4, and 5 filed on behalf of directors and Section 16 officers, as well as any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘Exchange Act’) as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Unless specifically incorporated by reference, information on our website is not a part of this Form 10-K.
The Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Audit Committee Charter, Risk and Operational Oversight Committee Charter, Human Capital and Compensation Committee Charter, and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Charter are available on our website, www.wtwco.com, in the Investor Relations section, or upon request. Requests for copies of these documents should be directed in writing to the Company Secretary c/o Office of General Counsel, Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company, Brookfield Place, 200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281.
General Information
WTW offers its clients a broad range of services and solutions to help them to identify and control their risks, and to enhance business performance by improving their ability to attract, retain and engage a talented workforce. Our risk control services range from strategic risk consulting (including providing actuarial analysis) to a variety of due diligence services, to the provision of practical on-site risk control services (such as health and safety or property loss control consulting), as well as analytical and advisory services (such as hazard modeling and climate risk quantification). We assist clients in planning how to manage incidents or crises when they occur. These services include contingency planning, security audits and product tampering plans. We help our clients enhance their business performance by delivering consulting services, technology and solutions that help them anticipate, identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities in human capital management, as well as offer investment advice to help them develop disciplined and efficient strategies to meet their investment goals.
As an insurance broker, we act as an intermediary between our clients and insurance carriers by advising our clients on their risk management requirements, helping them to determine the best means of managing risk and negotiating and placing insurance with insurance carriers through our global distribution network.
We operate a private Medicare marketplace in the U.S. through which, along with our active employee marketplace, we help our clients move to a more sustainable economic model by capping and controlling the costs associated with healthcare benefits.
We are not an insurance company, and therefore we do not underwrite insurable risks for our own account. We help sharpen strategies, enhance organizational resilience, motivate workforces and maximize performance to uncover opportunities for sustainable success.
We derive the majority of our revenue from either commissions or fees for brokerage or consulting services. We do not determine the insurance premiums on which our commissions are generally based. Commission levels generally follow the same trend as premium levels as they are derived from a percentage of the premiums paid by the insureds. Fluctuations in these premiums charged by the insurance carriers can therefore have a direct and potentially material impact on our results of operations. Our fees for consulting services are spread across a variety of complementary businesses that generally remain steady during times of uncertainty. We have some businesses, such as our health and benefits and administration businesses, which can be counter cyclical during the early period of a significant economic change.
Business Strategy
We believe that a unified and integrated approach to advisory, broking and solutions can be a path to growth for organizations around the world. We harness our collective power as ‘One WTW’ to make smart connections to serve and support our clients.
We operate in attractive markets - both growing and mature - with a diversified platform across industries, segments and businesses globally.
Our strategy is focused on extending and amplifying WTW’s strengths to deliver sustainable growth and profitability.
We believe we can achieve this through executing on our three objectives:
•Accelerate performance: By executing on the segment growth strategies to strengthen business fundamentals, advance innovative solutions and capitalize on our global footprint.
•Enhance efficiency: By having a continuous improvement mindset, delivering operating leverage in our segments and leveraging WTW Enterprise Delivery Organization (WE DO) to focus on right work, right place, right tools and real estate optimization.
•Optimize portfolio: By intentionally managing our portfolio through inorganic and organic investment in areas of strength and deepen our large and high-growth businesses with strategic investments in corporate risk and broking, health and benefits and wealth. Also, by divesting businesses that are no longer a strategic fit or do not have our desired financial profile.
These objectives are enabled by a focused investment framework and capital allocation strategy.
Through this strategy, we aim to grow revenue, improve margins and increase free cash flow, EBITDA and earnings. In turn, we’ll be able to fulfill our shared company purpose - We transform tomorrows.
We care as much about how we work as we do about the impact that we make. This means commitment to our shared purpose and values, a framework that guides how we run our business and serve clients. Our values of client focus, teamwork, integrity, respect and excellence underlie all that we do, and how we behave and interact with each other, our clients and our partners.
For more information about risks to our strategic plans, see Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors of this Form 10-K.
Principal Services
We manage our business across two integrated reportable operating segments: Health, Wealth & Career and Risk & Broking. Below are the percentages of revenue generated by each segment for each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. These percentages exclude revenue that has been classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Year ended December 31,
Health, Wealth & Career
%
%
%
Risk & Broking
%
%
%
The following presents descriptions of our segments:
Health, Wealth & Career
The Health, Wealth & Career (‘HWC’) segment provides an array of advice, broking, solutions and technology for employee benefit plans, institutional investors, compensation and career programs, and the employee experience overall. Our portfolio of services support the interrelated challenges that the management teams of our clients face across human resources (‘HR’) and finance.
HWC is the larger of the two segments of the Company. Addressing four key areas, Health, Wealth, Career and Benefits Delivery & Outsourcing, the segment is focused on addressing our clients’ people and risk needs to help them succeed in a global marketplace.
Health
The Health & Benefits (‘H&B’) business provides strategy and design consulting, plan management service and support, broking and administration across the full spectrum of health, wellbeing and other group benefit programs, including medical, dental, disability, life, voluntary benefits and other coverage. Our reach extends from small/mid-market clients to large-market and multinational clients, across the full geographic footprint of the Company, and to most industries. We can address our clients’ needs in more than 140 countries.
Our consultants help clients make strategic decisions on topics such as optimizing program spend; evaluating emerging vendors, point solutions and coverage options (including publicly-subsidized health insurance exchanges and private exchanges in the U.S.); and dealing with above-inflation-rate increases in healthcare costs. We also assist clients in selecting the appropriate insurance carriers to cover benefit risks and administer the programs. In addition to our consulting and broking services, we manage a number of collective purchasing initiatives, such as pharmacy and stop-loss, that allow employers to realize greater value from third-party service providers than they can achieve on their own.
With Global Benefits Management, our suite of global services supporting medical, dental and risk (e.g., life, disability) programs, we have a tailored offering for multinationals. This offering includes a flexible set of ready-made solutions, proven technology and an integrated approach to service delivery that translates to a globally consistent, high-quality experience for our clients.
A meaningful portion of revenue in this business is from recurring work, though contracts may be annual or multi-year. Given the balance of revenue across consulting, broking and solutions, our revenue is somewhat weighted to the first half of the year.
Wealth
Our wealth-related businesses include Retirement and Investments.
Retirement - Our Retirement business provides actuarial support, plan design, and administrative services for all forms of pension and retirement savings plans. Our colleagues help our clients assess the costs and risks of retirement plans on cash flow, earnings and the balance sheet, the effects of changing workforce demographics on their retirement plans, and retiree benefit adequacy and security. We offer clients a full range of integrated retirement consulting services and solutions to meet the needs of all types of employers. We help multinationals coordinate plan design and actuarial services across their complex global plans. We bring in-depth data analysis and perspective to their decision-making process as we have tracked the retirement designs and financing strategies of companies around the world over many decades.
For clients that want to outsource some or all of their pension plan management, we offer broking services, as well as integrated solutions that can combine investment discretionary management, pension administration, core actuarial services, and communication and change management assistance.
Retirement relationships are generally long-term in nature, and client retention rates for this business are high. A significant portion of the revenue in this business is from recurring work, with multi-year contracts that are driven by the heavily regulated nature of pension plans and our clients’ annual needs for these services.
Investments - Our Investments business provides advice and discretionary investment management solutions to defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans as well as to a range of other client types including insurers, endowments and foundations, and private wealth investors. We provide a solution to a significant business problem faced by our clients, namely sustaining the resources and skills required to deliver a financial services product in highly competitive capital markets. We offer a flexible approach that adapts to a wide range of client needs and circumstances, with the objective of higher returns, lower risk and lower costs within each client’s unique situation.
Our solutions range from single asset class activity, through complete management of entire pension plan assets including sophisticated liability hedging programs as well as pooled employer plans/Master Trust under our LifeSight branding.
We bring together a broad array of specialist investment knowledge and skills across all asset classes, a high-quality execution platform, a cost advantage through our scale, and expert advisors with experience across all client types from the largest plans in the world to small corporate pension plans.
We have long-term relationships with our Investments clients, with the majority of our revenue driven by retainer contracts.
Career
Our career-related offerings include advice, data, software and products to address clients’ total rewards and talent issues across the globe delivered through our Work & Rewards and Employee Experience businesses.
Work & Rewards - Within our Work & Rewards business, we help clients determine the best ways to get work done, the skills needed for jobs, and how to reward employees. We address executive compensation and broad-based rewards. We advise our clients’ management and boards of directors on all aspects of executive pay programs, including base pay, annual bonuses, long-term incentives, perquisites and other benefits. Our focus is on aligning pay plans with an organization’s business strategy and driving desired performance. Our solutions incorporate proprietary market benchmarking data and software to support compensation administration.
Employee Experience - Our Employee Experience business focuses on the provision of solutions including employee insight and listening tools, a technology platform that serves as a gateway for employees and plan participants to access their benefits and career information, communication and change management services.
Revenue for our career-related businesses is partly seasonal in nature, with heightened activity in the second half of the calendar year during the annual compensation, benefits and survey cycles. While these businesses enjoy long-term relationships with many clients, work in some parts of the businesses is project-based and can be sensitive to economic changes. The businesses benefit from regulatory changes affecting our clients that require strategic advice, program changes and communication, the redefinition of jobs, work location and career paths as technology disaggregates work, and the recalibration of pay and the employee experience amidst shifting labor markets.
Benefits Delivery & Outsourcing
Our Benefits Delivery & Outsourcing businesses include Benefits Delivery & Administration (‘BDA’) and Global Outsourcing.
Benefits Delivery & Administration - The BDA business includes Individual Marketplace and Benefits Accounts.
Individual Marketplace - Individual Marketplace offers decision support processes and tools to connect consumers with insurance carriers in private individual and Medicare markets. Individual Marketplace serves employer-based populations through its end-to-end consumer acquisition and engagement platforms, which tightly integrate call routing technology, an efficient quoting and enrollment engine, a customer relations management system and deep links with insurance carriers. By leveraging its multiple distribution channels and diverse product portfolio, Individual Marketplace offers solutions to a broad consumer base, helping individuals compare, purchase and use health insurance products, tools and information for life.
Benefits Accounts - Benefits Accounts provides employees and retirees with tax-advantaged medical spending and savings accounts including health savings accounts (‘HSA’), health care flexible spending accounts (‘HCFSA’), dependent care flexible spending accounts (‘DCFSA’), limited purpose flexible spending accounts (‘LPFSA’) and health reimbursement arrangements (‘HRA’). Benefits Accounts is an important component of our holistic solutions suite, allowing employers to choose among an array of funding accounts when offering employees and retirees account-based health plans.
Global Outsourcing - Global Outsourcing administers the health, welfare and retirement plans of clients using our proprietary technology, including tools to enable benefit modeling, decision support, enrollment and benefit choice, records management and self-service functions. Drawing on expertise in H&B and Retirement to create high-performing benefit plan designs, we believe we are well-positioned to help clients of all sizes simplify their benefits delivery, while lowering the total costs of benefits and related administration. Our technology also provides trustees and HR teams with timely management information to monitor activity and service levels and reduce administration costs.
With ongoing servicing requirements and multi-year contracts in place, we have high client retention rates. We provide plan administration services in North America, the U.K., Ireland and Germany.
A significant portion of the revenue in Benefits Delivery & Outsourcing is recurring in nature, driven by either the commissions from the policies we sell, or from long-term service contracts with our clients that typically range from three to five years. Revenue across this business is seasonal and is generally higher in the fourth quarter as it is driven when typical annual enrollment activity occurs.
Risk & Broking
The Risk & Broking (‘R&B’) segment provides a broad range of risk advice, insurance brokerage and consulting services to clients globally, ranging from small businesses to multinational corporations.
The segment comprises two primary businesses: our Corporate Risk & Broking and our Insurance Consulting and Technology businesses.
Corporate Risk & Broking (‘CRB’)
The CRB business places more than $30 billion of premiums into the insurance markets on an annual basis and delivers integrated global solutions tailored to client needs. This is underpinned by data and analytics through a balanced matrix of global lines of business and local Property and Casualty businesses, across four geographical areas: North America, Great Britain, Western Europe and International. Globally, and across the businesses, our specialized and data-driven approach is underpinned by our risk analytics and climate analytics propositions.
Across all businesses, our experts take an industry-focused approach to risk management and assessment, delivering broader perspectives and data-informed decision making to our clients. Our lines of business include Property and Casualty, Affinity, Risk & Analytics and our specialty global lines of business.
Property and Casualty - Property and Casualty, in each of our geographical areas, provides property and liability insurance brokerage services across a wide range of industries and segments including real estate, healthcare and retail.
Affinity - Through Affinity, we arrange insurance products and services for our affinity client partners to offer to their customers, employees, or members alongside, or in addition to, their principal business offerings.
Risk & Analytics (‘R&A’) - Our R&A offering includes deep expertise on specific client needs. Through the use of holistic analysis, R&A brings value through risk quantification and development of a robust portfolio risk strategy, ultimately delivering a sound financial approach to all clients.
Our specialty global lines of business include:
Aerospace - Aerospace provides specialist expertise to the aerospace and space industries. Our aerospace business provides insurance broking, risk management services, contractual and technical advisory expertise to aerospace clients globally, including the world’s leading airlines, aircraft manufacturers, air cargo handlers and other airport and general aviation companies. The specialist InSpace team is also prominent in providing insurance and risk management services to the space industry.
Construction - Our Construction business provides services that include insurance broking, claims, loss control and specialized risk advice for a wide range of construction projects and activities. Clients include contractors, project owners, public entities, project managers, consultants and financiers, among others.
Global Markets Direct & Facultative - Operating in the major wholesale reinsurance hubs across the globe, including London, Bermuda, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai, solutions are delivered both directly to clients for the most complex property and casualty risks and as facultative reinsurance placements where we serve as an intermediary for insurance companies. Facultative solutions are provided across various classes of risk for our insurer clients, some of which may also be direct clients of WTW. The aim is to deliver optimum results for our clients by getting the right risk to the right market by the right broker, be it local, wholesale or facultative every time.
Financial, Executive and Professional Risks (‘FINEX’) - FINEX encompasses all financial and executive risks, delivering client solutions that range from management and professional liability, employment practices liability, crime, cyber and M&A-related insurances to risk consulting and advisory services. Specialist teams provide risk consulting and risk transfer solutions to a broad spectrum of clients across a multitude of industries, as well as the financial and professional service sectors.
Financial Solutions - Financial Solutions provides insurance broking services and specialized risk advice related to credit and political risk. Clients include international banks, commodity traders, export credit agencies and multinational corporations.
Crisis Management - Our global practice delivers crisis management and contingency risk management to multinational clients, providing comprehensive solutions around terrorism, political violence, accident and health, special crime and active assailant.
Surety - The Global Surety team provides expertise in placing bonds across all industries and around the globe. A surety bond is a financial instrument that guarantees contractual performance, statutory compliance, and financial assurance for domestic and international companies.
Marine - Marine provides specialist expertise to the maritime and logistics industries. Our Marine business provides insurance broking services related to hull and machinery, cargo, protection and indemnity, fine art and general marine liabilities, among others. Our Marine clients include, but are not limited to, ship owners and operators, shipbuilders, logistics operations, port authorities, traders, shippers, exhibitors and secure transport companies.
Natural Resources - Our Natural Resources practice encompasses the oil, gas and chemicals, mining and metals, power and utilities and renewable energy sectors. It provides sector-specific risk transfer solutions and insights, which include insurance broking, risk engineering, contractual reviews, wording analysis and claims management.
Insurance Consulting and Technology (‘ICT’)
ICT is a global business that provides advice and technology solutions to the insurance industry. We leverage our industry experience, strategic perspective and analytical skills to help clients measure and manage risk and capital, improve business performance and create a sustainable competitive advantage. Our services include software and technology, risk and capital management, products and product pricing, financial and regulatory reporting, financial and capital modeling, M&A, outsourcing and business management.
Human Capital
Colleague experience - Our colleague experience is an important differentiating factor for WTW and a key enabler of our strategy. It is designed to provide colleagues with a strong sense of purpose and belonging where everyone is heard and valued, the opportunity to build great connections with people and leaders, meaningful and interesting work, and opportunities to grow and thrive with recognition and reward in return. This means we strive to foster an inclusive environment where everyone can be their authentic self, where we encourage curiosity, innovation and a continuous improvement mindset and an environment where we are bold in our thinking and care about the impact we have.
Our values, vision, purpose, and Colleague Value Proposition (‘CVP’) - we’re Authentic, Curious and Bold, sets the tone for what to expect at WTW. In addition, our strategic priorities enhance our focus on how to support and improve our colleague experience. We continually build on our CVP through execution of a colleague experience roadmap and a robust portfolio of colleague listening activities to attract, engage and retain the most accomplished and aspiring talent.
Learning & development - We support professional development and personal growth for our talent. Our colleagues take responsibility to develop their expertise, competencies and professional stature, while the Company invests in the tools and opportunities that allow for our colleagues’ continual development. Our digital-first learning approach enables career development for all our colleagues around the world, complemented by business-specific and technical training. Additionally, we offer targeted development programs for early careers, emerging leaders, managers and experienced leaders.
Colleagues - Our success depends on our ability to bring to our clients the most accomplished and aspiring talent in the industry. We provide our colleagues with meaningful long-term careers across our base of full-time (the majority), part-time and seasonal/temporary colleagues to meet the specific needs of our various businesses.
The number of colleagues by segment as of December 31, 2024 is approximated below:
December 31, 2024 (i)
Health, Wealth & Career
25,700
Risk & Broking
16,500
Corporate and Other
6,700
Total Colleagues
48,900
(i)Health, Wealth & Career’s and Risk & Broking’s colleague totals as of December 31, 2024 include colleagues who provide direct support to the segments and were classified as Corporate in the prior year’s colleague totals.
The number of colleagues by geography as of December 31, 2024 is approximated below:
December 31, 2024
North America
15,100
Europe
15,200
International
18,600
Total Colleagues
48,900
Voluntary turnover excluding TRANZACT colleagues (rolling 12-month attrition) has remained well within target range throughout 2024 (10.9% compared to 10.8% in 2023). Future voluntary turnover trend data will exclude colleagues from our now-divested TRANZACT business, so comparison to prior years’ trends will not be impacted.
Hiring
•With turnover remaining within target range, business areas are primarily focusing on targeted hiring campaigns for mid-senior level hires to support growth, future succession planning and/or as part of their location strategy.
•Hiring into the Early Careers programs remained relatively stable and consistent with 2023. The focus remains on building pipelines of high caliber talent through enhanced employer branding and attraction.
Hiring and internal movement statistics, summarized below, consistent with prior years excludes colleagues in TRANZACT as the volumes are material and fluctuate significantly in light of the nature of hiring in that business, which is materially dependent on seasonal colleagues. As discussed in Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the sale of TRANZACT was completed on December 31, 2024. Because we have historically excluded TRANZACT colleagues from our annual hiring and internal movement statistics, these statistics will remain comparable year-over-year.
•Hires exceeded 7,800, a decrease of 4% as compared to 2023, primarily attributable to higher-than-typical hiring volumes in 2023 due to Global Service Delivery Center hiring.
•We continue to have a strong rate of alumni returning to WTW, with rehires representing 7% of total hires in 2024 compared to 6% in 2023.
•Our continued focus for 2025 will be to increase our global investment in talent across sales and client-facing colleagues.
Inclusion and Diversity (‘I&D’) - Our people strategy guides our actions to make WTW a destination employer for top talent. Our approach to building and sustaining an inclusive and high-performing culture includes a priority focus on:
•Attraction and retention - Growing the pipeline for talent with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
•Development and Promotion - Supporting colleagues in all stages of career development.
•Culture and Brand - Promoting an inclusive culture and work environment.
Our policies, including our Code of Conduct, require that our employment decisions comply with applicable law.
The following chart reflects global female demographic data and U.S. ethnic and racial demographic data as of December 31, 2024:
Colleague Group
All Colleagues
Senior Leadership (ii)
Female (global)
55.2%
33.6%
Ethnic and racial diversity (U.S. only)
Asian
7.0%
5.9%
Black
15.3%
1.5%
Hispanic
10.1%
2.9%
Other non-white (i)
3.2%
1.2%
Total
35.6%
11.5%
(i)Other non-white includes American Indian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander and two or more races.
(ii)Senior leadership represents 4% of our colleagues and includes those with titles of Managing and Senior Directors.
Our board composition reflects a mix of gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, backgrounds, experiences and skill sets. As of December 31, 2024, 40% of directors identify as female, 10% as LGBT+ and 10% as Black (based on self-identified characteristics). In addition, 75% of our board committee chairs are female and 50% identify as Black or LGBT+. Additionally, 60% of our directors have non-US citizenship.
Total Rewards - We invest significant resources in our most important asset, our colleagues, and having the right total rewards programs to support our colleague experience is an important part of our commitment to being the best company we can be. We offer market competitive rewards in aggregate, aligned to a pay-for-performance culture. Alongside our colleague experience, our total rewards programs position WTW as a magnet for the most accomplished and aspiring talent in the industry.
Our total rewards comprise a wide array of programs, including pay, benefits, share ownership, wellbeing, workplace flexibility, time off, career development opportunities and other aspects of the work environment. At its core, our total rewards programs are designed to:
•Attract, engage, retain and develop talent with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives;
•Improve colleague performance and engagement; and
•Allow for meaningful choice, where appropriate, to address individual needs.
At WTW, we continually assess our total rewards strategy, considering colleague preferences and striving to invest in rewards that provide the greatest return. Insights gathered from colleague listening activities inform focus areas and adjustments that align with our strategic priorities and colleague experience - helping us offer the right mix of meaningful and competitive programs now and in the future to deliver our strategy. For example, in 2024, we launched an employee share purchase plan in several countries and a new recognition hub, a global platform for appreciation and recognition of colleagues.
Work Styles - We have a flexible and adaptable approach to where colleagues work, aligned to the distinct needs of our businesses and leveraging three distinct working solutions: office-based, hybrid and remote. This framework has flexibility at its core and is based on the principle that the work itself drives where and how the work gets done. In-office interactions are encouraged for all colleagues, with some moving to more frequent and regular in-person collaboration, including minimum in-office requirements in some areas of our business. Our flexibility continues to be a key differentiator for us in the market and is an important part of our ongoing strategy to attract, engage and retain top talent.
The failure to successfully attract and retain qualified personnel could materially adversely affect our results of operations and prospects. For more information see Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Competition
We face competition in all fields in which we operate, based on factors including global capability, product breadth, innovation, quality of service and price. We compete with companies such as Aon plc, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Brown & Brown Inc., Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (‘Marsh & McLennan’) and Robert Half International Inc., as well as with numerous specialty, regional and local firms.
Competition on premium rates has also exacerbated the pressures caused by a continuing reduction in demand in some classes of business. For example, rather than purchase additional insurance through brokers, some insureds have been retaining a greater proportion of their risk portfolios than previously. Industrial and commercial companies increasingly rely upon their own subsidiary insurance companies, known as captive insurance companies, self-insurance pools, risk retention groups, mutual insurance companies and other mechanisms for funding their risks, rather than buy insurance. Additional competitive pressures have arisen and are expected to continue to arise from the entry and expansion of new market participants, such as banks, accounting firms, new brokers and insurance carriers themselves, offering risk management or transfer services.
The human capital and risk management consulting industries are highly competitive. We believe we have developed competitive advantages in providing HR consulting and risk management consulting services. We face strong competition from numerous sources, including from large consulting firms, accounting firms and specialized firms focused on these services as further identified below. See Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors - ‘Demand for our services could decrease for various reasons, including a general economic downturn, increased competition, or a decline in a client’s or an industry’s financial condition or prospects, all of which could substantially and negatively affect us’, for a description of competition-related risks that may affect demand for the Company’s services.
Our largest competitors in the pension consulting industry are Mercer HR Consulting (a Marsh & McLennan company) and Aon plc. In addition, we face vigorous competition from numerous other companies in the global HR consulting industry.
Our major competitors in the insurance consulting and software industry include Milliman, Oliver Wyman (a Marsh & McLennan company), the big four accounting firms (Deloitte LLP, Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and KPMG), and SunGard. Aon plc, Mercer (a Marsh & McLennan company), Automatic Data Processing and Fidelity are among our largest competitors in the insurance exchange industry. We also compete with the public health insurance exchanges currently run by the U.S. federal and state governments. We also compete with providers of account-based health plans and consumer-directed benefits such as WageWorks and HealthEquity.
The market for our services is subject to change as a result of economic, regulatory and legislative changes, technological developments, and increased competition from established and new competitors. Regulatory and legislative actions, along with continuously evolving technological developments, will likely have the greatest impact on the overall market for our exchange
products. See Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors - ‘Our business will be negatively affected if we are not able to anticipate and keep pace with rapid changes in government laws or regulations, or if government laws or regulations decrease the need for our services, increase our costs or limit our compensation’ and related risk factors for a description of legal, non-financial/-regulatory and compliance risks to the Company.
We believe the primary factors in selecting an HR consulting or risk management services firm include reputation; the ability to provide measurable increases to shareholder value and return on investment; geographic scope; quality of service; and the ability to tailor services to clients’ unique needs.
With regard to the marketplace for active employee exchanges, we believe that clients base their decisions on a variety of factors that include the ability of the provider to deliver measurable cost savings, a strong reputation for efficient execution, a provider’s capability in delivering a broad number of configurations to serve various population segments, and an innovative service delivery model and platform.
For our traditional consulting and risk management services and the rapidly evolving exchange products, we believe we compete favorably with respect to these factors.
Regulation
Our business activities are subject to legal requirements and governmental and quasi-governmental regulatory supervision in all countries in which we operate. Also, such regulations may require individual or company licensing to conduct our business activities. While these requirements may vary from location to location, they are generally designed to protect our clients by establishing minimum standards of conduct and practice, particularly regarding the provision of advice and product information, as well as financial criteria. We are also subject to data privacy regulations that apply to health, medical, financial and other types of personal information belonging to our employees, clients and their employees and other third parties across most jurisdictions, including, among others, the E.U. and U.K. General Data Protection Regulations, the Personal Information Protection Law (‘PIPL’) in China and privacy legislation in certain U.S. states, including the California Privacy Rights Act (‘CPRA’). Sustainable investing and environmental, social and governance initiatives continue to be the focus of increased regulatory scrutiny across jurisdictions, with emerging regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and disclosures of their impact on the climate, including in the state of California, final rules adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and the E.U. Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and other regulations across the E.U. Across many jurisdictions we are subject to various financial crime laws and regulations through our activities, activities of associated persons, the products and services we provide and our business and client relationships. Such laws and regulations relate to, among other areas, sanctions and export control, anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist financing. Similarly, we are subject in many jurisdictions to antitrust laws, which are designed to promote robust competition in the markets in which we participate.
Our most significant regulatory regions are further described below:
United States
Our activities in connection with insurance brokerage services within the U.S. are subject to regulation and supervision by state authorities. Although the scope of regulation and form of supervision may vary from state to state, insurance laws in the United States are often complex and generally grant broad discretion to supervisory authorities in adopting regulations and supervising regulated activities. That supervision generally includes the licensing of insurance brokers and agents and the regulation of the handling and investment of client funds held in a fiduciary capacity. Our continuing ability to provide insurance brokerage in the states in which we currently operate is dependent upon our compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the regulatory authorities in each of these states. See Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors under the heading ‘Our business will be negatively affected if we are not able to anticipate and keep pace with rapid changes in government laws or regulations, or if government laws or regulations decrease the need for our services, increase our costs or limit our compensation’ for a description of the risks related to our private exchange activities.
Furthermore, certain of our activities are subject to regulation under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (‘HIPAA’), which is enforced by the Office for Civil Rights within the Department of Health and Human Services. As we implement and expand our direct-to-consumer sales and marketing solutions through our Benefits Delivery & Administration business, we are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations that prescribe when and how we may market to consumers (including, without limitation, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and other telemarketing laws and the Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines issued by the Center for Medicare Services).
Certain of our activities are governed by other regulatory bodies, such as investment and securities licensing authorities. Our activities in connection with investment services within the United States are subject to regulation and supervision at both the federal and state levels. At the federal level, certain of our operating subsidiaries are regulated by the SEC through the Investment Company Act of
1940 and the Investment Advisers’ Act of 1940 and by the Department of Labor through the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA. In connection with the SEC regulations, we are required to file certain reports, and are subject to various marketing restrictions, among other requirements. In connection with ERISA regulations, we are limited in the actions we can take for plans for which we serve as fiduciaries, among other matters. Our U.S. investment activities are also subject to certain state regulatory schemes, and some activities also are subject to regulation by the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission under the Commodities Exchange Act.
Our activities in connection with Third Party Administrator (‘TPA’) services in the United States are also subject to regulation and supervision by many state authorities. Licensing requirements and supervision vary from state to state. As with insurance brokerage services, our continuing ability to provide these services in states that regulate our activities is dependent upon our compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated from time to time by the regulatory authorities in each of these states.
United Kingdom
In the U.K., our business is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’).
The FCA has a sole strategic objective: to ensure that the relevant markets function well. Its operational objectives are to secure an appropriate degree of protection for consumers, to protect and enhance the integrity of the U.K. financial system, and to promote effective competition in the interests of consumers. The FCA has a wide range of rule-making, investigatory and enforcement powers (including the power to censure and fine) and conducts monitoring visits to assess our compliance with regulatory requirements. In addition, the FCA extended the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (‘SMCR’) which became effective on December 9, 2019 in relation to our U.K. FCA-regulated businesses. The SMCR is designed to drive improvements in culture and governance within financial services firms and to deter misconduct by increasing individual accountability to the FCA.
New regulations and modifications to existing regulations that are specific to the U.K. have and will continue to result in differences from the regulatory requirements of the E.U. See Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors, for a description of Brexit-related risks to the Company.
Furthermore, as a result of Brexit, the WTW Brexit broking solution (the U.K. branch of Willis Towers Watson SA/NV) was required to seek authorization from the FCA as a third country branch. Full authorization was granted by the FCA on September 29, 2023 following completion of the application process. As a result of full FCA authorization, the branch is no longer operating under the FCA’s Temporary Permissions Regime. The branch is therefore subject to requirements in key areas such as SMCR and is also subject to the supervisory oversight of the Belgian Financial Services & Markets Authority.
European Union
In 2005, the European Union Insurance Mediation Directive introduced rules to enable insurance and reinsurance intermediaries to operate and provide services within each member state of the E.U. on a basis consistent with the E.U. single market and customer protection aims. Each E.U. member state in which we operate is required to ensure that the insurance and reinsurance intermediaries resident in their country are registered with a statutory body in that country and that each intermediary meets professional requirements in relation to their competence, good repute, professional indemnity cover and financial capacity. The E.U. issued an additional Insurance Distribution Directive that expands the 2005 directive, and all E.U. member states in which we operate were required to enact the directive and adopt local country laws by October 1, 2018.
Certain of our entities that undertake pension scheme management are subject to MiFID (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive) and MiFIR (the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation). In addition, revisions to MiFID (‘MiFID II’) took effect in January 2018. These revisions are aimed at strengthening investor protection and improving the function of financial markets. MiFID II imposes a variety of requirements that include, among others, rules relating to product governance and independent investment advice, responsibility of management bodies, inducements, information and reporting to clients, cross-selling, remuneration of staff, and best execution of trades for clients. Further, some of our entities are also authorized and regulated by certain financial services authorities in countries such as Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands and the U.K.
Other
All companies carrying on similar activities discussed above in a given jurisdiction are subject to regulations which are not dissimilar to the requirements for our operations in the U.S. and U.K. We do not consider these regulatory requirements as adversely affecting our competitive position.
Our failure, or that of our employees, to satisfy the regulatory compliance requirements or the legal requirements governing our activities, can result in disciplinary action, fines, reputational damage and financial harm.
See Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors, for an analysis of how actions by regulatory authorities or changes in legislation and regulation as well as compliance with evolving laws, including with respect to data privacy and cybersecurity, in the jurisdictions in which we operate may have an adverse effect on our business.
Information about Executive Officers of the Registrant
The executive officers of the Company as of February 25, 2025 were as follows:
Kristy D. Banas (age 51) - Ms. Banas has served as Chief Human Resources Officer and Head of Marketing and Communications since May 1, 2023. Prior to that, she served as Chief Human Resources Officer from August 16, 2021. She also served as the Senior Director, Global Talent Advisor for Human Capital & Benefits from March 2019 to August 2021 and as Senior Director and Head of Global Total Rewards, HR Integration and the HR Business Office from November 2016 to March 2019. From January 2016 to November 2016, Ms. Banas served as Senior Director and Global HR Leader, WTW Operations and Technology. From July 2011 to January 2016, Ms. Banas served as Senior Vice President, Global HR Director for WTW Corporate Functions, and was the Executive HR Sponsor for Global Operations Improvement. Ms. Banas was Vice President and Global HR Partner with XL Capital/XL Global Services/XL Insurance from November 2001 to June 2011. Ms. Banas has a BS in Business Management from Fairfield University and a partial MS in Human Resource Management from the University of Connecticut.
Lucy Clarke (age 58) - Ms. Clarke has served as the President of Risk & Broking at WTW since July 22, 2024. Previously, she served as President of Marsh JLT Specialty and Global Placement from April 2019 to July 2024. Prior to that, Ms. Clarke was with JLT Group for 17 years, holding diverse leadership roles, including CEO of JLT Global Specialty, the insurance and risk arm of the JLT Group, from April 2018 to April 2019. Ms. Clarke holds a bachelor's degree in English and economics from Vanderbilt University. She also serves as President of the Insurance Institute of London.
Alexis Faber (age 47) - Ms. Faber has served as Chief Operating Officer at WTW since August 30, 2021. Previously, she served as Chief Operating Officer for Corporate Risk & Broking from March 2018 to August 2021. Prior to that, Ms. Faber served as Global Head of Financial Lines since January 2016, Head of FINEX for North America since April 2014, Risk Control and Claim Advocacy Practice Leader for North America since July 2012, Chief Operating Officer for Willis North America since August 2009 and as Chief Operating Officer for the Executive Risks practice since September 2006. Prior to that, Ms. Faber served as Regional Finance Officer for North America since July 2004, and as Financial and Operations Controller for Global Specialties, North America since August 2003. Before joining WTW, Ms. Faber worked in investment banking at Schroder Salomon Smith Barney and at Citigroup. Ms. Faber holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Williams College and an M.B.A from Columbia Business School.
Matthew S. Furman (age 55) - Mr. Furman has served as General Counsel at WTW since January 4, 2016. Previously, Mr. Furman served as Executive Vice President and Group General Counsel at Willis Group Holdings, where he was a member of the Operating Committee since April 2015. From 2007 until March 2015, Mr. Furman was Senior Vice President, Group General Counsel-Corporate and Governance, and Corporate Secretary for The Travelers Companies, Inc. From 2000 until 2007, Mr. Furman was an attorney at Goldman, Sachs & Co. in New York, where he was Vice President and Associate General Counsel in the finance and corporate legal group. Prior to that, he was in private practice, with almost six years’ experience at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in New York. Mr. Furman also serves as a Trustee of the Jewish Theological Seminary and a Director of the Legal Aid Society. He previously served as a member of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Investor Advisory Committee, where he served on the Executive Committee and chaired the Market Structure Subcommittee. He holds a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Brown University and a law degree magna cum laude from Harvard Law School.
Julie J. Gebauer (age 63) - Ms. Gebauer has served as Head of Health, Wealth and Career at WTW since January 1, 2022. Previously, Ms. Gebauer served as Head of Human Capital & Benefits at WTW since January 4, 2016 and, prior to that, as Managing Director of Towers Watson’s Talent and Rewards business segment since January 1, 2010. Beginning in 2002, Ms. Gebauer served as a Managing Director of Towers Perrin and led Towers Perrin’s global Workforce Effectiveness practice and the global Towers Perrin-International Survey Research Corporation line of business. Ms. Gebauer was a member of Towers Perrin’s board of directors from 2003 through 2006. She joined Towers Perrin in 1986 as a consultant and held several leadership positions at Towers Perrin, serving as the Managing Principal for the New York office from 1999 to 2001 and the U.S. East Region Leader for the Human Capital Group from 2002 to 2006. Ms. Gebauer is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. Ms. Gebauer graduated Phi Beta Kappa and with high distinction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and was designated a Chancellor’s Scholar.
Carl A. Hess (age 63) - Mr. Hess has served as Chief Executive Officer at WTW since January 1, 2022 and, prior to that, served as President since August 16, 2021. Mr. Hess was formerly Head of Investment, Risk and Reinsurance from October 27, 2016 to August 16, 2021. Previously, Mr. Hess served as the Co-Head of North America at WTW since January 4, 2016. Prior to that, Mr. Hess served as Managing Director, The Americas of Towers Watson since February 1, 2014, and before that, he served as the Managing Director of Towers Watson’s Investment business since January 1, 2010. Before his service at Towers Watson, Mr. Hess worked in a variety of roles for over 20 years at Watson Wyatt, lastly as Global Practice Director of Watson Wyatt’s Investment business. Mr.
Hess is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and the Conference of Consulting Actuaries and a Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst. He has a bachelor’s degree cum laude in logic and language from Yale University.
Andrew J. Krasner (age 49) - Mr. Krasner has served as Chief Financial Officer at WTW since September 7, 2021 and co-head of Corporate Development since October 25, 2024. From February 2021 to August 2021, Mr. Krasner served as Chief Financial Officer for Assured Partners. From June 2018 to January 2021, Mr. Krasner was Global Treasurer and Head of M&A of WTW, and from 2012 to June 2018, was Head of M&A, responsible for the M&A, joint venture, divestiture, and strategic investment activity. Mr. Krasner started with Legacy Willis in June 2009 as Senior Vice President, working on the client side with Willis Capital Markets & Advisory between June 2009 to June 2012. Prior to joining WTW, Mr. Krasner was a Principal with Banc of America Securities from October 2003 to June 2009, an Associate with Deutsche Bank from July 2002 to October 2003 and a Senior Associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers from August 1997 to August 2000. Mr. Krasner has a B.S. degree in applied economics and business management and an M.B.A. with distinction from Cornell University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Anne Pullum (age 42) - Ms. Pullum has served as Head of Europe at WTW since August 30, 2021 and co-head of Corporate Development since October 25, 2024. Prior to that, Ms. Pullum served as Head of Western Europe from May 31, 2019 to August 30, 2021 and as the Chief Administrative Officer and Head of Strategy and Innovation since October 27, 2016. Beginning on January 4, 2016, Ms. Pullum served as WTW’s Head of Strategy, where she has played a key role in determining the Company’s strategy and worked across all business segments and functional areas. Previously, Ms. Pullum served as the Head of Strategy for Willis Group since May 2014. Before joining Willis, Ms. Pullum worked at McKinsey & Company, where she served financial services and natural resource clients since October 2010. Prior to that, Ms. Pullum conducted economic research at Greenspan Associates in Washington, D.C. and served as an analyst in the Goldman Sachs Equities Division in London. Ms. Pullum holds an M.B.A. from INSEAD and a bachelor’s degree in international economics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.
Imran Qureshi (age 54) - Mr. Qureshi has served as Head of North America at WTW since August 30, 2021 and took on the additional role as Head of Integrated & Global Solutions in June 2023. Prior to that, he served as the Co-Leader, U.S. from February 2017 to August 30, 2021. He served as Region Leader, U.S. Midwest from February 2017 to October 2019, and was Market Leader, Greater Chicago and Wisconsin from February 2016 to February 2017. Mr. Qureshi was Managing Consultant of the Chicago office from January 2013 to January 2016, and has been with WTW in other roles since March 1999. Mr. Qureshi is currently a board director at Smithbucklin and The Executives' Club of Chicago. Previously, he was the board chair of the Human Resources Management Association of Chicago, and he served on the M&A Faculty of WorldatWork where he taught M&A and taught the International Benefits Course for the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. In 2004, Mr. Qureshi was honored by Business Insurance magazine as one of ‘40 Under 40 People to Watch’ in the commercial insurance and risk/benefits management services industries. He also has lectured on governance and globalization at The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Mr. Qureshi holds a bachelor’s degree in pure mathematics and statistics with honors from the University of Manchester in the U.K. and has an actuarial background.
Pamela Thomson-Hall (age 56) - Ms. Thomson-Hall has served as the Head of International at WTW since August 30, 2021. Previously, she served as Head of CEEMEA since July 2018, Managing Director of International since January 2017 and Chief of Staff of International since January 2016. Prior to that, Ms. Thomson-Hall served as Program Director for business integration since September 2014 and before that, as General Counsel of International since April 1999. Prior to joining WTW, Ms. Thomson-Hall worked as a solicitor for Clyde & Co and DLA Piper. Ms. Thomson-Hall holds an LLB from the University College London and completed her LPC at the College of Law.
Board of Directors
A list of the members of the board of directors of the Company as of this date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and their principal occupations are provided below:
Carl Hess
Dame Inga Beale
Fumbi Chima
Chief Executive Officer
Former Chief Executive Officer of Lloyd’s of London
Former Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Boeing Employees’ Credit Union
Stephen Chipman
Michael Hammond
Jacqueline Hunt
Former Chief Executive Officer of Grant Thornton LLP
Former Chief Executive Officer and Chair, Lockton International Holdings Ltd.
Former Chief Executive Officer of Prudential UK, Europe and Africa
Paul Reilly
Michelle Swanback
Paul Thomas
Executive Chair of the Board and former Chief Executive Officer of Raymond James Financial
Former Chief Executive Officer, TTEC Engage, and President of TTEC Holdings, Inc.
Former Chief Executive Officer of Reynolds Packaging Group
Fredric Tomczyk
Chief Executive Officer of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Executive Summary of Risk Factors
The following contains a summary of each of our risk factors. For the complete disclosure of each risk factor contained herein, please click on the respective summary.
Strategic and Operational Risks
•Our success largely depends on our ability to achieve our global business strategy as it evolves, and our results of operations and financial condition could suffer if the Company were unable to successfully establish and execute on its strategy and generate anticipated revenue growth and cost savings and efficiencies.
•We may not be able to fully realize the anticipated benefits of our strategy or our expected product, service and transaction pipelines.
•Our ability to successfully manage ongoing organizational changes could impact our business results and may involve significant or evolving costs and/or disruption to the management and/or operations of our business and generate fewer benefits than originally expected.
•The growth and portfolio optimization elements of our strategy depend, in part, on our ability to execute strategic transactions, including both acquisitions and dispositions. We face risks when we acquire or divest businesses, and we could have difficulty in acquiring, integrating or managing acquired businesses, or with effecting internal reorganizations, all of which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or reputation.
•The growth element of our strategy also depends, in part, on organic growth and our ability to develop and grow new and existing areas of our business. We face risks when we invest in new lines of business, products, services and platforms or other areas, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or reputation.
•Our business performance and growth plans could be negatively affected if we are not able to develop and implement improvements in technology and effectively apply technology, data and analytics to drive value for our clients through technology-based solutions or gain internal efficiencies through the effective application of technology, analytics and related tools.
Business Environment Risks
•Macroeconomic trends, including inflation, changes in interest rates and trade policies, as well as political events, trade and other international disputes, war, terrorism, natural disasters, public health issues and other business interruptions, can adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
•Demand for our services could decrease for various reasons, including a general economic downturn, increased competition, or a decline in a client’s or an industry’s financial condition or prospects, all of which could substantially and negatively affect us.
•Damage to our business, including to our reputation, arising from, among other things, the failure of third parties on whom we rely to perform services or maintain positive public perceptions, could adversely affect our business, operations and results.
•Our business may be harmed by any negative developments that may occur in the insurance industry or if we fail to maintain good relationships with insurance carriers.
Human Capital Risks
•We depend on the continued services of our executive officers, senior management team, and skilled individual contributors, and any changes in our management structure and in senior leadership could affect our business and financial results.
•The loss of key colleagues or a large number of colleagues could damage or result in the loss of client relationships and could result in such colleagues competing against us.
•Failure to maintain our corporate culture, including in a remote or hybrid work environment, could damage our reputation.
Intellectual Property, Technology, Cybersecurity and Data Protection Risks
•Data and cybersecurity breaches or improper disclosure of confidential company or personal data could result in material financial loss, regulatory actions, reputational harm and/or legal liability.
•Our inability to comply with complex and evolving laws and regulations related to data privacy and cybersecurity could result in material financial loss, regulatory actions, reputational harm and/or legal liability.
•Our inability to successfully mitigate and recover should we experience a disaster or other business continuity problem could cause material financial loss, loss of human capital, regulatory actions, reputational harm and/or legal liability.
•Material interruption to or loss of our information processing capabilities or failure to effectively maintain and upgrade our information processing hardware or systems could cause material financial loss, regulatory actions, reputational harm and/or legal liability.
•Limited protection of our intellectual property could harm our business and our ability to compete effectively, and we face the risk that our services or products may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others.
Legal, Non-Financial/Regulatory and Compliance Risks
•From time to time, we receive claims and are party to lawsuits arising from our work, which could materially adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition or results of operations.
•We are subject from time to time to inquiries or investigations by governmental agencies or regulators that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
•We are subject to political, economic, legal, regulatory, compliance, cultural, market, operational and other risks that are inherent in operating our global businesses.
•Sanctions imposed by governments, or changes to such sanction regulations (such as sanctions imposed on Russia and China), and related counter-sanctions, could have a material adverse impact on our operations or financial results.
•Our business will be negatively affected if we are not able to anticipate and keep pace with rapid changes in government laws or regulations, or if government laws or regulations decrease the need for our services, increase our costs or limit our compensation.
•Our compliance systems and controls cannot guarantee that we comply fully with all applicable federal and state or foreign laws and regulations, and actions by regulatory authorities or changes in applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate could impact our operations and/or have an adverse effect on our business.
•Allegations of conflicts of interest or anti-competitive behavior, including in connection with accepting market derived income (‘MDI’), may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation or reputation.
•Our global operations expose us to increasing, and sometimes conflicting, legal and regulatory requirements in environmental, social and governance (‘ESG’) matters, and violation of these regulations could harm our business.
•Increasing scrutiny and changing or competing expectations from government authorities, investors, clients and our colleagues with respect to our sustainability practices can impose additional costs on us or expose us to reputational, litigation or other risks.
•The economic, regulatory and political impact of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, which occurred on January 31, 2020, could adversely affect us.
Financial and Related Regulatory Risks
•We have material pension liabilities that can fluctuate significantly and adversely affect our financial position or net income or result in other financial impacts.
•Our outstanding debt could adversely affect our cash flows and financial flexibility, and we may not be able to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all.
•A downgrade to our corporate credit rating, the credit ratings of our outstanding debt or other market speculation may adversely affect our borrowing costs and financial flexibility and, under certain circumstances, may require us to offer to buy back some of our outstanding debt.
•Our significant non-U.S. operations, particularly our London market operations, expose us to exchange rate fluctuations and various other risks that could impact our business.
•Changes in accounting principles or in our accounting estimates and assumptions could negatively affect our financial position and results of operations.
•Our quarterly revenue and cash flow could fluctuate, including as a result of factors outside of our control, while our expenses may remain relatively fixed or be higher than expected.
•We are a holding company and therefore, may not be able to receive dividends or other distributions in needed amounts from our subsidiaries.
Tax Risks
•If a U.S. person is treated as owning at least 10% of our shares, such a holder may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.
•Legislative or regulatory action or developments in case law in the U.S. or elsewhere could have a material adverse impact on our worldwide effective corporate tax rate.
Risks Related to Being an Irish-Incorporated Company
•The laws of Ireland differ from the laws in effect in the United States and may afford less protection to holders of our securities.
•As an Irish public limited company, certain decisions related to our capital structure will require the approval of shareholders, which may limit our flexibility to manage our capital structure.
RISK FACTORS
Investments in our ordinary shares are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including as described in this Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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. These risk factors should be carefully considered in evaluating our business and investing in us. The descriptions below are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that are presently unknown to us could also affect our financial results, including by impairing our business operations, financial condition, results of operations or the price of our ordinary shares. If any of the risks and uncertainties described below or other risks were to occur, our business operations, financial condition, results of operations or the price of our ordinary shares could be materially and adversely impacted. The risk factors described below are grouped into categories; the headings of these categories are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the risk factors described herein. Many risks affect more than one category, and the risks are not in order of significance or probability of occurrence solely because they have been grouped by categories. With respect to the tax-related consequences of acquisition, ownership, and disposal of ordinary shares, you should consult with your own tax advisors.
Strategic and Operational Risks
Our success largely depends on our ability to achieve our global business strategy as it evolves, and our results of operations and financial condition could suffer if the Company were unable to successfully establish and execute on its strategy and generate anticipated revenue growth and cost savings and efficiencies.
Our future growth, profitability, and cash flows largely depend upon our ability to successfully establish and execute our global business strategy. As discussed under Item 1, ‘Business - Business Strategy’, we seek to be an advisory, broking and solutions provider of choice through an integrated global platform. At the end of 2024, we updated our strategy, as described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under Item 1. While we have confidence that our strategic plan reflects opportunities that we believe to be appropriate and achievable, our strategy may not deliver projected growth in revenue and profitability due to inadequate execution, incorrect assumptions, global or local economic conditions, competition, changes in the industries in which we operate, sub-optimal resource allocation or other reasons, including the other risks described in this ‘Risk Factors’ section. In addition, our strategy continues to evolve, and it is possible that we will be unable to successfully execute the associated strategy changes, due to factors discussed above or elsewhere in this ‘Risk Factors’ section. In pursuit of our growth strategy, we expect to invest significant time and resources into new product or service offerings, as well as investments in technology and infrastructure to support these offerings, and we may not realize our expected return on these offerings or that these offerings may fail to yield sufficient return to cover the cost of investment. The failure to continually develop and execute optimally on our global business strategy could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to fully realize the anticipated benefits of our strategy or our expected product, service and transaction pipelines.
We have stated certain financial goals, including with respect to our cash flows, our growth and margin targets, and our share repurchases. We have stated, and may in the future state, other goals for future periods. Our initiatives aiming to implement our strategy and to achieve future financial objectives pose potential operational risks and may result in distraction of management and colleagues. We cannot be certain whether we will be able to realize benefits from current revenue-generating or cost-saving initiatives, including our recently-completed Transformation program and our continued strategic efforts to achieve operational efficiencies, and ultimately realize our strategic objectives. Furthermore, we may not repurchase as many of our outstanding shares as anticipated due to market or business conditions or due to other factors, including decisions to prioritize acquisitions, investments or other uses of capital. There can be no assurance that our actual results will meet our stated financial goals.
In addition, our pipeline estimates may prove to be unreliable either in a particular quarter or over a longer period of time. Should we be unable to succeed in our initiatives to drive growth and achieve our financial goals, we may have to delay, scale back or discontinue the development, deployment and commercialization of our products or services or delay our efforts to expand our transaction pipeline. As a result, our ability to deliver continued sustainable and profitable growth may be negatively impacted and financial performance across our segments and geographies may be adversely affected.
Our ability to successfully manage ongoing organizational changes could impact our business results and may involve significant or evolving costs and/or disruption to the management and/or operations of our business and generate fewer benefits than originally expected.
We have in the past few years undergone several significant business and organizational changes, including the conclusion of our multi-year operational Transformation program at the end of fiscal year 2024 and the implementation of a new management and organizational structure, and have other planned or future initiatives aimed at transforming and updating our systems and processes
and gaining efficiencies. These initiatives may have adverse impacts on the business or different results than intended. In connection with these future changes, we will manage a number of large-scale and complex projects in furtherance of our strategic objectives, which may include multiple and connected phases dependent on factors that are outside of our control. As a result, we cannot guarantee the success of these projects or initiatives, individually or collectively. Effectively managing these organizational changes (including ensuring that they are implemented on schedule, within budget and without interruption to the existing business, or that transitions to new systems do not create significant control vulnerabilities during the period of transition) is critical to retaining talent, servicing clients and enhancing our business success overall. We may have difficulty attracting, training and retaining the talent that we need to successfully manage these changes. Further, many of the risks described herein increase during periods of significant organizational change and transformation. The failure to effectively manage such risks could adversely impact our resources or our business or financial results.
The growth and portfolio optimization elements of our strategy depend, in part, on our ability to execute strategic transactions, including both acquisitions and dispositions. We face risks when we acquire or divest businesses, and we could have difficulty in acquiring, integrating or managing acquired businesses, or with effecting internal reorganizations, all of which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or reputation.
Our growth depends in part on our ability to make acquisitions and execute other strategic transactions. We may not be successful in identifying appropriate candidates for acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures or strategic investments, or consummating such transactions on terms acceptable or favorable to us. We also face additional risks related to acquisitions, including the ability to negotiate transactions on favorable terms, the ability to secure regulatory approval of transactions where required, the ability to successfully integrate them into our existing businesses and culture, and the potential that any acquired business could significantly underperform relative to our expectations. If we are unable to identify and successfully make, integrate and manage acquisitions, our business could be materially adversely affected.
In addition, we face risks related to divesting businesses, including that we may not receive adequate consideration or any earnout proceeds in return for the divested business, we may continue to be subject to the liabilities of the divested business after its divestiture (including with respect to work we might have performed on behalf of the divested business), and we may not be able to reduce overhead or redeploy assets or retain colleagues after the divestiture closes. For example, we completed the divestiture of our then-reinsurance business to Gallagher in 2021 and our sale of the TRANZACT business in 2024, each of which gives rise to such risks, including: in the case of TRANZACT, the risk that such post-closing transition arrangements, which are complex, may impose greater-than-expected costs or liabilities, may give rise to errors in execution or may be distracting to our management; the risk that such a divestiture could cause disruption to our business or our relationships with clients, colleagues, correspondents, suppliers, regulators, competitors and other third parties; the risk that litigation associated with the transaction or with contingent liabilities we have retained, if any, may arise; and other risks detailed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other SEC filings. We also may not otherwise meet our operational or strategic expectations at all or on the anticipated timeline following the divestiture.
Further, we cannot be certain that our acquisitions will be accretive to earnings or that our acquisitions or joint ventures will otherwise meet our operational or strategic expectations. Acquisitions and joint ventures, such as our recently-announced joint venture with Bain Capital, involve special risks, including the potential assumption of unanticipated liabilities and contingencies and difficulties in integrating acquired businesses or in achieving a successful joint venture. Acquired businesses or joint ventures may not achieve the levels of revenue, profit, or productivity we anticipate or otherwise perform as we expect. In addition, if the operating performance of an acquired business or joint venture deteriorates significantly or capital needs increase, we may need to make additional investments or write down the value of the goodwill and other acquisition-related intangible assets recorded on our consolidated balance sheet.
With respect to any such acquisition transactions or joint ventures, we face risks related to the potential impacts of the transaction on relationships, including with clients, colleagues, correspondents, suppliers, regulators, competitors, and other third parties, as well as the risk related to contingent liabilities (including litigation) potentially creating material liabilities for the Company. The following risks, in addition to those described above, may also adversely affect our ability to successfully implement and integrate these acquisitions or to manage joint ventures: material changes in U.S. and foreign jurisdiction regulations (including those related to the healthcare system and insurance brokerage, pension advisory, and investment services); changes in general economic, business and political conditions in relevant markets, including changes in the financial markets; significant competition in the marketplace; the need to manage potential conflicts of interest; and compliance with extensive and evolving government regulations in the U.S. and in foreign jurisdictions.
We may be unable to effectively integrate an acquired business into our organization and may not succeed in managing such acquired businesses or the larger company that results from such acquisitions. The process of integrating an acquired business may subject us to a number of risks, including, without limitation, an inability to retain the management, key personnel and other colleagues of the acquired business; an inability to establish uniform standards, controls, systems, procedures and policies or to achieve anticipated savings; and exposure to legal claims or regulatory censure for activities of the acquired business prior to acquisition.
If acquisitions or joint ventures are not successfully integrated or managed and the intended benefits of the acquisitions or joint ventures are not achieved, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected, as well as our professional reputation. We also own interests in a number of associated companies and ventures where we do not exercise management control and we are therefore limited in our ability to direct or manage the business to realize the anticipated benefits that we could achieve if we had full ownership.
The growth element of our strategy also depends, in part, on organic growth and our ability to develop and grow new and existing areas of our business. We face risks when we invest in new lines of business, products, services and platforms or other areas, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or reputation.
Our business strategy includes the organic growth of our existing operations when we enter into new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. We may not be able to effectively execute our organic growth strategy for reasons within and outside of our control. Organic growth presents additional risks, particularly in instances where the markets are heavily regulated, meaningfully competitive with high bars to entry, or new or not fully developed. Such risks include the investment of significant time and resources; the possibility that these efforts will not be successful and could result in reputational damage to us; the possibility that the marketplace does not accept our products or services; the possibility that we are unable to retain clients that adopt our new products or services; and the risk of new or additional liabilities associated with these efforts, including potential errors and omissions or other claims. External factors, such as compliance with new or revised regulations, competitive alternatives and shifting market preferences may also impact the successful implementation of a line of business, product or service. If the entry into businesses, products or services is not successfully integrated into our business, the intended benefits and business development initiatives will not be achieved, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation.
Our business performance and growth plans could be negatively affected if we are not able to develop and implement improvements in technology and effectively apply technology, data and analytics to drive value for our clients through technology-based solutions or gain internal efficiencies through the effective application of technology, analytics and related tools.
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to develop and implement innovative technology, data and analytic solutions that anticipate, lead, keep pace with or respond to rapid and continuing changes in technology both for internal operations, for maintaining industry standards, meeting client preferences and gaining competitive advantage. We may not be successful in anticipating or responding to these developments in a timely and cost-effective manner or in attracting and maintaining personnel with the necessary skills in this area. Our ideas may not lead to the desired internal efficiencies or be accepted in the marketplace. In addition, we may not be able to implement technology-based solutions as quickly as desired if, for example, greater resources are required than originally expected or resources are otherwise needed elsewhere. The effort to gain technological and data expertise and develop new technologies or analytic techniques in our business requires us to incur significant cost and attract qualified technical talent who are in high demand. Our competitors are seeking to develop competing or new technologies, and their success in this space may impact our ability to differentiate our services to our clients through the use of unique technological solutions. If we do not keep up with technological changes or execute effectively on our strategic initiatives, our business and results of operations could be adversely impacted. For example, incorporating artificial intelligence (‘AI’) into certain product offerings is becoming more important in our operations, particularly as our competitors, including new entrants focused on using technology and innovation, such as generative AI, digital platforms, data analytics, robotics and blockchain, seek to simplify and improve the client experience, increase efficiencies, alter business models and effect other potentially disruptive changes in the industries in which we operate. If we fail to keep pace with rapidly evolving AI and other technological developments, our competitive position and business results may be negatively impacted. In certain cases, we may decide, based on perceived business needs, to make investments that may be greater than we currently anticipate. If we cannot offer new technologies or data and analytic services or solutions as quickly or effectively as our competitors, or if our competitors develop more cost-effective technologies or analytic tools, it could have a material adverse effect on our ability to obtain and complete client engagements. There are significant risks involved in our efforts to keep pace with technological developments and no assurance can be provided that the usage of such technology will enhance our business or assist us in being more efficient or profitable. While development and enhancement of our technology systems may improve the efficiency of data analytics and reduce certain costs, there is no assurance that the benefits related to such advancements will outweigh such investment costs or outweigh such risks.
The enhancement and development of technology systems may enhance cybersecurity risks and operational and technological risks, as any latency, disruption or failure in such technological tools could result in errors in analyses and compromise the integrity, security or privacy of generated content. Additionally, the process of integrating technology systems of businesses we acquire is complex and exposes us to additional risk. We may not adequately identify weaknesses in the information systems or information handling, privacy and security policies and protocols of targets, which could expose us to unexpected liabilities or make our own systems and data more vulnerable to cybersecurity incidents. For further discussion of risks relating to these technology systems, please see ‘Data and cybersecurity breaches or improper disclosure of confidential company or personal data could result in material financial loss, regulatory actions, reputational harm and/or legal liability’ below.
We depend on our technology systems for conducting business, as well as for providing the data and analytics we use to manage and administer our business. As a result, our business success is dependent on maintaining the effectiveness of existing technology systems and on continuing to develop and enhance technology systems that support our business processes and strategic initiatives in a cost- and resource-efficient manner, particularly as our business processes become more digital.
We have a number of strategic initiatives involving investments in technology and infrastructure to support our own systems as well as partnerships with technology companies. These investments can be costly and require significant capital expenditures, and such investment may not be profitable or may be less profitable than what we have experienced historically. In addition, investments in technology systems may not deliver the benefits or perform as expected or may be replaced or become obsolete more quickly than expected, which could result in operational difficulties or additional costs. In some cases, we also depend on our partners and key vendors to provide technology and other support for these and other strategic initiatives. If these partners or vendors fail to perform their obligations as we expect them to do or at all or such partners or vendors otherwise cease to work with us, our ability to execute on our strategic initiatives, and our business and results of operations, could be adversely impacted.
Business Environment Risks
Macroeconomic trends, including inflation, changes in interest rates and trade policies, as well as political events, trade and other international disputes, war, terrorism, natural disasters, public health issues and other business interruptions, can adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Global economic events and other factors, such as accommodative monetary and fiscal policy, have contributed to significant inflation in many of the markets in which we operate over time. In particular, inflation in the United States, Europe and other geographies has recently risen to levels not experienced in decades and we have seen, and may continue to see, its impact on various aspects of our business. In some cases, such inflation has had, or could have in the future, a negative effect on our operations and financial condition. In order to combat inflation and restore price stability, a number of central banks around the world raised interest rates and, as inflation has moderated, have begun to reduce them. Potential trade wars, including tariffs and retaliatory actions, also may contribute to inflation and/or hinder economic growth. If interest rates fluctuate and/or inflation rates or trade barriers increase, economic growth in a number of markets where we do business may be hindered and may continue to have far-reaching effects on the global economy. Weakness in the economy and the possibility of a global recession has had, and may continue to have, a negative effect on our business and financial condition, including on the value of our ordinary shares. Additionally, fluctuations in short-term interest rates in our major markets can impact our interest income derived from the investment of our owned and fiduciary cash.
Moreover, U.S. and global economic conditions have the potential to create market uncertainty and volatility. Such general economic conditions, such as inflation, stagflation, political volatility, costs of labor, cost of capital, interest rates and tax rates, affect our operating and general and administrative expenses, and we have no control or limited ability to control such factors. If our costs grow significantly in excess of our ability to raise revenue, our margins and results of operations may be materially and adversely impacted and we may not be able to achieve our strategic and financial objectives. These conditions also affect our clients’ businesses and the markets that they serve and may reduce demand for our services, increase demands for pricing accommodations or cause a higher rate of delays in the collection of, or losses on, our accounts receivable, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Major public health issues have adversely affected, and could in the future materially adversely affect, our business, results of operations and/or financial condition. The future impact of a public health crisis will depend on future developments that we are unable to predict. Public health issues could continue to disrupt, possibly materially, our business operations and services that we provide or impact our business operations and results in the future.
We are exposed to various risks arising out of natural disasters, including fires (such as the recent wildfires in southern California), earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, many of which could be exacerbated by climate change. These consequences could, among other things, implicate other risks described herein, including without limitation: business continuity risks; human capital risks; regulatory and reputational risks; and risks relating to alleged errors and omissions in performing client work, and thereby adversely impact our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Additionally, U.S. and global markets are affected by geopolitical conflict in highly unpredictable ways and are currently experiencing volatility and disruption as a result of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the Middle East conflicts. These ongoing wars and other geopolitical conflicts could lead to further market disruptions and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Further, a slowdown in the global economy, including a recession, or in a particular region or industry, inflation or a tightening of the credit markets could negatively impact our business, financial condition and liquidity, including by way of inhibiting our continued access to preferred sources of liquidity when we would like or by our increasing our borrowing costs. In particular, tightening of the credit markets could limit our ability to obtain external financing to fund our operations and capital expenditures, if and when needed. In addition, we could experience losses on our holdings of cash and investments due to failures of financial institutions and other
parties. Thus, a deterioration or prolonged period of negative or stagnant macroeconomic conditions in the U.S. and globally could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Demand for our services could decrease for various reasons, including a general economic downturn, increased competition, or a decline in a client’s or an industry’s financial condition or prospects, all of which could substantially and negatively affect us.
The demand for our services may not grow or be maintained, and we may not be able to compete successfully with our existing competitors, new competitors or our clients’ internal capabilities. Client demand for our services may change based on the clients’ needs and financial conditions, among other factors.
Our results of operations are affected directly by the level of business activity of our clients, which in turn is affected by the level of economic activity in the industries and markets that they serve. For example, any changes in U.S. trade policy (including any increases in tariffs or any retaliatory actions that result in a trade war), recessionary conditions in some of the markets where we do business, inflationary conditions, ongoing stock market volatility or an increase in, or unmet market expectations with respect to, interest rates could adversely affect the general economy. As a result, global financial markets may continue to experience disruptions, including increased volatility and reduced credit availability, which could substantially impact our results. While it is difficult to predict the consequences of any deterioration in global economic conditions on our business, any significant reduction or delay by our clients in purchasing our services or insurance or making payment of premiums could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the potential for a significant insurer to fail, to be downgraded or to withdraw from writing certain lines of insurance coverage that we offer our clients could negatively impact overall capacity in the industry, which could then reduce the placement of certain lines and types of insurance and reduce our revenue and profitability. The potential for an insurer to fail or be downgraded could also result in errors and omissions claims by clients.
In addition, the markets for our principal services are highly competitive. Our competitors include other insurance brokerage, human capital and risk management consulting and actuarial firms, and the human capital and risk management divisions of diversified professional services, insurance, brokerage and accounting firms and specialty, regional and local firms.
Competition for business is intense in all of our business lines and in every insurance market, and some competitors have greater market share in certain lines of business than we do. Some of our competitors have greater financial, technical and marketing resources than us, which could enhance their ability to finance acquisitions, fund internal growth and respond more quickly to professional and technological changes. This gap in resources between us and some of our competitors has increased as they have made acquisitions. New competitors, as well as increasing and evolving consolidation or alliances among existing competitors, have created and could continue to create additional competition and could significantly reduce our market share further, resulting in a loss of business for us and a corresponding decline in revenue and profit margin. In order to respond to increased competition and pricing pressure, we may have to lower our prices, which would also have an adverse effect on our revenue and profit margin.
In addition, existing and new competitors (whether traditional competitors or non-traditional competitors, such as technology companies) may continue to develop competing technologies or product or service offerings. Any new technology or product or service offering (including insurance companies selling their products directly to consumers or other insureds) that reduces or eliminates the need for intermediaries in insurance sales transactions could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Further, the increasing willingness of clients to either self-insure or maintain a captive insurance company, and the development of capital markets-based solutions and other alternative capital sources for traditional insurance needs, could also materially adversely affect us and our results of operations. See ‘Our business performance and growth plans could be negatively affected if we are not able to develop and implement improvements in technology and effectively apply technology, data and analytics to drive value for our clients through technology-based solutions or gain internal efficiencies through the effective application of technology, analytics and related tools’ above for further discussion on the impact that technological developments have on our business, operations and financial condition.
An example of a business that may be significantly impacted by changes in customer demand is our retirement consulting and actuarial business, which comprises a substantial portion of our revenue and profit. We provide clients with actuarial and consulting services relating to both defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. Defined benefit pension plans generally require more actuarial services than defined contribution plans because defined benefit 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. If organizations shift to defined contribution plans more rapidly than we anticipate, or if we are unable to otherwise compensate for the decline in our business that results from employers moving away from defined benefit plans, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Furthermore, large and complex consulting projects, often involving dedicated personnel, resources and expenses, comprise a significant portion of this business, which are based on our clients’ discretionary needs and may be reduced based on a decline in a client’s or an industry’s financial condition or prospects. We also face the risk that certain large and complex project contracts may be reduced or terminated based on dissatisfaction with service levels, which could result in reduced revenue, write-offs of assets associated with the project, and disputes over the contract, all of which may adversely impact our results and business.
In addition, the demand for many of our core benefit services, including compliance-related services, is affected by government regulation and taxation of employee benefit plans. Significant changes in tax or social welfare policy or other regulations could lead some employers to discontinue their employee benefit plans, including defined benefit pension plans, thereby reducing the demand for our services. A simplification of regulations or tax policy could also reduce the need for our services.
Damage to our business, including to our reputation, arising from, among other things, the failure of third parties on whom we rely to perform services or maintain positive public perceptions, could adversely affect our business, operations and results.
Maintaining a positive reputation is critical to our ability to attract and maintain relationships with clients and colleagues. Damage to our reputation could therefore cause significant harm to our business and prospects. Harm to our reputation can arise from numerous sources, including, among others: colleague misconduct; litigation or regulatory action; failure to deliver minimum standards of service and quality; compliance failures; and allegations of conflicts of interest and unethical behavior. Such harm could also arise from negative public opinion or political conditions arising from our association with third parties in any number of activities or circumstances. Negative perceptions or publicity, whether or not true, may result in harm to our prospects. In addition, the failure to deliver satisfactory service and quality performance, on time and within budget, in one line of business could cause clients to terminate the services we provide to those clients in many other lines of business. This risk has increased as the Company has become larger and more complex and as we take on increasingly complicated projects for our clients (such as complex outsourcing engagements and technology solutions development/implementation projects that require a significant amount of dedicated personnel, resources and expenses).
In addition, as part of providing services to clients and managing our business, we not only depend on a number of third-party service providers and suppliers today, but we expect to engage the services of new third parties in the future as our strategy evolves. Our ability to perform effectively depends in part on the ability of these service providers to meet their obligations, as well as on our effective oversight of their performance. The quality of our services could suffer, or we could be required to incur unanticipated costs if our third-party service providers do not perform as expected or their services are disrupted. This could have a material adverse effect on our reputation as well as our business and results of operations.
Our business may be harmed by any negative developments that may occur in the insurance industry or if we fail to maintain good relationships with insurance carriers.
Many of our businesses are heavily dependent on the insurance industry. Any negative developments that occur in the insurance industry may have a material adverse effect on our business and our results of operations. In addition, if we fail to maintain good relationships with insurance carriers, it may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
The private health insurance industry in the U.S. has experienced a substantial amount of consolidation over the past several years, resulting in a decrease in the number of insurance carriers. In the future, it may become necessary for us to offer insurance plans from a reduced number of insurance carriers or to derive a greater portion of our revenue from a more concentrated number of carriers as our business and the health insurance industry continue to evolve. The termination, amendment or consolidation of our relationships with our insurance carriers in the U.S. or in any other jurisdiction could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Human Capital Risks
We depend on the continued services of our executive officers, senior management team, and skilled individual contributors, and any changes in our management structure and in senior leadership could affect our business and financial results.
Our success has depended, and our future performance will continue to depend, largely upon the ongoing services of our executive officers, senior management, and other highly skilled personnel. We have relied on our leadership team to execute on our business plan, for strategy, growth, research and development, marketing, sales, provision, maintenance, and support of our products and services, and general and administrative functions, and on mission-critical individual contributors. From time to time, our executive management team and the groups of skilled individual contributors may change from the hiring or departure of executive officers or such contributors, which could disrupt our business. The employment-related agreements with our chief executive officer and certain of our executive officers (to the extent our officers are party to such agreements) and other key personnel will not require them to continue to work for us for any specified period; therefore, they could terminate their employment at any time. The loss of one or more of our executive officers, senior management members, or other key colleagues (including any limitation on the performance of their duties) could significantly delay or prevent the achievement of our development and strategic objectives.
A leadership transition may also increase the likelihood of turnover among our colleagues and result in changes in our business strategy, which may create uncertainty and negatively impact our ability to execute our business strategy quickly and effectively. Leadership transitions may also impact our relationships with customers and other market participants, and create uncertainty among
investors, colleagues, and others concerning our future direction and performance. Any significant disruption, uncertainty or change in business strategy could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
The loss of key colleagues or a large number of colleagues could damage or result in the loss of client relationships and could result in such colleagues competing against us.
Our success depends on our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, including key managers and colleagues. In addition, our success largely depends upon our colleagues’ abilities to generate business and provide quality services. Our ability to provide services our clients demand requires such skills and training, in insurance, actuarial, human resources and other areas, which are also in high demand among our competitors. The market for talent in our industry is extremely competitive, and competitors for talent increasingly attempt to hire, and to varying degrees have been successful in hiring, our colleagues or employment candidates. In particular, our colleagues’ business relationships with our clients are a critical element of obtaining and maintaining client engagements. Labor markets have continued to tighten globally, and we have experienced intense competition and increased costs for certain types of colleagues, especially as new entrants in the insurance business (among others) continue to expend significant resources in their own hiring. Also, in the past, we have lost colleagues who manage substantial client relationships or possess substantial experience or expertise; if we lose additional colleagues such as those, or if we lose a large number of other colleagues, it could result in such colleagues competing against us. It may take longer than expected to hire new colleagues to replace those who have left or these new colleagues may be subject to restrictive covenants from former employers that impact the amount of business they can generate while those covenants are in effect. Further, the increased availability of remote working arrangements has also expanded the pool of companies that can compete for our colleagues and employment candidates. Our business strategy requires us to attract, onboard and retain individuals relevant for those efforts and we may not be able to do that successfully. The failure to successfully attract and retain qualified personnel could materially adversely affect our ability to secure and complete engagements or could disrupt our business or cause increased operational risk, which would materially adversely affect our results of operations and prospects.
Failure to maintain our corporate culture, including in a remote or hybrid work environment, could damage our reputation.
We aim to foster a culture that is based on a strong client focus with an emphasis on teamwork, integrity, mutual respect and a drive for excellence. Our colleagues are the cornerstone of this culture, and acts of misconduct by any colleague, and particularly by senior management, could erode trust and confidence and damage our reputation among existing and potential clients and other stakeholders. Our business is managing people, risk and capital, and our success depends on our ability to develop and promote an ethical culture of trust, integrity and other important qualities in which our colleagues are comfortable speaking up about potential misconduct. While we do not believe we have experienced any material adverse cultural impacts as a result of our remote and hybrid work environment, this may manifest over time. As a result, remote and hybrid work arrangements may negatively impact our ability to maintain and promote our culture and increase related risks.
Intellectual Property, Technology, Cybersecurity and Data Protection Risks
Data and cybersecurity breaches or improper disclosure of confidential company or personal data could result in material financial loss, regulatory actions, reputational harm and/or legal liability.
We depend on information technology networks and systems to process, transmit and store electronic information and to communicate among our locations around the world and with our alliance partners, insurance carriers/markets, clients and third-party vendors. We also maintain our clients’ confidential and proprietary information and the personal data of their customers and employees. Our information systems, and those of our third-party service providers and vendors, are vulnerable to an increasing threat of continually evolving cybersecurity risks. We regularly experience cyberattacks and are the target of computer viruses, hackers, distributed denial of service attacks, malware infections, ransomware attacks, phishing and spear-phishing campaigns, and other external hazards, as well as improper or inadvertent workforce behavior, which could expose confidential company and personal data systems and information, including information of our customers and employees, to security breaches. Further, the advance of generative AI may give rise to additional vulnerabilities and potential entry points for cyber threats. With generative AI tools, threat actors may have additional tools to automate breaches or persistent attacks, evade detection, or generate sophisticated phishing emails or other forms of digital impersonation. In addition, increasing use of generative AI models in our internal systems may create new attack methods for adversaries. Because generative AI is a new field, our understanding of cybersecurity risks resulting from generative AI and protection methods continues to develop, and features that rely on generative AI, including in services provided to us by third parties, may be susceptible to unanticipated cybersecurity threats from sophisticated adversaries and other cybersecurity incidents.
Many of the software applications that we use in our business are licensed from, and supported, upgraded and maintained by, third-party vendors. Our third-party applications include, but are not limited to, enterprise cloud storage and cloud computing application services provided and maintained by third-party vendors. These third-party applications store or may afford access to confidential and proprietary data of the Company, our colleagues and our clients. We have processes designed to require third-party vendors that provide information technology (‘IT’) outsourcing, offsite storage and other services to agree to maintain certain standards with
respect to the storage, protection and transfer of confidential, personal and proprietary information, but our processes cannot eliminate all risk of compromise or unauthorized access or use of such information in the event of a breakdown of a vendor’s data protection processes, a data breach due to the intentional or unintentional non-compliance by a vendor’s employee or agent, or as a result of a cyber-attack on the product, software or information systems of a vendor in our software supply chain. Any compromise of the product, software, data or infrastructure of a Company vendor, including a software or IT vendor in our supply chain, has and could again, result in the compromise of Company data or infrastructure or result in material operational disruption, although no such known previous compromise has been material to our business or financial results. Further, the risk and potential impact of a data breach on our third-party vendors’ products, software or systems increase as we move more of our data and our clients’ data into our vendors’ cloud storage, engage in IT outsourcing, and consolidate the group of third-party vendors that provide cloud storage or other IT services for the Company. Over time, the frequency, severity and sophistication of the attacks against us and our vendors have increased, including due to the use of AI for purposes of cybercrime, and the broader range of threat actors, including state-sponsored actors and hacker activists.
We and our vendors regularly experience cybersecurity incidents, including successful attacks from time to time, and we expect that to continue going forward. While we have experienced successful attacks by various types of hacking groups in which personal and commercially sensitive information, belonging to the Company or its clients, has been compromised, none of these cybersecurity incidents or attacks to our knowledge have been material to our business or financial results. Cybersecurity incidents include those resulting from human error or malfeasance, implantation of malware and viruses, phishing and spear-phishing attacks, unauthorized access to our information technology networks and systems, and unauthorized access to data or individual account funds through fraud or other means of deceiving our colleagues, clients, third-party service providers and vendors. We cannot ensure that such cybersecurity incidents or attacks will not have a material impact on our business or financial results in the future. When required by law, we have notified individuals, clients and/or relevant regulatory authorities (such as insurance and financial services regulators and privacy regulators) of such cybersecurity incidents or attacks.
We maintain policies, procedures and administrative, physical and technological safeguards and controls (such as, where in place, multifactor authentication and encryption of data in transit and at rest) designed to protect the security and privacy of the data in our custody and control. However, such safeguards are time-consuming and expensive to deploy broadly and are not necessarily always in place or effective, and we cannot entirely eliminate the risk of data security breaches, improper access to, takeover of or disclosure of confidential company or personally identifiable information. We may not be able to detect and assess such issues, or implement appropriate mitigation or remediation, in a timely manner. We are engaged in an ongoing effort to enhance our protections against such attacks; this effort will require significant expenditures, take time to execute and may not be successful. Our technology may fail to adequately secure the private information we hold and protect it from theft, computer viruses, hackers or inadvertent loss.
As has happened in the past, if any person, including any of our current or former colleagues, intentionally or unintentionally fails to comply with, disregards or intentionally breaches our established controls with respect to such data or otherwise mismanages or misappropriates that data, we could be subject to monetary damages, fines, regulatory enforcement, and/or criminal prosecution. Prior instances of such activity have not been material to our business or financial results. Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client, supplier or colleague data, whether through systems failure, accident, colleague negligence, fraud or misappropriation, could damage our reputation and cause us to lose clients. Similarly, unauthorized access to or through our information systems or those we develop for our clients, whether by our colleagues or third parties, could result in significant additional expenses (including expenses relating to incident response and investigation, remediation work, notification of data security breaches and costs of credit monitoring services), negative publicity, operational disruption, legal liability and/or damage to our reputation, as well as require substantial resources and effort of management, thereby diverting management’s focus and resources from business operations.
The methods used to obtain unauthorized access to, disable or degrade service or sabotage the Company’s systems are also constantly evolving, are increasingly sophisticated, and may be difficult to anticipate or detect. For example, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and other U.S. federal agencies continue to issue warnings about trends in cybercriminal and nation-state activity and other threats that are consistent with some of the types of incidents we have experienced. To our knowledge, these incidents have not had a material impact on our business or operations thus far. However, our reputation could be harmed and our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected if we were to be the target of such attacks in the future, or if, despite our controls and efforts to detect breaches, we were to be the victim of an undetected breach.
We have implemented and regularly review and update processes and procedures to protect against fraud and unauthorized access to and use of secured data and to prevent data loss. The ever-evolving threats mean that we and our third-party service providers and vendors must continually evaluate, adapt, enhance and otherwise improve our respective systems and processes, especially as we grow our mobile, cloud and other internet-based services. There is no guarantee that such efforts will be adequate to safeguard against all fraud, data security breaches, unauthorized access, operational impacts or misuses of data. For example, our policies, colleague training (including phishing prevention training), and procedures and technical safeguards have not prevented or detected all improper
access to confidential, personal or proprietary information by colleagues, vendors or other third parties with otherwise legitimate access to our systems, although, to date, such known improper access has not been material to our business or financial results. In addition, we may not be able to implement such efforts as quickly as desired if, for example, greater resources are required than originally expected or resources and management’s focus are insufficient. Any future significant compromise or breach of our data security or fraud, whether external or internal, or misuse of client, colleague, supplier or company data, could result in additional significant costs, lost revenue opportunities, disruption of operations and service, fines, lawsuits, and damage to our reputation with our clients and in the broader market.
For further discussion of the commercial risks related to the cybersecurity and data protection technology we use, please see ‘Our business performance and growth plans could be negatively affected if we are not able to develop and implement improvements in technology and effectively apply technology, data and analytics to drive value for our clients through technology-based solutions or gain internal efficiencies through the effective application of technology, analytics and related tools’ above. In addition, please see Part I, Item 1C Cybersecurity of this Form 10-K.
Our inability to comply with complex and evolving laws and regulations related to data privacy and cybersecurity could result in material financial loss, regulatory actions, reputational harm and/or legal liability.
We are subject to numerous laws and regulations in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, only certain of which are named here, designed to protect the personal information of client and company constituents and suppliers. These laws often develop in ways we cannot predict, and some laws may be in conflict with one another. This may significantly increase our cost of doing business, particularly as we expand our localization efforts. In addition, we may not be readily able to achieve compliance with the requirements of certain privacy and data security laws and regulations within the required periods for compliance. Certain laws and regulations we are subject to prohibit or restrict the transmission of data outside of certain countries’ borders, and certain others impose heightened obligations on specific categories of sensitive personal information, such as health or financial information. These laws have significantly increased our responsibilities when handling personal data including, without limitation, requiring us: to conduct privacy impact assessments or data protection impact assessments; to restrict the transmission or cross border transfers of data; to adopt and maintain new privacy policies and notices; and to publicly disclose significant data breaches.
For example, we are subject to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (the ‘E.U. GDPR’), violations of which may result in possible fines of up to 4% of global annual turnover for the preceding financial year or €20 million (whichever is higher). Furthermore, following Brexit, we became subject to the U.K.’s Data Protection Act (together with the E.U. GDPR, the ‘GDPR’). In June 2021, the European Commission formally approved an adequacy decision for the U.K. on data protection in which they deemed the U.K.’s data protection regime sufficient to protect E.U. personal data, but the U.K. is considering changes to the Data Protection Act and there is no guarantee that the European Commission will continue to retain its adequacy decision with respect to U.K. data protection law in the future. Additionally, legal developments in Europe have created complexity and regulatory compliance uncertainty regarding certain transfers of personal information from the European Economic Area to the U.S. For example, a July 2020 judgment by the Court of Justice of the European Union on Schrems II invalidated the E.U.-U.S. Data Privacy Shield and on July 10, 2023, the European Commission adopted a new adequacy decision on the E.U.-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (‘Data Privacy Framework’). The Data Privacy Framework created new privacy obligations allowing personal information to be transferred from the E.U. to U.S. entities who have self-certified under the framework. We currently rely on a mixture of mechanisms to lawfully transfer personal data from our U.K. and E.U. businesses to the U.S. and other countries, with standard contractual clauses being the preferred transfer mechanism. As supervisory authorities issue enforcement actions and further guidance on personal information export mechanisms, including circumstances where the standard contractual clauses cannot be used, we could suffer additional costs, or become subject to complaints, regulatory investigations and/or fines. Moreover, if we are otherwise unable to transfer personal information between and among countries and regions in which we operate, it could affect the manner in which we provide our services and could adversely affect our financial results.
Additionally, U.S. states continue to adopt comprehensive state-level privacy laws, which began with the California Consumer Privacy Act (‘CCPA’) (effective January 1, 2020), as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (‘CPRA’) (effective on January 1, 2023). These laws generally provide consumers with certain rights (including rights to correct their data, limit the use and disclosure of sensitive personal information, and opt out of the sharing of personal information for certain targeted behavioral advertising purposes), and require companies to make detailed disclosures to residents of those states about their data collection, use and sharing practices.
The Company is also subject to data privacy laws and regulations that apply to the collection, storage and use of personal health information, including, without limitation, the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (‘HIPAA’), enforced by the Office for Civil Rights within the Department of Health and Human Services, and the New York State Department of Financial Services’ cybersecurity regulations outlining required security measures for the protection of data, and numerous U.S. and foreign marketing and telecommunications laws and regulations designed to protect consumers from unwanted or fraudulent communications. A violation of any such law may lead to litigation or regulatory liability, including substantial financial damages or fines. The burdens imposed by the U.S. state-level privacy laws and other laws that may be enacted at the federal and state level in the future may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur substantial costs in order to comply with these laws and to
investigate and defend against potential private class-action litigation or litigation brought by regulatory authorities. We expect that other U.S. states and other countries will continue to implement their own data privacy and data security laws. The People’s Republic of China and India, among other countries, have enacted stringent data protection laws that, among other things, may restrict data transfers out of each of those countries.
Additionally, as a part of our efforts to implement innovative technology, data and analytic solutions, we may invest in and develop technologies such as AI, digital platforms, data analytics, robotics and blockchain. The technologies underlying such technological innovations and their use cases are rapidly developing, and remain subject to existing laws, including privacy, consumer protection and federal equal opportunity laws. As a result, it is not possible to predict all the legal, operational or technological risks related to the use of these technological innovations. Moreover, these technologies are the subject of evolving review by various regulatory agencies, including the SEC and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, and changes in the regulation of the use these technological innovations may adversely affect our ability to use them in a manner that is cost- and resource-effective, the nature of which cannot be determined at this time.
The evolving and potentially conflicting interpretations of these laws and regulations in the U.S and abroad, as well as laws applicable to the Company that are not named in these risk factors, may restrict the manner in which we provide services to our clients, divert resources from other important initiatives, increase the risk of non-compliance, impose significant compliance and other costs that are likely to increase over time, and increase the risk of fines, lawsuits or other potential liability, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Our failure to adhere to or successfully develop processes in response to legal or regulatory requirements, including legal or regulatory requirements that may be developed or revised due to economic or geopolitical changes such as Brexit, and changing customer expectations in this area, could result in substantial legal liability and impairment to our reputation or business.
We are also subject to the terms of our privacy policies and contractual obligations to third parties related to privacy, data protection and information security. In addition to government regulation, privacy advocates and industry groups may propose new and different self-regulatory standards that either legally or contractually apply to us. We also expect that there will continue to be new proposed laws and regulations concerning privacy, data protection and information security, but cannot yet determine the impact such future laws, regulations and standards may have on our business. New laws, amendments to or re-interpretations of existing laws and regulations, industry standards, contractual obligations and other obligations may require us to incur additional costs and restrict our business operations. Because the interpretation and application of laws and other obligations relating to privacy and data protection are still uncertain, it is possible that these laws and other obligations may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with our existing data management practices. If so, in addition to the possibility of fines, lawsuits and other claims, we could be required to fundamentally change our business activities and practices, which could harm our business. We may be unable to make such changes and modifications in a commercially reasonable manner or at all. Any inability to adequately address privacy concerns, even if unfounded, or comply with applicable privacy or data protection laws, regulations and policies, could result in additional cost and liability, damage to our reputation, or harm to our business.
Our inability to successfully mitigate and recover should we experience a disaster or other business continuity problem could cause material financial loss, loss of human capital, regulatory actions, reputational harm and/or legal liability.
We are exposed to various risks arising out of disasters and business continuity problems, such as fires (such as the recent wildfires in southern California), earthquakes, hurricanes, terrorist attacks, acts of war or civil unrest, pandemics, security breaches, ransomware or destructive malware attacks, power loss, telecommunications failures or other natural or man-made disasters. Should we experience such an event, we may incur operational challenges, and our continued success will depend, in part, on the availability of our personnel, our office facilities, our outsourcing providers or other vendors, access to data, and the proper functioning of our computer, telecommunication and other related systems and operations.
A disaster or business continuity problem of a significant scale or affecting certain of our key operating areas within or across regions, or our inability to successfully recover from such an event, particularly if any of these problems occur during peak times, could materially interrupt our business operations and cause material financial loss, loss of human capital, regulatory actions, reputational harm, damaged client relationships or legal liability.
Material interruption to or loss of our information processing capabilities or failure to effectively maintain and upgrade our information processing hardware or systems could cause material financial loss, regulatory actions, reputational harm and/or legal liability.
Our business and our capacity to serve our clients depend on effective information systems, including the effective storage, retrieval, processing and management of information. Maintaining and enhancing existing systems and developing and creating new systems and products in order to keep pace with evolving technologies and evolving industry and regulatory standards requires significant financial and other resources. We aim to be at the forefront of a range of technology options relevant to our business and staying ahead of the technology offered by our competitors, and attracting, developing and retaining skilled individuals in the cybersecurity space.
The market for such qualified individuals is competitive and we may be unable to hire the talent needed to mitigate the foregoing risks.
In addition, many of the software applications, including enterprise cloud storage and cloud computing application services, that we use in our business are licensed from, and supported, upgraded and maintained by, third-party vendors. We are significantly increasing our use of such cloud services and expect this to continue over time. These third-party applications store confidential and proprietary data of the Company, our clients and our colleagues. A suspension or termination of certain of these licenses or the related support, upgrades and maintenance could cause temporary system delays or interruptions that could adversely impact our business. We also, from time to time, acquire other companies or divest certain of our existing businesses and companies, which requires us to manage complex integrations or dissolutions of information systems or the transfer of information from one system to another, and we may fail to identify, mitigate and address vulnerabilities in our targets’ information systems or in integrated components of our respective information systems. These transactions may make us more susceptible to cyberattacks and could result in the theft of Company intellectual property, the compromise of Company, colleague, and client data or operational disruption.
Any finding that the data we rely on to run our business is inaccurate or unreliable, that we fail to maintain effective and efficient systems (including through a telecommunications failure, failure to replace or update redundant or obsolete computer hardware, applications or software systems, or the loss of skilled people with the knowledge needed to operate our systems), or that we experience cost overruns, delays, or other disruptions, could result in material financial loss, regulatory action, reputational harm or legal liability.
Limited protection of our intellectual property could harm our business and our ability to compete effectively, and we face the risk that our services or products may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others.
We cannot guarantee that trade secret, trademark, and copyright law protections, or our internal policies and procedures regarding our management of intellectual property, are adequate to deter misappropriation of our intellectual property (including our software, which may become an increasingly important part of our business). Existing laws of some countries in which we provide services or products may offer only limited protection of our intellectual property rights. Also, we may be unable to detect the unauthorized use of our intellectual property and take the necessary steps to enforce our rights, which may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We cannot be sure that our services and products, or the products of others that we offer to our clients, do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of third parties, and we may have infringement claims asserted against us or our clients. These claims may harm our reputation, result in financial liability, consume financial resources to pursue or defend, and prevent us from offering some services or products. In addition, these claims, whether with or without merit, could be expensive, could require significant time and resource expenditure, and could divert management’s focus from business operations. Successful challenges against us could require us to modify or discontinue our use of technology or business processes where such use is found to infringe or violate the rights of others, or require us to purchase licenses from third parties, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
Legal, Non-Financial/Regulatory and Compliance Risks
From time to time, we receive claims and are party to lawsuits arising from our work, which could materially adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our business depends in large part on our relationships with clients and our reputation for high-quality services. Clients that become dissatisfied with our services may terminate their business relationships with us, and clients and third parties that claim they suffered damages caused by our services may bring lawsuits against us. Actual and potential claims, lawsuits, investigations and other proceedings against us principally relate to alleged errors and omissions in connection with the provision of our services or the placement of insurance and reinsurance in the ordinary course of business, though we face other types of claims, lawsuits, investigations and proceedings outside of errors and omissions claims from time to time. See Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for examples of claims to which we are subject.
Because we often assist our clients with matters involving substantial amounts of money and complex regulatory requirements, including actuarial services, asset management, technology solutions development and implementation and the placement of insurance coverage, claims against us generally allege our potential liability for all or part of the substantial amounts in question. The nature of our work, particularly our actuarial services, necessarily involves the use of assumptions and the preparation of estimates relating to future and contingent events, the actual outcome of which we cannot know in advance. Our actuarial and brokerage services also rely on substantial amounts of data provided by clients, the accuracy and quality of which we cannot ensure. In addition, computational, software programming or data management errors occur from time to time in connection with the services we provide to clients. Clients may seek to hold us responsible for our alleged failures to comply with legal or professional duties. For example, if a client alleged that we failed to comply with legislative requirements as part of our actuarial work and these failures in turn led to an increase
in pension scheme liabilities, such a client may seek to bring a claim against us which could materially adversely affect our reputation, business or financial condition.
Clients may seek to hold us responsible for alleged errors or omissions relating to any of the brokerage advice and services we provide, including when claims they submit to their insurance carriers are disputed or denied. This risk is likely to be higher in circumstances, where there are significant disputes between clients and insurance carriers over coverage and clients allege claims against us. In other cases, clients may allege that we have failed entirely to procure insurance coverage consistent with their instructions, and although we have established internal processes and controls to prevent such omissions, we cannot guarantee that these processes will always work as intended. Risk of errors or omissions may be higher in circumstances where we have significant numbers of departures or new joiners or other disruptions to our business, such as changes in ways of working. Such risks may also be higher in parts of our business that are not well-integrated with the rest of the Company for reasons of geography, culture, language, historical practice or other circumstances. Given that many of our clients have very high insurance policy limits to cover their risks, alleged errors and omissions claims against us arising from disputed or denied claims are often significant. Moreover, in certain circumstances, our brokerage, investment and certain other types of business may not limit the maximum liability to which we may be exposed for claims involving alleged errors or omissions. As such, we do not have limited liability for the work we provide to the associated clients.
Further, given that we frequently work with large pension funds and insurance companies as well as other large clients, relatively small percentage errors or variances can create significant financial variances and may result in significant claims for unintended or unfunded liabilities. The risks from such variances or errors could be aggravated in an environment of declining pension fund asset values and insurance company capital levels. In almost all cases, our exposure to liability with respect to a particular engagement is substantially greater than the revenue opportunity that the engagement generates for us.
Clients may seek to hold us responsible for the financial consequences of variances between assumptions and estimates and actual outcomes or for errors. For example, in the case of pension plan actuarial work, a client’s claims might focus on the client’s alleged reliance on actuarial assumptions that it asserts in hindsight were unreasonable and, based on such reliance, the client made benefit commitments that it may later claim are not affordable or funding decisions that result in plan underfunding if and when actual outcomes vary from actuarial assumptions.
We also continue to create new products and services (including a new managing general underwriter and increasingly complex technology solutions) and to grow the business of providing products and services to institutional investors, financial services companies and other clients. The risk of claims from these lines of business and related products and services may be greater than from our core products or services, and such claims may be for significant amounts as we take on increasingly complicated projects, including those with complex regulatory requirements.
We also provide advice on both asset allocation and selection of investment managers. Increasingly, for many clients, we are responsible for making decisions on both of these matters, or we may serve in a fiduciary capacity, either of which may increase liability exposure. In addition, the Company offers affiliated investment funds, including in the U.S. and Ireland, with plans to launch additional funds over time. Given that our Investments business may recommend affiliated investment funds or affirmatively invest such clients’ assets in such funds under delegated authority, this may increase our liability exposure. We may also be liable for actions of managers or other service providers to the funds. Further, for certain clients, we are responsible for some portions of cash and investment management, including rebalancing of investment portfolios and guidance to third parties on the structure of derivatives and securities transactions. Asset classes may experience poor absolute performance, and investment managers may underperform their benchmarks; in both cases the investment return shortfall can be significant. Clients experiencing this underperformance, including from our affiliated investment funds, may assert claims against us, and such claims may be for significant amounts. In addition, our failure to properly execute our role can cause monetary damage to our clients or such third parties for which we might be found liable, and such claims may be for significant amounts. As we continue to expand this business geographically and by way of new product, service, and advisory offerings we will be subject to additional contractual exposures and obligations with investors, asset managers, and third-party service providers, as well as increased regulatory exposures. Overall, our ability to contractually limit our potential liability may be restrained in certain jurisdictions or markets or in connection with claims involving breaches of fiduciary duties or other alleged errors or omissions.
The ultimate outcome of all of the above matters cannot be ascertained and liabilities in indeterminate amounts may be claimed or imposed on us. In addition, our insurance coverage may not be sufficient in type or amount to cover us against such liabilities. It is thus possible that future results of operations or cash flows for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable resolution of these matters. In addition, these matters continue to divert management and personnel resources away from operating our business. Even if we do not experience significant monetary costs, there may be adverse publicity associated with these matters that could result in reputational harm to the industries we operate in or to us in particular that may
adversely affect our business, client or colleague relationships. Defending against these claims can involve potentially significant costs, including legal defense costs.
W e are subject from time to time to inquiries or investigations by governmental agencies or regulators that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We have been and may continue to be subject to inquiries and investigations by federal, state, international, or other governmental agencies regarding aspects of our clients’ businesses and/or our own businesses, including (but not limited to) regulated businesses such as our insurance brokerage, Benefits, Delivery and Administration (‘BDA’) reporting unit, and investment advisory services. Such inquiries or investigations can consume significant management time and result in regulatory sanctions, fines or other actions as well as significant legal fees, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and liquidity. Also, we face additional regulatory scrutiny as we expand our businesses geographically and as we increase the scope of new products and services that we offer.
All of these items reflect an increased focus by government agencies (in the U.K., U.S., and elsewhere) on various aspects of the operations and affairs of our businesses. We are unable to predict the outcome of these inquiries or investigations. Any proposed changes that result from these investigations and inquiries, or any other investigations, inquiries or regulatory developments, or any potential fines or enforcement action, could materially adversely affect our business and our results of operations.
We are subject to political, economic, legal, regulatory, compliance, cultural, market, operational and other risks that are inherent in operating our global businesses.
We continue to expand our businesses and operations into new regions throughout the world, including emerging markets. In conducting our businesses and maintaining and supporting our global operations, we are subject to political, economic, legal, regulatory, compliance, cultural, market, operational and other risks. The possible effects of political, economic, financial and climate change related disruptions throughout the world could have an adverse impact on our businesses and financial results. These risks include:
•the general economic and political conditions in the U.S. and foreign countries (including political and social unrest in certain regions);
•the imposition of controls or limitations on the conversion of foreign currencies or remittance of dividends and other payments by foreign subsidiaries;
•the imposition of sanctions by both the U.S. and foreign governments;
•the imposition of withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments from subsidiaries;
•the imposition or increase of investment and other restrictions by foreign governments;
•fluctuations in currency exchange rates or our tax rates;
•difficulties in controlling operations and monitoring colleagues in geographically dispersed and culturally diverse locations; and
•the practical challenges and costs of complying, or monitoring compliance, with a wide variety of foreign laws (some of which are evolving or are not as well-developed as the laws of the U.S. or U.K. or which may conflict with U.S. or other sources of law), and regulations applicable to insurance brokers and other business operations abroad (in more than 140 countries, including many in emerging markets), including laws, rules and regulations relating to the conduct of business, trade sanction laws administered by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, the E.U., the U.K. and the United Nations (‘U.N.’), and the requirements of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (‘FCPA’), as well as other anti-bribery and corruption rules and requirements in all of the countries in which we operate.
Sanctions imposed by governments, or changes to such sanction regulations (such as sanctions imposed on Russia and China), and related counter-sanctions, could have a material adverse impact on our operations or financial results.
International conflicts and related geopolitical tensions increase the risk of sanctions impacting our business. In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, which led to a series of economic and other sanctions on Russia imposed by the U.S., the E.U., the U.K., and other authorities. There also continue to be diplomatic and trade tensions between the U.S. and China, which have been exacerbated by Chinese military exercises around Taiwan, and which could lead to an increase in sanctions and the implementation of other trade measures. There has been an increase in U.S. sanctions designations in relation to Russia and China and counter-sanctions from both Russia and China in response to these sanctions. Additionally, in October 2023, conflict escalated in the Middle East between Israel
and Hamas, and subsequently Hezbollah and Iran. Sanctions issued in response to these Middle East conflicts could have an adverse impact on our operations.
Sanctions imposed by the U.S., the E.U., the U.K. and other authorities on Russia, as well as Russian counter-sanctions, are extensive. Russian actions and the resulting sanctions could adversely affect the global economy and financial markets and lead to instability and lack of liquidity in capital markets. The ramifications of the hostilities and sanctions, however, may not be limited to Russia and Russian companies but may spill over to and negatively impact other regional and global economic markets (including Europe and the United States), companies in other countries (particularly those that have done business with Russia) and various sectors, industries and markets for securities and commodities globally, such as oil and natural gas. Accordingly, the actions discussed above and the potential for a wider conflict could increase financial market volatility and could cause severe negative effects on regional and global economic markets, industries and companies. In addition, retaliatory actions and other countermeasures by Russia, including cyberattacks and espionage against other countries and companies around the world, including where we do business, may negatively impact such countries and companies like us. The extent and duration of the Russian actions or future escalation of such hostilities, the extent and impact of existing and future sanctions, market disruptions and volatility, and the result of any diplomatic negotiations cannot be predicted.
Touchpoints with sanctioned individuals, entities or locations can be difficult to identify and, given the increased scope and complexity of sanctions and the manual and varied nature of some of our processes, there is an increased risk of non-compliance. A number of volatile geopolitical events are likely to affect the implementation of sanctions such as the escalation of sanctions towards Belarus, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict, negotiations between the E.U., U.S. and Iran over a new nuclear deal, as well as continuing tensions between the U.S. and China with their sanctions and subsequent counter-sanctions. Some of these jurisdictions, such as China, may include significant businesses for us. As a result, we cannot predict the impacts of any changes in the U.S., E.U., U.K. or other sanctions, and whether such changes could have a material adverse impact on our operations or financial results.
Our business will be negatively affected if we are not able to anticipate and keep pace with rapid changes in government laws or regulations, or if government laws or regulations decrease the need for our services, increase our costs or limit our compensation.
A material portion of our revenue is affected by statutory or regulatory changes. Some examples of statutory or regulatory changes that could materially impact us are any changes to the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (‘PPACA’), the Healthcare and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (‘HCERA’), which we refer to collectively as ‘Healthcare Reform’, or to the Medicare laws and regulations. While the U.S. Congress has not passed legislation replacing or fundamentally amending Healthcare Reform (other than changes to the individual mandate), such legislation, or another version of Healthcare Reform, could be implemented in the future. In addition, some U.S. political candidates and representatives elected to office have expressed a desire to amend all or a portion of Healthcare Reform or otherwise establish alternatives to employer-sponsored health insurance or replace it with government-sponsored health insurance, often referred to as ‘Medicare for All’. If we are unable to adapt our services to potential new laws and regulations, or judicial modifications, with respect to Healthcare Reform or otherwise, our ability to provide effective services in these areas may be impacted. In addition, more restrictive marketing rules or interpretations of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or judicial decisions that restrict or otherwise change existing provisions of U.S. healthcare regulation, could have an adverse impact on our healthcare-related businesses.
In addition, on April 23, 2024, the United States Department of Labor (‘DOL’) released a final rule (the ‘Retirement Security Rule’) that, among other things, expands the definition of an investment advice fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (‘ERISA’) and broadens the scope of advice that must meet fiduciary standards. As we continue to review the Retirement Security Rule, uncertainty exists regarding the Retirement Security Rule’s impact on one or more of our businesses, the conduct of which may become subject to fiduciary standards. Industry trade groups brought legal challenges to the Retirement Security Rule and, in late July 2024, two federal district courts issued stays halting the implementation of the entirety of the Retirement Security Rule until further notice. The DOL has appealed these decisions to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Many other areas in which we provide services are the subject of government regulation, which is constantly evolving. For example, our activities in connection with insurance brokerage services are subject to regulation and supervision by national, state or other authorities. Insurance laws in the markets in which we operate are often complex and generally grant broad discretion to supervisory authorities in adopting regulations and supervising regulated activities. That supervision generally includes the licensing of insurance brokers and agents and the regulation of the handling and investment of client funds held in a fiduciary capacity. Our continuing ability to provide insurance brokerage in the markets in which we currently operate is dependent upon our compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated from time to time by the regulatory authorities in each of these locations.
Changes in government and accounting regulations in the U.S. and the U.K., two of our principal geographic markets, affecting the value, use or delivery of benefits and human capital programs, may materially adversely affect the demand for, or the profitability of, our various services. In addition, we have significant operations throughout the world, which further subject us to applicable laws and
regulations of countries outside the U.S. and the U.K. Changes in legislation or regulations and actions by regulators in particular countries, including changes in administration and enforcement policies, could require operational improvements or modifications, which may result in higher costs or hinder our ability to operate our business in those countries.
Given the uncertainties relating to legal, statutory and regulatory changes that affect health insurance plans across the globe, the impact is difficult to determine, but it could have material negative effects on us, including:
•increasing our competition;
•reducing or eliminating the need for health insurance agents and brokers or demand for the health insurance that we sell;
•decreasing the number of types of health insurance plans that we sell, as well as the number of insurance carriers offering such plans;
•causing insurance carriers to change the benefits and/or premiums for the plans they sell; or
•causing insurance carriers to reduce the amount they pay for our services or change our relationship with them in other ways.
Any of these effects could materially harm our business and results of operations. And, if such legal, statutory or regulatory changes do occur, or if insurance carriers decide to limit our ability to sell their plans or determine not to sell individual health insurance plans altogether, our business, results of operations and financial condition would be materially harmed.
Our compliance systems and controls cannot guarantee that we comply fully with all applicable federal and state or foreign laws and regulations, and actions by regulatory authorities or changes in applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate could impact our operations and/or have an adverse effect on our business.
Our activities are subject to extensive regulation under the laws of the U.S., the U.K., the E.U. and its member states, and the other jurisdictions around the world in which we operate. In addition, we own an interest in a number of associates and companies where we do not exercise management control. Regulators across the world also continue to seek to regulate brokers, fund managers and investment advisers who operate in their jurisdictions. The foreign and U.S. laws and regulations applicable to our operations are complex, continually evolving and may increase the costs of regulatory compliance, limit or restrict the products or services we sell or subject our business to the possibility of regulatory actions or proceedings. These laws and regulations include insurance and financial industry regulations, antitrust and competition laws, economic and trade sanctions laws relating to countries and regions in which certain subsidiaries do business or may do business (‘Sanctioned Jurisdictions’) such as Crimea, the Luhansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk People’s Republic (and other occupied territories of Ukraine), Cuba, Iran, Russia, Sudan, Syria and Venezuela, anti-corruption laws such as the FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, and similar local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to governmental officials and the Foreign Account Tax Compliance provisions of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act in the U.S., as well as laws and regulations related to data privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and telemarketing. Because of changes in regulation and company practice, our non-U.S. subsidiaries are providing more services with connections to various countries, including some Sanctioned Jurisdictions, that our U.S. subsidiaries are unable to perform.
In most jurisdictions, governmental and regulatory authorities have the ability to interpret and amend these laws and regulations and impose penalties for non-compliance, including sanctions, civil remedies, monetary fines, injunctions, revocation of licenses or approvals, suspension of individuals, limitations on business activities or redress to clients. While we believe that we have substantially increased our focus on the geographic breadth of regulations to which we are subject, maintain good relationships with our key regulators and our current systems and controls are adequate, we cannot assure that such systems and controls will prevent any violations of any applicable laws and regulations. While we strive to remain fully compliant with applicable laws and regulations, we cannot guarantee that we will fully comply at all times with all laws and regulations, especially in countries with developing or evolving legal systems or with evolving or extra-territorial regulations. In particular, given the challenges of integrating operations, many of which are decentralized and have manual processes, we cannot assure that business systems and controls, including those of acquired or decentralized entities, have prevented or will prevent any and all violations of applicable laws or regulations. Further, our policies and procedures may not be effective or may not be complied with consistency across the enterprise. In the event that we believe our colleagues or agents may have caused us or any of our subsidiaries to violate applicable sanctions laws or other laws or regulations, we may be required to investigate or have outside counsel investigate the relevant facts and circumstances which could be costly and require significant time and attention from senior management. Non-compliance with these laws can result in criminal or civil penalties, which could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operation, cash flows, and cause significant brand or reputational damage.
Allegations of conflicts of interest or anti-competitive behavior, including in connection with accepting market derived income (‘MDI’), may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation or reputation.
The ways in which insurance intermediaries are compensated receive scrutiny from regulators in part because of the potential for anti-competitive behavior and conflicts of interest. We could suffer significant financial or reputational harm if we fail to properly identify and manage any such potential conflicts of interest or allegations of anti-competitive behavior. Conflicts of interest exist or could exist any time the Company or any of its colleagues have or may have an interest in a transaction or engagement that is inconsistent with our clients’ interests. This could occur, for example, when the Company is providing services to multiple parties in connection with a transaction. In addition, as we provide more solutions-based services, there is greater potential for conflicts with advisory services. Managing conflicts of interest is an important issue for the Company which can be a challenge for a large and complex company such as ours. Due to the broad scope of our businesses and our client base, we regularly address potential conflicts of interest, including, without limitation, situations where our services to a particular client or our own investments or other interests are in conflict, or are perceived to be in conflict, with the interests of another client. If conflicts of interest are not carefully managed, it could lead to failure or perceived failure to protect the client’s interests, with attendant regulatory and reputational risks that could materially adversely affect us and our operations. There is no guarantee that all potential conflicts of interest will be identified, and undetected conflicts may result in damage to our professional reputation and result in legal liability, which may have a material adverse effect on our business. Identifying conflicts of interest may also prove difficult as we continue to bring systems and information together and integrate newly acquired businesses. We may not be able to adequately address such conflicts of interest.
In addition, insurance intermediaries have traditionally been remunerated by base commissions paid by insurance carriers in respect of placements we make for clients, or by fees paid by clients. Intermediaries also obtain other revenue from insurance carriers. This revenue, when derived from carriers in their capacity as insurance markets (as opposed to as corporate clients of the intermediaries where they may be purchasing insurance or reinsurance or other non-market-related services), is commonly known as market derived income or ‘MDI’. MDI is another example of an area in which allegations of conflicts of interest may arise. MDI takes a variety of forms, including volume- or profit-based contingent commissions, facilities administration charges, business development agreements, and fees for providing certain data to carriers.
MDI creates various risks. Intermediaries in many markets have a duty to act in the best interests of their clients and payments from carriers can incentivize intermediaries to put carriers’ or their own interests ahead of their clients. Accordingly, MDI may be subject to scrutiny by various regulators under conflict of interest, anti-trust, unfair competition, conduct and anti-bribery laws and regulations. While accepting MDI is a lawful and acceptable business practice, and while we have established systems and controls to manage these risks, we cannot predict whether our position will result in regulatory or other scrutiny and our controls may not be effective.
In addition, the Company offers affiliated investment funds, with plans to launch additional funds over time. Given that our Investments business may recommend affiliated investment funds or affirmatively invest such clients’ assets in such funds under delegated authority, there may be a perceived conflict of interest. While the Company has processes, procedures, and controls in place intended to mitigate any such potential conflicts, such controls may not be effective and any public perception that our controls are not effective, regardless of whether such perception is based in fact, could trigger regulatory inquiries or could impact client demand and the business’ financial performance. In addition, underperformance by our affiliated investment funds could lead to lawsuits by clients that were invested in such funds.
The failure or perceived failure to adequately address actual or potential conflicts of interest or allegations of anti-competitive behavior could affect the willingness of clients to deal with us or give rise to litigation or enforcement actions. Conflicts of interest or anti-competitive activities may also arise in the future that could cause material harm to us.
Our global operations expose us to increasing, and sometimes conflicting, legal and regulatory requirements in environmental, social and governance (‘ESG’) matters, and violation of these regulations could harm our business.
Increasing focus on ESG matters has and will continue to result in the adoption of legal and regulatory requirements that may be designed to mitigate, among other things, the effects of climate change on the environment and ensure sustainable supply chains, which require additional disclosure and reporting. As a result of our global operations, we can be subject to conflicting regulatory requirements from which conflicts may be exacerbated in markets with anti-ESG regulations. If new laws or regulations are more stringent than or conflict with current legal or regulatory requirements, we may experience increased compliance burdens and costs to meet such obligations. In addition, our selection of voluntary disclosure frameworks and standards, and the interpretation or application of those frameworks and standards, may change from time to time or may not meet the expectations of investors or other stakeholders. From time to time we may set, change or withdraw commitments or goals relating to sustainability (i.e., our ESG efforts relating to our internal operations) or our membership or support for certain sustainability-related organizations or initiatives. Our ability to develop and achieve our sustainability commitments and goals are subject to numerous risks, many of which are outside of our control, such as: the availability and cost of low- or non-greenhouse gas-intensive energy sources; infrastructure and technologies; evolving regulatory requirements affecting sustainability standards or disclosures; the sustainability posture of others in our value
chain such as suppliers and other counterparties; and the availability and reliability of information upon which we determine our commitments, goals, and achievements.
Our processes and controls for reporting sustainability matters across our operations are evolving along with standards for identifying, measuring and reporting sustainability metrics, including sustainability-related disclosures that may be required by the SEC, European and other regulators, and such standards may change over time, which could result in significant revisions to our current goals, reported progress in achieving such goals, or ability to achieve such goals on a timely basis or at all. Methodologies for reporting sustainability data may be updated and previously-reported sustainability data may be adjusted to reflect: improvement in availability, measurement or quality of data, changing assumptions and use of estimates, changes in the nature and scope of our operations and other changes in circumstances. As we work to prepare to comply with new and amended applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including European Sustainability Reporting Standards under the E.U. Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (‘CSRD’), the E.U. Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, California’s Health and Safety Code as amended by S.B. 219 and IFRS Sustainability Standards issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board that may become applicable to us in our global operations, as well as focus on our own sustainability assessments and priorities, we may disclose additional metrics against which we may measure ourselves or be measured and tracked by others over time. We cannot predict future legal, regulatory and other developments in these areas, and any changes to the regulatory framework or our disclosure obligations could also negatively impact our business and results.
Increasing scrutiny and changing or competing expectations from governmental authorities, investors, clients and our colleagues with respect to our sustainability practices can impose additional costs on us or expose us to reputational, litigation or other risks.
There is increased and sometimes conflicting focus, including from governments, non-governmental organizations, investors, colleagues and clients, on sustainability matters such as environmental stewardship, climate change, inclusion and diversity, racial justice and workplace conduct. Negative public perception, adverse publicity or negative comments in social media and other forums could damage our reputation if we do not, or are not perceived to, adequately or appropriately address any one or more of these issues. Any harm to our reputation relating to sustainability matters could impact colleague engagement and retention and the willingness of clients and others to do business with us. In addition, with anti-ESG regulations and sentiment present in some of our markets, we could experience reduced revenue and reputational harm if we are targeted by government actors, private groups or influential individuals who disagree with our public positions on social or environmental issues, including our membership or commitments to sustainability-related organizations or initiatives. Similarly, we could become the target of litigation or investigations initiated by government authorities or private actors alleging that our sustainability-related activities are anti-competitive, discriminatory or otherwise unlawful.
Disclosures around our sustainability-related activities combined with increased demand for and scrutiny of sustainability-related strategies and advice may increase the risk that we could be perceived as, or accused of, making inaccurate or misleading statements, commonly referred to as ‘greenwashing,’ or that we have otherwise violated regulations. We may also face heightened scrutiny if we provide advice to our clients on or otherwise advocate in favor of particular sustainability strategies but do not implement them within our own business. Such perceptions or accusations could damage our reputation, result in litigation or regulatory enforcement actions and adversely affect our business.
Investors, in particular, have increased their emphasis on the sustainability practices of companies across all industries, including with respect to climate and human capital management. Certain investors have developed their own sustainability ratings while others use third-party benchmarks or scores to measure a company’s sustainability practices and make investment decisions or otherwise engage with the company to influence its practices in these areas. Additionally, our clients may evaluate our sustainability practices and/or request that we adopt certain sustainability-related policies in order to work with us. Also, organizations that provide ratings information to certain investors on sustainability-related matters may assign unfavorable ratings to the Company, which may lead to negative investor sentiment and the diversion of investment capital to other companies or industries, which could have a negative impact on the price of our ordinary shares and our costs of capital.
New government regulations could also result in new or more stringent forms of sustainability oversight and new mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence and disclosure and related assurance. These new laws, rules and regulations could affect our operations or require significant expenditures.
As the nature, scope, and complexity of sustainability reporting, diligence and disclosure requirements expand, we may have to undertake additional costs to control, assess and report on sustainability metrics. Any failure or perceived failure, whether valid or not, to meet expectations or metrics, whether such expectations or metrics are set by us or by investors or other stakeholders, or to any other failure to make progress in this area on a timely basis, or at all, could negatively impact our reputation and our business.
Finally, in addition to the management, reporting, diligence and disclosure obligations governing our ESG practices, we are exposed to the business, operational and financial risks arising out of natural disasters, many of which could be exacerbated by climate change. See the Risk Factor under the heading ‘Macroeconomic trends, including inflation, changes in interest rates and trade policies, as well as political events, trade and other international disputes, war, terrorism, natural disasters, public health issues and other business interruptions, can adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition’ for more information.
The economic, regulatory and political impact of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, which occurred on January 31, 2020, could adversely affect us.
The Company is heavily invested in the U.K. through our businesses and activities. Brexit has resulted in greater restrictions on business conducted between the U.K. and E.U. countries and has increased regulatory complexities. Uncertainty remains as to how changes to the U.K.’s access to the E.U. Single Market and the wider trading, legal, regulatory, tax, social and labor environments, especially in the U.K. and E.U., will be impacted over time, including the resulting impacts on our business and that of our clients.
These Brexit-related changes may adversely affect our operations and financial results.
We believe we have implemented appropriate arrangements for the continued servicing of client business in the countries most affected. However, various significant risks remain in relation to the effects of the post-Brexit arrangements between the E.U. and U.K. including the following, among others:
•the risk that regulators in the U.K. or E.U. may issue amended guidance or regulations in relation to those solutions (including any amended E.U. regulatory guidance in connection with the use of third-country branches of E.U.-domiciled insurance intermediary entities, whether following supervisory statements such as that issued by European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (‘EIOPA’) on February 3, 2023 or otherwise) or that we fail to gain regulatory authorizations which could affect our business, operations or strategic plans;
•the risk that we may require further changes to client contract terms and have to address additional regulatory requirements, including with respect to data protection and privacy standards;
•the risk over time of a loss of key talent, or an inability to hire sufficient and qualified talent, or the disruption to client servicing as a result of a need to relocate talent or roles or both between or within the E.U. and the U.K. as the regulatory and business environment changes following Brexit;
•the risk that the business solutions implemented by our market counterparties change as the U.K.-E.U. regulatory environment evolves in a way that necessitates further alterations to our business models, with the risks described above;
•the risk that the U.K. will continue to have in place a limited number of trade agreements with the E.U. member states and/or any non-E.U. states leading to potentially adverse trading conditions with other territories; and
•the risk that the way in which the U.K.-E.U. regulatory and legal environment evolves differs from current expectations, resulting in the need to quickly and materially change our plans, and the risks described above with respect to any associated changes in such plans.
Financial and Related Regulatory Risks
We have material pension liabilities that can fluctuate significantly and adversely affect our financial position or net income or result in other financial impacts.
We have material pension liabilities, some of which represent unfunded and underfunded pension and postretirement liabilities. Movements in the interest rate environment, investment returns, inflation, changes in other assumptions that are used to estimate our benefit obligations, changes to existing legislation or interpretation thereof, the outcome of current or future litigation, and other factors could have a material effect on the level of liabilities in these pension plans and schemes at any given time. Most pension plans and schemes have minimum funding requirements that may require material amounts of periodic additional funding and accounting requirements that may result in increased pension expense. Depending on the foregoing factors, among others, we could be required to recognize further pension expense in the future. Increased pension expense could adversely affect our earnings or cause earnings volatility. In addition, the need to make additional cash contributions may reduce our financial flexibility and increase liquidity risk by reducing the cash available to meet our other obligations, including the payment obligations under our credit facilities and other long-term debt or other needs of our business.
Our outstanding debt could adversely affect our cash flows and financial flexibility, and we may not be able to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all.
WTW had total consolidated debt outstanding of approximately $5.3 billion as of December 31, 2024, and our related interest expense was $259 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Although management believes that our cash flows will be sufficient to service this debt, there may be circumstances in which required payments of principal and/or interest on this level of indebtedness may:
•require us to dedicate a significant portion of our cash flow to payments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow to fund capital expenditures, to pursue other acquisitions or investments, to buy back Company shares, to pay dividends and for general corporate purposes;
•limit our flexibility in reacting to changes or challenges relating to our business and industry; and
•put us at a competitive disadvantage against competitors who have less indebtedness or are in a more favorable position to access additional capital resources.
The terms of our current financings also include certain limitations. For example, the agreements relating to our debt arrangements and our revolving credit facility contain numerous operating and financial covenants, including requirements to maintain minimum ratios of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated cash interest expense and maximum levels of consolidated funded indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA, in each case subject to certain adjustments. The operating restrictions and financial covenants in our credit facility do, and any future financing agreements may, limit our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business activities.
A failure to comply with the restrictions under our credit facility and outstanding notes could result in a default or a cross-default under the financing obligations or could require us to obtain waivers from our lenders or noteholders, as applicable, for failure to comply with these restrictions. The occurrence of a default that is not cured, or the inability to secure a necessary consent or waiver, could cause our obligations with respect to our debt to be accelerated and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The maintenance and growth of our business depends on our access to capital, which will depend in large part on cash flow generated by our business and the availability of equity and debt financing. Also, we could be at risk to rising interest rates in the future to the extent that we borrow at floating rates under our existing borrowing agreements or refinance existing debt at higher rates. There can be no assurance that our operations will generate sufficient positive cash flow to finance all of our capital needs or that we will be able to obtain equity or debt financing on favorable terms or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on us.
A downgrade to our corporate credit rating, the credit ratings of our outstanding debt or other market speculation may adversely affect our borrowing costs and financial flexibility and, under certain circumstances, may require us to offer to buy back some of our outstanding debt.
A downgrade in our corporate credit rating or the credit ratings of our debt would increase our borrowing costs, including those under our credit facility, and reduce our financial flexibility. Real or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect any trading market for, or trading value of, our securities. Such changes could result from any number of factors, including the modification by a credit rating agency of the criteria or methodology it applies to particular issuers, a change in the agency’s view of us or our industry, or as a consequence of actions we take to implement our corporate strategies. If we need to raise capital in the future, any credit rating downgrade could negatively affect our financing costs or access to financing sources. A change in our credit rating could also adversely impact our competitive position.
In addition, under the indentures for our 4.400% senior notes due 2026, our 4.650% senior notes due 2027, our 4.500% senior notes due 2028, our 2.950% senior notes due 2029, our 5.350% senior notes due 2033, our 6.125% senior notes due 2043, our 5.050% senior notes due 2048, our 3.875% senior notes due 2049 and our 5.900% senior notes due 2054, if we experience a ratings decline together with a change of control event, we would be required to offer to purchase these notes from holders unless we had previously redeemed those notes. We may not have sufficient funds available or access to funding to repurchase tendered notes in that event, which could result in a default under the notes. Any future debt that we incur may contain covenants regarding, among other things, repurchases in the event of a change of control triggering event.
Our significant non-U.S. operations, particularly our London market operations, expose us to exchange rate fluctuations and various other risks that could impact our business.
A significant portion of our operations is conducted outside of the U.S. Accordingly, we are subject to legal, economic and market risks associated with operating in foreign countries, including devaluations and fluctuations in currency exchange rates; imposition of limitations on conversion of foreign currencies into Pounds sterling or U.S. dollars or remittance of dividends and other payments by foreign subsidiaries; hyperinflation in certain foreign countries; adverse or unexpected impacts of fiscal and monetary policies of foreign countries; imposition or increase of investment and other restrictions by foreign governments; and the requirement of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws.
We report our operating results and financial condition in U.S. dollars. Our U.S. operations earn revenue and incur expenses primarily in U.S. dollars. In our London market operations however, we earn revenue in a number of different currencies, but expenses are almost entirely incurred in Pounds sterling. Outside of the U.S. and our London market operations, we predominantly generate revenue and expenses in local currencies.
Because of devaluations and fluctuations in currency exchange rates or the imposition of limitations on conversion of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars, we are subject to currency translation exposure on the profits of our operations, in addition to economic exposure. Furthermore, the mismatch between Pounds sterling revenue and expenses, together with any net Pounds sterling balance sheet position we hold in our U.S. dollar-denominated London market operations, creates an exchange exposure. While we do utilize hedging strategies to attempt to reduce the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, there can be no assurance that our hedging strategies will be effective.
Changes in accounting principles or in our accounting estimates and assumptions could negatively affect our financial position and results of operations.
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Any change to accounting principles, particularly to U.S. GAAP, could have a material adverse effect on us or our results of operations.
U.S. GAAP accounting principles require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. We are also required to make certain judgments that affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during each reporting period. We periodically evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those relating to revenue recognition, valuation of billed and unbilled receivables from clients, discretionary compensation, incurred-but-not-reported liabilities, restructuring, pensions, goodwill and other intangible assets, contingencies, share-based payments and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable based on specific circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates, and changes in accounting standards could have an adverse impact on our future financial position and results of operations.
In addition, we have a substantial amount of goodwill on our consolidated balance sheet as a result of acquisitions we have completed. We review goodwill for impairment annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred, including an impairment that resulted in goodwill impairment charges of $1.0 billion on our BDA reporting unit during the year ended December 31, 2024 in connection with the completed sale of TRANZACT. Application of the impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment of assets, liabilities and goodwill to reporting units and the determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. A significant deterioration in a key estimate or assumption or a less significant deterioration to a combination of assumptions, or the sale of a part of a reporting unit, could result in an impairment charge in the future, which could have a significant adverse impact on our reported earnings.
Our quarterly revenue and cash flow could fluctuate, including as a result of factors outside of our control, while our expenses may remain relatively fixed or be higher than expected.
Quarterly variations in our revenue, cash flow and results of operations have occurred in the past and could occur as a result of a number of factors, such as: the significance of client engagements commenced and completed during a quarter; seasonality of certain types of services; the number of business days in a quarter; colleague hiring and utilization rates; our clients’ ability to terminate engagements without penalty; the size and scope of assignments; our ability to enhance our billing, collection and working capital management efforts; differences in timing of renewals; non-recurring revenue from disposals and book-of-business sales; and general economic conditions.
We derive significant revenue from commissions for brokerage services, but do not determine the insurance premiums on which our commissions are generally based. Commission levels generally follow the same trend as premium levels, as they are a percentage of the premiums paid by the insureds. Fluctuations in the premiums charged by the insurance carriers can therefore have a direct and potentially material impact on our results of operations. Due to the cyclical nature of the insurance market and the impact of other market conditions on insurance premiums, commission levels may vary widely between accounting periods. A period of low or declining premium rates, generally known as a ‘soft’ or ‘softening’ market, generally leads to downward pressure on commission revenue and can have a material adverse impact on our commission revenue and operating margin. We could be negatively impacted by soft market conditions across certain sectors and geographic regions. In addition, insurance carriers may seek to reduce their expenses by reducing the commission rates payable to insurance agents or brokers such as us. The reduction of these commission rates, along with general volatility and/or declines in premiums, may significantly undermine our profitability. Because we do not determine the timing or extent of premium pricing changes, it is difficult to accurately forecast our commission revenue, including whether they will significantly decline. As a result, we may have to adjust our plans for future acquisitions, capital expenditures, dividend payments, loan repayments and other expenditures to account for unexpected changes in revenue, and any decreases in premium rates may adversely affect the results of our operations.
In addition to movements in premium rates, our ability to generate premium-based commission revenue may be challenged by disintermediation and the growing availability of alternative methods for clients to meet their risk-protection needs. This trend includes a greater willingness on the part of corporations to self-insure, the use of captive insurers, and the presence of capital markets-based solutions for traditional insurance and reinsurance needs. Further, the profitability of our risk and broking businesses depends in part on our ability to be compensated for the analytical services and other advice that we provide, including the consulting and analytics services that we provide to insurers. If we are unable to achieve and maintain adequate billing rates for all of our services, our margins and profitability could decline.
We account for certain joint ventures or other significant investments in businesses under the equity method of accounting. This means that our share of net income or loss in the investee increases or decreases, as applicable, the carrying value of the investment. By operating a business through this arrangement, we do not have the same level of control over operating decisions as we would if we owned the business outright. We recognize these types of equity method investments within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets and their proportionate share of earnings in other income/(loss), net in the consolidated statements of operations. As a result, the amount of net equity income recognized from these investments can vary substantially from period to period. Any losses experienced by these entities could cause significant variations in our quarterly operating results and the value of our investment.
A sizeable portion of our total operating expenses is relatively fixed or may even be higher than expected, 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 and collection of accounts receivable, or in the timing of the initiation or the completion of client assignments, or our inability to forecast demand, can cause significant variations in quarterly operating results and could result in losses and volatility in the price of our ordinary shares.
We are a holding company and therefore, may not be able to receive dividends or other distributions in needed amounts from our subsidiaries.
The Company is organized as a holding company, a legal entity that is separate and distinct from our operating subsidiaries. As a holding company without significant operations of our own, we are dependent upon dividends and other payments from our operating subsidiaries to meet our obligations for paying principal and interest on outstanding debt obligations, for paying dividends to shareholders, for repurchasing our ordinary shares and for corporate expenses. Legal and regulatory restrictions, foreign exchange controls, as well as operating requirements of our subsidiaries, may limit our ability to obtain cash from these subsidiaries. For example, Willis Limited, our U.K. brokerage subsidiary regulated by the FCA, is currently required to maintain $90 million in unencumbered and available financial resources, of which at least $57 million must be in cash, for regulatory purposes. In the event our operating subsidiaries are unable to pay dividends and other payments to the Company, we may not be able to service debt, pay obligations or pay dividends on, or repurchase, our ordinary shares. In the event we are unable to generate cash from our operating subsidiaries for any of the reasons discussed above, our overall liquidity could deteriorate.
Tax Risks
If a U.S. person is treated as owning at least 10% of our shares, such a holder may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.
Under current U.S. federal tax law, many of our non-U.S. subsidiaries are now classified as ‘controlled foreign corporations’ (‘CFCs’) for U.S. federal income tax purposes due to the expanded application of certain ownership attribution rules within a multinational corporate group. If a U.S. person is treated as owning (directly, indirectly or constructively) at least 10% of the value or voting power of our shares, such a person may be treated as a U.S. shareholder with respect to one or more of our CFC subsidiaries. In addition, if our shares are treated as owned more than 50% by U.S. shareholders, we would be treated as a CFC. A U.S. shareholder of a CFC may be required to annually report and include in its U.S. taxable income, as ordinary income, its pro-rata share of Subpart F income, global intangible low-taxed income, and investments in U.S. property by CFCs, whether or not we make any distributions to such U.S. shareholder. An individual U.S. shareholder generally would not be allowed certain tax deductions or foreign tax credits that would be allowed to a corporate U.S. shareholder with respect to a CFC. A failure by a U.S. shareholder to comply with its reporting obligations may subject the U.S. shareholder to significant monetary penalties and may extend the statute of limitations with respect to the U.S. shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax return for the year for which such reporting was due. We cannot provide any assurances that we will assist investors in determining whether we or any of our non-U.S. subsidiaries are CFCs or whether any investor is a U.S. shareholder with respect to any such CFCs. We also cannot guarantee that we will furnish to U.S. shareholders any or all of the information that may be necessary for them to comply with the aforementioned obligations. U.S. investors should consult their own advisors regarding the potential application of these rules to their investments in us.
Legislative or regulatory action or developments in case law in the U.S. or elsewhere could have a material adverse impact on our worldwide effective corporate tax rate.
We cannot give any assurance as to what our effective tax rate will be in the future, because of, among other things, uncertainty regarding the tax laws and policies of the jurisdictions where we operate. Our actual effective tax rate may vary from expectations, and that variance may be material.
The tax laws of Ireland and other jurisdictions could change in the future. There may be an enactment of additional, or the revision of existing, state, federal and/or non-U.S. regulatory and tax laws, and/or a development of case law, regulations and policy changes in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Any such changes could cause a material change in our effective tax rate.
Further, it is possible that taxing authorities may propose significant changes, which, if executed, could limit the availability of tax benefits or deductions that we currently claim, override tax treaties upon which we rely, or otherwise affect the taxes that Ireland, the U.S. or other territories impose on our worldwide operations.
Such new legislation (or changes to existing legislation or interpretation thereof) could materially adversely affect our effective tax rate and/or require us to take further action, at potentially significant additional expense, to seek to preserve our effective tax rate. Relatedly, if proposals were enacted that have the effect of limiting our ability as an Irish company to take advantage of tax treaties with the U.S. or other territories, we could incur additional tax expense and/or otherwise experience business detriment.
For example, in August 2022, the U.S. enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (‘IRA’), which, among other effects, creates a new corporate alternative minimum tax of at least 15% on adjusted financial statement income for certain corporations with average book income of more than $1 billion. The book minimum tax applied to us beginning in 2023 and did not have a material impact on our effective tax rate.
In addition, the U.S. Congress, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (‘OECD’), the World Trade Organization and other government agencies in non-U.S. jurisdictions where we and our affiliates do business have had an extended focus on issues related to the taxation of multinational corporations. One example is around base erosion and profit shifting, where payments are made between affiliates from a jurisdiction with high tax rates to a jurisdiction with lower tax rates. Several jurisdictions have enacted legislation that is aligned with, and in some cases exceeds the scope of, the recommendations in the OECD’s 2015 reports addressing 15 specific actions as part of a comprehensive plan to create an agreed set of international rules for fighting base erosion and profit shifting.
Finally, on October 8, 2021, the OECD announced an international agreement with more than 140 countries to implement a two-pillar solution to address tax challenges arising from digitalization of the economy. The agreement introduced rules that would result in the reallocation of certain taxing rights over multinational companies from their home countries to the markets where they have business activities and earn profits, regardless of physical presence (‘Pillar One’) and introduced a global corporate minimum tax of 15% for certain large multinational companies starting in 2024 (‘Pillar Two’). On December 20, 2021, the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting released the Model Global Anti-Base Erosion rules (the ‘OECD Model Rules’) under Pillar Two. On December 12, 2022, E.U. member states reached an agreement to implement Pillar Two which agreement requires E.U. member states to enact domestic legislation to put Pillar Two into effect. In 2023, many E.U. countries enacted the necessary legislation (based on the OECD Model Rules) to implement Pillar Two in 2024. Ireland, in particular, enacted Pillar Two by signing Finance (No. 2) Bill 2023 into law in December 2023. Other countries and territories have indicated they will introduce Pillar Two beginning in 2025.
These changes, when enacted and implemented by various countries in which we do business, could increase uncertainty and may adversely affect our tax rate and cash flow in future years.
Risks Related to Being an Irish-Incorporated Company
The laws of Ireland differ from the laws in effect in the United States and may afford less protection to holders of our securities.
It may not be possible to enforce court judgments obtained in the U.S. against us in Ireland, based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal or state securities laws. In addition, there is some uncertainty as to whether the courts of Ireland would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our directors or officers based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal or state securities laws or hear actions against us or those persons based on those laws. We have been advised that the U.S. currently does not have a treaty with Ireland providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters. Therefore, a final judgment for the payment of money rendered by any U.S. federal or state court based on civil liability, whether or not based solely on U.S. federal or state securities laws, would not automatically be enforceable in Ireland.
As an Irish company, we are governed by the Irish Companies Act, which differs in some material respects from laws generally applicable to U.S. corporations and shareholders, including, among others, differences relating to interested director and officer transactions and shareholder lawsuits. Likewise, the duties of directors and officers of an Irish company generally are owed to the
company only. Shareholders of Irish companies generally do not have a personal right of action against directors or officers of the company and may exercise such rights of action on behalf of the company only in limited circumstances. Accordingly, holders of our securities may have more difficulty protecting their interests than would holders of securities of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction of the United States.
As an Irish public limited company, certain decisions related to our capital structure will require the approval of shareholders, which may limit our flexibility to manage our capital structure.
Irish law generally provides that a board of directors may allot and issue shares (or rights to subscribe for or convert into shares) if authorized to do so by a company’s constitution or by an ordinary resolution of shareholders. Such authorization may be granted in respect of up to the entirety of a company’s authorized but unissued share capital and for a maximum period of five years, at which point it must be renewed by another ordinary resolution. The Company’s constitution authorizes our directors to allot shares up to the maximum of the Company’s authorized but unissued share capital for a period of five years. This authorization will need to be renewed by ordinary resolution upon its expiration and at periodic intervals thereafter. Under Irish law, an allotment authority may be given for up to five years at each renewal, but governance considerations may result in renewals for shorter periods or in respect of less than the maximum permitted number of shares being sought or approved.
Additionally, under Irish law, we may only pay dividends and, generally, make share repurchases and redemptions from distributable profits. Distributable profits may be created through the earnings of the Company or other methods (including certain intragroup reorganizations involving the capitalization of the Company’s undistributable profits and their subsequent reduction). While it is our intention to maintain a sufficient level of distributable profits in order to pay dividends on our ordinary shares and make share repurchases, there is no assurance that the Company will maintain the necessary level of distributable profits to do so.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVE D STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PR OPERTIES
We operate offices in many countries throughout the world and believe that our properties are generally suitable and adequate for the purposes for which they are used. The principal properties are located in the United States and the United Kingdom. In addition, we have other offices in various locations, including among others, Europe, Asia, Australia and Latin America. Operations of each of our segments are carried out in owned or leased offices under operating leases that typically do not exceed 10 years in length, except for certain properties in key locations. We do not anticipate difficulty in meeting our space needs at lease expiration.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we are party to various lawsuits, arbitrations or mediations that arise in the ordinary course of business. The disclosure called for by Item 3 regarding our legal proceedings is incorporated by reference herein from Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies, within Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAF ETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II.

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Share Data
Our ordinary shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol ‘WTW’ as of January 10, 2022. As of February 24, 2025, there were 958 shareholders of record of our ordinary shares, not including those ordinary shares held in street or nominee name.
Dividends
We normally pay dividends on a quarterly basis to shareholders of record on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. In February 2025, the board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.92 per share ($3.68 per share annualized rate), which will be paid on or around April 15, 2025 to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2025.
There are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Ireland that restrict the remittance of dividends or other payments to non-resident holders of the Company’s shares.
In circumstances where one of Ireland’s many exemptions from dividend withholding tax (‘DWT’) does not apply, dividends paid by the Company will be subject to Irish DWT (currently 20 percent). Residents of the United States should be exempt from Irish DWT provided relevant documentation supporting the exemption has been put in place. While the U.S.-Ireland Double Tax Treaty contains provisions reducing the rate of Irish DWT in prescribed circumstances, it should generally be unnecessary for U.S. residents to rely on the provisions of this treaty due to the wide scope of exemptions from Irish DWT available under Irish domestic law. Irish income tax may also arise in respect of dividends paid by the Company. However, U.S. residents entitled to an exemption from Irish DWT generally have no Irish income tax liability on dividends.
With respect to non-corporate U.S. shareholders, certain dividends from a qualified foreign corporation may be subject to reduced rates of taxation. A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends received from that corporation on shares that are readily tradeable on an established securities market in the United States, such as our shares. Non-corporate U.S. shareholders that do not meet a minimum holding period requirement for our shares during which they are not protected from the risk of loss or that elect to treat the dividend income as investment income pursuant to section 163(d)(4) of the Code will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation regardless of our status as a qualified foreign corporation. In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends if the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. This disallowance applies even if the minimum holding period has been met. U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules given their particular circumstances.
Performance Graph
Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Shareholder Return
The graph below depicts cumulative total shareholder returns for WTW for the period from December 31, 2019 through December 31, 2024.
The graph also depicts the total return for the S&P 500 and for a peer group for WTW comprised of Aon plc, Arch Capital Group Ltd., Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Automatic Data Processing, Inc., Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation, Brown & Brown Inc., Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation, Fidelity National Financial, Inc., Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., First American Financial Corporation, Fiserv, Inc., Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., Principal Financial Group, Inc., Robert Half International Inc., S&P Global Inc., and Unum Group. The graph charts the performance of $100 invested on the initial date indicated, December 31, 2019, assuming full dividend reinvestment.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
During the year ended December 31, 2024, no shares were issued by the Company without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
The Company is authorized to repurchase shares, by way of redemption, and will consider whether to do so from time to time, based on many factors, including market conditions.
There are no expiration dates for these repurchase plans or programs. The following table presents specified information about the Company’s repurchases of ordinary shares in the fourth quarter and the Company’s repurchase authority.
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
October 1, 2024 through October 31, 2024
362,252
$
292.18
362,252
5,519,443
November 1, 2024 through November 30, 2024
403,312
$
314.52
403,312
5,116,131
December 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024
513,422
$
316.33
513,422
4,602,709
1,278,986
$
308.92
1,278,986
The board of directors has authorized the current open-ended repurchase program for a total of up to $10.2 billion, which was most recently increased by $1.0 billion on November 20, 2024. At December 31, 2024, the maximum number of shares that may be purchased under the existing stock repurchase program is 4,602,709, with approximately $1.4 billion remaining on the current open-ended repurchase authority granted by the board. An estimate of the maximum number of shares under the existing authorities was determined using the closing price of our ordinary shares on December 31, 2024 of $313.24.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides information, as of December 31, 2024, about the securities authorized for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans and is categorized according to whether or not the equity plan was previously approved by shareholders.
Plan Category
Number of Shares to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
Number of Shares Remaining Available for Future Issuance (ii)
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders (i)
1,404,655
-
4,919,702
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders
-
-
-
Total
1,404,655
-
4,919,702
(i)Includes options and RSUs outstanding under the Towers Watson & Co. 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (‘2012 Plan’). The Company intends to only grant future awards under the 2012 Plan.
(ii)Represents shares available for issuance pursuant to awards that may be granted under the 2012 Plan (3,911,221 shares) and the Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company Amended and Restated 2010 North American Employee Stock Purchase Plan (1,008,481 shares).

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. [Reserved]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This discussion includes forward-looking statements. See ‘Disclaimer Regarding Forward-looking Statements’ for certain cautionary information regarding forward-looking statements and Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors for a list of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in those statements.
This discussion includes references to non-GAAP financial measures as defined in the rules of the SEC. We present such non-GAAP financial measures, specifically, adjusted, constant currency and organic non-GAAP financial measures, as we believe such information is of interest to the investment community because it provides additional meaningful methods of evaluating certain aspects of the Company’s operating performance from period to period on a basis that may not be otherwise apparent under U.S. GAAP, and these provide a measure against which our businesses may be assessed in the future.
Our methods of calculating these measures may differ from those used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. These financial measures should be viewed in addition to, not in lieu of, the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024.
See ‘Non-GAAP Financial Measures’ below for further discussion of our adjusted, constant currency and organic non-GAAP financial measures.
Executive Overview
Market Conditions
Typically, our business benefits from regulatory change, political risk or economic uncertainty. Insurance broking generally tracks the economy, but demand for both insurance broking and consulting services usually remains steady during times of uncertainty. We have some businesses, such as our health and benefits and administration businesses, which can be counter cyclical during the early period of a significant economic change.
Within our insurance and brokerage business, due to the cyclical nature of the insurance market and the impact of other market conditions on insurance premiums, commission revenue may vary widely between accounting periods. A period of low or declining premium rates, generally known as a ‘soft’ or ‘softening’ market, generally leads to downward pressure on commission revenue and can have a material adverse impact on our revenue and operating margin. A ‘hard’ or ‘firming’ market, during which premium rates rise, generally has a favorable impact on our revenue and operating margin. Rates, however, vary by geography, industry and client segment. As a result, and due to the global and diverse nature of our business, we view rates in the aggregate. Overall, we are currently seeing a stabilizing to softening market.
Market conditions in the broking industry in which we operate are generally defined by factors such as the strength of the economies in the various geographic regions in which we serve around the world, insurance rate movements, and insurance and reinsurance buying patterns of our clients.
The markets for our consulting, technology and solutions, and marketplace services are affected by economic, regulatory and legislative changes, technological developments, and increased competition from established and new competitors. We believe that the primary factors in selecting a human resources or risk management consulting company include reputation, the ability to provide measurable increases to shareholder value and return on investment, global scale, quality of service and the ability to tailor services to clients’ unique needs. In that regard, we are focused on developing and implementing technology, data and analytic solutions for both internal operations and for maintaining industry standards and meeting client preferences. We have made such investments from time to time and may decide, based on perceived business needs, to make investments in the future that may be different from past practice or what we currently anticipate.
With regard to the market for exchanges, we believe that clients base their decisions on a variety of factors that include the ability of the provider to deliver measurable cost savings for clients, a strong reputation for efficient execution and an innovative service delivery model and platform. Part of the employer-sponsored insurance market has matured and become more fragmented while other segments remain in the entry phase. As these market segments continue to evolve, we may experience growth in intervals, with periods of accelerated expansion balanced by periods of modest growth. In recent years, growth in the market for exchanges has slowed, and this trend may continue.
Risks and Uncertainties of the Economic Environment
U.S. and global markets are continuing to experience volatility and disruption as a result of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts. Although the length and impact of these situations are highly unpredictable, the conflicts have contributed to negative impacts on and volatility of the global economy and capital markets, resulting in significant inflation and fluctuating interest rates in
many of the markets in which we operate, and could continue to lead to further market disruptions. This impacts not only the cost of and access to liquidity, but also other costs to run and invest in our business.
Other global economic events, such as accommodative monetary and fiscal policy, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions beyond the aforementioned ongoing wars, contributed to significant inflation across the globe. In particular, inflation in the United States, Europe and other geographies has risen to levels not experienced in recent decades, and while this has eased somewhat in the last year, we are seeing its impact on various aspects of our business. Moreover, U.S. and global economic conditions have created market uncertainty and volatility. Such general economic conditions, including inflation, stagflation, political volatility, costs of labor, cost of capital, interest rates, bank stability, credit availability and tax rates, affect our cost of doing business, including our operating and general and administrative expenses, and we have no control or limited ability to control such factors. These general economic conditions impact revenue, including revenue from customers as well as income from funds we hold on behalf of customers and pension-related income.
If our costs grow significantly in excess of our ability to raise revenue, whether as a result of the foregoing global economic factors or otherwise, our margins and results of operations may be materially and adversely impacted and we may not be able to achieve our strategic and financial objectives.
See Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of risks that may affect, among other things, our growth relative to expectation and our ability to achieve our objectives.
Transformation Program
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company concluded a three-year ‘Transformation program’ designed to enhance operations, optimize technology and align its real estate footprint to its new ways of working. The program incurred cumulative costs of $1.115 billion and capital expenditures of $130 million, resulting in a total investment of $1.245 billion. Although the Transformation program concluded in 2024, we expect additional cash outflows in 2025 from the settlement of accrued costs.
The main categories of charges were in the following four areas:
•Real estate rationalization - includes costs to align the real estate footprint to our new ways of working (hybrid work) and includes breakage fees and the impairment of right-of-use assets and other related leasehold assets.
•Technology modernization - these charges are incurred in moving to common platforms and technologies, including migrating certain platforms and applications to the cloud. This category includes the impairment of technology assets that are duplicative or no longer revenue-producing, as well as costs for technology investments that do not qualify for capitalization.
•Process optimization - these costs are incurred in the right-shoring strategy and automation of our operations, which includes optimizing resource deployment and appropriate colleague alignment. These costs include process and organizational design costs, severance and separation-related costs and temporary retention costs.
•Other - other costs not included above including fees for professional services, other contract terminations not related to the above categories and supplier migration costs.
Certain costs under the Transformation program are accounted for under ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligation, and are included as restructuring costs in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, restructuring charges under our Transformation program totaled $61 million, $68 million and $99 million, respectively. Other costs incurred under the Transformation program are included in transaction and transformation and were $378 million, $347 million and $136 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
From the actions taken during 2024, we have identified an additional $136 million of annualized run-rate savings due to newly-realized opportunities and incremental sources of value. Since the inception of the program to its conclusion, we have identified $473 million of cumulative annualized run-rate savings, which overall were primarily attributable to process optimization. We began to recognize the benefits from the program during 2022.
For a discussion of material risks associated with the Transformation program, please see Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors under the heading ‘We may not be able to fully realize the anticipated benefits of our strategy or our expected product, service and transaction pipelines’ and other Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
For management’s discussion of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 in comparison with the year ended December 31, 2022, please see our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024.
Financial Statement Overview
The tables below set forth our summarized consolidated statements of comprehensive income and data as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
($ in millions, except per share data)
Years ended December 31,
Revenue
$
9,930
%
$
9,483
%
Costs of providing services
Salaries and benefits
5,502
%
5,344
%
Other operating expenses
1,833
%
1,815
%
Impairment (i)
1,042
%
-
-
%
Depreciation
%
%
Amortization
%
%
Restructuring costs
%
%
Transaction and transformation
%
%
Total costs of providing services
9,303
8,118
Income from operations
%
1,365
%
Interest expense
(263
)
(3
)%
(235
)
(2
)%
Other (loss)/income, net (i)
(260
)
(3
)%
%
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
%
1,279
%
Provision for income taxes
(192
)
(2
)%
(215
)
(2
)%
Income attributable to non-controlling interests
(10
)
-
%
(9
)
-
%
NET (LOSS)/INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WTW
$
(98
)
(1
)%
$
1,055
%
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share
$
(0.96
)
$
9.95
(i)For the year ended December 31, 2024, Impairment and Other (loss)/income, net include goodwill-related impairment expense and loss on disposal, respectively, associated with the sale of our TRANZACT business (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Consolidated Revenue
We derive the majority of our revenue from commissions from our brokerage services and fees for consulting and administration services. No single client represented a significant concentration of our consolidated revenue for any of our three most recent fiscal years.
The following table details our top five markets based on percentage of consolidated revenue (in U.S. dollars) from the countries where work was performed for the year ended December 31, 2024. These figures do not represent the currency of the related revenue, which is presented in the next table.
Geographic Region
% of Revenue
United States
%
United Kingdom
%
France
%
Canada
%
Germany
%
The table below details the approximate percentage of our revenue and expenses from continuing operations by transactional currency for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Transactional Currency
Revenue
Expenses (i)
U.S. dollars
%
%
Pounds sterling
%
%
Euro
%
%
Other currencies
%
%
(i)These percentages exclude certain expenses for significant items which will not be settled in cash, or which we believe to be items that are not core to our current or future operations. These items include amortization of intangible assets and transaction and transformation.
The following table sets forth the total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the components of the change in total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year. The components of the revenue change may not add due to rounding.
Components of Revenue Change
As
Less:
Constant
Less:
Years Ended December 31,
Reported
Currency
Currency
Acquisitions/
Organic
Change
Impact
Change
Divestitures
Change (i)
($ in millions)
Revenue
$
9,930
$
9,483
5%
-%
5%
-%
5%
(i)Interest income did not contribute to organic change for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $9.9 billion, compared to $9.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $447 million, or 5%, on an as-reported basis. Adjusting for the impact of foreign currency and acquisitions and disposals, our organic revenue growth was 5% for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increases in both as-reported and organic revenue were driven by strong performances in both segments.
Our revenue can be materially impacted by changes in currency conversions, which can fluctuate significantly over the course of a calendar year. For the year ended December 31, 2024, currency translation decreased our consolidated revenue by $19 million. The primary currency driving this change was the Argentine Peso.
Definitions of Constant Currency Change and Organic Change are included in the section entitled ‘Non-GAAP Financial Measures’ elsewhere within this Form 10-K.
Segment Revenue and Segment Operating Income
Segment revenue excludes amounts that were directly incurred on behalf of our clients and reimbursed by them (reimbursed expenses); however, these amounts are included in consolidated revenue, as required by applicable accounting standards and SEC rules. Segment operating income excludes certain costs, including (i) amortization of intangibles; (ii) restructuring costs; and (iii) certain transaction and transformation expenses, and includes certain expense amounts which may be determined on both a direct and allocated basis. See Note 5 - Segment Information within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information about how our segment revenue and segment operating income is calculated and a reconciliation to our GAAP results.
The Company experiences seasonal fluctuations in its revenue. Revenue is typically higher during the Company’s first and fourth quarters due primarily to the timing of broking-related activities.
For all tables presented below, the components of the revenue change may not add due to rounding.
Health, Wealth & Career
The Health, Wealth & Career (‘HWC’) segment provides an array of advice, broking, solutions and technology for employee benefit plans, institutional investors, compensation and career programs, and the employee experience overall.
HWC is the larger of the two segments of the Company, generating approximately 59% of our segment revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024. Addressing four key areas, Health, Wealth, Career and Benefits Delivery & Outsourcing, the segment is focused on addressing our clients’ people and risk needs to help them succeed in a global marketplace.
The following table sets forth HWC segment revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the components of the change in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 from the year ended December 31, 2023.
Components of Revenue Change
As
Less:
Constant
Less:
Years ended December 31,
Reported
Currency
Currency
Acquisitions/
Organic
Change
Impact
Change
Divestitures
Change
($ in millions)
Segment revenue excluding interest income
$
5,745
$
5,557
3%
-%
3%
-%
4%
Interest income
Total segment revenue
$
5,777
$
5,582
3%
-%
4%
-%
4%
Segment operating income
$
1,717
$
1,565
HWC segment revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $5.8 billion and $5.6 billion, respectively. Organic revenue growth in Health was achieved across all regions with the continued expansion of our Global Benefits Management client portfolio being a meaningful driver. Our Wealth businesses generated organic revenue growth from our Investments-related solutions and higher levels of Retirement work. Career had organic revenue growth from increased survey sales, product revenue and advisory project work. Benefits Delivery & Outsourcing revenue was materially flat, as growth in Outsourcing from regulatory-driven project work and new-client wins was largely offset by decreased revenue in TRANZACT.
HWC segment operating income for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $1.7 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. HWC segment operating income increased due primarily to transformation savings as well as operating leverage driven by organic revenue growth and disciplined expense management.
Risk & Broking (‘R&B’)
The Risk & Broking (‘R&B’) segment provides a broad range of risk advice, insurance brokerage and consulting services to clients worldwide ranging from small businesses to multinational corporations.
R&B generated approximately 41% of our segment revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024. The segment comprises two primary businesses - Corporate Risk & Broking and Insurance Consulting and Technology.
The following table sets forth R&B segment revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the components of the change in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 from the year ended December 31, 2023.
Components of Revenue Change
As
Less:
Constant
Less:
Years ended December 31,
Reported
Currency
Currency
Acquisitions/
Organic
Change
Impact
Change
Divestitures
Change
($ in millions)
Segment revenue excluding interest income
$
3,926
$
3,656
7%
-%
8%
-%
8%
Interest income
Total segment revenue
$
4,038
$
3,735
8%
(1)%
9%
-%
8%
Segment operating income
$
$
R&B segment revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $4.0 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively. Corporate Risk & Broking had organic revenue growth primarily driven by higher levels of new business activity and strong client retention and renewal increases across all geographies. Insurance Consulting and Technology organic revenue growth was driven by strong software sales in Technology, which was partially offset by a decline in demand for discretionary services.
R&B segment operating income for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $958 million and $813 million, respectively. R&B segment operating income increased due primarily to operating leverage driven by organic revenue growth and disciplined expense management, as well as transformation savings.
Costs of Providing Services
Total costs of providing services for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $9.3 billion, compared to $8.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $1.2 billion, or 15%. This increase resulted from the impairment expense associated with the sale of our TRANZACT business in the current year (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). See the following discussion for further details.
Salaries and Benefits
Salaries and benefits for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $5.5 billion, compared to $5.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $158 million, or 3%. The increase in the current year is primarily due to higher salary expense, driven by increased colleague headcount and cost-of-living compensation adjustments, and higher incentive and benefit costs for the year.
Salaries and benefits, as a percentage of revenue, represented 55% and 56% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses include occupancy, legal, marketing, licenses, royalties, supplies, technology, printing and telephone costs, as well as insurance, including premiums on excess insurance and losses on professional liability claims, travel by colleagues, publications, professional subscriptions and development, recruitment, other professional fees and irrecoverable value-added and sales taxes. Additionally, other operating expenses included costs historically allocated to our Willis Re business which are partially offset by fees under a cost reimbursement Transition Services Agreement (‘TSA’; see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K) with Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (‘Gallagher’).
Other operating expenses for both years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $1.8 billion, an increase of $18 million, or 1%. The increase was primarily due to higher non-income-related tax expense and higher travel and entertainment costs, partially offset by lower occupancy costs, primarily attributable to our Transformation program, and lower professional service expenses for the current year as compared to the prior year.
Impairment
Impairment for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $1.0 billion. Impairment is attributable to the goodwill impairment associated with our Benefits, Delivery and Administration (‘BDA’) reporting unit related to the sale of our TRANZACT business (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Depreciation
Depreciation represents the expense incurred over the useful lives of our tangible fixed assets and internally-developed software. Depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $230 million, compared to $242 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $12 million, or 5%. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to a lower depreciable base of assets resulting from disposals associated with our Transformation program and a lower dollar value of assets placed in service during the past few years.
Amortization
Amortization represents the amortization of acquired intangible assets, including acquired internally-developed software. Amortization for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $226 million, compared to $263 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $37 million, or 14%. Our intangible amortization is generally more heavily weighted to the initial years of the useful lives of the related intangibles, and therefore amortization related to intangible assets will continue to decrease over time.
Restructuring Costs
Restructuring costs for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $61 million and $68 million, respectively. Restructuring costs in both the current year and prior year primarily related to the real estate rationalization component of the Transformation program commenced by the Company during the fourth quarter of 2021 and completed as of December 31, 2024 (see Transformation Program within this section and Note 6 - Restructuring Costs within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Transaction and Transformation
Transaction and transformation costs for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $409 million, compared to $386 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $23 million. Transaction and transformation costs for the current year were higher primarily due to increased lease termination and compensation costs related to our Transformation program (see ‘Transformation Program’ elsewhere within this Item 7) incurred in the current year as compared to the prior year.
Income from Operations
Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $627 million, compared to $1.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $738 million. This decrease resulted from the impairment expense associated with the sale of our TRANZACT business (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K), higher salary expense and increased incentive and benefit costs in the current year, partially offset by higher revenue in the current year.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $263 million and $235 million, respectively. Interest expense, which is attributable primarily to our senior notes, increased by $28 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was primarily the result of a greater level of indebtedness in the current year and the higher interest rate-bearing senior notes issued by the Company during the last two years.
Other (Loss)/Income, Net
Other (loss)/income, net includes gains and losses on disposals of operations, pension credits or expenses that are not attributable to service expense, interest in earnings of associates, foreign exchange gains and losses and other miscellaneous non-operating income and costs.
Other (loss)/income, net for the year ended December 31, 2024 was a loss of $260 million, compared to income of $149 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $409 million. This decrease was mostly due to the net loss on disposal in the current year, which is primarily attributable to the sale of our TRANZACT business (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K), partially offset by the recognition of a $750 million earnout related to the 2021 divestiture of our Willis Re business which is expected to be received during the first half of 2025 (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Provision for Income Taxes
Provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $192 million, compared to $215 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were 184.7% and 16.8%, respectively. These effective tax rates are calculated using extended values from our consolidated statements of comprehensive income and are therefore more precise tax rates than can be calculated from rounded values. The current-year effective tax rate includes a $137 million tax benefit recognized on the sale of our TRANZACT business, partially offset with a $55 million provision for tax expense on the accrual for the Willis Re earnout and a $34 million provision for changes in uncertain tax positions. The prior-year effective tax rate includes a $20 million tax benefit related to changes in state apportionment and a $10 million deferred tax benefit related to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities associated with the enactment of the Bermuda corporate income tax law.
In December 2022, E.U. member states formally adopted the E.U.’s Pillar Two Directive, which introduces a global corporate minimum tax of 15% for certain large multinational companies. For the rules to take effect, in 2023 many E.U. countries enacted the necessary legislation to implement Pillar Two, effective January 1, 2024. Ireland, in particular, enacted Pillar Two legislation by signing Finance (No. 2) Bill 2023 into law in December 2023. Other countries and territories have indicated they will introduce Pillar Two legislation beginning in 2025. The Pillar Two minimum tax is treated as a period cost beginning in 2024 and does not have a material impact on the Company's financial results of operations for the current period. The Company continues to monitor evolving tax legislation as well as additional guidance to enacted legislation in the jurisdictions in which we operate.
Net (Loss)/Income Attributable to WTW
Net loss attributable to WTW for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $98 million, compared to income of $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $1.2 billion. This decrease primarily resulted from the loss on disposal and impairment expense associated with the sale of our TRANZACT business (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K), higher salary expense and increased incentive and benefit costs in the current year, partially offset by the recognition of a $750 million earnout related to the 2021 divestiture of our Willis Re business which is expected to be received during the first half of 2025 (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K), and higher revenue in the current year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Executive Summary
Our principal sources of liquidity are funds generated by operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents and amounts available under our revolving credit facility and any new debt offerings. These sources of liquidity will fund our short-term and long-term obligations at December 31, 2024. Our most significant long-term obligations include mandatory debt and related interest, operating leases and pension obligations and contributions to our qualified pension plans.
There has been significant volatility in financial markets, including occasional declines in equity markets, inflation and changes in interest rates and reduced liquidity on a global basis and we expect this volatility could continue, all of which may impact our access to liquidity.
Based on our current balance sheet and cash flows, current market conditions and information available to us at this time, we believe that WTW has access to sufficient liquidity to meet our cash needs for the next twelve months. Including our cash generated from operations, our liquidity also includes all of the borrowing capacity available to draw against our $1.5 billion revolving credit facility and the receipt of the $750 million earnout related to the 2021 divestiture of Willis Re, which is expected to be collected during the first half of 2025. The use of these funds includes investments in the business for growth, scheduled debt repayments, share repurchases and dividend payments. During the fourth quarter of 2024, we re-entered the reinsurance broking space by making an initial investment in a reinsurance joint venture with Bain Capital. We hold a minority ownership interest in the joint venture and have an option to acquire a controlling interest in the future. Given the initial funding needs of a start-up venture, we expect that the investment will be a headwind for earnings until such time as the joint venture generates sufficient revenue to be profitable.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we completed an offering of $750 million aggregate principal amount of 5.900% senior notes due 2054 and used the net proceeds to repay in full the $650 million aggregate principal amount and related accrued interest of the 3.600% senior notes that were due in 2024. The Company used the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased $901 million of shares, with remaining authorization to repurchase an additional $1.4 billion as of December 31, 2024.
We consider many factors, including market and economic conditions, applicable legal requirements and other business considerations, when considering whether to repurchase shares. Our share repurchase program (as further described below under ‘Share Repurchase Program’) has no termination date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
Events that could change the historical cash flow dynamics discussed above include significant changes in operating results, the receipt of significant earnout payments related to past divestitures, potential future acquisitions or divestitures, material changes in geographic sources of cash, unexpected adverse impacts from litigation or tax or regulatory matters, or future pension funding during periods of severe downturn in the capital markets.
Distributable Profits
We are required under Irish law to have available ‘distributable profits’ to make share repurchases or pay dividends to shareholders. Distributable profits are created through the earnings of the Irish parent company and, among other methods, through intercompany dividends or a reduction in share capital approved by the High Court of Ireland. Distributable profits are not linked to a U.S. GAAP reported amount (e.g. retained earnings). At WTW's Annual General Meeting on June 8, 2022, its shareholders voted in favor of a proposed capital reduction. In accordance with Part 3 of the Irish Companies Act 2014 the Parent Company submitted an application to the High Court of Ireland to reduce its share premium account. On July 19, 2022, the High Court of Ireland approved a reduction of the share premium account of the Parent Company of approximately $9.5 billion, with the resulting balance being treated as realized profits of the Parent Company. The High Court of Ireland's order was registered with the Irish Companies Registration Office and became effective on July 21, 2022. We believe that we will have sufficient distributable profits for the foreseeable future.
Tax considerations
The Company recognizes deferred tax balances related to the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries when it expects that it will recover those undistributed earnings in a taxable manner, such as through receipt of dividends or sale of the investments. We continue to have certain subsidiaries whose earnings have not been deemed permanently reinvested, for which we have been accruing estimates of the tax effects of such repatriation. Excluding these certain subsidiaries, we continue to assert that the historical cumulative earnings for the remainder of our subsidiaries have been reinvested indefinitely and therefore do not provide deferred taxes on these amounts. If future events, including material changes in estimates of cash, working capital, long-term investment requirements or additional legislation, necessitate that these earnings be distributed, an additional provision for income and foreign withholding taxes, net of
credits, may be necessary. Other potential sources of cash may be through the settlement of intercompany loans or return of capital distributions in a tax-efficient manner.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2024 and 2023 totaled $1.9 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively. The increase of $466 million in cash from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024 was due primarily to $1.5 billion of cash inflows from operating activities and proceeds of $619 million, primarily from the sale of TRANZACT, partially offset by $901 million of share repurchases, $354 million of dividend payments, $245 million of capital expenditures and capitalized software additions and net cash paid for acquisitions of $107 million.
Additionally, we had all of the borrowing capacity available to draw against our $1.5 billion revolving credit facility at December 31, 2024.
Included within cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are amounts held for regulatory capital adequacy requirements, including $104 million and $105 million, respectively, within our regulated U.K. entities.
Summarized Consolidated Cash Flows
The following table presents the summarized consolidated cash flow information for the years ended:
Years ended December 31,
(in millions)
Net cash from/(used in):
Operating activities
$
1,512
$
1,345
Investing activities
(1,085
)
Financing activities
(459
)
(1,200
)
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND
RESTRICTED CASH
1,303
(940
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(97
)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, BEGINNING OF
YEAR (i)
3,792
4,721
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, END OF YEAR (i)
$
4,998
$
3,792
(i)The amounts of the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, their respective classification on the consolidated balance sheets, as well as their respective portions of the increase or decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash for each of the periods presented, have been included in Note 21 - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Cash flows from operating activities were $1.5 billion for 2024, compared to $1.3 billion for 2023. The $1.5 billion net cash from operating activities for 2024 included a net loss of $88 million and $1.9 billion of favorable non-cash adjustments, partially offset by unfavorable changes in operating assets and liabilities of $326 million. The $1.9 billion of favorable non-cash adjustments primarily includes impairment, depreciation, amortization and non-cash lease expense. This increase in cash flows from operations as compared to the prior year was primarily driven by operating margin expansion, partially offset by increased cash outflows related to transformation and discretionary compensation payments in the current year as compared to the prior year.
Cash flows from operating activities of $1.3 billion for 2023 included net income of $1.1 billion and $652 million of favorable non-cash adjustments, partially offset by unfavorable changes in operating assets and liabilities of $371 million. The $652 million of favorable non-cash adjustments primarily includes depreciation, amortization and non-cash lease expense.
Cash Flows From/(Used In) Investing Activities
Cash flows from investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $250 million compared to cash flows used in investing activities of $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023. The cash flows from investing activities in the current year consisted of proceeds of $619 million primarily from the sale of TRANZACT, partially offset by capital expenditures and capitalized software additions of $245 million and net cash paid for acquisitions of $107 million.
Cash flows used in investing activities of $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023 consisted primarily of cash and fiduciary funds of $922 million associated with the transfer to Gallagher under a side letter agreement to the Willis Re sale agreement (see Note
3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information) and $242 million of capital expenditures and capitalized software additions.
Cash Flows Used In Financing Activities
Cash flows used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $459 million. The significant financing activities included share repurchases of $901 million and dividend payments of $354 million, partially offset by net proceeds from fiduciary funds held for clients of $785 million and $82 million of net proceeds from the issuance of debt.
Cash flows used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $1.2 billion. The significant financing activities included share repurchases of $1.0 billion, dividend payments of $352 million and net payments from fiduciary funds held for clients of $234 million, partially offset by $487 million of net proceeds from the issuance of debt.
Indebtedness
Total debt, total equity, and the capitalization ratio at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were as follows:
December 31,
(in millions)
Long-term debt
$
5,309
$
4,567
Current debt
-
Total debt
$
5,309
$
5,217
Total WTW shareholders’ equity
$
7,940
$
9,520
Capitalization ratio
40.1
%
35.4
%
The capitalization ratio increased from December 31, 2023 due primarily to $901 million of share repurchases during the year ended December 31, 2024 and the earnings loss in the current year attributable to the recognition of impairment expense and loss on disposal associated with the sale of our TRANZACT business (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
At December 31, 2024, the Company does not have any mandatory debt repayments over the next twelve months. For more information regarding our current and long-term debt, please see ‘Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information’ elsewhere within this Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, we were in compliance with all financial covenants.
Fiduciary Funds
As an intermediary, we hold funds, generally in a fiduciary capacity, for the account of third parties, typically as the result of premiums received from clients that are in transit to insurers and claims due to clients that are in transit from insurers. We also hold funds for clients of our benefits account businesses, some of which are invested in open-ended mutual funds as directed by the participant. These fiduciary funds are included in fiduciary assets on our consolidated balance sheets. We present the equal and corresponding fiduciary liabilities related to these fiduciary funds representing amounts or claims due to our clients or premiums due on their behalf to insurers on our consolidated balance sheets.
Fiduciary funds are generally required to be kept in regulated bank accounts subject to guidelines which emphasize capital preservation and liquidity; such funds are not available to service the Company’s debt or for other corporate purposes. Notwithstanding the legal relationships with clients and insurers, the Company is entitled to retain investment income earned on certain of these fiduciary funds in accordance with industry custom and practice and, in some cases, as supported by agreements with insureds.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had fiduciary funds of $3.4 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively.
Share Repurchase Program
The Company is authorized to repurchase shares, by way of redemption or otherwise, and will consider whether to do so from time to time, based on many factors, including market conditions. There are no expiration dates for our repurchase plans or programs.
On May 25, 2022, the board of directors approved a $1.0 billion increase to the existing share repurchase program. Additionally, on September 20, 2023, the board of directors approved a $1.0 billion increase to the existing share repurchase program, and on November 20, 2024, approved a $1.0 billion increase to the existing share repurchase program. These increases brought the total approved authorization, since April 20, 2016, to $10.2 billion. See Part II, Item 5 Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding the Company’s share repurchase program.
At December 31, 2024, approximately $1.4 billion remained on the current repurchase authority. The maximum number of shares that could be repurchased based on the closing price of our ordinary shares on December 31, 2024 of $313.24 was 4,602,709.
The following table presents specified information about the Company’s repurchases of ordinary shares for the year ended December 31, 2024:
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Shares repurchased
3,144,726
Average price per share
$286.43
Aggregate repurchase cost (excluding broker costs)
$901 million
Dividends
Total cash dividends of $354 million were paid during the year ended December 31, 2024. In February 2025, the board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.92 per share ($3.68 per share annualized rate), which will be paid on or around April 15, 2025 to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2025.
Capital Commitments
The Company’s capital expenditures for fixed assets, capitalized software and software for internal use were $245 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Capital expenditures for fixed assets, capitalized software and software for internal use are expected to be in the range of $225 million to $250 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. We expect cash from operations to adequately provide for these cash needs.
Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information
As of December 31, 2024, WTW has issued the following debt securities (the ‘notes’):
a)Willis North America Inc. (‘Willis North America’) has approximately $4.5 billion senior notes outstanding, of which $1.0 billion were issued on September 10, 2018, $1.0 billion were issued on September 10, 2019, $275 million were issued on May 29, 2020, $750 million were issued on May 19, 2022, $750 million were issued on May 17, 2023 and $750 million were issued on March 5, 2024; and
b)Trinity Acquisition plc has approximately $825 million senior notes outstanding, of which $275 million were issued on August 15, 2013 and $550 million were issued on March 22, 2016, and a $1.5 billion revolving credit facility, on which no balance was outstanding at December 31, 2024.
The following table presents a summary of the entities that issue each note and those wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company that guarantee each respective note on a joint and several basis as of December 31, 2024. These subsidiaries are all consolidated by Willis Towers Watson plc (the ‘parent company’) and together with the parent company comprise the ‘Obligor group’. On December 16, 2024, TA I Limited, Willis Towers Watson UK Holdings Limited and Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V. ceased to be guarantors of our notes and are no longer part of the Obligor group, following the transfer of their respective properties and assets to other existing guarantors within the Obligor group. Further, Willis Towers Watson UK Holdings Limited was released from its guarantees under our credit agreement. TA I Limited and Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V. will be released from their guarantees under our credit agreement in 2025.
Entity
Trinity Acquisition plc Notes
Willis North America Inc. Notes
Willis Towers Watson plc
Guarantor
Guarantor
Trinity Acquisition plc
Issuer
Guarantor
Willis North America Inc.
Guarantor
Issuer
Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited
Guarantor
Guarantor
Willis Group Limited
Guarantor
Guarantor
Willis Towers Watson Sub Holdings Unlimited Company
Guarantor
Guarantor
The notes issued by Willis North America and Trinity Acquisition plc:
•rank equally with all of the issuer’s existing and future unsubordinated and unsecured debt;
•rank equally with the issuer’s guarantee of all of the existing senior debt of the Company and the other guarantors, including any debt under the Revolving Credit Facility;
•are senior in right of payment to all of the issuer’s future subordinated debt; and
•are effectively subordinated to all of the issuer’s secured debt to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt.
All other subsidiaries of the parent company are non-guarantor subsidiaries (‘the non-guarantor subsidiaries’).
Each member of the Obligor group has only a stockholder’s claim on the assets of the non-guarantor subsidiaries. This stockholder’s claim is junior to the claims that creditors have against those non-guarantor subsidiaries. Holders of the notes will only be creditors of the Obligor group and not creditors of the non-guarantor subsidiaries. As a result, all of the existing and future liabilities of the non-guarantor subsidiaries, including any claims of trade creditors and preferred stockholders, will be structurally senior to the notes. As of and for the periods ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the non-guarantor subsidiaries represented substantially all of the total assets and accounted for substantially all of the total revenue of the Company prior to consolidating adjustments. The non-guarantor subsidiaries have other liabilities, including contingent liabilities that may be significant. Each indenture does not contain any limitations on the amount of additional debt that the Obligor group and the non-guarantor subsidiaries may incur. The amounts of this debt could be substantial, and this debt may be debt of the non-guarantor subsidiaries, in which case this debt would be effectively senior in right of payment to the notes.
The notes are obligations exclusively of the Obligor group. Substantially all of the Obligor group’s operations are conducted through its non-guarantor subsidiaries. Therefore, the Obligor group’s ability to service its debt, including the notes, is dependent upon the net cash flows of its non-guarantor subsidiaries and their ability to distribute those net cash flows as dividends, loans or other payments to the Obligor group. Certain laws restrict the ability of these non-guarantor subsidiaries to pay dividends and make loans and advances to the Obligor group. In addition, such non-guarantor subsidiaries may enter into contractual arrangements that limit their ability to pay dividends and make loans and advances to the Obligor group.
Intercompany balances and transactions between members of the Obligor group have been eliminated. All intercompany balances and transactions between the Obligor group and the non-guarantor subsidiaries have been presented in the disclosures below on a net presentation basis, rather than a gross basis, as this better reflects the nature of the intercompany positions and presents the funding or funded position that is to be received or owed. The intercompany balances and transactions between the Obligor group and non-guarantor subsidiaries, presented below, relate to a number of items including loan funding for acquisitions and other purposes, transfers of surplus cash between subsidiary companies, funding provided for working capital purposes, settlement of expense accounts, transactions related to share-based payment arrangements and share issuances, intercompany royalty and related arrangements, intercompany dividends and intercompany interest. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the intercompany balances of the Obligor group with non-guarantor subsidiaries were net receivables of $1.0 billion and $3.4 billion, respectively, and net payables of $15.1 billion and $14.0 billion, respectively.
No balances or transactions of non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented in the disclosures other than the intercompany items noted above.
Presented below is certain summarized financial information for the Obligor group.
As of
December 31, 2024
As of
December 31, 2023
(in millions)
Total current assets
$
$
Total non-current assets
1,050
3,454
Total current liabilities
6,254
7,576
Total non-current liabilities
14,442
11,848
Year ended
December 31, 2024
(in millions)
Revenue
$
1,008
Income from operations
Loss from operations before income taxes (i)
(215
)
Net loss
(103
)
Net loss attributable to Willis Towers Watson
(103
)
(i)Includes intercompany expense, net of the Obligor group from non-guarantor subsidiaries of $296 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In order to assist readers of our consolidated financial statements in understanding the core operating results that WTW’s management uses to evaluate the business and for financial planning purposes, we present the following non-GAAP measures and their most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure:
Most Directly Comparable U.S. GAAP Measure
Non-GAAP Measure
As reported change
Constant currency change
As reported change
Organic change
Income from operations/margin
Adjusted operating income/margin
Net (loss)/income/margin
Adjusted EBITDA/margin
Net (loss)/income attributable to WTW
Adjusted net income
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
Adjusted income before taxes
Provision for income taxes/U.S. GAAP tax rate
Adjusted income taxes/tax rate
Net cash from operating activities
Free cash flow/margin
The Company believes that these measures are relevant and provide pertinent information widely used by analysts, investors and other interested parties in our industry to provide a baseline for evaluating and comparing our operating performance, and in the case of free cash flow, our liquidity results.
Within the measures referred to as ‘adjusted’, we adjust for significant items which will not be settled in cash, or which we believe to be items that are not core to our current or future operations. These items include the following:
•Restructuring costs and transaction and transformation - Management believes it is appropriate to adjust for restructuring costs and transaction and transformation when they relate to a specific significant program with a defined set of activities and costs that are not expected to continue beyond a defined period of time, or significant acquisition-related transaction expenses. We believe the adjustment is necessary to present how the Company is performing, both now and in the future when the incurrence of these costs will have concluded.
•Impairment - Adjustment to remove the non-cash goodwill impairment associated with our BDA reporting unit related to the sale of our TRANZACT business.
•Provisions for specified litigation matters - We will include provisions for litigation matters which we believe are not representative of our core business operations. Among other things, we determine this by reference to the amount of the loss (net of insurance and other recovery receivables) and by reference to whether the matter relates to an unusual and complex scenario that is not expected to be repeated as part of our ongoing, ordinary business. These amounts are presented net of insurance and other recovery receivables. See the footnotes to the reconciliation tables below for more specificity on the litigation matter excluded from adjusted results.
•Gains and losses on disposals of operations - Adjustment to remove the gains or losses resulting from disposed operations that have not been classified as discontinued operations.
•Pension settlement - Adjustment to remove significant pension settlements to better present how the Company is performing.
•Tax effect of significant adjustments - Relates to the incremental tax expense or benefit resulting from significant or unusual events including significant statutory tax rate changes enacted in material jurisdictions in which we operate, internal reorganizations of ownership of certain businesses that reduced the investment held by our U.S.-controlled subsidiaries and the recovery of certain refunds or payment of taxes related to businesses in which we no longer participate.
These non-GAAP measures are not defined in the same manner by all companies and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the information contained within our consolidated financial statements.
Constant Currency Change and Organic Change
We evaluate our revenue on an as reported (U.S. GAAP), constant currency and organic basis. We believe presenting constant currency and organic information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our comparable results, consistent with how we evaluate our performance internally.
•Constant Currency Change - Represents the year-over-year change in revenue excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. To calculate this impact, the prior year local currency results are first translated using the current year monthly average exchange rates. The change is calculated by comparing the prior year revenue, translated at the current year monthly average exchange rates, to the current year as reported revenue, for the same period. We believe constant currency measures provide useful information to investors because they provide transparency to performance by excluding the effects that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on period-over-period comparability given volatility in foreign currency exchange markets.
•Organic Change - Excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates as described above and the period-over-period impact of acquisitions and divestitures on current-year revenue. We believe that excluding transaction-related items from our U.S. GAAP financial measures provides useful supplemental information to our investors, and it is important in illustrating what our core operating results would have been had we not included these transaction-related items, since the nature, size and number of these transaction-related items can vary from period to period.
The constant currency and organic change results, and a reconciliation from the reported results for consolidated revenue, are included in the ‘Consolidated Revenue’ section within this Form 10-K. These measures are also reported by segment in the ‘Segment Revenue and Segment Operating Income’ section within this Form 10-K.
A reconciliation of the as-reported change to the constant currency and organic change for the year ended December 31, 2024 from the year ended December 31, 2023 is as follows. The components of revenue change may not add due to rounding.
Components of Revenue Change
As
Less:
Constant
Less:
Years ended December 31,
Reported
Currency
Currency
Acquisitions/
Organic
Change
Impact
Change
Divestitures
Change (i)
($ in millions)
Revenue
$
9,930
$
9,483
5%
-%
5%
-%
5%
(i)Interest income did not contribute to organic change for the year ended December 31, 2024.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, our as-reported and our organic revenue increased by 5%. These increases were driven by strong performances in both segments.
Adjusted Operating Income/Margin
We consider adjusted operating income/margin to be important financial measures, which are used internally to evaluate and assess our core operations and to benchmark our operating results against our competitors.
Adjusted operating income is defined as income from operations adjusted for impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results. Adjusted operating income margin is calculated by dividing adjusted operating income by revenue.
Reconciliations of income from operations to adjusted operating income for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions)
Income from operations
$
$
1,365
Adjusted for certain items:
Impairment
1,042
-
Amortization
Restructuring costs
Transaction and transformation
Provision for specified litigation matter (i)
-
Adjusted operating income
$
2,378
$
2,082
Income from operations margin
6.3
%
14.4
%
Adjusted operating income margin
23.9
%
22.0
%
(i)Represents a provision related to litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. We believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.
Adjusted operating income increased for the year ended December 31, 2024 to $2.4 billion, from $2.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023. This increase resulted primarily from higher revenue, and increased margin expansion as a result of benefits recognized from our Transformation program, in the current year, partially offset by higher salary expense and increased incentive and benefit costs in the current year as compared to the prior year.
Adjusted EBITDA/Margin
We consider adjusted EBITDA/margin to be important financial measures, which are used internally to evaluate and assess our core operations, to benchmark our operating results against our competitors and to evaluate and measure our performance-based compensation plans.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net (loss)/income adjusted for provision for income taxes, interest expense, impairment, depreciation and amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results. Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing adjusted EBITDA by revenue.
Reconciliations of net (loss)/income to adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions)
NET (LOSS)/INCOME
$
(88
)
$
1,064
Provision for income taxes
Interest expense
Impairment
1,042
-
Depreciation
Amortization
Restructuring costs
Transaction and transformation
Provision for specified litigation matter (i)
-
Pension settlement
-
Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations
(43
)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
2,708
$
2,430
Net (loss)/income margin
(0.9
)%
11.2
%
Adjusted EBITDA margin
27.3
%
25.6
%
(i)Represents a provision related to litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. We believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $2.7 billion, compared to $2.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $278 million. This increase resulted primarily from higher revenue, and increased margin expansion as a result of benefits recognized from our Transformation program, in the current year, partially offset by higher salary expense and increased incentive and benefit costs in the current year as compared to the prior year.
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share
Adjusted net income is defined as net (loss)/income attributable to WTW adjusted for impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results and the related tax effect of those adjustments and the tax effects of significant adjustments. This measure is used solely for the purpose of calculating adjusted diluted earnings per share.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share is defined as adjusted net income divided by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares, diluted. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is used to internally evaluate and assess our core operations and to benchmark our operating results against our competitors. When there is a net loss attributable to WTW for the period, basic and diluted shares and earnings per share are the same values.
Reconciliations of net (loss)/income attributable to WTW to adjusted diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
($ and weighted-average shares in millions)
NET (LOSS)/INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WTW
$
(98
)
$
1,055
Adjusted for certain items:
Impairment
1,042
-
Amortization
Restructuring costs
Transaction and transformation
Provision for specified litigation matter (i)
-
Pension settlement
-
Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations
(43
)
Tax effect on certain items listed above (ii)
(276
)
(195
)
Tax effect of significant adjustments
(7
)
$
1,730
$
1,536
Weighted-average ordinary shares - diluted
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share
$
(0.96
)
$
9.95
Adjusted for certain items (iii):
Impairment
10.20
-
Amortization
2.21
2.48
Restructuring costs
0.60
0.64
Transaction and transformation
4.00
3.64
Provision for specified litigation matter (i)
0.13
-
Pension settlement
0.23
-
Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations
3.30
(0.41
)
Tax effect on certain items listed above (ii)
(2.70
)
(1.84
)
Tax effect of significant adjustments
(0.07
)
0.02
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (iii)
$
16.93
$
14.49
(i)Represents a provision related to litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. We believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.
(ii)The tax effect was calculated using an effective tax rate for each item.
(iii)Per share values and totals may differ due to rounding.
Our adjusted diluted earnings per share increased for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily from higher revenue, and increased margin expansion as a result of benefits recognized from our Transformation program, in the current year, partially offset by higher salary expense and increased incentive and benefit costs in the current year as compared to the prior year.
Adjusted Income Before Taxes and Adjusted Income Taxes/Tax Rate
Adjusted income before taxes is defined as income from operations before income taxes adjusted for impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results. Adjusted income before taxes is used solely for the purpose of calculating the adjusted income tax rate.
Adjusted income taxes/tax rate is defined as the provision for income taxes adjusted for taxes on certain items of impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations, the tax effects of significant adjustments and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results, divided by adjusted income before taxes. Adjusted income taxes is used solely for the purpose of calculating the adjusted income tax rate.
Management believes that the adjusted income tax rate presents a rate that is more closely aligned to the rate that we would incur if not for the reduction of pre-tax income for the adjusted items and the tax effects of internal reorganizations, which are not core to our current and future operations.
Reconciliations of income from continuing operations before income taxes to adjusted income before taxes and provision for income taxes to adjusted income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
INCOME TAXES
$
$
1,279
Adjusted for certain items:
Impairment
1,042
-
Amortization
Restructuring costs
Transaction and transformation
Provision for specified litigation matter (i)
-
Pension settlement
-
Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations
(43
)
Adjusted income before taxes
$
2,215
$
1,953
Provision for income taxes
$
$
Tax effect on certain items listed above (ii)
Tax effect of significant adjustments
(2
)
Adjusted income taxes
$
$
U.S. GAAP tax rate
184.7
%
16.8
%
Adjusted income tax rate
21.5
%
20.9
%
(i)Represents a provision related to litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. We believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.
(ii)The tax effect was calculated using an effective tax rate for each item.
Our U.S. GAAP tax rates were 184.7% and 16.8% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The current-year effective tax rate includes a $137 million tax benefit recognized on the sale of our TRANZACT business, partially offset with a $55 million provision for tax expense on the accrual for the Willis Re earnout and a $34 million provision for changes in uncertain tax positions.
Our adjusted income tax rates were 21.5% and 20.9% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The prior-year effective tax rate includes a $20 million tax benefit related to changes in state apportionment and a $10 million deferred tax benefit related to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities associated with the enactment of the Bermuda corporate income tax law.
Free Cash Flow/Margin
Free cash flow is defined as cash flows from operating activities less cash used to purchase fixed assets and software for internal use. Free cash flow is a liquidity measure and is not meant to represent residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. Free cash flow margin, which we include on an annual basis as seasonal fluctuations in our revenue render it not meaningful during interim periods, is calculated by dividing free cash flow by revenue.
Management believes that free cash flow and free cash flow margin present the core operating performance and cash generating capabilities of our business operations.
Reconciliations of cash flows from operating activities to free cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
Years ended December 31,
(in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
$
1,512
$
1,345
Less: Additions to fixed assets and software for internal use
(136
)
(153
)
Free cash flow
$
1,376
$
1,192
Revenue
$
9,930
$
9,483
Free cash flow margin
13.9
%
12.6
%
The increase in free cash flow during the current year was primarily driven by operating margin expansion, partially offset by increased cash outflows related to transformation and discretionary compensation payments in the current year as compared to the prior year.
Critical Accounting Estimates
These consolidated financial statements conform to U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Our estimates, judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated based on available information and experience. Because of the use of estimates inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates. The areas that we believe include critical accounting estimates are revenue recognition, costs to fulfill under our broking contracts, valuation of billed and unbilled receivables from clients, income taxes, commitments, contingencies and accrued liabilities, pension assumptions, and goodwill and intangible assets. The critical accounting estimates discussed below involve making difficult, subjective or complex accounting estimates that could have a material effect on our financial condition and results of operations. These critical accounting estimates require us to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time of the estimate or assumption. Different estimates that we could have used, or changes in estimates that are reasonably likely to occur, may have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Revenue Recognition
We use significant estimates related to revenue recognition most commonly during our estimation of the transaction prices or where we recognize revenue over time on a proportional performance basis. A brief description of these policies and estimates is included below:
Estimation of transaction prices - This process occurs most frequently in certain broking transactions. In situations in which our fees are not fixed but are variable, we must estimate the likely commission per policy, taking into account the likelihood of cancellation before the end of the policy. For Medicare broking and Affinity arrangements, the commissions to which we will be entitled can vary based on the underlying individual insurance policies that are placed. For Medicare broking in particular, we base the estimates of transaction prices on supportable evidence from an analysis of past transactions, and only include amounts that are probable of being received or not refunded (referred to as applying ‘constraint’ under ASC 606, Revenue From Contracts With Customers). Prior to the sale of TRANZACT, we had direct-to-consumer Medicare broking arrangements. The estimate of the total renewal commissions received over the lifetime of the policy required significant judgment, and varied based on product type, estimated commission rates, the expected lives of the respective policies and other factors. The Company applied an actuarial model to account for these uncertainties, which was updated periodically based on actual experience. Each of these processes resulted in us estimating a transaction price that could have been significantly lower than the ultimate amount of commissions we would have collected. The transaction price was then adjusted over time as we received confirmation of our remuneration through receipt of commissions, or as other information became available.
Proportional performance basis over time recognition - Where we recognize revenue on a proportional performance basis, primarily in our consulting and outsourced administration arrangements, the amount we recognize is affected by a number of factors that can change the estimated amount of work required to complete the project, such as the staffing on the engagement and/or the level of client participation. Our periodic engagement evaluations require us to make judgments and estimates regarding the overall profitability and stages of project completion that, in turn, affect how we recognize revenue. We recognize a loss on an engagement when estimated revenue to be received for that engagement is less than the total estimated costs associated with the engagement.
Costs to Fulfill -Broking Contracts
For our broking business, the Company must estimate the fulfillment costs incurred during the pre-placement of the broking contracts. These judgments include the following:
•which activities in the pre-placement process should be eligible for capitalization;
•the amount of time and effort expended on those pre-placement activities;
•the amount of payroll and related costs eligible for capitalization; and,
•the monthly or quarterly timing of underlying insurance and reinsurance policy inception dates.
Valuation of Billed and Unbilled Receivables from Clients
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts to reflect estimated losses resulting from a client’s failure to pay for the services after the services have been rendered, which are recorded in other operating expenses. We also maintain allowances related to our unbilled receivables for such items as expected realization or client disputes, the related provision for which is recorded as a reduction to revenue. Our allowance policy is based in part on the aging of the billed and unbilled client receivables and has been developed based on our write-off history. However, facts and circumstances, such as the average length of time the receivables are past due, general market conditions at the time we perform the work, current economic trends and our clients’ ability to pay, may cause fluctuations in our valuation of billed and unbilled receivables.
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences of events attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating and capital loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of changes in tax rates is recognized for continuing operations in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the period in which the change is enacted. Deferred tax assets are reduced through the establishment of a valuation allowance at such time as, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company adjusts valuation allowances to measure deferred tax assets at the amounts considered realizable in future periods, which is assessed at each balance sheet date. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operating results. We place more reliance on evidence that is objectively verifiable.
Commitments, Contingencies and Accrued Liabilities
We have established provisions against various actual and potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings relating principally to alleged errors and omissions in connection with the placement of insurance and reinsurance and the provision of consulting services in the ordinary course of business. Such provisions cover claims that have been reported but not paid and also claims that have been incurred but not reported. These provisions are established based on actuarial estimates together with individual case reviews and are believed to be adequate in the light of current information and legal advice. In certain cases, where a range of loss exists, we accrue the minimum amount in the range if no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount.
See Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies in Item 8 within this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Pension Assumptions
We maintain defined benefit pension plans for employees in several countries, with the most significant defined benefit plans offered in the U.S. and U.K. Our disclosures in Note 13 - Retirement Benefits contain additional information about our other less significant but material retirement plans. Within our critical accounting policy discussion, we have excluded analysis for plans outside of those noted in the description below, as any variance of recorded information based on management’s estimates would be immaterial.
Descriptions of our U.S. and U.K. plans, which comprise 88% of our projected benefit obligations and 89% of our plan assets, are below:
United States
Legacy Willis - This plan was frozen in 2009. Approximately 550 WTW employees in the United States have a frozen accrued benefit under this plan.
WTW Plan - Substantially all U.S. employees are eligible to participate in this plan. Benefits are provided under a stable value pension plan design. The original stable value design came into effect on January 1, 2012. Plan participants prior to July 1, 2017 earn benefits without having to make employee contributions, and all newly-eligible employees after that date are required to contribute 2% of pay on an after-tax basis to participate in the plan. Effective January 1, 2024, stable value benefits are earned under the same contributory formula for all eligible colleagues. To participate, participants are required to contribute 2% of eligible earnings (base salary only) on an after-tax basis.
United Kingdom
Legacy Willis - This plan covers approximately 400 WTW employees in the U.K. The plan is now closed to new entrants. New employees in the U.K. are offered the opportunity to join a defined contribution plan.
Legacy Towers Watson - Benefit accruals earned under the Legacy Watson Wyatt defined benefit plan (predominantly pension benefits) ceased on February 28, 2015, although benefits earned prior to January 1, 2008 retain a link to salary until the employee leaves the Company. Benefit accruals earned under the legacy Towers Perrin defined benefit plan (predominantly lump sum benefits) were frozen on March 31, 2008. All participants now accrue defined contribution benefits.
The determination of the Company’s obligations and annual expense under the plans is based on a number of assumptions that, given the longevity of the plans, are long-term in focus. A change in one or a combination of these assumptions could have a material impact on our projected benefit obligation. However, certain of these changes, such as changes in the discount rates and other actuarial assumptions, are not recognized immediately in net income, but are instead recorded in other comprehensive income. The accumulated gains and losses not yet recognized in net income are amortized into net income as a component of the net periodic benefit cost/(income) over the average remaining service period or average remaining life expectancy, as appropriate, of the plan’s participants to the extent that the net gains or losses as of the beginning of the year exceed 10% of the greater of the market-related value of plan assets or the projected benefit obligation.
WTW considers several factors prior to the start of each fiscal year when determining the appropriate annual assumptions, including economic forecasts, relevant benchmarks, historical trends, portfolio composition and peer company comparisons. These assumptions, used to determine our pension liabilities and pension expense, are reviewed annually by senior management and changed when appropriate. A discount rate will be changed annually if underlying rates have moved, whereas an expected long-term return on assets will be changed less frequently as longer-term trends in asset returns emerge or long-term target asset allocations are revised. To calculate the discount rate, we use the granular approach to determining service cost and interest cost. The expected rate of return assumptions for all plans are supported by an analysis of the weighted-average yield expected to be achieved with the anticipated makeup of investments. We have allowed for actual and known inflation in preparing our estimates. Other material assumptions include rates of participant mortality, and the expected long-term rates of compensation and pension increases.
Funding is based on actuarially determined contributions and is limited to amounts that are currently deductible for tax purposes, or as agreed to with the plan trustees for the U.K. plans. Since funding calculations are based on different measurements than those used for accounting purposes, pension contributions are not equal to net periodic benefit cost.
We recorded a combined $1 million net periodic benefit income for our U.S. and U.K. plans for the year ended December 31, 2024. For the U.S. and U.K. plans, the following table presents our estimated net periodic benefit income for 2025 and the impact to both plans of a 0.25% increase and decrease to both the expected return on assets (‘EROA’) and the discount rate assumptions; and the projected benefit obligations as of December 31, 2024 and the impact of a 0.25% increase and decrease to the discount rates:
Totals -
current estimates
Impact of 0.25% change to
EROA
Impact of 0.25% change to
discount rate
Increase
Decrease
Increase
Decrease
Estimated 2025 expense:
U.S. Plans
$
$
(8
)
$
$
(8
)
$
U.K. Plans
$
$
(6
)
$
$
(1
)
$
Projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2024:
U.S. Plans
$
3,812
N/A
N/A
$
(92
)
$
U.K. Plans
$
2,236
N/A
N/A
$
(65
)
$
Economic factors and conditions often affect multiple assumptions simultaneously, and the effects of changes in key assumptions are not necessarily linear.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Impairment Review
In applying the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations, amounts assigned to identifiable assets and liabilities acquired were based on estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition, with the remainder recorded as goodwill. Intangible assets are initially valued at fair value using generally accepted valuation methods appropriate for the type of intangible asset. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment if indicators of impairment arise. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment annually as of October 1, and whenever indicators of impairment arise. The fair value of the intangible assets is compared with their carrying value and an impairment loss would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of October 1, and whenever indicators of impairment arise.
Goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level, and the Company had seven reporting units as of October 1, 2024. As discussed in Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in connection with the sale of TRANZACT, completed on December 31, 2024, the Company recorded a $1.0 billion non-cash goodwill impairment charge on the BDA reporting unit. The BDA reporting unit goodwill after impairment is approximately $1.2 billion. After reflecting the sale of TRANZACT, the fair value of the remaining reporting unit is estimated to be significantly in excess of its carrying value. The impairment test for the remaining six reporting units resulted in estimated fair values that were significantly in excess of their carrying values.
The Company continuously monitors and evaluates relevant events and circumstances that could unfavorably impact the significant assumptions noted above, including changes to the regulatory environment, general industry, market and macro-economic conditions and recent market valuations from transactions of comparable companies. It is possible that future changes in such circumstances, or in the inputs or assumptions used in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit, could require the Company to record a non-cash impairment charge.
To perform the test, we used valuation techniques to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit that are under the income and/or market approaches of valuation methods:
•Discounted cash flow method - Under the discounted cash flow method, an income approach, the business enterprise value is determined by discounting to present value the terminal value which is calculated using debt-free after-tax cash flows for a finite period of years. Key estimates in this approach were internal financial projection estimates prepared by management, assessment of business risk, and expected rates of return on capital.
•Guideline public company method - The guideline public company method, a market approach, develops valuation multiples by comparing our reporting units to similar publicly traded companies. Key estimates and determination of valuation multiples rely on the selection of similar companies, obtaining forecast revenue and EBITDA estimates for the similar companies and selection of valuation multiples as they apply to the reporting unit characteristics.
•Guideline transaction method - Under the guideline transactions method, a market approach, actual transaction prices and operating data from companies deemed reasonably similar to the reporting units are used to develop valuation multiples as an indication of how much a knowledgeable investor in the marketplace would be willing to pay for the business units.

---

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITA TIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Financial Risk Management
We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In order to manage the risk arising from these exposures, we enter into a variety of foreign currency derivatives. We do not hold financial or derivative instruments for trading purposes.
A discussion of our accounting policies for financial and derivative instruments is included in Note 2 - Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Note 10 - Derivative Financial Instruments within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Foreign Exchange Risk
Because of the large number of countries and currencies we operate in, movements in currency exchange rates may affect our results.
We report our operating results and financial condition in U.S. dollars. Our U.S. operations earn revenue and incur expenses primarily in U.S. dollars. Outside the U.S., we predominantly generate revenue and expenses in the local currency with the exception of our London market operations which earn revenue in several currencies but incur expenses predominantly in Pounds sterling.
The table below gives an approximate analysis of revenue and expenses from continuing operations by currency in 2024.
U.S.
dollars
Pounds
sterling
Euro
Other
currencies
Revenue
59%
11%
14%
16%
Expenses (i)
53%
18%
12%
17%
(i)These percentages exclude certain expenses for significant items which will not be settled in cash, or which we believe to be items that are not core to our current or future operations. These items include amortization of intangible assets and transaction and transformation.
Our principal exposures to foreign exchange risk arise from:
•our London market operations;
•intercompany lending between subsidiaries; and
•translation.
London market operations
The Company’s primary foreign exchange risks in its London market operations arise from changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Pound sterling as its London market operations earn the majority of its revenue in U.S. dollars but incur expenses predominantly in Pounds sterling and may also hold significant foreign currency asset or liability positions on its consolidated balance sheet. In addition, the London market operations earn significant revenue in Euros.
The foreign exchange risks in our London market operations are hedged to the extent that:
•forecasted Pounds sterling expenses exceed Pounds sterling revenue, in which case the Company limits its exposure to this exchange rate risk by the use of forward and option contracts matched to a portion of the forecasted Pounds sterling outflows arising in the ordinary course of business. In addition, we are also exposed to foreign exchange risk on any net non-dollar asset or liability positions on our London market operations' balance sheets; and
•the U.K. operations also earn significant revenue in Euros. The Company limits its exposure to changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and Euros by the use of foreign exchange contracts matched to a proportion of forecast revenue inflows in these specific currencies and periods.
Intercompany lending between subsidiaries
The Company engages in intercompany borrowing and lending between subsidiaries, primarily through its in-house banking operations which give rise to foreign exchange exposures. The Company mitigates these risks through the use of short-term foreign currency forward and swap transactions that offset the underlying exposure created when the borrower and lender have different functional currencies. These derivatives are not generally designated as hedging instruments and at December 31, 2024, we had notional amounts of $1.2 billion (denominated primarily in U.S. dollars, Pounds sterling and Euros), with a net fair value liability of $3 million. Such derivatives typically mature within three months.
Translation risk
Outside our U.S. and London market operations, we predominantly earn revenue and incur expenses in the local currency. When we translate the results and net assets of these operations into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes, movements in exchange rates will affect reported results and net assets. For example, if the U.S. dollar strengthens against the Euro, the reported results of our Eurozone operations in U.S. dollar terms will be lower.
The table below provides information about our foreign currency forward exchange and option contracts which are designated as hedging instruments and are sensitive to exchange rate risk. The table summarizes the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts of each currency bought and sold forward and the weighted-average contractual exchange rates. All forward exchange contracts mature within two years.
Settlement date before December 31,
December 31, 2024
Contract
amount
Average
contractual
exchange
rate
Contract
amount
Average
contractual
exchange
rate
(millions)
(millions)
Foreign currency sold
U.S. dollars sold for Pounds
sterling
$
$1.27 = £1
$
$1.29 = £1
Euros sold for U.S. dollars
€1 = $1.10
€1 = $1.11
Total
$
$
Fair value (i)
$
(1
)
$
(1
)
(i)Represents the difference between the contract amount and the cash flow in U.S. dollars which would have been receivable had the foreign currency forward exchange contracts been entered into on December 31, 2024 at the forward exchange rates prevailing at that date.
Income earned within foreign subsidiaries outside of the U.K. is generally offset by expenses in the same local currency, however the Company does have exposure to foreign exchange movements on the net income of these entities.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company has access to $1.5 billion under a revolving credit facility (see Note 11 - Debt within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information). As of December 31, 2024, no amount was drawn on this facility. We are also subject to market risk from exposure to changes in interest rates based on our investing activities where our primary interest rate risk arises from changes in short-term interest rates in U.S. dollars, Pounds sterling and Euros.
The table below provides information about our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. The Company had no outstanding floating rate-based debt at December 31, 2024.
Expected to mature before December 31,
Thereafter
Total
Fair Value (i)
($ in millions)
Fixed rate debt
Principal
$
-
$
$
$
$
$
2,725
$
5,350
$
5,052
Fixed rate payable
-
4.400
%
4.650
%
4.500
%
2.950
%
5.238
%
4.677
%
(i)Represents the net present value of the expected cash flows discounted at current market rates of interest or quoted market rates as appropriate.
Interest Income on Fiduciary Funds
We are exposed to interest rate risk. Specifically, as a result of our operating activities, we receive cash for premiums and claims which we deposit in high-quality bank term deposit and money market funds, on which we earn interest, where permitted. We also hold funds for clients of our benefits accounts businesses. For the benefit funds not invested, cash and cash equivalents are held, on which we earn interest, until the funds are directed by plan participants to either be invested in mutual funds or paid out on their behalf. This interest earned is included in our consolidated financial statements as interest income. These funds are regulated in terms of access and the instruments in which they may be invested, most of which are short-term in maturity. Short-term rates in major currencies began to decrease over the second half of 2024 from end-of-2023 levels. This followed some steep central bank rate increases in 2023. Our increase in interest income in 2024 reflects a combination of relatively high average interest rates over the course of 2024 and some increases in our invested cash balances. Interest income in the future will be a function of the short-term
rates we are able to obtain by currency and the cash balances available to invest. Interest income was $166 million, $145 million and $55 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. At December 31, 2024, we held $2.6 billion of fiduciary funds invested in interest-bearing accounts. If short-term interest rates increased or decreased by 25 basis points, interest earned on these invested fiduciary funds, and therefore our interest income recognized, would increase or decrease by approximately $6 million on an annualized basis.
Credit Risk and Concentrations of Credit Risk
Credit risk represents the loss that would be recognized at the reporting date if counterparties failed to perform as contracted. The Company currently does not anticipate non-performance by its counterparties. The Company generally does not require collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk.
Concentrations of credit risk that arise from financial instruments exist for groups of customers or counterparties when they have similar economic characteristics that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions. Financial instruments on the balance sheet that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, fiduciary funds, accounts receivable and derivatives which are recorded at fair value.
The Company maintains a policy of providing for the diversification of cash and cash equivalent investments and places such investments in an extensive number of financial institutions to limit the amount of credit risk exposure. These financial institutions are monitored on an ongoing basis for credit quality predominantly using information provided by credit agencies.
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited due to the large number of clients and markets in which the Company does business, as well as the dispersion across many geographic areas. Management does not believe that significant risk exists in connection with the Company’s concentrations of credit as of December 31, 2024.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
INDEX TO FORM 10-K
For the year ended December 31, 2024
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 34)
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company and subsidiaries (the ‘Company’) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the ‘financial statements’). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (‘US GAAP’).
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (‘PCAOB’), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 2025, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Provisions for Liabilities - Errors & Omissions Reserve - Refer to Notes 2, 15 and 16 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company has established provisions against various actual and potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings relating principally to alleged errors and omissions (‘E&O’) which arise in connection with the placement of insurance and reinsurance and provision of broking, consulting and outsourcing services in the ordinary course of business. Such provisions cover claims that have been reported but not paid and also claims that have been incurred but not reported (‘IBNR’). These provisions are established based on actuarial estimates together with individual case reviews. Significant management judgment is required to estimate the amounts of such claims.
Auditing management’s judgments related to its E&O provision, and in particular the broking, consulting and outsourcing business provisions related to the IBNR, and the provisions related to significant claims reported but not paid, involved especially complex and subjective judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our actuarial specialists.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the determination of E&O provisions included the following, among others:
•We tested the effectiveness of controls over the Company’s estimation of the E&O provisions, including controls over the underlying historical claims data, the actuarial methodology used, the assumptions selected by management that are used to calculate the broking, consulting and outsourcing business IBNR provisions, and the establishment and quarterly evaluation of provisions for reported claims, including significant claims.
•For the IBNR provisions, we evaluated the appropriateness of the IBNR models, and evaluated the consistency of the model with prior years in order to challenge the methodology used to estimate the provisions. With the assistance of our actuarial specialists, we assessed the methodology and models used, including key inputs and assumptions used in, and arithmetical accuracy of, the models used. We also performed retrospective reviews of management’s estimated claims emergence in comparison to actual results and evaluated the provisions set by management in comparison to a range of independent estimates that we developed.
•We evaluated the E&O matters and the appropriateness of their projected settlement values through inquiries of, and confirmations from, in-house counsel and external lawyers handling those matters for the Company.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Philadelphia, PA
February 25, 2025
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.
WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In millions of U.S. dollars, except per share data)
Years ended December 31,
Revenue
$
9,930
$
9,483
$
8,866
Costs of providing services
Salaries and benefits
5,502
5,344
5,065
Other operating expenses
1,833
1,815
1,695
Impairment
1,042
-
Depreciation
Amortization
Restructuring costs
Transaction and transformation
Total costs of providing services
9,303
8,118
7,688
Income from operations
1,365
1,178
Interest expense
(263
)
(235
)
(208
)
Other (loss)/income, net
(260
)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
1,279
1,258
Provision for income taxes
(192
)
(215
)
(194
)
(LOSS)/INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
(88
)
1,064
1,064
LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX
-
-
(40
)
NET (LOSS)/INCOME
(88
)
1,064
1,024
Income attributable to non-controlling interests
(10
)
(9
)
(15
)
NET (LOSS)/INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WTW
$
(98
)
$
1,055
$
1,009
(LOSS)/EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic (loss)/earnings per share:
(Loss)/income from continuing operations per share
$
(0.96
)
$
10.01
$
9.36
Loss from discontinued operations per share
-
-
(0.36
)
Basic (loss)/earnings per share
$
(0.96
)
$
10.01
$
9.00
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share:
(Loss)/income from continuing operations per share
$
(0.96
)
$
9.95
$
9.34
Loss from discontinued operations per share
-
-
(0.36
)
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share
$
(0.96
)
$
9.95
$
8.98
NET (LOSS)/INCOME
$
(88
)
$
1,064
$
1,024
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation
$
(204
)
$
$
(499
)
Defined pension and post-retirement benefits
(94
)
(408
)
Derivative instruments
(4
)
(2
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax, before non-controlling interests
(302
)
(233
)
(436
)
Comprehensive (loss)/income before non-controlling interests
(390
)
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests
(10
)
(11
)
(14
)
Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to WTW
$
(400
)
$
$
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
Consolidated B alance Sheets
(In millions of U.S. dollars, except share data)
December 31,
December 31,
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,890
$
1,424
Fiduciary assets
9,504
9,073
Accounts receivable, net
2,494
2,572
Prepaid and other current assets
1,217
Total current assets
15,105
13,433
Fixed assets, net
Goodwill
8,799
10,195
Other intangible assets, net
1,295
2,016
Right-of-use assets
Pension benefits assets
Other non-current assets
1,573
Total non-current assets
12,576
15,657
TOTAL ASSETS
$
27,681
$
29,090
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Fiduciary liabilities
$
9,504
$
9,073
Deferred revenue and accrued expenses
2,211
2,104
Current debt
-
Current lease liabilities
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
12,598
12,630
Long-term debt
5,309
4,567
Liability for pension benefits
Deferred tax liabilities
Provision for liabilities
Long-term lease liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
7,066
6,867
TOTAL LIABILITIES
19,664
19,497
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EQUITY (i)
Additional paid-in capital
10,989
10,910
Retained earnings
1,466
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(3,158
)
(2,856
)
Total WTW shareholders’ equity
7,940
9,520
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
8,017
9,593
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
27,681
$
29,090
(i)Equity includes (a) Ordinary shares $0.000304635 nominal value; Authorized 1,510,003,775; Issued 99,805,780 (2024) and 102,538,072 (2023); Outstanding 99,805,780 (2024) and 102,538,072 (2023); (b) Preference shares, $0.000115 nominal value; Authorized 1,000,000,000 and Issued none in 2024 and 2023.
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
Years ended December 31,
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
NET (LOSS)/INCOME
$
(88
)
$
1,064
$
1,024
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)/income to total net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation
Amortization
Impairment
1,042
-
Non-cash restructuring charges
Non-cash lease expense
Net periodic cost/(benefit) of defined benefit pension plans
(26
)
(153
)
Provision for doubtful receivables from clients
Benefit from deferred income taxes
(213
)
(109
)
(50
)
Share-based compensation
Net loss/(gain) on disposal of operations
(43
)
Non-cash foreign exchange (gain)/loss
(31
)
(137
)
Other, net
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of subsidiaries:
Accounts receivable
(233
)
(206
)
(188
)
Other assets
(373
)
(185
)
(197
)
Other liabilities
(495
)
Provisions
(21
)
(8
)
Net cash from operating activities
1,512
1,345
CASH FLOWS FROM/(USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to fixed assets and software for internal use
(136
)
(153
)
(138
)
Capitalized software costs
(109
)
(89
)
(66
)
Acquisitions of operations, net of cash acquired
(107
)
(6
)
(81
)
Net proceeds/(payments) from sale of operations
(59
)
Cash and fiduciary funds transferred in sale of operations
(5
)
(922
)
(29
)
(Purchase)/sale of investments
(12
)
(4
)
Net cash from/(used in) investing activities
(1,085
)
(173
)
CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Senior notes issued
Debt issuance costs
(9
)
(7
)
(5
)
Repayments of debt
(655
)
(254
)
(585
)
Repurchase of shares
(901
)
(1,000
)
(3,530
)
Proceeds from issuance of shares
-
-
Net proceeds/(payments) from fiduciary funds held for clients
(234
)
Payments of deferred and contingent consideration related to acquisitions
(2
)
(12
)
(22
)
Cash paid for employee taxes on withholding shares
(56
)
(26
)
(34
)
Dividends paid
(354
)
(352
)
(369
)
Acquisitions of and dividends paid to non-controlling interests
(13
)
(63
)
(11
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(459
)
(1,200
)
(3,445
)
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED
CASH (i)
1,303
(940
)
(2,806
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(97
)
(164
)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR (i)
3,792
4,721
7,691
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, END OF YEAR (i)
$
4,998
$
3,792
$
4,721
(i)The amounts of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, their respective classification on the consolidated balance sheets as well as their respective portions of the increase or decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash for each of the periods presented have been included in Note 21 - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information.
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(In millions of U.S. dollars and number of shares in thousands)
Shares
outstanding
Additional
paid-in capital
Retained
earnings
Treasury
shares
AOCL (i)
Total WTW
shareholders’
equity
Non-controlling
interests
Total equity
Balance as of January 1, 2022
122,056
$
10,804
$
4,645
$
(3
)
$
(2,186
)
$
13,260
$
$
13,308
Shares repurchased
(15,729
)
-
(3,530
)
-
-
(3,530
)
-
(3,530
)
Net income
-
-
1,009
-
-
1,009
1,024
Dividends declared ($3.28 per share)
-
-
(360
)
-
-
(360
)
-
(360
)
Dividends attributable to non-controlling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
(10
)
(10
)
Other comprehensive loss
-
-
-
-
(435
)
(435
)
(1
)
(436
)
Issuance of shares under employee stock
compensation plans
-
-
-
-
Share-based compensation and net settlements
-
-
-
-
-
Additional non-controlling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
Reduction of non-controlling interests (ii)
-
-
-
-
(2
)
-
Foreign currency translation
-
-
-
-
-
Balance as of December 31, 2022
106,756
$
10,876
$
1,764
$
(3
)
$
(2,621
)
$
10,016
$
$
10,093
Shares repurchased
(4,483
)
(3
)
(1,000
)
-
(1,000
)
-
(1,000
)
Net income
-
-
1,055
-
-
1,055
1,064
Dividends declared ($3.36 per share)
-
-
(353
)
-
-
(353
)
-
(353
)
Dividends attributable to non-controlling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
(13
)
(13
)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income
-
-
-
-
(235
)
(235
)
(233
)
Issuance of shares under employee stock
compensation plans
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Share-based compensation and net settlements
-
-
-
-
-
Reduction of non-controlling interests (ii)
-
(47
)
-
-
-
(47
)
(2
)
(49
)
Foreign currency translation
-
(5
)
-
-
-
(5
)
-
(5
)
Balance as of December 31, 2023
102,538
$
10,910
$
1,466
$
-
$
(2,856
)
$
9,520
$
$
9,593
Shares repurchased
(3,145
)
-
(901
)
-
-
(901
)
-
(901
)
Net (loss)/income
-
-
(98
)
-
-
(98
)
(88
)
Dividends declared ($3.52 per share)
-
-
(358
)
-
-
(358
)
-
(358
)
Dividends attributable to non-controlling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
(9
)
(9
)
Other comprehensive loss
-
-
-
-
(302
)
(302
)
-
(302
)
Issuance of shares under employee stock
compensation plans
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Share-based compensation and net settlements
-
-
-
-
-
Additional non-controlling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
Reduction of non-controlling interests (ii)
-
(4
)
-
-
-
(4
)
-
(4
)
Foreign currency translation
-
-
-
-
-
Balance as of December 31, 2024
99,806
$
10,989
$
$
-
$
(3,158
)
$
7,940
$
$
8,017
(i)Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (‘AOCL’).
(ii)Attributable to the divestiture of businesses that are less than wholly-owned or the acquisition of shares previously owned by minority interest holders. In an acquisition, additional paid-in capital is adjusted as well to the extent that the consideration transferred differs from the carrying value of non-controlling interests prior to the acquisition.
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts are in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share data)
Note 1 - Nature of Operations
Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that provides data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. The Company has approximately 49,000 colleagues serving more than 140 countries and markets.
We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals.
Our risk control services include strategic risk consulting (including providing actuarial analysis), a variety of due diligence services, the provision of practical on-site risk control services (such as health and safety or property loss control consulting), and analytical and advisory services (such as hazard modeling and climate risk quantification). We also assist our clients with managing incidents or crises when they occur. These services include contingency planning, security audits and product tampering plans.
We help our clients enhance their business performance by delivering consulting services, technology and solutions that help them anticipate, identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities in human capital management, as well as offer investment advice to help them develop disciplined and efficient strategies to meet their investment goals.
As an insurance broker, we act as an intermediary between our clients and insurance carriers by advising on their risk management requirements, helping them to determine the best means of managing risk and negotiating and placing insurance with insurance carriers through our global distribution network.
We operate a private Medicare marketplace in the U.S. through which, along with our active employee marketplace, we help our clients move to a more sustainable economic model by capping and controlling the costs associated with healthcare benefits. We also provided direct-to-consumer sales of Medicare coverage through our TRANZACT business until December 31, 2024, the date of the completion of the sale of TRANZACT (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures).
We are not an insurance company, and therefore we do not underwrite insurable risks for our own account. We help sharpen strategies, enhance organizational resilience, motivate workforces and maximize performance to uncover opportunities for sustainable success.
Note 2 - Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying audited consolidated financial statements of WTW and our subsidiaries are presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC for annual reports on Form 10-K and are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current-period presentation. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of WTW and those of our majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. We determine whether we have a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity (‘VIE’). Variable interest entities are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity and therefore require a different approach in determining which party involved with the VIE should consolidate the entity. With a VIE, either the entity does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or the equity holders, as a group, do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact its financial performance, the obligation to absorb expected losses of the entity, or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity. The entity that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE is referred to as the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate the VIE.
Voting interest entities are entities that have sufficient equity and provide equity investors voting rights that give them the power to make significant decisions related to the entity’s operations. The usual condition for a controlling financial interest in a voting interest entity is ownership of a majority voting interest. Accordingly, we consolidate our voting interest entity investments in which we hold, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting rights.
Use of Estimates - These consolidated financial statements conform to U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as well as disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Our estimates, judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated based on available information and experience. Because of the use of estimates inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates are used when accounting for revenue recognition and related costs, the selection of useful lives of fixed and intangible assets, impairment testing, valuation of billed and unbilled receivables from clients, discretionary compensation, income taxes, pension assumptions, incurred but not reported claims, legal reserves and goodwill and intangible assets.
Going Concern - Management evaluates at each annual and interim period whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the consolidated financial statements are issued. Management’s evaluation is based on relevant conditions and events that are known and reasonably knowable at the date that the consolidated financial statements are issued. Management has concluded that there are no conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date of these financial statements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The carrying values of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, accounts receivable, short-term investments, accrued expenses and revolving lines of credit approximate their fair values because of the short maturity and liquidity of those instruments. The fair value of our senior notes and note receivable are considered Level 2 financial instruments as they are corroborated by observable market data. See Note 12 - Fair Value Measurements for additional information about our measurements of fair value.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of time deposits with original maturities of three months or less. In certain of the countries in which we conduct business, we are subject to capital adequacy requirements. Most significantly, Willis Limited, our U.K. brokerage subsidiary regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, is currently required to maintain $90 million in unencumbered and available financial resources, of which at least $57 million must be in cash, for regulatory purposes. Term deposits and certificates of deposits with original maturities greater than three months are considered to be short-term investments and are included in Prepaid and other current assets. Additionally, see Note 21 - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information for a reconciliation of the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as presented on our consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Fiduciary Assets and Liabilities - The Company collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting commissions, remits the premiums to the respective insurers. The Company also collects claims or refunds from insurers on behalf of insureds. Certain of our health and welfare benefits administration outsourcing agreements require us to hold funds on behalf of clients to pay obligations on their behalf or for plan participants to pay for medical costs (‘benefit funds’). Benefit funds held in cash and cash equivalents are part of fiduciary funds. In some instances, plan participants direct us to invest these benefit funds on their behalf (‘benefit funds investments’). Each of these transactions is reported on our consolidated balance sheets as assets and corresponding liabilities unless such balances are due to or from the same party and a right of offset exists, in which case the balances are recorded net.
Fiduciary assets on the consolidated balance sheets are comprised of fiduciary funds, benefit funds investments and fiduciary receivables:
Fiduciary funds - These amounts are restricted cash and cash equivalents held for unremitted insurance premiums and claims and benefit funds not invested, and are recorded within fiduciary assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Fiduciary funds are generally required to be kept in certain regulated bank accounts subject to guidelines which emphasize capital preservation and liquidity. Such funds are not available to service the Company’s debt or for other corporate purposes. Notwithstanding the legal relationships with insureds and insurers and excluding earnings on benefit funds, the Company is entitled to retain investment income earned on fiduciary funds in accordance with industry custom and practice and, in some cases, as supported by agreements with insureds. The period for which the Company holds such funds in its broking capacity is dependent upon the date the insured remits the payment of the premium to the Company, or the date the Company receives a refund from the insurer, and the date the Company is required to forward such payments to the insurer or insured, respectively. For the benefit funds, cash and cash equivalents are held until the funds are directed by plan participants to either be invested in mutual funds or paid out on their behalf. Fiduciary funds are included in the beginning and ending balances of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the consolidated statements of cash flows. See Note 21 - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information for a reconciliation of the fiduciary funds as presented on our consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Benefit funds investments - Benefit funds investments can be invested in open-ended mutual funds at the direction of the participant. Such funds are not available to service the Company’s debt or for other corporate purposes and earnings accrue to the participant.
Fiduciary receivables - Uncollected premiums from insureds, uncollected claims or refunds from insurers and unremitted benefits funds are recorded as fiduciary assets on the consolidated balance sheets. In certain instances, the Company advances
premiums, refunds or claims to insurance underwriters or insureds prior to collection. Such advances are made from fiduciary funds and are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as fiduciary assets.
Fiduciary liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets represent the obligations to remit all fiduciary assets as required under the terms of the various arrangements. Fiduciary receivables and liabilities for which cash has not been collected are equal and offsetting and have not been presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Accounts Receivable - Accounts receivable includes both billed and unbilled receivables and is stated at estimated net realizable values. Provision for billed receivables is recorded, when necessary, in an amount considered by management to be sufficient to meet probable future losses related to uncollectible accounts. Accrued and unbilled receivables are stated at net realizable value which includes an allowance for accrued and unbillable amounts. See Note 4 - Revenue for additional information about our accounts receivable.
Acquired Accounts Receivable - As part of the acquisition accounting for the TRANZACT business in 2019, the acquired accounts receivable arising from direct-to-consumer Medicare broking sales were present-valued at the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations (‘ASC 805’). Cash collections for these receivables were expected to occur over a period of several years. Due to the provisions of ASC 606, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (‘ASC 606’), these receivables were not discounted for a significant financing component when initially recognized. Following the acquisition, the acquired renewal commissions receivables were accounted for prospectively using the cost-recovery method in which future cash receipts were initially applied against the acquisition date fair value until the value reached zero. Any cash received in excess of the fair value determined at acquisition was recorded to earnings when it was received. Prior to the sale of TRANZACT, the adjusted values of these acquired renewal commissions receivables were included in Prepaid and other current assets or Other non-current assets, as appropriate, on the consolidated balance sheets.
Income Taxes - The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences of events attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating and capital loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of changes in tax rates is recognized for continuing operations in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the period in which the change is enacted. Deferred tax assets are reduced through the establishment of a valuation allowance at such time as, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company adjusts valuation allowances to measure deferred tax assets at the amounts considered realizable in future periods, which is assessed at each balance sheet date. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operating results. The Company places more reliance on evidence that is objectively verifiable.
Positions taken in the Company’s tax returns may be subject to challenge by the taxing authorities upon examination. The Company recognizes the benefits of uncertain tax positions in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that a position will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position assuming the tax authorities have full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. Recognition also occurs upon either the lapse of the relevant statute of limitations or when positions are effectively settled. The benefit recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized on settlement with the tax authority. The Company adjusts its recognition of uncertain tax benefits in the period in which new information is available impacting either the recognition or measurement of its uncertain tax positions. Such adjustments are reflected as increases or decreases to income taxes in the period in which they are determined.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits within income taxes. See Note 7 - Income Taxes for additional information regarding the Company’s income taxes.
Foreign Currency - Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of the entity are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities in currencies other than the functional currency are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date and the related transaction gains and losses are reported as income or expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Certain intercompany loans may be determined to be of a long-term investment nature. The Company records transaction gains and losses from re-measuring such loans as other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Upon consolidation, the results of operations of subsidiaries and associates whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates, and assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates. Translation adjustments are presented as a separate component of other comprehensive income in the financial statements and are included in net income only upon sale or liquidation of the underlying foreign subsidiary or associated company.
Derivatives - The Company uses derivative financial instruments to alter the risk profile of an existing underlying exposure. Forward and option foreign currency exchange contracts are used to manage currency exposures arising from future income and expenses and to offset balance sheet exposures in currencies other than the functional currency of an entity. We do not hold any derivatives for trading purposes. The fair values of derivative contracts are recorded in other assets and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The effective portions of changes in the fair value of derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income. Amounts are reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. If the derivative is designated and qualifies as an effective hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item associated with the hedged risk are both recognized in earnings. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness recognized in earnings is based on the extent to which an offset between the fair value of the derivative and hedged item is not achieved. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting, together with any hedge ineffectiveness on those that do qualify, are recorded in Other (loss)/income, net or interest expense as appropriate.
The Company evaluates whether its contracts include clauses or conditions which would be required to be separately accounted for at fair value as embedded derivatives. See Note 10 - Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information about the Company’s derivatives.
Commitments, Contingencies and Provisions for Liabilities - The Company establishes provisions against various actual and potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings relating principally to alleged errors and omissions in the ordinary course of business. Such provisions cover claims that have been reported but not paid and also unasserted claims and related legal fees. These provisions are established based on actuarial estimates together with individual case reviews and are believed to be adequate in light of current information and legal advice. In certain cases, where a range of loss exists, we accrue the minimum amount in the range if no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount. To the extent such losses can be recovered under the Company’s insurance programs, estimated recoveries are recorded when losses for insured events are recognized and the recoveries are likely to be realized. Significant management judgment is required to estimate the amounts of such unasserted claims and the related insurance recoveries. The Company analyzes its litigation exposure based on available information, including consultation with outside counsel handling the defense of these matters, to assess its potential liability. These contingent liabilities are not discounted. See Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies and Note 16 - Supplementary Information for Certain Balance Sheet Accounts for additional information about our commitments, contingencies and provisions for liabilities.
Share-Based Compensation - The Company has equity-based compensation plans that provide for grants of restricted stock units and stock options to employees and non-employee directors of the Company. Additionally, the Company has cash-settled share-based compensation plans that provide for grants to employees.
The Company expenses equity-based compensation, which is included in Salaries and benefits in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, primarily on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The significant assumptions underlying our expense calculations include the fair value of the award on the date of grant, the estimated achievement of any performance targets and estimated forfeiture rates. Forfeitures are estimated on the date of grant and revised for both actual and expected forfeiture activity. The awards under equity-based compensation are classified as equity and are included as a component of equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, as the ultimate payment of such awards will not be achieved through use of the Company’s cash or other assets.
For the cash-settled share-based compensation, the Company recognizes a liability for the fair-value of the awards as of each reporting date. The liability for these awards is included within Other current liabilities or Other non-current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets depending on when the amounts are payable. Expense is recognized over the service period, and as the liability is remeasured at the end of each reporting period, changes in fair value are recognized as compensation cost within Salaries and benefits in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The significant assumptions underlying our expense calculations include the estimated achievement of any performance targets and estimated forfeiture rates.
See Note 19 - Share-based Compensation for additional information about the Company’s share-based compensation.
Employee Share Purchase Plan - In the second quarter of 2024, the Company launched an employee share purchase plan (‘ESPP’), which is initially available to colleagues in North America and certain other countries. The ESPP allows eligible colleagues to defer a portion of their after-tax income during biannual six-month offering periods, at the end of which periods amounts deferred are converted to shares using the Company’s closing share price on the last trading day of the applicable offering period with a 15% discount applied. ASC 840, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, requires these deferred amounts to be recognized as liabilities, which we have included in other current liabilities on our accompanying consolidated balance sheet until they are converted to shares on the purchase date. See Note 19 - Share-based Compensation for more information.
Fixed Assets - Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for improvements are capitalized; repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of assets.
Depreciation on internally-developed software is amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset ranging from 3 to 10 years. Buildings include assets held under finance leases and are depreciated over the lesser of 50 years, the asset lives or the lease terms, as appropriate. Depreciation on leasehold improvements is calculated over the lesser of the useful lives of the assets or the remaining lease terms. Depreciation on furniture and equipment is calculated based on a range of 3 to 10 years. Land is not depreciated.
Long-lived assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Recoverability is determined based on the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group. Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. See Note 8 - Fixed Assets for additional information about our fixed assets.
Leases - As an advisory, broking and solutions company providing services to clients in more than 140 countries, we enter into lease agreements from time to time, primarily for the use of real estate for our office space. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at the inception of the contract, and the nature of our operations is such that it is generally clear whether an arrangement contains a lease and what underlying asset is being leased. The majority of the leases into which we enter are operating leases. Upon entering into leases, we obtain the right to control the use of an identified space for a lease term and recognize these right-of-use (‘ROU’) assets on our consolidated balance sheets with corresponding lease liabilities reflecting our obligation to make the related lease payments. ROU assets are amortized over the term of the lease.
Our real estate leases are generally long-term in nature, with terms that currently range from 3 to 10 years. Our most significant lease supports our London market operations with a lease term through 2032. Our real estate leases often contain options to renew the lease, either through exercise of the option or through automatic renewal. Additionally, certain leases have options to cancel the lease with appropriate notice to the landlord prior to the end of the stated lease term. As we enter into new leases, we consider these options as we assess lease terms in our recognized ROU assets and lease liabilities. If we are reasonably certain to exercise an option to renew a lease, we include this period in our lease term. To the extent that we have the option to cancel a lease, we recognize our ROU assets and lease liabilities using the term that would result from using this earlier date. If a significant penalty is required to cancel the lease at an earlier date, we assess our lease term as ending at the point when no significant penalty would be due.
In addition to payments for previously-agreed base rent, many of our lease agreements are subject to variable and unknown future payments, typically in the form of common area maintenance charges (a non-lease component as defined by ASC 842, Leases (‘ASC 842’)) or real estate taxes. These variable payments are excluded from our lease liabilities and ROU assets, and instead are recognized as lease expense within Other operating expenses on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as the amounts are incurred. To the extent that we have agreed to fixed charges for common area maintenance or other non-lease components, or our base rent increases by an index or rate (most commonly an inflation rate), these amounts are included in the measurement of our lease liabilities and ROU assets. We have elected the practical expedient under ASC 842 which allows the lease and non-lease components to be combined in our measurement of lease liabilities and ROU assets.
From time to time we may enter into subleases if we are unable to cancel or fully occupy a space and are able to find an appropriate subtenant. However, entering subleases is not a primary objective of our business operations and these arrangements do not currently represent a material amount of cash flows.
We are required to use judgment in the determination of the incremental borrowing rates to calculate the present values of our future lease payments. Since the majority of our debt is publicly traded, our real estate function is centralized, and our treasury function is centralized and generally prohibits our subsidiaries from borrowing externally, we have determined it appropriate to use the Company’s consolidated unsecured borrowing rate, and we adjust for collateralization in accordance with ASC 842. Using the resulting interest rate curves from publicly traded debt at this collateralized borrowing rate, we select the interest rate at lease inception by reference to the lease term and lease currency. At December 31, 2024, 86% of our leases are denominated in U.S. dollars, Pounds sterling or Euros.
Our leases generally do not subject us to restrictive covenants and contain no residual value guarantees.
See Note 14 - Leases for additional information about our operating leases.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - In applying the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations, amounts assigned to identifiable assets and liabilities acquired were based on estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition, with the remainder recorded as goodwill. Intangible assets are initially valued at fair value using generally accepted valuation methods appropriate for the type of intangible asset. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment if indicators of impairment arise. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment annually as of October 1, and whenever indicators of impairment exist. The fair values of intangible assets are compared with their carrying values, and an impairment loss would be recognized for the amount by which a carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
Acquired intangible assets held at December 31, 2024 are being amortized on the basis noted and over the following expected life:
Amortization basis
Expected life
(years)
Client relationships
In line with underlying cash flows
3 to 21
Software
In line with underlying cash flows or straight-line basis
5 to 9
Trademark and trade name
Straight-line basis
5 to 25
Other
In line with underlying cash flows or straight-line basis
5 to 16
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of October 1, and whenever indicators of impairment exist. Goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level, and the Company had seven reporting units as of October 1, 2024. In the impairment test, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the difference is recognized as an impairment loss. As discussed in Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in connection with the sale of TRANZACT, completed on December 31, 2024, the Company recorded a $1.0 billion non-cash goodwill impairment charge on the BDA reporting unit. The BDA reporting unit goodwill after impairment is approximately $1.2 billion. After reflecting the sale of TRANZACT, the fair value of the remaining reporting unit is estimated to be significantly in excess of its carrying value. The impairment test for the remaining six reporting units resulted in estimated fair values that were significantly in excess of their carrying values. The Company’s goodwill impairment tests for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 have not resulted in any impairment charges. See Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for additional information about our goodwill and other intangible assets.
Pensions - The Company has multiple defined benefit pension and defined contribution plans. The net periodic cost of the Company’s defined benefit plans is measured on an actuarial basis using various methods and actuarial assumptions. The most significant assumptions are the discount rates (formulated using the granular approach to calculating service and interest cost) and the expected long-term rates of return on plan assets. Other material assumptions include rates of participant mortality, the expected long-term rates of compensation and pension increases and rates of employee termination. Gains and losses occur when actual experience differs from actuarial assumptions. If such gains or losses exceed ten percent of the greater of the market-related value of plan assets or the projected benefit obligation, the Company amortizes those gains or losses over the average remaining service period or average remaining life expectancy, as appropriate, of the plan participants. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company records the funded status of its pension plans based on the projected benefit obligation on its consolidated balance sheets.
Contributions to the Company’s defined contribution plans are recognized as incurred. Differences between contributions payable in the year and contributions actually paid are shown as either other assets or other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 13 - Retirement Benefits for additional information about our pensions.
Revenue Recognition - We recognize revenue from a variety of services, with broking, consulting and outsourced administration representing our most significant offerings. All other revenue streams, which can be recognized at either a point in time or over time, are individually less significant and are grouped in Other in our revenue disaggregation disclosures in Note 4 - Revenue. These Other revenue streams represent 6% of customer contract revenue from continuing operations each year. The Company experiences seasonal fluctuations of its revenue during the year, with revenue being typically higher during the Company’s first and fourth quarters due primarily to the timing of broking-related activities.
Broking - Representing 48% to 49% of customer contract revenue from continuing operations each year, in our broking arrangements, we earn revenue by acting as an intermediary in the placement of effective insurance policies. Generally, we act as an agent and view our client to be the party looking to obtain insurance coverage for various risks, or an employer or sponsoring organization looking to obtain insurance coverage for its employees or members. Our primary performance obligation under the majority of these arrangements is to place an effective insurance policy, but there can also be significant post-placement obligations in certain contracts to which we need to allocate revenue. The most common of these is for claims handling or call center support. The revenue recognition method for these, after the relative fair value allocation, is described further as part of the ‘Outsourced Administration’ description below.
Due to the nature of the majority of our broking arrangements, no single document constitutes the contract for ASC 606 purposes. Our services may be governed by a mixture of different types of contractual arrangements depending on the jurisdiction or type of coverage, including terms of business agreements, broker-of-record letters, statements of work or local custom and practice. This is then confirmed by the client’s acceptance of the underlying insurance contract. Prior to the policy inception date, the client has not accepted nor formally committed to perform under the arrangement (i.e. pay for the insurance coverage in place). Therefore, in the majority of broking arrangements, the contract date is the date the insurance policy incepts. However, in certain instances such as employer-sponsored Medicare broking or Affinity arrangements, where the employer or sponsoring organization is our customer, client acceptance of underlying individual policy placements is not required, and therefore the date at which we have a contract with a customer is not dependent upon placement.
As noted, our primary performance obligations typically consist of only the placement of an effective insurance policy which precedes the inception date of the policy. Therefore, most of our fulfillment costs are incurred before we can recognize revenue, and are thus deferred during the pre-placement process. Where we have material post-placement services obligations, we estimate the relative fair value of the post-placement services using either the expected cost-plus-margin or the market assessment approach.
Revenue from our broking services consists of commissions or fees negotiated in lieu of commissions. At times, we may receive additional income for performing these services from the insurance and reinsurance carriers’ markets, which is collectively referred to as ‘market derived income’. In situations in which our fees are not fixed but are variable, we must estimate the likely commission per policy, taking into account the likelihood of cancellation before the end of the policy term. For employer-sponsored Medicare broking, Affinity arrangements and historically for proportional treaty reinsurance broking, the commissions to which we will be entitled can vary based on the underlying individual insurance policies that are placed. For employer-sponsored Medicare broking and proportional treaty reinsurance broking in particular, we base the estimates of transaction prices on supportable evidence from an analysis of past transactions, and only include amounts that are probable of being received or not refunded (referred to as applying ‘constraint’ under ASC 606). This is an area requiring significant judgment and results in us estimating a transaction price that may be significantly lower than the ultimate amount of commissions we may collect. The transaction price is then adjusted over time as we receive confirmation of our remuneration through receipt of treaty statements, or as other information becomes available.
We recognize revenue for most broking arrangements as of a point in time at the later of the policy inception date or when the policy placement is complete, because this is viewed as the date when control is transferred to the client. For employer-sponsored Medicare broking, we recognize revenue over time, as we stand ready under our agreements to place retiree Medicare coverage. For this type of broking arrangement, we recognize the majority of our placement revenue in the fourth quarter of the calendar year when most of the placement or renewal activity occurs.
Prior to the sale of TRANZACT, we also had a direct-to-consumer Medicare broking offering. The contractual arrangements in this offering differed from our employer-sponsored Medicare broking offering described above. The governing contracts in our direct-to-consumer Medicare broking offering were the contractual arrangements with insurance carriers, for whom we acted as an agent, that provided compensation in return for issued policies. Once an application was submitted to a carrier, our obligation was complete, and we had no ongoing fulfillment obligations. We received compensation from carriers in the form of commissions, administrative fees and marketing fees in the first year, and depending on the type of policy issued, we may have received renewal commissions for up to 25 years, provided the policies were renewed for such periods of time.
Because our obligation was complete upon application submission to the carrier, we recognized revenue at that date, which included both compensation that was due to us in the first year as well as an estimate of the total renewal commissions that would have been received over the lifetime of the policy. This variable consideration estimate required significant judgment, and varied based on product type, estimated commission rates, the expected lives of the respective policies and other factors. The Company applied an actuarial model to account for these uncertainties, which was updated periodically based on actual experience, and included an element of ‘constraint’ as defined by ASC 606 such that no significant reversal was expected to occur in the future. Actual results differed from these estimates.
The timing of renewal payments in our direct-to-consumer Medicare broking offering was reflective of regulatory restrictions and insurance carriers’ protection for cancellations and varied based on policy holder decisions that were outside of the control of both the Company and the insurance carriers. As such, the estimate of these renewal commissions receivables was not discounted to reflect a significant financing component.
Consulting - We earn revenue for advisory and consulting work that may be structured as different types of service offerings, including annual recurring projects, projects of a short duration or stand-ready obligations. Collectively, our consulting arrangements represent 31% to 33% of customer contract revenue from continuing operations each year.
We have engagement letters with our clients that specify the terms and conditions upon which the engagements are based. These terms and conditions can only be changed upon agreement by both parties.
In assessing our performance obligations, our consulting work is typically highly integrated, with the various promised services representing inputs of the combined overall output. We view these arrangements as representing a single performance obligation. To the extent we do not integrate our services, as is the case with unrelated services that may be sourced from different areas of our business, we consider these separate performance obligations.
Fee terms can be in the form of fixed-fees (including fixed-fees offset by commissions), time-and-expense fees, commissions, per-participant fees, or fees based on assets under management. Payment is typically due on a monthly basis as we perform under the contract, and we are entitled to be reimbursed for work performed to date in the event of termination.
The majority of our revenue from these consulting engagements is recognized over time, either because our clients are simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of our services, or because we have an enforceable right to payment for performance rendered to date. Additionally, from time to time, we may be entitled to an additional fee based on achieving certain performance criteria. To the extent that we cannot estimate with reasonable assurance the likelihood that we will achieve the performance target, we will ‘constrain’ this portion of the transaction price and recognize it when or as the uncertainty is resolved.
We use different progress measures to determine our revenue depending on the nature of the engagement:
•Annual recurring projects and projects of short duration. These projects are typically straightforward and highly predictable in nature with either time-and-expense or fixed fee terms. Time-and-expense fees are recognized as hours or expenses are incurred using the ‘right to invoice’ practical expedient allowed under ASC 606. For fixed-fee arrangements, to the extent estimates can be made of the remaining work required under the arrangement, revenue is based upon the proportional performance method, using the value of labor hours spent to date compared to the estimated total value of labor hours for the entire engagement. We believe that cost represents a faithful depiction of the transfer of value because the completion of these performance obligations is based upon the professional services of employees of differing experience levels and thereby costs. It is appropriate that satisfaction of these performance obligations considers both the number of hours incurred by each employee and the value of each labor hour worked (as opposed to simply the hours worked).
•Stand-ready obligations. These projects consist of repetitive monthly or quarterly services performed consistently each period. As none of the activities provided under these services are performed at specified times and quantities, but at the discretion of each customer, our obligation is to stand ready to perform these services on an as-needed basis. These arrangements represent a ‘series’ performance obligation in accordance with ASC 606. Each time increment (i.e., each month or quarter) of standing ready to provide the overall services is distinct and the customer obtains value from each period of service independent of the other periods of service.
Where we recognize revenue on a proportional performance basis, the amount we recognize is affected by a number of factors that can change the estimated amount of work required to complete the project such as the staffing on the engagement and/or the level of client participation. Our periodic engagement evaluations require us to make judgments and estimates regarding the overall profitability and stage of project completion that, in turn, affect how we recognize revenue. We recognize a loss on an engagement when estimated revenue to be received for that engagement is less than the total estimated costs associated with the engagement.
Outsourced Administration - We provide customized benefits outsourcing and co-sourcing solutions services in relation to the administration of defined benefit, defined contribution, and health and welfare plans. These plans are sponsored by our clients to provide benefits to their active or retired employees. Additionally, these services include operating call centers and may include providing access to, and managing, a variety of consumer-directed savings accounts. The operation of call centers and consumer-directed accounts can be provisioned as part of an ongoing administration or solutions service, or separately as part of a broking arrangement. The products and services available to all clients are the same, but the selections by client can vary and portray customized products and services based on the customer’s specific needs. Our services often include the use of proprietary systems that are configured for each of our clients’ needs. In total, our outsourced administration services represent 12% of customer contract revenue from continuing operations each year.
These contracts typically consist of an implementation phase and an ongoing administration phase:
•Implementation phase. Work performed during the implementation phase is considered a set-up activity because it does not transfer a service to the customer, and therefore costs are deferred during this phase of the arrangement. Since these arrangements are longer term in nature and subject to more changes in scope as the project progresses, our contracts generally provide that if the client terminates a contract, we are entitled to an additional payment for services performed through the termination date designed to recover our up-front costs of implementation.
•Ongoing administration phase. The ongoing administration phase includes a variety of plan administration services, system hosting and support services. More specifically, these services include data management, calculations, reporting, fulfillment/communications, compliance services, call center support, and in our health and welfare arrangements, annual onboarding and enrollment support. While there are a variety of activities performed, the overall nature of the obligation is to provide an integrated outsourcing solution to the customer. The arrangement represents a stand-ready obligation to perform these activities on an as-needed basis. The customer obtains value from each period of service, and each time increment (i.e., each month, or each benefits cycle in our health and welfare arrangements) is distinct and substantially the same. Accordingly, the ongoing administration services represent a ‘series’ in accordance with ASC 606 and are deemed one performance obligation.
We have engagement letters with our clients that specify the terms and conditions upon which the engagements are based. These terms and conditions can only be changed upon agreement by both parties. Fees for these arrangements can be fixed, per-participant-per-month, or in the case of call center services, provided in conjunction with our broking services, with an allocation based on
commissions. Our fees are not typically payable until the commencement of the ongoing administration phase. However, in our health and welfare arrangements, we begin transferring services to our customers approximately four months prior to payments being due as part of our annual onboarding and enrollment work. Although our per-participant-per-month and commission-based fees are considered variable, they are typically predictable in nature, and therefore we generally do not ‘constrain’ any portion of our transaction price estimates. Once fees become payable, payment is typically due on a monthly basis as we perform under the contract, and we are entitled to be reimbursed for work performed to date in the event of termination.
Revenue is recognized over time as the services are performed because our clients are simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of our services. For our health and welfare arrangements where each benefits cycle represents a time increment under the series guidance, revenue is recognized based on proportional performance. We use an input measure (value of labor hours worked) as the measure of progress. Given that the service is stand-ready in nature, it can be difficult to predict the remaining obligation under the benefits cycle. Therefore, the input measure is based on the historical effort expended each month, which is measured as labor cost. This results in slightly more revenue being recognized during periods of annual onboarding since we are performing both our normal monthly services and our annual services during this portion of the benefits cycle.
For all other outsourced administration arrangements where a month represents our time increment under the series guidance, we allocate transaction price to the month we are performing our services. Therefore, the amount recognized each month is the variable consideration related to that month plus the fixed monthly or annual fee. The fixed monthly or annual fee is recognized on a straight-line basis. Revenue recognition for these types of arrangements is therefore more consistent throughout the year.
Reimbursed expenses - 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 is included in other operating expenses as a cost of revenue as incurred. Reimbursed expenses represented approximately 1% of customer contract revenue from continuing operations each year. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities are recorded net and are excluded from revenue.
Interest income - Interest income is recognized as earned.
Other income - Other income includes gains on disposal of intangible assets, which primarily arise from settlements through enforcing non-compete agreements in the event of losing accounts through producer defection or the disposal of books of business.
Cost to obtain or fulfill contracts - Costs to obtain customers include commissions for brokers under specific agreements that would not be incurred without a contract being signed and executed. The Company has elected to apply the ASC 606 ‘practical expedient’ which allows us to expense these costs as incurred if the amortization period related to the resulting asset would be one year or less. Where the Company has instances of contracts that would be amortized for a period greater than a year, the related commissions have been capitalized.
Costs to fulfill include costs incurred by the Company that are expected to be recovered within the expected contract period. The costs associated with our system implementation activities and consulting contracts are recorded through time entry.
For our broking business, the Company must estimate the fulfillment costs incurred during the pre-placement of the broking contracts. These judgments include:
•which activities in the pre-placement process should be eligible for capitalization;
•the amount of time and effort expended on those pre-placement activities;
•the amount of payroll and related costs eligible for capitalization; and,
•the monthly or quarterly timing of underlying insurance and reinsurance policy inception dates.
We amortize costs to fulfill over the period we receive the related benefits. For broking pre-placement costs, this is typically less than a year. In our system implementation and consulting arrangements and in our cost to obtain broking arrangements which do not qualify for the practical expedient, we include the likelihood of contract renewals in our estimate of the amortization period, resulting in most costs being amortized for a greater length of time than the initial contract term.
Transaction and transformation - Transaction and transformation consists of two components, transaction-related costs related to acquisitions and disposals, and transformation expenses associated with our completed Transformation program (see Note 6 - Restructuring Costs).
Transaction costs primarily include legal and other professional fees as well as other costs that are directly attributable to an acquisition or an in-process but not yet completed divestiture. Costs related to divestitures incurred during the period of the divestment
are not included in transaction costs, but are instead included in the gain or loss on disposal of a business within Other (loss)/income, net on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Transformation costs are costs incurred under the Transformation program but are not eligible to be classified as restructuring costs under ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligation (‘ASC 420’). These costs are not expected to continue beyond the defined period of the program.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Not Yet Adopted
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which is intended to improve the transparency of income tax disclosures by requiring consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information within the income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid disclosures. It also includes certain other amendments intended to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. Specifically, this ASU requires a tabular income tax rate reconciliation using both percentages and amounts disaggregated into specific categories with certain reconciling items at or above 5% of the statutory tax, further disaggregated by its nature and/or jurisdiction. Additionally, income taxes paid will be required to be presented by federal, state, local and foreign jurisdictions, including amounts paid to individual jurisdictions representing 5% or more of the total income taxes paid. This ASU became effective for the Company on January 1, 2025, at which time we adopted it. The Company will include the required disclosures within its 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In March 2024, the SEC adopted final rules on the enhancement and standardization of climate-related disclosures for investors (the ‘SEC Climate Rules’). The SEC Climate Rules require disclosure of certain climate-related information in registration statements and annual reports on Form 10-K. For example, the rules require the notes to the financial statements to include disclosure regarding the effects of severe weather events and other natural conditions, subject to certain materiality thresholds. Additionally, the SEC Climate Rules also require certain other disclosures outside of the financial statements. Among other things, these requirements include Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect from purchased energy) greenhouse gas (‘GHG’) emissions, if material, which will be subject to assurance requirements that will be phased in, as well as governance, oversight and risk management disclosures, which include any transition plan adopted to manage material transition risk, and material climate targets and goals. SEC Climate Rules require these disclosures to be implemented in phases.
Following a number of legal challenges which have been consolidated for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, the SEC has voluntarily stayed the SEC Climate Rules pending the completion of judicial review of such consolidated petitions to avoid regulatory uncertainty for companies subject to the SEC Climate Rules while the litigation proceeds. The Company is monitoring the outcome of the litigation and will provide the required disclosures if and when required.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expense, which is intended to provide transparency about the components of expenses included in the income statement. This ASU requires public companies to disclose additional information about certain expenses in the notes to the financial statements on a quarterly and annual basis, including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, intangible asset amortization and depletion for each income statement line item that contains those expenses. The ASU requires a new tabular disclosure format that centralizes expense information and additional qualitative disclosure. The guidance does not change the existing income statement presentation. The annual requirements for this ASU become effective with the Company's 2027 Form 10-K, and for its interim periods beginning on January 1, 2028. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance is to be applied prospectively, with the option for retrospective application. The Company currently does not plan to early-adopt this ASU and is assessing the expected impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Adopted
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (‘ASU 2023-07’) which is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. Among other amendments, this ASU creates a ‘significant expense principle,’ and adds required disclosures of significant expenses for each reportable segment, as well as certain other disclosures to help investors understand how the chief operating decision maker (‘CODM’) evaluates segment expenses and operating results. In addition, this ASU requires for interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets under ASC 280, Segment Reporting, that had previously only been provided annually (e.g., interest revenue and expense, depreciation and amortization expense). The annual requirements of this ASU became effective for the Company on January 1, 2024 and the new disclosures have been included in Note 5 - Segment Information. New interim disclosures are required for fiscal years beginning January 1, 2025.
Other Legislation
Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act (the ‘IRA’) was enacted into law on August 16, 2022 and certain portions of the IRA became effective January 1, 2023. The IRA introduced, among other provisions, a share repurchase excise tax and a new Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (‘CAMT’) which imposes a 15% tax on the adjusted financial statement income of ‘applicable corporations’. Although the Company is considered an ‘applicable corporation’ for purposes of the CAMT calculation, there is no tax impact. New rules included in excise tax proposed regulations issued on April 9, 2024 apply to share repurchases after April 12, 2024. To date, the excise tax has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and the Company does not expect the excise tax or CAMT to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Pillar Two
On October 8, 2021, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (‘OECD’) announced an international agreement with more than 140 countries to implement a two-pillar solution to address tax challenges arising from the digitalization of the economy. The agreement introduced rules that would result in the reallocation of certain taxing rights over multinational companies from their home countries to the markets where they have business activities and earn profits, regardless of physical presence (‘Pillar One’) and introduced a global corporate minimum tax of 15% for certain large multinational companies starting in 2024 (‘Pillar Two’). On December 20, 2021, the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting released the Model Global Anti-Base Erosion (‘GloBE’) rules (the ‘OECD Model Rules’) under Pillar Two. On December 12, 2022, E.U. member states reached an agreement to implement Pillar Two and this requires E.U. member states to enact domestic legislation to put Pillar Two into effect. In 2023, many E.U. countries enacted the necessary legislation (based on the OECD Model Rules) to implement Pillar Two in 2024. Ireland, in particular, enacted Pillar Two legislation by signing Finance (No. 2) Bill 2023 into law in December 2023. Other countries and territories have indicated they will introduce Pillar Two legislation beginning in 2025. The Pillar Two minimum tax is treated as a period cost beginning in 2024 and does not have a material impact on the Company's financial results of operations for the current period. The Company continues to monitor evolving tax legislation as well as additional guidance to enacted legislation in the jurisdictions in which we operate.
Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures
The following disclosures discuss significant transactions during the three-year period ended December 31, 2024.
Acquisitions
The Company completed acquisitions, including acquisitions of assets, non-controlling interests of certain subsidiaries and interests in associates accounted for under the equity method of accounting, during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 for combined cash payments of $119 million, $56 million and $111 million, respectively, and contingent or deferred consideration fair valued at $3 million, $3 million and $28 million, respectively.
Divestitures
TRANZACT Sale
Effective December 31, 2024, the Company sold TRANZACT, its direct-to-consumer insurance distribution business, for total cash consideration of $632 million, which was subject to certain adjustments pursuant to an equity purchase agreement dated September 30, 2024. The Company is providing a number of services to TRANZACT under a Transition Services Agreement which may remain in effect through 2025.
In connection with the sale, the Company recorded a pre-tax loss on the disposal of $1.1 billion within Other (loss)/income, net on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Additionally, and in conjunction with the sale, the Company recognized a $1.0 billion pre-tax goodwill impairment charge within its Benefits, Delivery and Administration reporting unit (‘BDA’).
TRANZACT was included in our Health, Wealth and Career segment. The following selected financial information relates to the operations of TRANZACT for the periods presented:
Years Ended December 31,
Revenue
$
$
$
Operating income
Divestment of Russian Business
During the first quarter of 2022, WTW announced its intention to transfer ownership of its Russian subsidiaries to local management who are operating independently in the Russian market. Due to the sanctions and prohibitions on certain types of business and activities, WTW deconsolidated its Russian entities on March 14, 2022. The transfer of its Russian subsidiaries to local management was completed on the agreed-upon terms on July 18, 2022, and the transfer was registered in Russia on July 25, 2022. The deconsolidation in the first quarter of 2022 resulted in a loss of $57 million, which included an allocation of Risk & Broking goodwill, and was recognized as a loss on disposal of a business within Other (loss)/income, net on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Further, certain Russian insurance contracts were placed historically by our U.K. brokers into the London market, the majority of which were under multi-year terms resulting in both current and non-current accounts receivables. Total net assets impaired, including accounts receivable balances related to our Russian business that were held outside of our Russian entities, were $81 million recorded during 2022 in Other operating expenses on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Willis Re Divestiture
On August 13, 2021, the Company entered into a definitive security and asset purchase agreement (the ‘Willis Re SAPA’) to sell its treaty-reinsurance business (‘Willis Re’) to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (‘Gallagher’), a leading global provider of insurance, risk management and consulting services, for total upfront cash consideration of $3.25 billion plus an earnout payable in 2025 of up to $750 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments. The deal was subject to required regulatory approvals and clearances, as well as other customary closing conditions, and was completed on December 1, 2021.
Certain amounts included in the consolidated balance sheets did not transfer to Gallagher under the terms of the Willis Re SAPA, and instead were to be settled by the Company, noting that certain fiduciary positions continued to be held under the terms of various co-broking agreements between subsidiaries of the Company and Gallagher. On May 31, 2023, the Company and Gallagher entered into a side letter to the Willis Re SAPA which became effective on June 1, 2023 and which (A) ended the co-broking agreements prospectively and (B) transferred related fiduciary and certain non-fiduciary assets and liabilities to Gallagher at that time based on then-current estimates. These non-fiduciary amounts were finalized in the third quarter of 2023. The value of the initial transfer during the second quarter of 2023 amounted to $74 million of other current liabilities less $26 million of accounts receivables due to the Company, totaling $48 million of net cash transferred to Gallagher. Additionally, total fiduciary assets and liabilities of $4.5 billion, including $868 million of fiduciary cash, were transferred to Gallagher. The total cash outflow of $916 million was included in cash used in investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2023. During the third quarter of 2023, WTW and Gallagher agreed to a final settlement of all balances which resulted in a $5 million increase to the gain on disposal recognized at that time, and is included within Other (loss)/income, net on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The settlement of remaining amounts owed to Gallagher totaling $11 million was transferred in October 2023.
During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company had sufficient evidence to conclude that the earnout would be received in full and recognized $750 million as a gain on disposal and a corresponding receivable within other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
A number of services continued under a cost reimbursement Transition Services Agreement (‘TSA’) in which WTW was providing Gallagher support including real estate leases, information technology, payroll, human resources and accounting. During the third quarter of 2023, the term for these services was extended from November 30, 2023 to May 31, 2024, and during the second quarter of 2024, the second of the two extensions allowed under the TSA was invoked and the term for these services was further extended to November 30, 2024. Fees earned under the TSA were $19 million, $36 million and $45 million during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and have been recognized as a reduction to the costs incurred to service the TSA and are included within Other operating expenses on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Other Disposals
The Company completed other disposals during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 for cash proceeds of $18 million, $89 million and $1 million, respectively. These disposals resulted in no net gains or losses on disposal for the year ended December 31, 2024; for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were net gains on disposal of $38 million and $64 million, respectively. There were no non-cash proceeds recognized on disposals for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023; for the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized non-cash proceeds on disposals of $63 million.
Note 4 - Revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue
The Company reports revenue by segment in Note 5 - Segment Information. The following table presents revenue by service offering and segment, as well as reconciliations to total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. Along with reimbursable expenses and other, total revenue by service offering represents our revenue from customer contracts.
Year Ended
December 31,
Broking
Consulting
Outsourced
Administration
Other
Total revenue by service offering
Reimbursable expenses and other (i)
Total revenue from customer contracts
Interest and other income
Total revenue
HWC
$
1,613
$
2,668
$
1,091
$
$
5,735
$
$
5,804
$
$
5,846
1,531
2,594
1,078
5,552
5,625
5,655
1,415
2,522
5,248
5,312
5,351
R&B
3,196
3,911
3,924
4,051
2,947
3,628
3,641
3,748
2,745
3,384
3,395
3,471
Corporate (i)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
4,809
$
3,066
$
1,167
$
$
9,648
$
$
9,739
$
$
9,930
$
4,486
$
2,986
$
1,159
$
$
9,202
$
$
9,304
$
$
9,483
$
4,167
$
2,902
$
1,054
$
$
8,649
$
$
8,726
$
$
8,866
(i)Reimbursable expenses and other, as well as Corporate revenue, are excluded from segment revenue, but included in total revenue on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Amounts included in Corporate revenue may include eliminations, adjustments to reserves and impacts from hedged revenue transactions.
Interest and other income is included in segment revenue and total revenue, however it has been presented separately in the above tables because it does not arise directly from contracts with customers. The significant components of interest and other income are as follows for the periods presented above:
Year Ended December 31,
Book-of-business settlements
Interest income
Other income
Total
HWC
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
R&B
(1
)
Corporate
-
-
-
-
Total interest and other income
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
As a result of the cessation of the co-broking agreement, (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures) interest income associated with fiduciary funds is now allocated more directly to the Risk and Broking segment beginning in the third quarter of 2023. These amounts were previously allocated to the Corporate segment following the disposal of Willis Re.
The following table presents revenue from service offerings by the geography where our work was performed for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. The reconciliations to total revenue on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income and to segment revenue is shown in the table above.
Year Ended
December 31,
North America
Europe
International
Total revenue by geography
HWC
$
3,780
$
1,475
$
$
5,735
3,738
1,362
5,552
3,569
1,266
5,248
R&B
1,486
1,816
3,911
1,400
1,668
3,628
1,328
1,527
3,384
Corporate
-
-
Total
$
5,268
$
3,291
$
1,089
$
9,648
$
5,146
$
3,042
$
1,014
$
9,202
$
4,904
$
2,802
$
$
8,649
Contract Balances
The Company reports accounts receivable, net on the consolidated balance sheets, which includes billed and unbilled receivables and current contract assets. In addition to accounts receivable, net, the Company had the following non-current contract assets and deferred revenue balances at December 31, 2024 and 2023:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Billed receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $36 million and $34
million
$
1,604
$
1,581
Unbilled receivables
Current contract assets
Accounts receivable, net
$
2,494
$
2,572
Non-current accounts receivable, net
$
$
Non-current contract assets
$
-
$
Deferred revenue
$
$
The Company receives payments from customers based on billing schedules or terms as written in our contracts. Those balances denoted as contract assets relate to situations where we have completed some or all performance under the contract, however our right to consideration is conditional. Contract assets result most materially in our Medicare intermediary businesses. The significant decreases in both current and non-current contract assets relate to the sale of TRANZACT. Billed and unbilled receivables are recorded when the right to consideration becomes unconditional. Deferred revenue relates to payments received in advance of performance under the contract and is recognized as revenue as (or when) we perform under the contract.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, revenue of approximately $532 million was recognized that was reflected as deferred revenue at December 31, 2023.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized revenue of approximately $43 million related to performance obligations satisfied in a prior period.
Accounts receivable are stated at estimated net realizable values. The following table presents the changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
Balance at beginning of year
$
$
$
Additions charged to costs and expenses
Deductions/other movements
(12
)
(21
)
(20
)
Foreign exchange
Balance at end of year
$
$
$
The changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts presented above do not include receivables that were impaired as a result of the divestment of our Russian businesses in March 2022. See Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures.
Performance Obligations
The Company has contracts for which performance obligations have not been satisfied as of December 31, 2024 or have been partially satisfied as of this date. The following table shows the expected timing for the satisfaction of the remaining performance obligations. This table does not include contract renewals or variable consideration, which was excluded from the transaction prices in accordance with the guidance on constraining estimates of variable consideration.
In addition, in accordance with ASC 606, the Company has elected not to disclose the remaining performance obligations when one or both of the following circumstances apply:
•Performance obligations which are part of a contract that has an original expected duration of less than one year, and
•Performance obligations satisfied in accordance with ASC 606-10-55-18 (‘right to invoice’).
2027 onward
Total
Revenue expected to be recognized on contracts as of
December 31, 2024
$
$
$
$
1,446
Since most of the Company’s contracts are cancellable with less than one year’s notice and have no substantive penalty for cancellation, the majority of the Company’s remaining performance obligations as of December 31, 2024 have been excluded from the table above.
Costs to Obtain or Fulfill a Contract
The Company incurs costs to obtain or fulfill contracts which it would not incur if a contract with a customer was not executed.
The following tables show the categories of costs that are capitalized and deferred over the expected life of a contract.
Costs to obtain
December 31,
Balance at beginning of the year
$
-
New capitalized costs
Amortization
(1
)
Balance at end of the year
$
Costs to fulfill
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
Balance at beginning of the year
$
$
$
New capitalized costs
Amortization
(470
)
(441
)
(407
)
Foreign currency translation
(3
)
(6
)
Balance at end of the year
$
$
$
Note 5 - Segment Information
WTW has two reportable operating segments organized by business areas:
•Health, Wealth & Career (‘HWC’); and
•Risk & Broking (‘R&B’).
WTW’s chief operating decision maker is its chief executive officer. We determined that the operational data used by the chief operating decision maker (‘CODM’) is at the segment level. As noted further below, management bases strategic goals and decisions for these segments on the data presented below which is used to assess the adequacy of strategic decisions and the methods of achieving these strategies and related financial results. Management evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on net segment operating income performance and prospects on a pre-tax basis.
Under the segment structure and for internal and segment reporting, WTW segment revenue includes commissions and fees, interest and other income. U.S. GAAP revenue also includes amounts that were directly incurred on behalf of our clients and reimbursed by them (reimbursable expenses), which are not included in segment revenue. There is no significant segment revenue derived from transactions between the segments.
Following the adoption of ASU 2023-07, the Company has not presented any individual significant expense categories due to the following factors:
•The CODM’s review focuses on segment operating income results in total, rather than on individual expenses to arrive at segment operating income. The CODM uses segment operating income to make decisions and allocate resources.
•The CODM does not regularly review any individual significant expense categories at the segment level. Rather, the segment leaders are tasked with achieving the targeted segment operating income and have discretion to determine how to manage their respective expense categories to achieve the targets set by the CODM.
•Instead, the CODM routinely reviews budgeted, forecasted and actual expense information at the consolidated level only and not at the individual segment level.
Segment operating income excludes certain costs, including (i) amortization of intangibles; (ii) restructuring costs; (iii) certain transaction and transformation expenses; and (iv) to the extent that the actual expense based upon which allocations are made differs from the forecast/budget amount, a reconciling item will be created between internally-allocated expenses and the actual expenses that we report for U.S. GAAP purposes. Although not reviewed individually by the CODM, amounts included in segment expenses may be determined on both a direct and allocated basis and are related to salaries and benefits, depreciation, corporate overhead charges and other operating expenses, including for occupancy, colleague travel costs, legal, marketing, technology, professional fees and professional liability costs.
The following table presents segment revenue, segment expenses and segment operating income for our reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
HWC
R&B
Total
Years ended December 31,
Years ended December 31,
Years ended December 31,
Segment revenue excluding interest income
$
5,745
$
5,557
$
5,279
$
3,926
$
3,656
$
3,435
$
9,671
$
9,213
$
8,714
Interest income
Total segment revenue
5,777
5,582
5,287
4,038
3,735
3,460
9,815
9,317
8,747
Other segment expenses
3,926
3,891
3,782
3,035
2,874
2,674
6,961
6,765
6,456
Depreciation
Total segment expenses
4,060
4,017
3,905
3,080
2,922
2,726
7,140
6,939
6,631
Segment operating income
$
1,717
$
1,565
$
1,382
$
$
$
$
2,675
$
2,378
$
2,116
The following table presents reconciliations of the information reported by segment to the Company’s consolidated amounts reported for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Years ended December 31,
Revenue:
Total segment revenue
$
9,815
$
9,317
$
8,747
Corporate, reimbursable expenses and other
Revenue
$
9,930
$
9,483
$
8,866
Total segment operating income
$
2,675
$
2,378
$
2,116
Impairment (i)
(1,042
)
-
(81
)
Amortization
(226
)
(263
)
(312
)
Restructuring costs (ii)
(61
)
(68
)
(99
)
Transaction and transformation (iii)
(409
)
(386
)
(181
)
Unallocated, net (iv)
(310
)
(296
)
(265
)
Income from operations
1,365
1,178
Interest expense
(263
)
(235
)
(208
)
Other (loss)/income, net
(260
)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
INCOME TAXES
$
$
1,279
$
1,258
(i)For the year ended December 31, 2024, represents the non-cash goodwill impairment associated with our BDA reporting unit related to the sale of our TRANZACT business (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures for further information). For the year ended December 31, 2022, represents the impairment related to the net assets of our Russian business that are held outside of our Russian entities (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures for further information).
(ii)See Note 6 - Restructuring Costs for the composition of costs for 2024, 2023 and 2022.
(iii)In addition to legal fees and other transaction costs, includes primarily consulting fees and compensation costs related to the Transformation program (see Note 6 - Restructuring Costs).
(iv)Includes certain costs, primarily related to corporate functions which are not directly related to the segments, and certain differences between budgeted expenses determined at the beginning of the year and actual expenses that we report for U.S. GAAP purposes.
The Company does not currently provide asset information by reportable segment as it does not routinely evaluate the total asset position by segment.
None of the Company’s clients individually represented more than 10% of its consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Below are our revenue (on the basis of where the work was performed) and tangible long-lived assets for Ireland, our country of domicile, countries with significant concentrations, and all other foreign countries as of and for the years ended as indicated:
Revenue
Long-Lived Assets (i)
Years ended December 31,
December 31,
Ireland
$
$
$
$
$
United States
5,128
5,011
4,760
United Kingdom
1,859
1,723
1,563
Rest of World
2,812
2,631
2,413
Total Foreign Countries
9,799
9,365
8,736
1,138
1,275
$
9,930
$
9,483
$
8,866
$
1,146
$
1,285
(i)Tangible long-lived assets consist of fixed assets and ROU assets.
Note 6 - Restructuring Costs
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company concluded a three-year ‘Transformation program’ designed to enhance operations, optimize technology and align its real estate footprint to its new ways of working. The program incurred cumulative costs of $1.115 billion and capital expenditures of $130 million, resulting in a total investment of $1.245 billion. Although the Transformation program concluded in 2024, we expect additional cash outflows in 2025 from the settlement of accrued costs.
The main categories of charges were in the following four areas:
•Real estate rationalization - includes costs to align the real estate footprint to the new ways of working (hybrid work) and includes breakage fees and the impairment of ROU assets and other related leasehold assets.
•Technology modernization - these charges are incurred in moving to common platforms and technologies, including migrating certain platforms and applications to the cloud. This category includes the impairment of technology assets that are duplicative or no longer revenue-producing, as well as costs for technology investments that do not qualify for capitalization.
•Process optimization - these costs are incurred in the right-shoring strategy and automation of our operations, which includes optimizing resource deployment and appropriate colleague alignment. These costs include process and organizational design costs, severance and separation-related costs and temporary retention costs.
•Other - other costs not included above including fees for professional services, other contract terminations not related to the above categories and supplier migration costs.
Certain costs under the Transformation program are accounted for under ASC 420 and are included as restructuring costs in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Other costs incurred under the Transformation program are included in transaction and transformation and were $378 million, $347 million and $136 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. An analysis of total restructuring costs incurred under the Transformation program by category and by segment and corporate functions, from commencement to December 31, 2024, is as follows:
HWC
R&B
Corporate
Total
Real estate rationalization
$
-
$
-
$
$
Technology modernization
-
-
Process optimization
-
-
-
-
Other
-
-
Real estate rationalization
-
-
Technology modernization
-
Process optimization
-
-
Other
-
-
-
-
Real estate rationalization
-
-
Technology modernization
Process optimization
-
-
-
-
Other
-
-
-
-
Real estate rationalization
-
-
Technology modernization
Process optimization
-
-
-
-
Other
-
-
-
-
Total
Real estate rationalization
-
-
Technology modernization
Process optimization
-
-
Other
-
-
Total
$
$
$
$
A rollforward of the liability associated with cash-based charges related to restructuring costs associated with the Transformation program is as follows:
Real estate rationalization
Technology modernization
Process optimization
Other
Total
Balance at October 1, 2021
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
Charges incurred
-
-
-
Cash payments
-
-
-
(1
)
(1
)
Balance at December 31, 2021
-
-
-
Charges incurred
-
-
Cash payments
(21
)
-
(1
)
(1
)
(23
)
Balance at December 31, 2022
-
-
-
Charges incurred
-
-
Cash payments
(25
)
-
-
-
(25
)
Balance at December 31, 2023
-
-
Charges incurred
-
-
Cash payments
(19
)
(7
)
-
-
(26
)
Balance at December 31, 2024
$
$
$
-
$
-
$
Note 7 - Income Taxes
Provision for Income Taxes
An analysis of income from continuing operations before income taxes by taxing jurisdiction is shown below:
Years ended December 31,
Ireland
$
$
$
(160
)
U.S.
(1,469
)
U.K.
(93
)
Rest of World
1,169
1,010
Total
$
$
1,279
$
1,258
The components of the provision for income taxes from continuing operations include:
Years ended December 31,
Current tax expense:
U.S. federal taxes
$
(86
)
$
(106
)
$
(103
)
U.S. state and local taxes
(18
)
(41
)
(39
)
U.K. corporation tax
(68
)
(40
)
(13
)
Other jurisdictions
(233
)
(137
)
(93
)
Total current tax expense
(405
)
(324
)
(248
)
Deferred tax benefit/(expense):
U.S. federal taxes
U.S. state and local taxes
(5
)
U.K. corporation tax
(7
)
Other jurisdictions
Total deferred tax benefit
Total provision for income taxes
$
(192
)
$
(215
)
$
(194
)
Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation
The reported provision for income taxes differs from the amounts that would have resulted had the reported income from continuing operations 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:
Years ended December 31,
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
INCOME TAXES
$
$
1,279
$
1,258
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate
%
%
%
Income tax expense at U.S. federal tax rate
(22
)
(269
)
(264
)
Adjustments to derive effective tax rate:
Non-deductible expenses and dividends
(17
)
(24
)
(19
)
Net adjustments on acquisition costs
-
(1
)
(4
)
Impact of change in rate on deferred tax balances
-
(1
)
Effect of foreign exchange and other differences
Changes in valuation allowances
(2
)
Net tax effect on intra-group items
Net tax effect on disposal of operations
(187
)
Tax differentials of non-U.S. jurisdictions
(17
)
Impact of U.S. state and local taxes
(2
)
(26
)
(42
)
Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI)
(4
)
(9
)
(10
)
Subpart F income
-
(5
)
(6
)
Base Erosion Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT)
(1
)
Tax on unremitted earnings
(5
)
(12
)
(14
)
Changes in uncertain tax positions
(34
)
(6
)
Other items, net
Provision for income taxes
$
(192
)
$
(215
)
$
(194
)
The current-year effective tax rate includes a $187 million tax expense on disposal of operations. Included in the $187 million are three main components: a tax expense on the BDA goodwill impairment; a tax benefit from the capital loss incurred on the sale of TRANZACT; and a tax benefit on the Willis Re earnout in certain jurisdictions with statutory tax rates less than 21%. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 includes a $20 million tax benefit related to changes in state apportionment and a $10 million deferred tax benefit related to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities associated with the enactment of the Bermuda corporate income tax law. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2022 includes a $34 million tax benefit associated with amending the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for tax years 2019 and 2020, primarily related to a reduction in Base Erosion and Anti Abuse Tax (‘BEAT’), and a $22 million income tax benefit associated with foreign exchange remeasurement on income tax account balances.
Willis Towers Watson plc is a non-trading holding company tax resident in Ireland where it is taxed at the statutory rate of 25%. The provisions for income tax on operations have been reconciled above to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21% due to significant operations in the U.S.
Deferred 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. We recognize deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that a benefit will be realized.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities included in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are comprised of the following:
December 31,
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expenses not currently deductible
$
$
Interest carryforwards
Net operating losses
Capital loss carryforwards
Accrued retirement benefits
Operating lease liabilities
Deferred compensation
Share-based compensation
Financial derivative transactions
Gross deferred tax assets
Less: valuation allowance
(28
)
(35
)
Net deferred tax assets
$
$
Deferred tax liabilities:
Cost of intangible assets, net of related amortization
$
(426
)
$
(604
)
Operating lease right-of-use assets
(82
)
(103
)
Cost of tangible assets, net of related depreciation
(7
)
(24
)
Prepaid retirement benefits
(106
)
(129
)
Accrued revenue not currently taxable
(48
)
(319
)
Unremitted earnings
(27
)
(29
)
Deferred tax liabilities
$
(696
)
$
(1,208
)
Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)
$
$
(456
)
The net deferred income tax assets are included in Other non-current assets and the net deferred tax liabilities are included in Deferred tax liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2024, the Company had a net deferred tax asset of $193 million compared to a net deferred tax liability of $456 million at December 31, 2023. The net change of $649 million is primarily related to the sale of our TRANZACT business (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures).
December 31,
Balance sheet classifications:
Other non-current assets
$
$
Deferred tax liabilities
(45
)
(542
)
Net deferred tax asset/(liability)
$
$
(456
)
At December 31, 2024, we had U.S. federal and non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards amounting to $99 million of which $56 million can be indefinitely carried forward under local statutes. The remaining $43 million of net operating loss carryforwards will expire, if unused, in varying amounts from 2025 through 2044. In addition, we had U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards of $84 million, of which $10 million can be indefinitely carried forward, while the remaining $74 million will expire in varying amounts from 2025 to 2044.
Management believes, based on the evaluation of positive and negative evidence, including the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of net deferred tax assets of $889 million, net of the valuation allowance. During 2024, the Company decreased its valuation allowance by $7 million, primarily related to state and non-U.S. net operating losses. During 2023, the Company increased its valuation allowance by $7 million, primarily related to state net operating losses and U.S. foreign tax credits. During 2022, the Company decreased its valuation allowance by $14 million, primarily related to certain state net operating losses. The Company determined the losses and the related valuation allowance would never be realized.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had valuation allowances of $28 million and $35 million, respectively, to reduce its deferred tax assets to their estimated realizable values. The valuation allowance at December 31, 2024 primarily relates to deferred taxes on U.S. state capital and operating losses of $12 million and non-U.S. net operating losses of $16 million.
An analysis of our valuation allowance is shown below.
Years ended December 31,
Balance at beginning of year
$
$
$
Additions charged to costs and expenses
Deductions
(14
)
(3
)
(22
)
Balance at end of year
$
$
$
The movement in the 2024 valuation allowance differs from the 2024 rate reconciliation primarily due to changes in our state deferred tax assets as a result of the sale of our TRANZACT business. The movement in the 2023 valuation allowance differs from the 2023 rate reconciliation primarily due to the increase in state net operating losses and the related valuation allowance. The movement in the 2022 valuation allowance differs from the 2022 rate reconciliation primarily due to the write-down of state net operating losses and the related valuation allowance. In addition, the 2022 valuation allowance differs from the 2022 rate reconciliation due to a portion of the tax benefits having been allocated to discontinued operations.
The Company recognizes deferred tax balances related to the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries when it expects that it will recover those undistributed earnings in a taxable manner, such as through receipt of dividends or sale of the investments. At December 31, 2024, the Company has $31.8 billion of undistributed earnings in subsidiaries where no deferred tax has been recognized, the majority of which can be recovered in an untaxable manner. If future events, including material changes in estimates of cash, working capital and long-term investment requirements necessitate that these earnings be distributed, a provision for income and foreign withholding taxes, net of credits, may be necessary.
Uncertain Tax Positions
At December 31, 2024, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions, determined in accordance with ASC Subtopic 740-10, excluding interest and penalties, was $80 million. Reconciliations of the beginning and ending balances of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
Balance at beginning of year
$
$
$
Increases related to tax positions in prior years
Decreases related to tax positions in prior years
(2
)
(9
)
(2
)
Increases related to tax positions in current year
-
Decreases related to settlements
-
-
(1
)
Decreases related to lapse in statute of limitations
(2
)
(4
)
(6
)
Cumulative translation adjustment and other adjustments
(1
)
(3
)
Balance at end of year
$
$
$
The liability for unrecognized tax benefits for each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 can be reduced by $3 million using offsetting deferred tax benefits associated with timing differences, foreign tax credits and the federal tax benefit of state income taxes. If these offsetting deferred tax benefits were recognized, there would be a favorable impact on our effective tax rate. There are no material balances that would result in adjustments to other tax accounts.
Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are included as a component of income tax expense. At December 31, 2024, and 2023, we had cumulative accrued interest of $8 million and $6 million, respectively. Accrued penalties were immaterial in 2024 and 2023.
Tax expense allocated to continuing operations for both the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 includes $2 million and $1 million, respectively, of interest expense.
The Company believes that the outcomes which are reasonably possible within the next 12 months may result in a reduction in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the range of $2 million to $4 million, excluding interest and penalties.
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in various tax jurisdictions in which it operates.
We have ongoing state income tax examinations in certain states for tax years ranging from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2021. The statute of limitations in certain states remains open back to the tax period ended December 31, 2015.
All U.K. tax returns have been filed timely and are in the normal process of being reviewed by His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs. The Company is not currently subject to any material examinations in other jurisdictions. A summary of the tax years that remain open to tax examination in our major tax jurisdictions is as follows:
Open Tax Years
(fiscal year ending in)
U.S. - federal
2018 and forward
U.S. - various states
2015 and forward
U.K.
2014 and forward
Ireland
2020 and forward
France
2017 and forward
Germany
2008 and forward
Canada - federal
2017 and forward
Note 8 - Fixed Assets
The following table reflects changes in the net carrying amount of the components of fixed assets for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Furniture,
equipment and
software
Leasehold
improvements
Land and
buildings
Total
Cost: at January 1, 2023
$
1,452
$
$
$
1,987
Additions
-
Disposals (i)
(182
)
(34
)
-
(216
)
Foreign exchange
Cost: at December 31, 2023
1,527
2,071
Additions
-
Disposals (i)
(221
)
(66
)
-
(287
)
Foreign exchange
(29
)
(10
)
(1
)
(40
)
Cost: at December 31, 2024
$
1,492
$
$
$
1,987
Depreciation: at January 1, 2023
$
(933
)
$
(272
)
$
(64
)
$
(1,269
)
Depreciation expense
(202
)
(37
)
(3
)
(242
)
Disposals
-
Foreign exchange
(23
)
(5
)
(1
)
(29
)
Depreciation: at December 31, 2023
(994
)
(289
)
(68
)
(1,351
)
Depreciation expense
(188
)
(39
)
(3
)
(230
)
Disposals
-
Foreign exchange
-
Depreciation: at December 31, 2024
$
(984
)
$
(271
)
$
(71
)
$
(1,326
)
Net book value:
At December 31, 2023
$
$
$
$
At December 31, 2024
$
$
$
$
(i)For 2024 and 2023, includes $12 million and $17 million, respectively, of furniture, equipment and software costs and $8 million and $4 million, respectively, of leasehold improvements costs which have been written off as part of technology modernization and real estate rationalization, respectively, under the Transformation program (see Note 6 - Restructuring Costs).
Included within land and buildings are the following assets held under finance leases:
December 31,
Finance leases
$
$
Accumulated depreciation
(25
)
(23
)
$
$
Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
The components of goodwill are outlined below for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
HWC
R&B
Total
Balance at December 31, 2022
Goodwill, gross
$
7,870
$
2,795
$
10,665
Accumulated impairment losses
(130
)
(362
)
(492
)
Goodwill, net - December 31, 2022
7,740
2,433
10,173
Goodwill disposals
(21
)
-
(21
)
Foreign exchange
Balance at December 31, 2023
Goodwill, gross
7,866
2,821
10,687
Accumulated impairment losses
(130
)
(362
)
(492
)
Goodwill, net - December 31, 2023
7,736
2,459
10,195
Goodwill acquired
-
Goodwill disposals (i)
(311
)
-
(311
)
Impairment
(1,042
)
-
(1,042
)
Foreign exchange
(18
)
(46
)
(64
)
Balance at December 31, 2024
Goodwill, gross
7,276
2,796
10,072
Accumulated impairment losses
(911
)
(362
)
(1,273
)
Goodwill, net - December 31, 2024
$
6,365
$
2,434
$
8,799
(i)The goodwill associated with the TRANZACT sale was reduced by $261 million resulting from a relative fair value allocation of the impairment of goodwill on the BDA reporting unit. Therefore the accumulated impairment losses at December 31, 2024 have been reduced by this amount.
Other Intangible Assets
The following table reflects changes in the net carrying amounts of the components of finite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Client relationships
Software
Trademark and trade name
Other
Total
Balance at December 31, 2022:
Intangible assets, gross
$
3,760
$
$
1,038
$
$
5,621
Accumulated amortization
(2,282
)
(712
)
(298
)
(56
)
(3,348
)
Intangible assets, net - December 31, 2022
1,478
2,273
Intangible assets acquired
-
-
-
Intangible asset disposals
-
-
-
(13
)
(13
)
Amortization
(204
)
(10
)
(43
)
(6
)
(263
)
Foreign exchange
-
-
-
Balance at December 31, 2023:
Intangible assets, gross
3,807
1,039
5,638
Accumulated amortization
(2,514
)
(726
)
(342
)
(40
)
(3,622
)
Intangible assets, net - December 31, 2023
1,293
2,016
Intangible assets acquired
-
-
-
Intangible asset disposals
(484
)
-
-
(17
)
(501
)
Amortization
(177
)
(2
)
(43
)
(4
)
(226
)
Foreign exchange
(16
)
-
(2
)
(16
)
Balance at December 31, 2024:
Intangible assets, gross
3,135
1,036
4,930
Accumulated amortization
(2,497
)
(727
)
(382
)
(29
)
(3,635
)
Intangible assets, net - December 31, 2024
$
$
$
$
-
$
1,295
The weighted-average remaining life of amortizable intangible assets at December 31, 2024 was 11.3 years.
The table below reflects the future estimated amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter:
Years ended December 31,
Amortization
$
Thereafter
Total
$
1,295
Note 10 - Derivative Financial Instruments
We are exposed to certain foreign currency risks. Where possible, we identify exposures in our business that can be offset internally. Where no natural offset is identified, we may choose to enter into various derivative transactions. These instruments have the effect of reducing our exposure to unfavorable changes in foreign currency rates. The Company’s board of directors reviews and approves policies for managing this risk as summarized below. Additional information regarding our derivative financial instruments can be found in Note 2 - Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements, Note 12 - Fair Value Measurements and Note 18 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.
Foreign Currency Risk
Certain non-U.S. subsidiaries receive revenue and incur expenses in currencies other than their functional currency, and as a result, the foreign subsidiary’s functional currency revenue and/or expenses will fluctuate as the currency rates change. Additionally, the forecast Pounds sterling expenses of our London brokerage market operations may exceed their Pounds sterling revenue, and the entity with such operations may also hold significant foreign currency asset or liability positions in the consolidated balance sheets. To reduce such variability, we use foreign exchange contracts to hedge against this currency risk.
These derivatives were designated as hedging instruments and at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 had total notional amounts of $176 million and $119 million, respectively, with a net fair value liability of $2 million and a net fair value asset of $2 million, respectively.
At December 31, 2024, the Company estimates, based on current exchange rates, there will be less than $1 million of net derivative losses on forward exchange rates reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings within the next twelve months as the forecast transactions affect earnings. At December 31, 2024, our longest outstanding maturity was 1.7 years.
The effects of the material derivative instruments that are designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 are below. Amounts pertaining to the ineffective portion of hedging instruments and those excluded from effectiveness testing were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
(Loss)/gain recognized in OCL (effective element)
Foreign exchange contracts
$
(2
)
$
$
(8
)
Location of (loss)/gain reclassified from Accumulated OCL into income
(effective element)
(Loss)/gain reclassified from Accumulated OCL into income (effective element)
Revenue
$
(1
)
$
$
Salaries and benefits
(2
)
(4
)
$
$
(1
)
$
(2
)
The Company engages in intercompany borrowing and lending between subsidiaries, primarily through its in-house banking operations which give rise to foreign exchange exposures. The Company mitigates these risks through the use of short-term foreign currency forward and swap transactions that offset the underlying exposure created when the borrower and lender have different functional currencies. These derivatives are not generally designated as hedging instruments, and at December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had notional amounts of $1.2 billion for both periods presented, with a net fair value liability of $3 million and a net fair value asset of $3 million, respectively. Such derivatives typically mature within three months.
The effects of derivatives that have not been designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 are as follows (see Note 17 - Other (Loss)/Income, Net for the net foreign currency impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income which includes the results of the offset of underlying exposures):
Location of (loss)/gain
(Loss)/gain recognized in income
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
recognized in income
Foreign exchange contracts
Other (loss)/income, net
$
(16
)
$
$
(147
)
Note 11 - Debt
Current debt consists of the following:
December 31,
3.600% senior notes due 2024
$
-
$
$
-
$
Long-term debt consists of the following:
December 31,
Revolving $1.5 billion credit facility
$
-
$
-
4.400% senior notes due 2026
4.650% senior notes due 2027
4.500% senior notes due 2028
2.950% senior notes due 2029
5.350% senior notes due 2033
6.125% senior notes due 2043
5.050% senior notes due 2048
3.875% senior notes due 2049
5.900% senior notes due 2054
-
$
5,309
$
4,567
Guarantees
The following table presents a summary of the entities that issued each note or entered into the revolving credit facility and those wholly-owned and consolidated subsidiaries of the Company that guarantee each respective note and the revolving credit facility on a joint and several basis as of December 31, 2024. On December 16, 2024, TA I Limited, Willis Towers Watson UK Holdings Limited and Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V. ceased to be guarantors of our notes, following the transfer of their respective properties and assets to other existing guarantors. Further, Willis Towers Watson UK Holdings Limited was released from its guarantees under our revolving credit facility. TA I Limited and Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V. will be released from their guarantees under our revolving credit facility in 2025.
Entity
Revolving credit facility
4.400% due 2026
6.125% due 2043
4.650% due 2027
4.500% due 2028
2.950% due 2029
5.350% due 2033
5.050% due 2048
3.875% due 2049
5.900% due 2054
Willis Towers Watson plc
Guarantor
Guarantor
Guarantor
Trinity Acquisition plc
Issuer
Issuer
Guarantor
Willis North America Inc.
Guarantor
Guarantor
Issuer
Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V.
Guarantor
-
-
Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited
Guarantor
Guarantor
Guarantor
TA I Limited
Guarantor
-
-
Willis Group Limited
Guarantor
Guarantor
Guarantor
Willis Towers Watson Sub Holdings Unlimited Company
Guarantor
Guarantor
Guarantor
Revolving Credit Facility
$1.5 billion revolving credit facility
On October 6, 2021, Trinity Acquisition plc entered into a second amended and restated revolving credit facility (the ‘new RCF’) for $1.5 billion that will mature on October 6, 2026.
On June 29, 2023, Trinity Acquisition plc amended its revolving credit facility to replace the use of London Interbank Offered Rate (‘LIBOR’) with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (‘SOFR’) in connection with its base-rate borrowings. This amendment was done in connection with the cessation of LIBOR and all other terms remain the same. Borrowing costs under the $1.5 billion facility differ if the borrowing is a ‘base rate’ borrowing or a ‘Eurocurrency’ borrowing, both as defined by the current RCF, and equal the sum of the relevant benchmark plus a margin based on the Company’s senior unsecured long-term debt rating:
•For base rate borrowings, the benchmark rate will be the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 0.50%, and (c) the one-month Term SOFR rate plus 1.0%. The margin on the base rate benchmark is 0.00% to 0.75% depending on the Company’s senior unsecured long-term debt rating.
•For Term Benchmark or Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (‘SONIA’) borrowings, the rate will be the applicable Term SOFR rate or SONIA (as applicable based on the currency of the borrower) plus the Applicable SOFR Adjustment of 0.10% plus a margin of 1.0% to 1.75% depending on the Company’s guaranteed unsecured long-term debt rating.
The current RCF also carries a commitment fee, applicable to the unused portion, of 0.09% to 0.25%, which is also based on the Company’s senior unsecured long-term debt rating.
Senior Notes
5.900% senior notes due 2054
On March 5, 2024, the Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Willis North America Inc., as issuer, completed an offering of $750 million aggregate principal amount of 5.900% senior notes due 2054 (‘2054 senior notes’). The effective interest rate of the 2054 senior notes is 6.00%, which includes the impact of the discount upon issuance. The 2054 senior notes will mature on March 5, 2054. Interest on the 2054 senior notes accrues from March 5, 2024 and will be paid in cash on March 5 and September 5 of each year, commencing on September 5, 2024. The net proceeds from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses, were approximately $737 million, of which $662 million was used to fully repay the $650 million aggregate principal amount and related accrued interest of the 3.600% senior notes at maturity during the second quarter of 2024. The Company used the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes.
5.350% senior notes due 2033
On May 17, 2023, the Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Willis North America Inc. as issuer, completed an offering of $750 million aggregate principal amount of 5.350% senior notes due 2033 (‘2033 senior notes’). The effective interest rate of the 2033 senior notes is 5.47%, which includes the impact of the discount upon issuance. The 2033 senior notes will mature on May 15, 2033. Interest on the 2033 senior notes accrues from May 17, 2023 and will be paid in cash on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2023. The net proceeds from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses, were $741 million, of which $256 million was used to fully repay the $250 million aggregate principal amount and related accrued interest of the 4.625% senior notes at maturity during the third quarter of 2023. The Company used the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes.
4.650% senior notes due 2027
On May 19, 2022, the Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Willis North America Inc. as issuer, completed an offering of $750 million aggregate principal amount of 4.650% senior notes due 2027 (‘2027 senior notes’). The effective interest rate of the 2027 senior notes is 4.79%, which includes the impact of the discount upon issuance. The 2027 senior notes will mature on June 15, 2027. Interest on the 2027 senior notes accrues from May 19, 2022 and will be paid in cash on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on December 15, 2022. The net proceeds from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses, were approximately $744 million and were used to fully repay the €540 million ($582 million on the date of repayment) aggregate principal amount of the 2.125% Senior Notes due 2022 and related accrued interest, and for general corporate purposes.
2.950% senior notes due 2029 and 3.875% senior notes due 2049
On September 10, 2019, the Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Willis North America Inc., as issuer, completed an offering of $450 million aggregate principal amount of 2.950% senior notes due 2029 (the ‘initial 2029 senior notes’) and $550 million aggregate principal amount of 3.875% senior notes due 2049 (‘2049 senior notes’; collectively, the ‘2019 senior notes offering’). On May 29, 2020, the Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Willis North America Inc., as issuer, completed an offering of an additional $275 million aggregate principal amount of 2.950% senior notes due 2029 (the ‘additional 2029 senior notes’). The additional 2029 senior notes will be treated as a single class with, and otherwise identical to, the initial 2029 senior notes other than with respect to the date of issuance, the issue price and the amounts paid to holders for each class of note on the first interest payment date. The effective interest rates of the initial 2029 senior notes and 2049 senior notes are 2.971% and 3.898%, respectively, which include the impact of the discount upon issuance. The effective interest rate of the additional 2029 senior notes is 2.697%, which includes the impact of the premium upon issuance. Both 2029 senior notes offerings will mature on September 15, 2029, and the 2049 senior notes will mature on September 15, 2049. Interest on the 2019 senior notes offering has accrued from September 10, 2019 and is paid in cash on March 15 and September 15 of each year. Interest on the additional 2029 senior notes has accrued from March 15, 2020 and is paid in cash on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The net proceeds from these offerings, after deducting underwriter discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, were approximately $988 million, and were used to prepay a portion of the amount outstanding under the Company’s previously-held one-year term loan commitment and to repay borrowings under a revolving credit facility previously held by the Company.
4.500% senior notes due 2028 and 5.050% senior notes due 2048
On September 10, 2018, the Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Willis North America Inc. as issuer, completed an offering of $600 million of 4.500% senior notes due 2028 (‘2028 senior notes’) and $400 million of 5.050% senior notes due 2048 (‘2048 senior notes’). The effective interest rates of the 2028 senior notes and 2048 senior notes are 4.504% and 5.073%, respectively, which include the impact of the discount upon issuance. The 2028 senior notes will mature on September 15, 2028 and the 2048 senior notes will mature on September 15, 2048. Interest has accrued on both the 2028 senior notes and 2048 senior notes from September 10, 2018 and is paid in cash on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The net proceeds from this offering, after deducting underwriter discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, were $989 million and were used to prepay in full $127 million outstanding under the Company’s term loan due December 2019 and to repay a portion of the amount outstanding under the Company’s RCF.
4.400% senior notes due 2026
On March 22, 2016, Trinity Acquisition plc issued $550 million of 4.400% senior notes due 2026 (‘2026 senior notes’). The effective interest rate on the 2026 senior notes is 4.572%, which includes the impact of the discount upon issuance. The 2026 senior notes will mature on March 15, 2026. Interest on the 2026 senior notes has accrued from March 22, 2016 and is paid in cash on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The net proceeds from this offering were used primarily to repay a revolving credit facility previously held by the Company.
4.625% senior notes due 2023 (repaid in August 2023) and 6.125% senior notes due 2043
On August 15, 2013, Trinity Acquisition plc issued $250 million of 4.625% senior notes due 2023 (‘2023 senior notes’) and $275 million of 6.125% senior notes due 2043 (‘2043 senior notes’). The effective interest rate of the 2023 senior notes was 4.696% and the effective interest rate of the 2043 senior notes is 6.154%, which includes the impact of the discount upon issuance. The proceeds were used to repurchase other previously-issued senior notes. The 2023 senior notes matured on August 15, 2023; the 2043 senior notes will mature on August 15, 2043. In August 2023, the Company repaid in full the principal and related accrued interest associated with the 2023 senior notes using, in part, the proceeds from the issuance of the 2033 senior notes discussed above.
Additional Information Regarding Fully Repaid Senior Notes
3.600% senior notes due 2024
On May 16, 2017, Willis North America Inc. issued $650 million of 3.600% senior notes due 2024 (‘2024 senior notes’). The effective interest rate of the 2024 senior notes was 3.614%, which included the impact of the discount upon issuance. The 2024 senior notes matured on May 15, 2024, and interest had accrued on the 2024 senior notes from May 16, 2017 and was paid in cash on May 15 and November 15 of each year. The net proceeds from this offering, after deducting underwriter discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, were $644 million and were used to pay down amounts outstanding under the RCF and for general corporate purposes. In May 2024, the 2024 senior notes were repaid in full using the net proceeds from the 2054 senior notes offering discussed above.
2.125% senior notes due 2022
On May 26, 2016, Trinity Acquisition plc issued €540 million ($609 million) of 2.125% senior notes due 2022 (‘2022 senior notes’). The effective interest rate of these senior notes was 2.154%, which included the impact of the discount upon issuance. The 2022 senior notes matured on May 26, 2022. Interest had accrued on the notes from May 26, 2016 and was paid in cash on May 26 of each year. The net proceeds from this offering, after deducting underwriter discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, were €535 million ($600 million). We used the net proceeds of this offering to repay a portion of the previous 1-year term loan facility, which matured in 2016, and related accrued interest. In May 2022, the 2022 senior notes were repaid in full using the net proceeds from the 2027 senior notes offering discussed above.
Covenants
The terms of our current financings also include certain limitations. For example, the agreements relating to the debt arrangements and credit facilities generally contain numerous operating and financial covenants, including requirements to maintain minimum ratios of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated cash interest expense and maximum levels of consolidated funded indebtedness in relation to consolidated EBITDA, in each case subject to certain adjustments. The operating restrictions and financial covenants in our current credit facilities do, and any future financing agreements may, limit our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business activities. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, we were in compliance with all financial covenants.
Debt Maturity
The following table summarizes the maturity of our debt and interest on senior notes and excludes any reduction for debt issuance costs:
Thereafter
Total
Senior notes
$
-
$
$
$
$
$
2,725
$
5,350
Interest on senior notes
2,232
3,261
Revolving $1.5 billion credit facility
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
4,957
$
8,611
Interest Expense
The following table shows an analysis of the interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022:
Years ended December 31,
Senior notes
$
$
$
Revolving credit facility
Other (i)
Total interest expense
$
$
$
(i)Other primarily includes interest expense on finance leases and accretion on deferred and contingent consideration.
Note 12 - Fair Value Measurements
The Company has categorized its assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis into a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value as follows:
•Level 1: refers to fair values determined based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets;
•Level 2: refers to fair values estimated using observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data; and
•Level 3: includes fair values estimated using unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosure for financial instruments:
•Mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and certificates of deposit are classified as Level 1 because we use quoted market prices in active markets in determining the fair value of these securities.
•Commingled funds are not leveled within the fair value hierarchy as the funds are valued at the net value of shares held as reported by the manager of the funds. These funds are not exchange-traded.
•Hedge funds are not leveled within the fair value hierarchy as the fair values for these investments are estimated based on the net asset values derived from the latest audited financial statements or most recent capital account statements provided by the funds’ investment manager or third-party administrator, as a practical expedient.
•Market values for our derivative instruments have been used to determine the fair values of forward and option foreign exchange contracts based on estimated amounts the Company would receive or have to pay to terminate the agreements, taking into account observable information about the current foreign currency forward rates. Such financial instruments are classified as Level 2.
•Contingent consideration payable is classified as Level 3, and we estimate fair value based on the likelihood and timing of achieving the relevant milestones of each arrangement, applying a probability assessment to each of the potential outcomes, which at times includes the use of a Monte Carlo simulation and discounting the probability-weighted payout. Typically, milestones are based on revenue or earnings growth for the acquired business.
The following tables present our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis at
December 31, 2024
Balance Sheet Location
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities:
Mutual funds/exchange traded funds (i)
Prepaid and other current assets and
Other non-current assets
$
$
-
$
-
$
Fiduciary assets
-
-
Commingled funds (i) (ii)
Other non-current assets
-
-
-
Hedge funds (i) (iii)
Other non-current assets
-
-
-
Derivatives:
Derivative financial instruments (iv)
Prepaid and other current assets and
Other non-current assets
$
-
$
$
-
$
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration:
Contingent consideration (v) (vi)
Other current liabilities and
Other non-current liabilities
$
-
$
-
$
$
Derivatives:
Derivative financial instruments (iv)
Other current liabilities and
Other non-current liabilities
$
-
$
$
-
$
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis at
December 31, 2023
Balance Sheet Location
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities:
Mutual funds/exchange traded funds (i)
Prepaid and other current assets and
Other non-current assets
$
$
-
$
-
$
Fiduciary assets
-
-
Commingled funds (i) (ii)
Other non-current assets
-
-
-
Hedge funds (i) (iii)
Other non-current assets
-
-
-
Derivatives:
Derivative financial instruments (iv)
Prepaid and other current assets and
Other non-current assets
$
-
$
$
-
$
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration:
Contingent consideration (v)
Other current liabilities and
Other non-current liabilities
$
-
$
-
$
$
Derivatives:
Derivative financial instruments (iv)
Other current liabilities and
Other non-current liabilities
$
-
$
$
-
$
(i)With the exception of the funds included in fiduciary assets, the majority of these balances are held as part of deferred compensation plans with related liabilities in other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
(ii)Consists of the Towers Watson Global Equity Focus Fund, for which redemptions can occur on any business day, and require a minimum of one business day’s notice.
(iii)Consists of the Towers Watson Alternative Credit Fund, for which the redemption period is generally quarterly, however requires a 50-day notice.
(iv)See Note 10 - Derivative Financial Instruments for further information on our derivative investments.
(v)Probability weightings are based on our knowledge of the past and planned performance of the acquired entity to which the contingent consideration applies. The fair value weighted-average discount rates used in our material contingent consideration calculations were 13.43% and 13.28% at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The range of these discount rates was 11.00% - 13.80% at December 31, 2024. Using different probability weightings and discount rates could result in an increase or decrease of the contingent consideration payable.
(vi)Consideration due to be paid across multiple years until 2029.
The following table summarizes the change in fair value of the Level 3 liabilities:
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
December 31, 2024
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
Obligations assumed
Payments
(8
)
Realized and unrealized losses (i)
Foreign exchange
(1
)
Balance at December 31, 2024
$
(i)Realized and unrealized losses include accretion and adjustments to contingent consideration liabilities, which are included within Interest expense and Other operating expenses, respectively, on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
There were no significant transfers to or from Level 3 during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Non-recurring Fair Value Measurement
The Company has assets that may be required to be recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets are evaluated when certain triggering events occur (including the planned disposal of a business or a decrease in estimated future cash flows) that indicate their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of $1.0 billion on its BDA reporting unit in connection with the sale of TRANZACT (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures). The fair value of the reporting unit was determined in part using discounted future cash flows, which is a Level 3 valuation technique.
Fair Value Information about Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value
The following tables present our assets and liabilities not measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2024 and 2023:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Assets:
Note receivable
$
$
$
$
Liabilities:
Current debt
$
-
$
-
$
$
Long-term debt
$
5,309
$
5,052
$
4,567
$
4,359
The carrying value of our revolving credit facility approximates its fair value. The fair values above, which exclude accrued interest, are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company would realize upon disposition, nor do they indicate the Company’s intent or ability to dispose of the financial instruments. The fair values of our respective senior notes and long-term note receivable are considered Level 2 financial instruments as they are corroborated by observable market data.
Note 13 - Retirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans
WTW sponsors both qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans throughout the world. The majority of our plan assets and obligations are in the U.S. and the U.K. We have also included disclosures related to defined benefit plans in certain other countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland and Ireland. Together, these disclosed funded and unfunded plans represent 98% of WTW’s pension obligations and are presented herein.
As part of these obligations, in the U.S., the U.K. and Canada, we have non-qualified plans that provide for the additional pension benefits that would be covered under the qualified plan in the respective country were it not for statutory maximums. The non-qualified plans are unfunded.
The significant plans within each grouping are described below:
United States
Legacy Willis - This plan was frozen in 2009. Approximately 550 WTW employees in the United States have a frozen accrued benefit under this plan.
WTW Plan - Substantially all U.S. employees are eligible to participate in this plan. Benefits are provided under a stable value pension plan design. The original stable value design came into effect on January 1, 2012. Plan participants prior to July 1, 2017 earn benefits without having to make employee contributions, and all newly-eligible employees after that date were required to contribute 2% of pay on an after-tax basis to participate in the plan. Effective January 1, 2024, stable value benefits are earned under the same contributory formula for all eligible colleagues. To participate, plan participants are required to contribute 2% of eligible earnings (base salary only) on an after-tax basis.
United Kingdom
Legacy Willis - This plan covers approximately 400 WTW employees in the U.K. The plan is now closed to new entrants. New employees in the U.K. are offered the opportunity to join a defined contribution plan.
Legacy Towers Watson - Benefit accruals earned under the Legacy Watson Wyatt defined benefit plan (predominantly pension benefits) ceased on February 28, 2015, although benefits earned prior to January 1, 2008 retain a link to salary until the employee leaves the Company. Benefit accruals earned under the legacy Towers Perrin defined benefit plan (predominantly lump sum benefits) were frozen on March 31, 2008. All participants now accrue defined contribution benefits.
Other
Canada (WTW) - Participants accrue qualified benefits based on a career-average benefit formula. Benefits earned prior to January 1, 2012 retain a link to final average earnings until the participant leaves the Company. Additionally, participants can choose to make voluntary contributions to purchase enhancements to their pension. Non-qualified benefit accruals ceased on January 1, 2025.
France (legacy broking business) - The mandatory retirement indemnity plan is a termination benefit which provides lump sum benefits at retirement. There is no vesting before the retirement date, and the benefit formula is determined through the collective bargaining agreement and the labor code. All employees with permanent employment contracts are eligible.
Germany - The defined benefit plans are closed to new entrants and include certain legacy employee populations hired before 2011. These benefits are primarily account-based, with some long-service participants continuing to accrue benefits according to grandfathered final-average-pay formulas.
Ireland (Legacy Willis) - Benefit accruals ceased effective from December 31, 2019; however accrued benefits for active employees are indexed to salary increases (to a maximum annual salary of €150,000) until the member leaves the Company. A future service retirement provision is being provided on a defined contribution basis.
Ireland (Legacy Towers Watson) - Benefit accruals ceased effective from May 1, 2015; however accrued benefits for active employees are indexed to salary increases (to a maximum annual salary of €160,000) until the member leaves the Company. A future service retirement provision is being provided on a defined contribution basis.
Switzerland (WTW) - The defined benefit plans require all employees with local employment contracts to participate. The Company provides benefits in excess of the mandatory minimum required under Swiss occupational pension law. Participants continue to accrue benefits until retirement or upon leaving the Company.
Amounts Recognized in our Consolidated Financial Statements
The following schedules provide information concerning the defined benefit pension plans as of and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
U.S.
U.K.
Other
U.S.
U.K.
Other
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of year
$
4,098
$
2,558
$
$
3,871
$
2,435
$
Service cost
Interest cost
Employee contributions
-
-
Actuarial (gains)/losses
(194
)
(280
)
(7
)
(32
)
Settlements
(118
)
(11
)
(1
)
(11
)
-
(2
)
Benefits paid
(238
)
(110
)
(33
)
(230
)
(116
)
(35
)
Other
-
-
(1
)
-
Foreign currency changes
-
(42
)
(55
)
-
Benefit obligation, end of year
$
3,812
$
2,236
$
$
4,098
$
2,558
$
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of
year
$
3,803
$
3,069
$
$
3,823
$
2,999
$
Actual return on plan assets
(48
)
(250
)
(3
)
Employer contributions
Employee contributions
-
-
Settlements
(118
)
(11
)
(1
)
(11
)
-
(2
)
Benefits paid
(238
)
(110
)
(33
)
(230
)
(116
)
(35
)
Other
-
-
-
-
Foreign currency changes
-
(49
)
(52
)
-
Fair value of plan assets, end of year
$
3,441
$
2,652
$
$
3,803
$
3,069
$
Funded status at end of year
$
(371
)
$
$
(33
)
$
(295
)
$
$
(89
)
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
$
3,812
$
2,236
$
$
4,098
$
2,558
$
Components on the Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Pension benefits assets
$
-
$
$
$
-
$
$
Current liability for pension benefits
$
(22
)
$
-
$
(5
)
$
(24
)
$
(1
)
$
(5
)
Non-current liability for pension
benefits
$
(349
)
$
(4
)
$
(119
)
$
(271
)
$
(4
)
$
(136
)
$
(371
)
$
$
(33
)
$
(295
)
$
$
(89
)
For the year ended December 31, 2024, bond yields increased, driving increases in the discount rates and decreasing the benefit obligation for all plans. The U.K. and Other plans also had favorable effects from foreign exchange.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, bond yields decreased, driving decreases in the discount rates and increasing the benefit obligation for all plans although certain U.K. plans benefited from favorable changes in demographic assumptions and plan experience. The U.K. and Other plans also had unfavorable effects from foreign exchange, and the U.S. plan had a change in mortality assumptions, all of which increased their respective benefit obligations.
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 consist of:
U.S.
U.K.
Other
U.S.
U.K.
Other
Net actuarial loss
$
1,013
$
1,715
$
$
$
1,674
$
Net prior service loss
-
-
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
$
1,013
$
1,746
$
$
$
1,693
$
The following table presents the projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for our plans that have a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
U.S.
U.K.
Other
U.S.
U.K.
Other
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
$
3,812
$
$
$
4,098
$
$
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
$
3,441
$
-
$
$
3,803
$
-
$
The following table presents the projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for our plans that have an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
U.S.
U.K.
Other
U.S.
U.K.
Other
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
$
3,812
$
$
$
4,098
$
$
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year
$
3,812
$
$
$
4,098
$
$
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
$
3,441
$
-
$
$
3,803
$
-
$
The components of the net periodic benefit income and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive (income)/loss for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 for the defined benefit pension plans are as follows:
U.S.
U.K.
Other
U.S.
U.K.
Other
U.S.
U.K.
Other
Components of net periodic
benefit (income)/cost:
Service cost
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Interest cost
Expected return on plan
assets
(302
)
(159
)
(42
)
(304
)
(162
)
(38
)
(331
)
(144
)
(38
)
Amortization of unrecognized
prior service (credit)/cost
-
(13
)
-
(12
)
-
(12
)
Amortization of unrecognized
actuarial loss
-
Settlement
-
-
-
(1
)
(1
)
Net periodic benefit (income)/cost
$
(5
)
$
$
$
(39
)
$
-
$
$
(117
)
$
(44
)
$
Other changes in plan assets
and benefit obligations
recognized in other
comprehensive (income)/loss:
Net actuarial loss/(gain)
$
$
$
(32
)
$
$
$
$
(161
)
$
$
(59
)
Amortization of unrecognized
actuarial loss
(36
)
(55
)
(1
)
(13
)
(48
)
-
(14
)
(29
)
(3
)
Amortization of unrecognized
prior service credit/(cost)
-
(1
)
-
(1
)
-
(1
)
Settlement
(23
)
-
-
(1
)
-
(4
)
(1
)
Total recognized in other
comprehensive loss/(income)
(34
)
(179
)
(62
)
Total recognized in net periodic
benefit (income)/cost and other
comprehensive loss/(income)
$
$
$
(31
)
$
$
$
$
(296
)
$
$
(60
)
Assumptions Used in the Valuations of the Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The determination of the Company’s obligations and annual expense under the plans is based on a number of assumptions that, given the longevity of the plans, are long-term in focus. A change in one or a combination of these assumptions could have a material impact on our projected benefit obligation. However, certain of these changes, such as changes in the discount rate and actuarial assumptions, are not recognized immediately in net income, but are instead recorded in other comprehensive income. The accumulated gains and losses not yet recognized in net income are amortized into net income as a component of the net periodic benefit cost/(income) generally based on the average working life expectancy or remaining life expectancy, where appropriate, of each of the plan’s active
participants to the extent that the net gains or losses as of the beginning of the year exceed 10% of the greater of the market-related value of plan assets or the projected benefit obligation.
The Company considers several factors prior to the start of each fiscal year when determining the appropriate annual assumptions, including economic forecasts, relevant benchmarks, historical trends, portfolio composition and peer company comparisons. These assumptions, used to determine our pension liabilities and pension expense, are reviewed annually by senior management and changed when appropriate. A discount rate will be changed annually if underlying rates have moved, whereas an expected long-term return on assets will be changed less frequently as longer-term trends in asset returns emerge or long-term target asset allocations are revised. To calculate the discount rate, we use the granular approach to determining service and interest costs. The expected rate of return assumptions for all plans are supported by an analysis of the weighted-average yield expected to be achieved based upon the anticipated makeup of the plans’ investments. Other material assumptions include rates of participant mortality, and the expected long-term rate of compensation and pension increases.
The following assumptions were used in the valuations of WTW’s defined benefit pension plans. The assumptions presented in each column represent the weighted-average of rates for all plans included in the U.S., U.K., and Other groups. The assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Years ended December 31,
U.S.
U.K.
Other
U.S.
U.K.
Other
U.S.
U.K.
Other
Discount rate - PBO
5.1%
4.7%
3.8%
5.4%
5.0%
4.3%
2.8%
1.9%
2.0%
Discount rate - service cost
5.2%
4.8%
3.7%
5.5%
5.0%
4.3%
3.0%
1.9%
2.4%
Discount rate - interest cost on PBO
5.0%
4.6%
3.8%
5.2%
4.9%
4.3%
2.4%
1.8%
1.8%
Expected long-term rate of return on
assets
8.2%
5.3%
6.5%
8.2%
5.3%
6.5%
7.2%
3.0%
5.4%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
4.3%
3.3%
2.4%
4.3%
3.4%
2.4%
4.3%
3.4%
2.3%
The following tables present the assumptions used in the valuation to determine the projected benefit obligation for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
U.S.
U.K.
Other
U.S.
U.K.
Other
Discount rate
5.6%
5.6%
3.8%
5.1%
4.7%
3.8%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
4.0%
3.4%
2.3%
4.3%
3.3%
2.4%
The expected return on plan assets was determined on the basis of the weighted-average of the expected future returns of the various asset classes, using the target allocations shown below. The Company’s pension plan asset target allocations as of December 31, 2024 were as follows (note the French plan is unfunded):
U.S.
U.K.
Switzerland
Canada
Germany
Ireland
Asset Category
WTW
Willis
Willis
Towers
Watson
WTW
WTW
WTW
Willis
Towers
Watson
Equity securities
23%
30%
-%
2%
53%
40%
27%
30%
40%
Debt securities
28%
33%
85%
18%
12%
50%
63%
28%
30%
Real estate
16%
11%
15%
1%
24%
5%
8%
3%
-%
Other
33%
26%
-%
79%
11%
5%
2%
39%
30%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Our investment strategy is designed to generate returns that will reduce the interest rate risk inherent in each of the plan’s benefit obligations and enable the plans to meet their future obligations. The precise amount for which these obligations will be settled depends on future events, including the life expectancy of the plan participants and salary inflation. The obligations are estimated using actuarial assumptions based on the current economic environment.
Each pension plan seeks to achieve total returns sufficient to meet expected future obligations when considered in conjunction with expected future contributions and prudent levels of investment risk and diversification. Each plan’s targeted asset allocation is generally determined through a plan-specific asset-liability modeling study. These comprehensive studies provide an evaluation of the projected status of asset and benefit obligation measures for each plan under a range of both positive and negative factors. The studies include 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, such as expected return, volatility of returns and correlations with other asset classes within the portfolios. Consideration is also
given to the proper long-term level of risk for each plan, the impact of the volatility and magnitude of plan contributions and costs, and the impact that certain actuarial techniques may have on the plan’s recognition of investment experience.
We monitor investment performance and portfolio characteristics on a quarterly basis to ensure that managers are meeting expectations with respect to their investment approach. There are also various restrictions and controls placed on managers, including prohibition from investing in our stock.
Fair Value of Plan Assets
The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value:
•Level 1: refers to fair values determined based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets;
•Level 2: refers to fair values estimated using observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data; and
•Level 3: includes fair values estimated using unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The fair values of our U.S. plan assets by asset category at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Asset category:
Cash
$
$
-
$
-
$
$
$
-
$
-
$
Short-term securities
-
-
-
-
Pooled/commingled funds
-
-
-
2,215
-
-
-
2,146
Private equity
-
-
-
-
-
-
Hedge funds
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total assets
$
$
$
-
$
3,440
$
$
$
-
$
3,803
The fair values of our U.K. plan assets by asset category at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Asset category:
Cash
$
$
-
$
-
$
$
$
-
$
-
$
Government bonds
1,145
-
-
1,145
1,305
-
-
1,305
Corporate bonds
-
-
-
-
Other fixed income
-
-
-
-
Pooled/commingled funds
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,065
Private equity
-
-
-
-
-
-
Derivatives
-
-
-
-
Real estate
-
-
-
-
-
-
Insurance contracts
-
-
-
-
Total assets
$
1,301
$
$
$
3,106
$
1,509
$
$
$
3,658
Liability category:
Repurchase agreements
-
-
-
-
Derivatives
-
-
-
-
Net assets
$
1,301
$
$
$
2,652
$
1,509
$
$
$
3,069
The fair values of our Other plan assets by asset category at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Asset category:
Cash
$
$
-
$
-
$
$
$
-
$
-
$
Pooled/commingled funds
-
-
-
-
-
-
Private equity
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Hedge funds
-
-
-
-
-
-
Real estate
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Insurance contracts
-
-
-
-
Investment in multiple-
employer pension plan
-
-
-
-
Total assets
$
$
-
$
$
$
$
-
$
$
We evaluate the need to transfer between levels based upon the nature of the financial instrument and size of the transfer relative to the total net assets of the plans. There were no significant transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3 in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
In accordance with ASC Subtopic 820-10, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in these tables are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the total fair value of plan assets.
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for investments at fair value:
Short-term securities: Valued at the net value of shares held by the Company at year end as reported by the sponsor of the funds.
Government bonds: Valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the bond is traded.
Corporate bonds: Valued using pricing models maximizing the use of observable inputs for similar securities. This includes basing values on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.
Other fixed income: Foreign and municipal bonds are valued using pricing models maximizing the use of observable inputs for similar securities.
Pooled / commingled funds: Valued at the net value of shares held by the Company at year end as reported by the manager of the funds. These funds are not exchange-traded and are not reported by level in the tables above.
Derivative investments: Valued at the closing level of the relevant index or security and interest accrual through the valuation date.
Private equity funds, real estate funds, hedge funds: The fair values for these investments are estimated based on the net asset values derived from the latest audited financial statements or most recent capital account statements provided by the private equity fund’s investment manager or third-party administrator.
Insurance contracts: The fair values are determined using model-based techniques that include option-pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.
Investment in multiple-employer pension plan: The Company sponsors a pension plan for its Swiss employees in which assets of the plan are invested in a collective fund with multiple employers through a Swiss insurance company. WTW does not have rights to, nor does it have investment authority over, the individual assets of the plan. The fair value of the plan assets is estimated based on information provided by the collective fund.
Repurchase agreements: Valued at the repurchase obligation which includes an interest rate linked to the underlying fixed interest government bond portfolio. These agreements are short-term in nature (less than one year) and were entered into for the purpose of purchasing additional government bonds.
The following table reconciles the net plan investments to the total fair value of the plan assets:
December 31,
Net assets held in investments
$
6,771
$
7,545
Receivable for interest income and other
-
Fair value of plan assets
$
6,772
$
7,545
Level 3 investments
As a result of the inherent limitations related to the valuations of the Level 3 investments, due to the unobservable inputs of the underlying funds, the estimated fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a market for those investments existed.
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the plans’ Level 3 assets for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024:
Level 3
Roll Forward
Beginning balance at December 31, 2023
$
Purchases
Unrealized loss
(5
)
Foreign exchange
(4
)
Ending balance at December 31, 2024
$
Contributions and Benefit Payments
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 costs.
The following table sets forth our projected pension contributions to our qualified plans for fiscal year 2025, as well as the pension contributions to our qualified plans in fiscal years 2024 and 2023:
(Projected)
(Actual)
(Actual)
U.S.
$
-
$
-
$
-
U.K.
$
$
$
Other
$
$
$
Expected benefit payments from our defined benefit pension plans to current plan participants, including the effects of their expected future service, as appropriate, are as follows:
Benefit Payments
Fiscal Year
U.S.
U.K.
Other
Total
$
$
$
$
Years 2030 - 2034
1,498
2,428
$
2,925
$
1,364
$
$
4,647
Defined Contribution Plans
We have defined contribution plans covering eligible employees in many countries. The most significant plans are in the U.S. and U.K. and are described here.
We have a U.S. defined contribution plan covering all eligible employees of WTW. The plan allowed participants to make pre-tax and Roth after-tax contributions, and the Company provided a 100% match on the first 1% of employee contributions and a 50% match on the next 5% of employee contributions. Effective January 2024, the Company provides to non-BDA participants a non-elective
company contribution of 3.5% of eligible earnings, regardless of the contributions they make to the plan. Participants employed in BDA business entities will continue under the prior formula. Employees vest in the Company match upon two years of service. All investment assets of the plan are held in a trust account administered by independent trustees.
Our U.K. pension plans provide for a defined contribution component as part of a master trust. We make contributions to the plan, a portion of which represents matching contributions made by the participants up to a maximum rate.
We had defined contribution plan expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 amounting to $169 million, $158 million and $148 million, respectively.
Note 14 - Leases
The following tables present amounts recorded on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2024 and 2023, classified as either operating or finance leases. Operating leases are presented separately on our consolidated balance sheets. For the finance leases, the ROU assets are included in fixed assets, net, and the liabilities are classified within Other current liabilities and Other non-current liabilities.
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Operating Leases
Finance Leases
Total
Leases
Operating Leases
Finance Leases
Total
Leases
Right-of-use assets
$
$
$
$
$
$
Current lease liabilities
Long-term lease liabilities
The following tables present amounts recorded on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022:
Years ended December 31,
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets
$
$
$
Interest on lease liabilities
Operating lease cost
Short-term lease cost
-
-
Variable lease cost
Sublease income
(21
)
(13
)
(15
)
Total lease cost, net
$
$
$
The total lease cost is recognized in different locations in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Amortization of the finance lease ROU assets is included in depreciation, while the interest cost component of these finance leases is included in interest expense. All other costs are included in other operating expenses, with the exception of $41 million, $38 million and $57 million incurred during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, that were included in restructuring costs (see Note 6 - Restructuring Costs) that primarily related to the acceleration of amortization or impairment of certain abandoned ROU assets and the payment of early termination fees. There are no significant lease costs that have been included as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, as well as its location in the consolidated statements of cash flows, is as follows:
Years ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities:
Operating leases
$
$
$
Finance leases
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Finance leases
Total lease payments
$
$
$
Non-cash additions to our operating lease ROU assets, net of modifications, were $66 million, $85 million and $65 million during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Our operating and finance leases have the following weighted-average terms and discount rates as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Operating
Leases
Finance
Leases
Operating
Leases
Finance
Leases
Weighted-average term (in years)
6.1
1.3
6.6
2.1
Weighted-average discount rate
3.9
%
12.9
%
3.7
%
12.7
%
The maturity of our lease liabilities on an undiscounted basis, including a reconciliation to the total lease liabilities reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024, is as follows:
Operating Leases
Finance Leases
Total Leases
$
$
$
-
-
-
Thereafter
-
Total future lease payments
Interest
(78
)
(1
)
(79
)
Total lease liabilities
$
$
$
Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies
Guarantees
Guarantees issued by certain of WTW’s subsidiaries with respect to the senior notes and credit facilities are discussed in Note 11 - Debt.
Certain of WTW’s subsidiaries in the U.S. and the U.K. have given the landlords of some leased properties occupied by the Company guarantees with respect to the repayment of the lease obligations. The operating lease obligations subject to such guarantees amounted to $301 million and $350 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. There were no finance lease obligations subject to such guarantees at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Acquisition Liabilities
In addition to the contingent consideration that may be payable related to our acquisitions (see Note 12 - Fair Value Measurements), we have deferred consideration of $2 million at December 31, 2024, which is payable until 2026. The Company had deferred consideration of $3 million at December 31, 2023.
Other Contractual Obligations
For certain subsidiaries and associates, the Company has the right to purchase shares (a call option) from co-shareholders at various dates in the future. In addition, the co-shareholders of certain subsidiaries and associates have the right to sell their shares (a put option) to the Company at various dates in the future. Generally, the exercise prices of such put options and call options are formula-based (using revenue and earnings) and are designed to reflect fair value. Based on current projections of profitability and exchange rates, and assuming the put options are exercised, the potential amount payable from these put options is not expected to exceed $4 million.
Additionally, the Company has capital commitments with Trident V Parallel Fund, LP, an investment fund managed by Stone Point Capital, Dowling Capital Partners I, LP., and PruVen Capital Partners Fund II, LP. At December 31, 2024, the Company is obligated to make capital contributions of $26 million, collectively, to these funds.
Indemnification Agreements
WTW has various agreements with third parties pursuant to which it may be obligated to indemnify the other party to the agreement with respect to certain matters. Generally, these indemnification provisions are included in contracts arising in the normal course of business and in connection with the purchase and sale of certain businesses, including the sale of the TRANZACT business. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments that may become due under these indemnification agreements because of the conditional nature of the Company’s obligations, the limited history of prior indemnification claims, and the unique facts of each particular agreement and each indemnification provision therein (even where such indemnification provisions are subject to a maximum liability limit). However, as of December 31, 2024, we have not incurred a material loss with respect to the indemnification of such third parties. In addition, as of December 31, 2024, we do not believe that any potential liability that may arise from such indemnity obligations is probable or will be material.
Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to various actual and potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings. Some of the claims, lawsuits and other proceedings seek damages in amounts which could, if assessed, be significant. The Company also receives subpoenas in the ordinary course of business and, from time to time, receives requests for information in connection with governmental investigations.
Errors and omissions claims, lawsuits, and other proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business are covered in part by professional indemnity or other appropriate insurance. The terms of this insurance vary by policy year. Regarding self-insured risks, the Company has established provisions which are believed to be adequate in light of current information and legal advice, or, in certain cases, where a range of loss exists, the Company accrues the minimum amount in the range if no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount. The Company adjusts such provisions from time to time according to developments. See Note 16 - Supplementary Information for Certain Balance Sheet Accounts for the amounts accrued at December 31, 2024 and 2023 in the consolidated balance sheets.
On the basis of current information, the Company does not expect that the actual claims, lawsuits and other proceedings to which it is subject, or potential claims, lawsuits, and other proceedings relating to matters of which it is aware, will ultimately have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation and disputes with insurance companies, it is possible that an adverse outcome or settlement in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows in a particular quarterly or annual period.
The Company provides for contingent liabilities based on ASC 450, Contingencies, when it is determined that a liability, inclusive of defense costs, is probable and reasonably estimable. The contingent liabilities recorded are primarily developed actuarially. Litigation is subject to many factors which are difficult to predict so there can be no assurance that in the event of a material unfavorable result in one or more claims, we will not incur material costs.
Note 16 - Supplementary Information for Certain Balance Sheet Accounts
Additional details of specific balance sheet accounts are detailed below.
Prepaid and other current assets consist of the following:
December 31,
December 31,
Prepayments and accrued income
$
$
Deferred contract costs
Derivatives and investments
Deferred compensation plan assets
Corporate income and other taxes
Earnout receivable (i)
-
Short-term note receivable
-
Acquired renewal commissions receivable
-
Other current assets
Total prepaid and other current assets
$
1,217
$
(i)See Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures for more information.
Other non-current assets consist of the following:
December 31,
December 31,
Prepayments and accrued income
$
$
Deferred contract costs
Deferred compensation plan assets
Deferred tax assets
Accounts receivable, net
Acquired renewal commissions receivable
-
Long-term note receivable
-
Investment in associates
Other investments
Insurance recovery receivables
Non-current contract assets
-
Other non-current assets
Total other non-current assets
$
$
1,573
Deferred revenue and accrued expenses consist of the following:
December 31,
December 31,
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred revenue
$
1,053
$
1,073
Accrued discretionary and incentive compensation
Accrued vacation
Accrued 401(k) contributions
Other employee-related liabilities
Total deferred revenue and accrued expenses
$
2,211
$
2,104
Other current liabilities consist of the following:
December 31,
December 31,
Dividends payable
$
$
Income taxes payable
Interest payable
Deferred compensation plan liabilities
Contingent and deferred consideration on acquisitions
Accrued retirement benefits
Payroll and other benefits-related liabilities
Other taxes payable
Derivatives
Third-party commissions
Other current liabilities
Total other current liabilities
$
$
Provision for liabilities consists of the following:
December 31,
December 31,
Claims, lawsuits and other proceedings
$
$
Other provisions
Total provision for liabilities
$
$
Other non-current liabilities consist of the following:
December 31,
December 31,
Deferred and long-term compensation plan liabilities
$
$
Contingent and deferred consideration on acquisitions
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions
Finance leases
Other non-current liabilities
Total other non-current liabilities
$
$
Note 17 - Other (Loss)/Income, Net
Other (loss)/income, net consists of the following:
Years ended December 31,
(Loss)/gain on disposal of operations (i)
$
(337
)
$
$
Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit credits
Interest in earnings of associates and other investments
Foreign exchange gain/(loss) (ii)
(11
)
-
Other
Other (loss)/income, net
$
(260
)
$
$
(i)For the year ended December 31, 2022, includes a $24 million non-cash revaluation gain related to an acquisition completed in stages.
(ii)Includes the offsetting effects of the Company's foreign currency hedging program. See Note 10 - Derivative Financial Instruments.
Note 18 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of other comprehensive (loss)/income are as follows:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Before
tax
amount
Tax
Net of
tax
amount
Before
tax
amount
Tax
Net of
tax
amount
Before
tax
amount
Tax
Net of
tax
amount
Other comprehensive (loss)/income:
Foreign currency translation
$
(204
)
$
-
$
(204
)
$
$
-
$
$
(499
)
$
-
$
(499
)
Defined pension and post-retirement benefits
(128
)
(94
)
(546
)
(408
)
(22
)
Derivative instruments
(4
)
-
(4
)
(1
)
(6
)
(2
)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income
(336
)
(302
)
(370
)
(233
)
(418
)
(18
)
(436
)
Less: Other comprehensive (income)/loss
attributable to non-controlling interests
-
-
-
(2
)
-
(2
)
-
Other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable
to WTW
$
(336
)
$
$
(302
)
$
(372
)
$
$
(235
)
$
(417
)
$
(18
)
$
(435
)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of non-controlling interests and net of tax are provided in the following table. This table excludes amounts attributable to non-controlling interests, which are not material for further disclosure.
Foreign currency
translation
Derivative
instruments (i)
Defined pension
and post-
retirement
benefit costs (ii)
Total
Balance, January 1, 2022
$
(489
)
$
$
(1,708
)
$
(2,186
)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before reclassifications
(498
)
(3
)
(460
)
Loss reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss (net of income tax benefit of $9)
-
Net other comprehensive (loss)/income
(498
)
(2
)
(435
)
Balance, December 31, 2022
$
(987
)
$
$
(1,643
)
$
(2,621
)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications
(444
)
(271
)
Loss reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss (net of income tax benefit of $11)
-
-
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)
(408
)
(235
)
Balance, December 31, 2023
$
(816
)
$
$
(2,051
)
$
(2,856
)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
(204
)
(2
)
(150
)
(356
)
(Gain)/loss reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss (net of income tax benefit of $18)
-
(2
)
Net other comprehensive loss
(204
)
(4
)
(94
)
(302
)
Balance, December 31, 2024
$
(1,020
)
$
$
(2,145
)
$
(3,158
)
(i)Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to derivative instruments are included in Revenue and Salaries and benefits in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. See Note 10 - Derivative Financial Instruments for additional details regarding the reclassification adjustments for the derivative settlements.
(ii)Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 13 - Retirement Benefits). These components are included in Other (loss)/income, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Note 19 - Share-based Compensation
Plan Summaries
On December 31, 2024, the Company had a number of open share-based compensation plans, which provide for the granting of time-based and performance-based options, time-based and performance-based restricted stock units, and various other share-based grants to employees. All of the Company’s share-based compensation plans under which any options, restricted stock units (‘RSUs’) or other share-based grants are outstanding as of December 31, 2024 are described below.
Approximately 493,000 RSUs vested during 2024. Of these, 261,000 were not issued due to net settlements, cash settlements, and retirement eligibility provisions associated with future issuances. In addition, 83,000 RSUs were issued in 2024 that vested in prior years, and 98,000 shares were issued related to non-qualified retirement plans or the ESPP. In total, approximately 413,000 shares were issued under employee stock compensation plans and non-qualified retirement plans during the year ended December 31, 2024. See below for further detail on the RSUs vested in 2024.
The compensation cost that has been recognized for these plans for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $121 million, $125 million and $99 million, respectively. Of these amounts, $13 million, $31 million and $27 million were recognized within transaction and transformation on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The total income tax benefits recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for share-based compensation arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were $20 million, $21 million and $18 million, respectively.
2012 Equity Incentive Plan
This plan, established on April 25, 2012 and amended and restated on June 10, 2016, provides for the granting of incentive stock options, time-based or performance-based non-statutory stock options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, time-based or performance-based RSUs, performance-based awards and other share-based grants or any combination thereof to employees, officers, non-employee directors and consultants of the Company (‘2012 Plan’). The board of directors also adopted a sub-plan under the 2012 Plan to provide an employee sharesave scheme in the U.K.
There were 3,911,221 shares remaining available for grant under this plan as of December 31, 2024. The 2012 Plan shall continue in effect until terminated by the board of directors, except that no incentive stock option may be granted under the 2012 Plan after April 21, 2026 or after its expiration. That termination will not affect the validity of any grants outstanding at that date.
Options
There were no options granted during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Award Activity
Classification of options as time-based or performance-based is dependent on the original terms of the award.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the remaining 15,000 time-based stock options were exercised with a weighted-average exercise price of $117.36, and had an immaterial intrinsic value, leaving no options outstanding at December 31, 2023. The total intrinsic values of time-based options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2022 was $1 million.
All remaining performance-based options outstanding were exercised during 2022. The total intrinsic values of performance-based options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2022 was $9 million.
Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the year ended December 31, 2023 was immaterial, and for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $7 million. The actual tax benefit recognized for the tax deductions from option exercises of the share-based payment arrangements totaled $6 million and $11 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Equity-settled RSUs
Valuation Assumptions
The grant date fair value of each time-based RSU is equal to the grant date stock price. Performance-based RSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 contain only non-market-based performance targets, and the grant date fair value of these awards are equal to the grant date stock prices. Because performance-based RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2024 contain market-based performance targets, the fair value is estimated on the grant date using a Monte-Carlo simulation that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the companies’ shares. A historical correlation coefficient was calculated based on daily share price changes between WTW and the constituents in the peer group. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. Since the award payout includes dividend equivalents and total shareholder return includes the value of reinvested dividends, no dividend assumption is required for the valuation.
Year ended
December 31,
Expected volatility
24.0
%
Average expected volatility of peer companies
30.8
%
Average correlation coefficient of peer companies
33.1
%
Expected life (years)
2.8
Risk-free interest rate
4.6
%
During the year ended December 31, 2023, certain performance-based RSU awards were modified to either better align the payout percentages for the broad-based population with the awards granted to the executive officers, or to reflect the impact of the divestment of our Russian business (see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Divestitures for additional information). In total, 464 grantees benefited from the modifications. Incremental compensation cost of $14 million is being recognized over the remaining service periods, $6 million of which is included within transaction and transformation on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Award Activity
A summary of time-based and performance-based RSU activity under the plans at December 31, 2024, and changes during the year then ended, is presented below:
Shares
(thousands)
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Time-based RSUs
Balance as of December 31, 2023
$
236.08
Granted
$
272.19
Vested
(328
)
$
239.31
Forfeited
(25
)
$
241.38
Balance as of December 31, 2024
$
256.97
Performance-based RSUs
Balance as of December 31, 2023
$
255.01
Granted
$
292.13
Vested
(165
)
$
301.90
Forfeited
(20
)
$
260.18
Balance as of December 31, 2024
$
257.22
The weighted-average grant date fair values of time-based RSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were $272.19, $231.33 and $226.84, respectively.
Time-based RSUs approximating 328,000, 122,000 and 35,000 vested during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, with average share prices at the time of vesting of $289.52, $221.26 and $202.80, respectively.
Time-based RSUs generally vest over three years but may vest immediately or vest over one to five years. The total fair values of time-based RSUs issued during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were $92 million, $21 million and $7 million, respectively. At December 31, 2024, there was $38 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the time-based RSU plan; that cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.
The weighted-average grant date fair values of performance-based RSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were $292.13, $232.98 and $237.57 respectively.
Performance-based RSUs approximating 165,000, 273,000 and 32,000 vested during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, with average share prices at time of vesting of $264.27, $234.44 and $197.55, respectively.
Performance-based RSUs vest over one to three years. The total fair values of performance-based RSUs issued during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were $51 million, $47 million and $76 million, respectively. At December 31, 2024, there was $78 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the performance-based RSU plan; that cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.
The actual tax benefits recognized for the tax deductions from RSUs that vested totaled $24 million, $9 million and $23 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The amounts reflected above include awards which will be cash-settled due to local requirements. These awards are classified as liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets and are not material.
Phantom RSUs
During the year ended December 31, 2022, cash payments totaling $32 million were made related to phantom stock units. Phantom stock units are cash-settled awards with final payout based on the performance of the Company’s shares. There was no remaining liability or unearned compensation related to phantom stock as of December 31, 2022, and the Company did not grant phantom stock during 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Employee Share Purchase Plan
The ESPP operates under the WTW Amended and Restated 2010 Employee Share Purchase Plan, as amended and restated on February 28, 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2024, employee contributions to the ESPP totaled $16 million, and the total
fair value of shares purchased during the year was $16 million. The ESPP initially had 1,377,500 shares available for purchase, and at December 31, 2024, 1,008,481 shares remain available. For more information on this plan, refer to Note 2 - Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements.
Note 20 - Earnings Per Share
Basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to WTW and discontinued operations, net of tax are calculated by dividing net (loss)/income from continuing operations attributable to WTW and discontinued operations, net of tax, respectively, by the average number of ordinary shares outstanding during each period. The computation of diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if dilutive securities and other contracts to issue shares were exercised or converted into shares or resulted in the issuance of shares that then shared in the net income of the Company. See Note 19 - Share-based Compensation for a summary of our outstanding options and RSUs.
Basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:
Years ended December 31,
(Loss)/income from continuing operations
$
(88
)
$
1,064
$
1,064
Less: income attributable to non-controlling interests
(10
)
(9
)
(15
)
(Loss)/income from continuing operations attributable to WTW
$
(98
)
$
1,055
$
1,049
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
-
$
-
$
(40
)
Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding
Dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares
-
-
Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding
Basic (loss)/earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to WTW
$
(0.96
)
$
10.01
$
9.36
Dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares
-
(0.06
)
(0.02
)
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to WTW
$
(0.96
)
$
9.95
$
9.34
Basic loss per share from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
-
$
-
$
(0.36
)
Dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares
-
-
-
Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
-
$
-
$
(0.36
)
The dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares was not computed for the year ended December 31, 2024 as the Company reported a net loss within its consolidated statement of comprehensive income. There were no anti-dilutive options for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023, anti-dilutive RSUs were immaterial; for the year ended December 31, 2022, 0.2 million RSUs were not included in the computation of the dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares because their effect was anti-dilutive.
Note 21 - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Supplemental disclosures regarding cash flow information and non-cash investing and financing activities are as follows:
As of and for the years ended December 31,
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,890
$
1,424
$
1,262
Fiduciary funds (included in fiduciary assets)
3,108
2,368
3,459
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
4,998
$
3,792
$
4,721
Increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and other restricted cash
$
$
$
(3,177
)
Increase/(decrease) in fiduciary funds
(1,103
)
Total
$
1,303
$
(940
)
$
(2,806
)
Cash payments for income taxes, net
$
$
$
Cash payments for interest
$
$
$
Cash acquired
$
$
-
$
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Non-cash consideration received
$
-
$
-
$
Fair value of deferred and contingent consideration related to acquisitions
$
$
$

---

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCO UNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

---

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROL S AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer (‘CEO’) and chief financial officer (‘CFO’), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ‘Exchange Act’), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based upon that evaluation, our management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2024 in providing reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in the periodic reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and the CFO, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rules 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) under the Exchange Act in the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Internal control over financial reporting refers to the process designed by, or under the supervision of, our CEO and CFO, and overseen by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (‘U.S. GAAP’), and includes those policies and procedures that:
(1)Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
(2)Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
(3)Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting can also be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining the adequacy and effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. In making this evaluation, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in the report entitled Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report titled ‘Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting,’ which is included herein.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company and subsidiaries (the ‘Company’) as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (‘COSO’). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (‘PCAOB’), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024, of the Company and our report dated February 25, 2025, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Philadelphia, PA
February 25, 2025

---

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangements
The following directors and officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) adopted, modified, or terminated ‘Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements’ (as defined in Regulation S-K, Item 408) intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act:
Director or
Officer Name
Director or
Officer Title
Plan Adopted,
Modified, or Terminated
Securities
Covered by Plan
Amount of Securities
Eligible for Sale Under the Plan
Plan Termination
Date*
Carl Hess
Chief Executive
Officer
Adopted on February 6, 2025
Ordinary Shares
10,000
July 31, 2025
Alexis Faber
Chief Operating
Officer
Adopted on February 6, 2025
Ordinary Shares underlying vested Restricted Stock Units (‘RSUs’)
10% of those vested RSUs granted by WTW on April 1, 2022, 2023, and 2024
December 31, 2025
* Subject to early termination for certain specified events set forth in the plan.
 Excluding any shares withheld by the Company to satisfy its income tax withholding obligations in connection with the net settlement of equity awards.

---

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information with respect to the executive officers of the Company is provided in Part I, Item 1 Business above under the heading ‘Information about Executive Officers of the Registrant’ and information required by Item 406 and Item 408(b) of Regulation S-K is below. All other information required by this Item will be provided in accordance with Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K no later than 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year.
The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct applicable to all our directors, officers and employees, including our CEO, the CFO, the Principal Accounting Officer and all those involved in the Company’s accounting functions. The Code of Conduct can be found in the ‘Investor Relations - Corporate Governance’ section of the Company’s website at www.wtwco.com. It is also available free of charge on request from the Company Secretary at corporatesecretary@wtwco.com. The Company intends to post on its website any amendments to, or waivers of, a provision of the Code of Conduct in accordance with Item 406 of Regulation S-K.
The Company has adopted insider trading policies and procedures that govern the purchase, sale, and/or other dispositions of our securities (and related derivative securities) by directors, officers and employees and other covered persons and to the Company itself, which we believe are reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations and listing standards applicable to the Company. Copies of the Company’s policies and guidelines are filed as Exhibits 19.1, 19.2, and 19.3 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

---

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTI VE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item will be provided in accordance with Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K no later than 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year.

---

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OW NERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information with respect to the Company’s Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans as required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All other information required by this Item will be provided in accordance with Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K no later than 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year.

---

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item will be provided in accordance with Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K no later than 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year.

---

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOU NTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item will be provided in accordance with Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K no later than 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year.
PART IV.

---

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
a)The following documents have been included in Part II, Item 8:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Financial Statements of Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company
Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2024 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
b)Exhibits:
In reviewing the agreements included or incorporated by reference as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, it is important to note that they are included to provide investors with information regarding their terms, and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about WTW or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties made by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement, and: should not be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating risk between the parties; have in some cases been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement; may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be material to investors; and were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments.
Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about WTW may be found elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
Schedule/
Form
Exhibit
Filing Date
Filed
Herewith
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 29, 2015, by and among Willis Group Holdings plc, Citadel Merger Sub, Inc. and Towers Watson & Co
8-K
2.1
June 30, 2015
2.2
Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 19, 2015, by and among Willis, Merger Sub and Towers Watson
8-K
2.1
November 20, 2015
3.1
Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company
8-K
3.1
June 15, 2017
3.2
Certificate of Incorporation of Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company
8-K
3.2
January 4, 2010
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
Schedule/
Form
Exhibit
Filing Date
Filed
Herewith
4.1
Description of Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company’s ordinary shares
10-K
4.1
February 26, 2020
4.2
Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2013, by and among Trinity Acquisition Limited, as issuer, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company, Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis North America Inc., Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited and Willis Group Limited, as guarantors, and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as successor to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee
8-K
4.1
August 15, 2013
4.3
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2013, supplemental to the Indenture dated as of August 15, 2013
8-K
4.2
August 15, 2013
4.4
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 9, 2016, supplemental to the Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2013
8-K
4.3
March 10, 2016
4.5
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 22, 2016, supplemental to the Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2013
8-K
4.1
March 22, 2016
4.6
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 16, 2016, supplemental to the Indenture dated as of August 15, 2013
8-K
4.1
May 26, 2016
4.7
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 11, 2017, supplemental to the Indenture dated as of August 15, 2013
8-K
4.3
August 16, 2017
4.8
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 16, 2024, supplemental to the Indenture dated as of August 15, 2013
X
4.9
Indenture, dated as of May 16, 2017, among Willis North America Inc., as issuer, Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company, Willis Towers Watson Sub Holdings Unlimited Company, Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, WTW Bermuda Holdings Ltd., Trinity Acquisition plc and Willis Group Limited, as guarantors, and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as successor to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee
8-K
4.1
May 16, 2017
4.10
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 16, 2017, supplemental to the Indenture dated as of May 16, 2017
8-K
4.2
May 16, 2017
4.11
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 11, 2017, supplemental to the Indenture dated as of May 16, 2017
8-K
4.4
August 16, 2017
4.12
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 10, 2018, supplemental to the Indenture dated as of May 16, 2017
8-K
4.1
September 10, 2018
4.13
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 10, 2019, supplemental to the Indenture dated as of May 16, 2017
8-K
4.1
September 10, 2019
4.14
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 19, 2022, supplemental to the Indenture dated as of May 16, 2017
8-K
4.1
May 19, 2022
4.15
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 17, 2023, supplemental to the Indenture dated as of May 16, 2017
8-K
4.1
May 17, 2023
4.16
Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2024, supplemental to the Indenture dated as of May 16, 2017
8-K
4.1
March 5, 2024
4.17
Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 16, 2024, supplemental to the Indenture dated as of May 16, 2017
X
4.18
Officers’ Certificate of the Issuer and the Guarantors (including Form of Willis North America Inc.'s 2.95% Senior Note due 2029 and 3.875% Senior Note due 2049), dated as of May 29, 2020
8-K
4.1
May 29, 2020
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
Schedule/
Form
Exhibit
Filing Date
Filed
Herewith
4.19
Form of Indenture among Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company, as issuer, Willis Towers Watson Sub Holdings Unlimited Company, Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, Willis Towers Watson UK Holdings Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, Willis Group Limited and Willis North America Inc., as guarantors, and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as trustee
S-3
4.6
February 28, 2022
10.1^
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2021, among Trinity Acquisition plc and its indirect subsidiaries, Willis North America Inc. and Willis Netherlands Holdings B.V., Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company, the lenders party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent
8-K
10.1
October 7, 2021
10.2
Second Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2021, among Trinity Acquisition plc, Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company, the other guarantors party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as Administrative Agent
8-K
10.2
October 7, 2021
10.3^
First Amendment dated as of June 29, 2023 to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 6, 2021 by and among, inter alia, Trinity Acquisition PLC, as the Company, Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company, as the Parent, the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, and Barclays Bank PLC, party thereto as administrative agent
10-Q
10.1
July 27, 2023
10.4
Deed Poll of Assumption, dated as of December 31, 2009, by and between Willis Group Holdings Limited and Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company
8-K
10.4
January 4, 2010
10.5
Security and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 12, 2021, by and between Willis Towers Watson plc and Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
8-K
10.1
August 16, 2021
10.6
Letter Agreement, dated December 1, 2021, by and between Willis Towers Watson plc and Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
8-K
10.1
December 6, 2021
10.7
Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company 2012 Equity Incentive Plan
DEF14A
A
April 28, 2022
10.8
Form of Time-Based Share Option Award Agreement under the Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company 2012 Equity Incentive Plan
10-Q
10.1
August 9, 2012
10.9
Form of 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (As Amended and Restated) Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors under the Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company 2012 Equity Incentive Plan
10-K
10.9
February 24, 2022
10.10
Rules of the Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company 2012 Sharesave Sub-Plan for the United Kingdom to the Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company 2012 Equity Incentive Plan
10-K
10.32
February 28, 2013
10.11
Amended and Restated Willis U.S. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan
8-K
10.1
November 20, 2009
10.12
First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Willis U.S. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan, effective June 1, 2011
10-Q
10.1
August 9, 2011
10.13
Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Willis U.S. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan
10-Q
10.6
November 5, 2013
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
Schedule/
Form
Exhibit
Filing Date
Filed
Herewith
10.14
Amendment 2017-1 to the Amended and Restated Willis U.S. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan
10-K
10.34
February 28, 2018
10.15
Amendment 2019-1 to the Amended and Restated Willis U.S. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan
10-Q
10.2
November 1, 2019
10.16
Form of Deed of Indemnity of Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company
8-K
10.1
January 5, 2016
10.17
Form of Indemnification Agreement of Willis North America Inc.
8-K
10.2
January 5, 2016
10.18
Offer Letter, dated as of August 26, 2021, by and between Willis Towers Watson US LLC and Andrew Krasner
10-Q
10.4
October 28, 2021
10.19
Time-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement, dated as of September 7, 2021, by and between Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company and Andrew Krasner
10-Q
10.5
October 28, 2021
10.20
Employment Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2015, by and between Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company and Matthew Furman
10-K
10.45
February 24, 2022
10.21
Employment Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2024, by and between Willis Group Services Limited Company and Lucy Clarke
X
10.22
Time-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement No. 1 (Sign On Award), dated as of October 14, 2024, by and between Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company and Lucy Clarke
X
10.23
Time-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement No. 2, dated as of October 14, 2024, by and between Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company and Lucy Clarke
X
10.24
Fully Vested Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement, dated as of October 14, 2024, by and between Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company and Lucy Clarke
X
10.25
Form of Retention Agreement
8-K
10.1
February 5, 2021
10.26
Towers Watson Amended and Restated 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan
S-8
99.1
January 5, 2016
10.27
Trust Deed and Rules of the Towers Watson Limited Share Incentive Plan 2005 (U.K.)
10-K
10.21
September 1, 2006
10.28
Towers Watson Limited Share Incentive Plan 2005 Deed of Amendment (U.K.)
10-K
10.22
September 1, 2006
10.29
Towers Watson Limited Share Incentive Plan 2005 Deed to Change the Trust Deed and Rules (U.K.)
10-K
10.10
August 29, 2012
10.30
Willis Towers Watson Non-Qualified Deferred Savings Plan for U.S. Employees (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2017)
10-Q
10.1
November 7, 2016
10.31
Amendment 2018-1 to the Willis Towers Watson Non-Qualified Deferred Savings Plan for U.S. Employees
8-K
99.3
July 18, 2018
10.32
Amendment 2020-1 to the Willis Towers Watson Non-Qualified Deferred Savings Plan for U.S. Employees
10-K
10.62
February 23, 2021
10.33
Amendment 2024-3 to Willis Towers Watson Non-Qualified Deferred Savings Plan for U.S. Employees (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2017)
X
10.34
Willis Towers Watson Non-Qualified Stable Value Excess Plan for U.S. Employees, as amended and restated, effective January 1, 2024
10-K
10.31
February 22, 2024
10.35
Amendment 2024-1 to Willis Towers Watson Non-Qualified Stable Value Excess Plan for U.S. Employees (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2024)
X
10.36
Form of 2021 Performance-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement, including the Agreement of Restrictive Covenants and Other Obligations, for Operating Committee Members in the United States, under the Willis Towers Watson Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan
10-Q
10.2
August 4, 2021
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
Schedule/
Form
Exhibit
Filing Date
Filed
Herewith
10.37
Form of 2021 Performance-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement, including the Agreement of Restrictive Covenants and Other Obligations, for Operating Committee Members outside the United States, under the Willis Towers Watson Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan
10-Q
10.3
August 4, 2021
10.38
Form of 2022 Time-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers under the Willis Towers Watson Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan
8-K
10.1
February 28, 2022
10.39
Form of 2022 Performance-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers under the Willis Towers Watson Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan
8-K
10.2
February 28, 2022
10.40
Form of 2023 Time-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers under the Willis Towers Watson Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan
10-Q
10.1
April 27, 2023
10.41
Form of 2023 Performance-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers under the Willis Towers Watson Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan
10-Q
10.2
April 27, 2023
10.42
Form of 2024 Time-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers under the Willis Towers Watson Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan
10-Q
10.1
April 25, 2024
10.43
Form of 2024 Performance-Based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers under the Willis Towers Watson Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan
10-Q
10.2
April 25, 2024
10.44
Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company Severance and Change in Control Pay Plan for US Executives, adopted March 8, 2020 and as amended June 5, 2020 and February 22, 2022
8-K
10.3
February 28, 2022
10.45
Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company Severance and Change in Control Pay Plan for Non-US Executives, adopted March 8, 2020 and as amended June 5, 2020 and February 22, 2022
8-K
10.4
February 28, 2022
10.46
Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company Compensation Policy and Share Ownership Guidelines for Non-Employee Directors (dated January 1, 2025)
X
10.47
The Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company Amended and Restated 2010 Employee Share Purchase Plan (as last amended and restated as of February 28, 2024)
10-Q
10.3
April 25, 2024
19.1
Willis Towers Watson Global Insider Trading Policy (as amended February 2024)
X
19.2
Willis Towers Watson plc Guidelines on Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans in effect from April 2023
X
19.3
Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company Amended Share Repurchase Policy in effect from December 2024
X
21.1
List of Subsidiaries
X
22.1
List of Issuers and Guarantor Subsidiaries
X
23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
X
31.1
Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer, Carl A. Hess, pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15(d)-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
X
31.2
Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer, Andrew J. Krasner, pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15(d)-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
X
32.1**
Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer, Carl A. Hess, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
Schedule/
Form
Exhibit
Filing Date
Filed
Herewith
32.2**
Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer, Andrew J. Krasner, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
97.1
Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company Compensation Recoupment Policy, as amended and restated, adopted and effective as of November 28, 2023
10-K
97.1
February 22, 2024
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
X
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbase Documents
X
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
X
** Furnished herewith. Any exhibits furnished herewith (including the certifications furnished in Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2) are deemed to accompany this Annual Report on Form 10-K and will not be deemed ‘filed’ for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.
 Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
^ Certain of the exhibits and schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 601(a)(5). We agree to furnish a copy of all omitted exhibits and schedules to the SEC upon its request.
All exhibits that are incorporated by reference herein to a filing with the SEC are filed under SEC File No. 001-16503, except for filings made more than eight years ago which are filed under: SEC File No. 001-16503, for any filings that were made by Willis Group Holdings or the Company; SEC File No. 001-34594, for any filings that were made by Towers Watson; and SEC File No. 001-16159, for any filings that were made by Watson Wyatt Worldwide.