Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010

 

 

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

1166 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10036

(212) 345-5000

 

 

Commission file number 1-5998

State of Incorporation: Delaware

I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 36-2668272

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

  Large Accelerated Filer  x    Accelerated Filer  ¨
  Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller Reporting Company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No   x

As of April 30, 2010, there were outstanding 541,237,396 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the registrant.

 

 

 


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INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements,” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which express management’s current views concerning future events or results, use words like “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project” and similar terms, and future or conditional tense verbs like “could,” “may,” “might,” “should,” “will” and “would.” For example, we may use forward-looking statements when addressing topics such as: the outcome of contingencies; market and industry conditions; changes in our business strategies and methods of generating revenue; the development and performance of our services and products; changes in the composition or level of MMC’s revenues; our cost structure and the outcome of cost-saving or restructuring initiatives; dividend policy; the expected impact of acquisitions and dispositions; pension obligations; cash flow and liquidity; future actions by regulators; and the impact of changes in accounting rules.

Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements include:

 

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our exposure to potential liabilities arising out of a civil lawsuit against Mercer filed by the Alaska Retirement Management Board in Alaska state court that is scheduled for trial in July 2010 in Juneau, which alleges professional negligence and malpractice, breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, negligent misrepresentation, unfair trade practices and fraud and misrepresentation related to actuarial services provided by Mercer;

 

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the potential impact of rating agency actions on our cost of financing and ability to borrow, as well as on our operating costs and competitive position;

 

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the impact of current economic and financial market conditions on our results of operations and financial condition, particularly with respect to our consulting businesses;

 

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the potential impact of legislative, regulatory, accounting and other initiatives which may be taken in response to the current financial crisis;

 

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our ability to make strategic acquisitions and dispositions and to integrate, and realize expected synergies, savings or strategic benefits from the businesses we acquire;

 

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changes in the funded status of our global defined benefit pension plans and the impact of any increased pension funding resulting from those changes;

 

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our exposure to potential liabilities arising from errors and omissions claims against us;

 

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our exposure to potential criminal sanctions or civil remedies if we fail to comply with foreign and U.S. laws and regulations that are applicable to our international operations, including import and export requirements, U.S. laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to government officials;

 

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the impact on our net income caused by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;

 

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the extent to which we retain existing clients and attract new business, and our ability to incentivize and retain key employees;

 

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the impact of competition, including with respect to pricing, and the emergence of new competitors;

 

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our ability to successfully obtain payment from our clients of the amounts they owe us for work performed;

 

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our ability to successfully recover should we experience a disaster or other business continuity problem;

 

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changes in applicable tax or accounting requirements; and

 

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potential income statement effects from the application of FASB’s ASC Topic No. 740 (“Income Taxes”) regarding accounting treatment of uncertain tax benefits and valuation allowances and ASC Topic No. 350 (“Intangibles – Goodwill and Other”), including the effect of any subsequent adjustments to the estimates MMC uses in applying these accounting standards.

The factors identified above are not exhaustive. MMC and its subsidiaries operate in a dynamic business environment in which new risks may emerge frequently. Accordingly, MMC cautions readers not to place undue reliance on its forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made. MMC undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which it is made. Further information concerning MMC and its businesses, including information about factors that could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition, is contained in MMC’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” section of MMC’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   5

ITEM 1.

   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    5
   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME    5
   CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS    6
   CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)    7
   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS    8
   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME    9
   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    10

ITEM 2.

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS    31

ITEM 3.

   QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    41

ITEM 4.

   CONTROLS & PROCEDURES    42

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

   43

ITEM 1.

   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS    43

ITEM 1A.

   RISK FACTORS    43

ITEM 2.

   UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS    43

ITEM 3.

   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES    44

ITEM 4.

   [REMOVED AND RESERVED]   

ITEM 5.

   OTHER INFORMATION    44

ITEM 6.

   EXHIBITS    44

 

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PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

MARSH & McLENNAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

(In millions, except per share figures)

   2010     2009  

Revenue

   $2,795      $2,609   

Expense:

    

Compensation and benefits

   1,650      1,571   

Other operating expenses

   706      714   

Operating expenses

   2,356      2,285   

Operating income

   439      324   

Interest income

   4      6   

Interest expense

   (60   (56

Investment income (loss)

   8      (15

Income before income taxes

   391      259   

Income taxes

   117      80   

Income from continuing operations

   274      179   

Discontinued operations, net of tax

   (22   1   

Net income before non-controlling interests

   252      180   

Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

   4      4   

Net income attributable to MMC

   $   248      $   176   

Basic net income per share – Continuing operations

   $  0.50      $  0.33   

– Net income

   $  0.46      $  0.33   

Diluted net income per share – Continuing operations

   $  0.49      $  0.33   

– Net income

   $  0.45      $  0.33   

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Basic

   533      515   

– Diluted

   536      515   

Shares outstanding at March 31,

   541      517   

Dividends declared per share

   $  0.40      $  0.40   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

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MARSH & McLENNAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

(In millions of dollars)    March 31,
2010
   

December 31,

2009

 

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $  1,167      $  1,777   

Receivables

    

Commissions and fees

   2,538      2,429   

Advanced premiums and claims

   63      86   

Other

   447      457   
   3,048      2,972   

Less-allowance for doubtful accounts and cancellations

   (113   (117

Net receivables

   2,935      2,855   

Other current assets

   490      299   

Total current assets

   4,592      4,931   

Goodwill and intangible assets

   7,250      7,173   

Fixed assets
(net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $1,477 at March 31, 2010 and $1,465 at December 31, 2009)

   920      952   

Pension related assets

   140      94   

Deferred tax assets

   1,096      1,242   

Other assets

   964      945   
     $14,962      $15,337   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

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MARSH & McLENNAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

(In millions of dollars)    March 31,
2010
   

December 31,

2009

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Short-term debt

   $     558      $     558   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   1,870      1,826   

Accrued compensation and employee benefits

   637      1,319   

Dividends payable

   109        

Total current liabilities

   3,174      3,703   

Fiduciary liabilities

   3,909      3,559   

Less – cash and investments held in a fiduciary capacity

   (3,909   (3,559
          

Long-term debt

   3,032      3,034   

Retirement and post employment benefits

   1,163      1,184   

Liabilities for errors and omissions

   517      518   

Other liabilities

   1,062      1,035   

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholder’s Equity:

    

Preferred stock, $1 par value, authorized 6,000,000 shares, none issued

          

Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 1,600,000,000 shares, issued 560,641,640 shares at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009

   561      561   

Additional paid-in capital

   1,109      1,211   

Retained earnings

   7,062      7,033   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (2,246   (2,171

Non-controlling interests

   37      35   
   6,523      6,669   

Less – treasury shares, at cost, 19,825,614 shares at March 31, 2010 and 30,967,116 shares at December 31, 2009

  

(509

 

(806

Total stockholders’ equity

   6,014      5,863   
     $14,962      $15,337   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

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MARSH & McLENNAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   2010     2009  

Operating cash flows:

    

Net income before non-controlling interests

   $   252      $   180   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used for operations:

    

Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets and capitalized software

   80      74   

Amortization of intangible assets

   17      16   

Provision for deferred income taxes

   100      16   

(Gain) loss on investments

   (8   16   

Loss on disposition of assets

   26      12   

Accrual of stock based compensation

   6        

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Net receivables

   (73   9   

Other current assets

   (7   (8

Other assets

   (63   (36

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   64      (18

Accrued compensation and employee benefits

   (682   (629

Accrued income taxes

   (37   19   

Other liabilities

   15      (113

Effect of exchange rate changes

   59      12   

Net cash used for operations

   (251   (450

Financing cash flows:

    

Proceeds from issuance of debt

        397   

Repayments of debt

   (2   (2

Purchase of non-controlling interests

   (15   (24

Shares withheld for taxes on vested units

   (40   (20

Issuance of common stock

   10      11   

Dividends paid

   (109   (102

Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities

   (156   260   

Investing cash flows:

    

Capital expenditures

   (80   (69

Net sales of long-term investments

   19      6   

Proceeds from sales of fixed assets

   1      1   

Dispositions

   110        

Acquisitions (including amounts paid into escrow)

   (197   (2

Other, net

   5      2   

Net cash used for investing activities

   (142   (62

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   (61   (19

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (610   (271

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   1,777      1,685   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $1,167      $1,414   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

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MARSH & MCLENNAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

(In millions, except per share figures)

   2010     2009  

COMMON STOCK

    

Balance, beginning and end of year

   $    561      $    561   

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL

    

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 1,211      $ 1,246   

Change in accrued stock compensation costs

   (71   (31

Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans and employee stock purchase plans and related tax deficiency

   (16   4   

Purchase of subsidiary shares from non-controlling interests

        (36

Issuance of shares for acquisitions

   (15     

Balance, end of period

   $ 1,109      $ 1,183   

RETAINED EARNINGS

    

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 7,033      $ 7,237   

Net income attributable to MMC (a)

   248      176   

Dividend equivalents paid

   (4   (3

Dividends declared – (per share amounts: $0.40 in 2010 and 2009)

   (215   (208

Balance, end of period

   $ 7,062      $ 7,202   

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

    

Balance, beginning of year

   $(2,171   $(2,098

Foreign currency translation adjustments (b)

   (185   (43

Unrealized investment holding losses, net of reclassification adjustments (c)

   (8   (4

Net changes under benefit plans, net of tax (d)

   118      13   

Balance, end of period

   $(2,246   $(2,132

TREASURY SHARES

    

Balance, beginning of year

   $   (806   $(1,223

Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans and employee stock purchase plans

   105      69   

Issuance of shares for acquisitions

   192        

Balance, end of period

   $   (509   $(1,154

NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

    

Balance, beginning of year

   $      35      $      38   

Net Income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of discontinued operations (e)

   4      4   

Purchase of subsidiary shares from non-controlling interests

        (8

Other changes

   (2     

Balance, end of period

   $      37      $      34   

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 6,014      $  5,694   

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (a+b+c+d+e)

   $    177      $    146   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

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MARSH & McLENNAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.    Nature of Operations

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (“MMC”), a global professional services firm, is organized based on the different services that it offers. Under this organizational structure, MMC’s three business segments are: Risk and Insurance Services; Consulting; and Risk Consulting & Technology.

The Risk and Insurance Services segment provides risk management and insurance broking, reinsurance broking and insurance program management services for businesses, public entities, insurance companies, associations, professional services organizations, and private clients. MMC conducts business in this segment through Marsh and Guy Carpenter.

In February 2010, Marsh acquired Haake Companies, Inc., one of the largest insurance agencies in the Midwest. In March 2010, Marsh acquired Thomas Rutherfoord, Inc., one of the largest insurance broking firms in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S. On April 1, 2010, Marsh completed the acquisition of HSBC Insurance Brokers Ltd., an international provider of risk intermediary and risk advisory services. On April 30, 2010, Marsh completed the acquisition of the Bostonian Group Insurance Agency, Inc. and Bostonian Solutions, Inc. (collectively the “Bostonian Group”), one of the largest regional insurance brokerages in New England.

The Consulting segment provides advice and services to the managements of organizations in the area of human resource consulting, comprising retirement and investments, health and benefits, outsourcing and talent; and strategy and risk management consulting, comprising management, economic and brand consulting. MMC conducts business in this segment through Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group.

The Risk Consulting & Technology segment provides various risk consulting and related risk mitigation services to corporate, government, institutional and individual clients, including consulting services and security services; and technology-enabled services. MMC conducts business in this segment through Kroll. In the first quarter of 2010, Kroll completed the sale of Kroll Laboratory Specialists (“KLS”). The after-tax loss on this disposal is included in discontinued operations in 2010. The operating results of KLS have not been reclassified into discontinued operations, since the amounts are insignificant to MMC.

2.    Principles of Consolidation and Other Matters

The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by MMC pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations for interim filings, although MMC believes that the information and disclosures presented are adequate to make such information and disclosure not misleading. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in MMC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (the “2009 10-K”).

The financial information contained herein reflects all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of MMC’s results of operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

 

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Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted retrospectively the new standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) affecting the calculation of earnings per share, Financial Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic No. 260 (“Earnings per Share”) and the presentation of non-controlling interests (previously referred to as minority interests), ASC Topic No. 160 (“Non-controlling Interests”), which are described more fully in Notes 4 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The caption “Investment income (loss)” in the consolidated statements of income comprises realized and unrealized gains and losses from investments recognized in current earnings. It includes, when applicable, other than temporary declines in the value of available for sale securities and the change in value of MMC’s holdings in certain private equity funds. MMC’s investments may include direct investments in insurance or consulting companies and investments in private equity funds. Equity method losses of $1 million and $18 million are included in this line in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

MMC has an investment in Trident II limited partnership, a private equity investment fund. At March 31, 2010, MMC’s investment in Trident II was approximately $160 million, reflected in Other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. MMC’s maximum exposure to loss is equal to its investment plus any calls on its remaining capital commitment of $81 million. Since this fund is closed to new investments, none of the remaining capital commitment is expected to be called.

The Company reports a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the tax return. It is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease between zero and approximately $80 million within the next twelve months due to settlement of audits and expiration of statutes of limitation.

3.    Fiduciary Assets and Liabilities

In its capacity as an insurance broker or agent, MMC collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting its commissions, remits the premiums to the respective insurance underwriters. MMC also collects claims or refunds from underwriters on behalf of insureds. Unremitted insurance premiums and claims proceeds are held by MMC in a fiduciary capacity. Risk and Insurance Services revenue includes interest on fiduciary funds of $11 million and $15 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Consulting segment recorded fiduciary interest income of $1 million in each of 2010 and 2009. Since fiduciary assets are not available for corporate use, they are shown in the consolidated balance sheets as an offset to fiduciary liabilities.

Fiduciary assets include approximately $449 million of fixed income securities classified as available for sale. Unrealized gains or losses from available for sale securities are recorded in other comprehensive income until the securities are disposed of, or mature. Unrealized gains, net of tax, at March 31, 2010 were $10 million.

Net uncollected premiums and claims and the related payables amounted to $9.5 billion at March 31, 2010 and $9.9 billion at December 31, 2009. MMC is not a principal to the contracts under which the right to receive premiums or the right to receive reimbursement of insured losses arises. Net uncollected premiums and claims and the related payables are, therefore, not assets and liabilities of MMC and are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

In certain instances, MMC advances premiums, refunds or claims to insurance underwriters or insureds prior to collection. These advances are made from corporate funds and are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as receivables.

4.    Per Share Data

Effective January 1, 2009, MMC adopted the guidance in ASC Topic No. 260 – 10 – 45 (“Earnings Per Share”) which applies to the calculation of earnings per share (“EPS”) for share-

 

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based payment awards with rights to dividends or dividend equivalents. The guidance indicates that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and should be included in the computation of basic and dilutive EPS using the two-class method.

Basic net income per share attributable to MMC and income from continuing operations per share are calculated by dividing the respective after-tax income attributable to common shares by the weighted average number of outstanding shares of MMC’s common stock.

Diluted net income per share attributable to MMC and income from continuing operations per share are calculated by dividing the respective after-tax income attributable to common shares by the weighted average number of outstanding shares of MMC’s common stock, which have been adjusted for the dilutive effect of potentially issuable common shares (excluding those that are considered participating securities). The diluted earnings per share calculation reflects the more dilutive effect of either (a) the two-class method that assumes that the participating securities have not been exercised or (b) the treasury stock method. Reconciliation of the applicable income components used for diluted earnings per share and basic weighted average common shares outstanding to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding is presented below.

 

Basic EPS Calculation

Continuing Operations

           

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

(In millions)

   2010    2009

Net income from continuing operations

   $ 274    $ 179

Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

     4      4

Net income from continuing operations attributable to MMC

     270      175

Less: Portion attributable to participating securities

     6      5

Net income attributable to common shares for basic earnings per share

   $ 264    $ 170

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     533      515

 

Basic EPS Calculation

Net Income

           

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

(In millions)

   2010    2009

Net income attributable to MMC

   $ 248    $ 176

Less: Portion attributable to participating securities

     5      5

Net income attributable to common shares for basic earnings per share

   $ 243    $ 171

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     533      515

 

Diluted EPS Calculation

Continuing Operations

           

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

(In millions, except per share figures)

   2010    2009

Net income from continuing operations

   $   274    $   179

Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

   4    4

Net income from continuing operations attributable to MMC

   270    175

Less: Portion attributable to participating securities

   6    5

Net income attributable to common shares

   $   264    $   170

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

   533    515

Dilutive effect of potentially issuable common shares

   3   

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

   536    515

Average stock price used to calculate common stock equivalents

   $22.83    $20.34

 

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Diluted EPS Calculation

Net Income

           

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

(In millions, except per share figures)

   2010    2009

Net income attributable to MMC

   $   248    $   176

Less: Portion attributable to participating securities

   5    5

Net income attributable to common shares

   $   243    $   171

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

   533    515

Dilutive effect of potentially issuable common shares

   3   

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

   536    515

Average stock price used to calculate common stock equivalents

   $22.83    $20.34

There were 47.2 million and 48.1 million stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

5.    Supplemental Disclosures to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

The following schedule provides additional information concerning acquisitions, interest and income taxes paid for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

 

(In millions of dollars)    2010     2009

Assets acquired, excluding cash

   $260      $2

Liabilities assumed

   (36  

Shares issued (7.4 million shares)

   (178  

Contingent purchase consideration

   (55  

Deferred purchase consideration

   12     

Subtotal

   3      2

Cash paid into escrow for future acquisition

   194     

Net cash outflow for acquisitions

   $197      $2

 

     
(In millions of dollars)    2010    2009

Interest paid

   $86    $85

Income taxes paid

   $69    $60

MMC had non-cash issuances of common stock under its share-based payment plan of $119 million and $75 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

On March 31, 2010, MMC paid $194 million into an escrow fund for an acquisition that closed on April 1, 2010. This amount is included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet and is reported as an investing cash flow in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

 

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6.    Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of comprehensive income (loss) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

 

(In millions of dollars)    2010     2009  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   $(185   $ (43

Unrealized investment holding losses, net of income taxes

   (8   (4

Gains related to pension/retiree plans

   118      13   

Other comprehensive (loss)

   (75   (34

Net income

   252      180   

Comprehensive income before non-controlling interests

   177      146   

Less: Comprehensive (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests

   (4   (4

Comprehensive income attributable to MMC

   $ 173      $142   

7.    Acquisitions

During the first quarter of 2010, MMC made two acquisitions in its Risk and Insurance Services segment. In February 2010, Marsh acquired Haake Companies, Inc., one of the largest independent insurance broking firms in the Midwest. In March 2010, Marsh acquired Thomas Rutherfoord, Inc., one of the largest insurance agencies in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic regions in the U.S. These acquisitions were made to expand Marsh’s share in the middle-market through Marsh & McLennan Agency.

Total purchase consideration for these two acquisitions was $253 million which consisted of cash paid of $20 million, the issuance of 7.4 million shares with a fair value of $178 million, and estimated contingent consideration of $55 million. Contingent consideration arrangements are primarily based on EBITDA and revenue targets over two to four years. The fair value of the contingent consideration was based on earnings projections of the acquired entities. Estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to adjustment when purchase accounting is finalized.

The following table presents the preliminary allocation of the acquisition cost for Haake Companies, Inc. and Thomas Rutherfoord, Inc. to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their fair values (amounts in millions):

 

Cash

   $   20

MMC common shares

   178

Contingent consideration

   55

Total Consideration

   $ 253

Allocation of purchase price:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $   29

Accounts receivable, net

   8

Property, plant, and equipment

   3

Other assets

   9

Intangible assets

   83

Goodwill

   157

Total assets acquired

   289

Current liabilities

   7

Other liabilities

   29

Total liabilities assumed

   36

Net assets acquired

   $253

 

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Acquisitions Subsequent to the Balance Sheet Date

On April 1, 2010, Marsh completed the acquisition of HSBC Insurance Brokers Ltd. This transaction will deepen Marsh’s presence in the U.K., Hong Kong, Singapore, China and the Middle East. As part of that agreement, Marsh also entered into a strategic partnership with HSBC Bank, that gives MMC preferred access to provide insurance broking and risk management services to HSBC and their corporate and private clients. MMC paid $194 million into an escrow account on March 31, 2010 related to this acquisition, which is included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The funds were released from the escrow account on April 1, 2010 to complete the acquisition.

On April 30, 2010, Marsh & McLennan Agency acquired the Bostonian Group, one of the largest regional insurance brokerages in New England. This transaction will deepen Marsh’s middle market presence in the North East. MMC paid approximately $230 million for these two acquisitions.

In the first quarter of 2010, MMC paid deferred purchase consideration of $15 million related to the purchase in 2009 of the minority interest of a previously controlled entity.

Prior Year Acquisitions

In the first quarter of 2009, MMC’s Risk & Insurance Services segment acquired the remaining minority interest of a previously majority owned entity for total purchase consideration of $47 million. The accounting guidance requires that changes in a parent’s ownership interest while retaining financial controlling interest in a subsidiary be accounted for as an equity transaction. Stepping up the acquired assets to fair value or the recording of goodwill is no longer permitted. Therefore, MMC recorded a decrease to additional paid in capital in the first quarter of 2009 of $36 million related to this transaction. MMC also paid $2 million of contingent consideration in the first quarter of 2009 related to prior acquisitions.

8.    Dispositions

In the first quarter of 2010, Kroll completed the sale of KLS. The after-tax loss on this disposal is included in discontinued operations in 2010. The operating results of KLS have not been reclassified into discontinued operations, since the amounts are immaterial to MMC.

In the second quarter of 2009, Kroll completed the sale of Kroll Government Services (“KGS”). The financial results of KGS for the first quarter of 2009 are included in discontinued operations. Discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2010 and 2009 also includes the accretion of interest related to an indemnity for uncertain tax positions provided as part of the purchase by Great West Lifeco Inc. of Putnam Investments Trust from MMC in August 2007.

 

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Summarized Statements of Income data for discontinued operations is as follows:

 

      Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(In millions of dollars)    2010     2009  

Revenue

   $  —      $20   

Income before provision for income tax

   $  —      $  6   

Provision for income tax

        2   

Income from discontinued operations

        4   

Gain on disposal of discontinued operations

   16        

Provision for income tax

   38      3   

Net loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax

   (22   (3

Discontinued operations, net of tax

   $(22   $  1   

9.    Goodwill and Other Intangibles

MMC is required to assess goodwill and any indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. MMC performs the annual impairment test for each of its reporting units during the third quarter of each year. Fair values of the reporting units are estimated using a market approach or a discounted cash flow model. Carrying values for the reporting units are based on balances at the prior quarter end and include directly identified assets and liabilities as well as an allocation of those assets and liabilities not recorded at the reporting unit level.

As previously reported, in the second quarter of 2009, Kroll completed the sale of KGS, its U.S. government security clearance screening business. As a result of the sale, MMC allocated goodwill between KGS (the portion of the reporting unit sold) and Kroll (the portion of the reporting unit retained), based on the relative fair value of the two portions. In addition, as required under GAAP, MMC evaluated the portion of the reporting unit retained for potential impairment. Fair value was estimated using a market approach, based on management’s latest projections and outlook for the businesses in the current environment. This fair value determination was categorized as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. On the basis of the step one impairment test, MMC concluded that goodwill in the reporting unit was impaired. Due to the timing of the trigger event and subsequent completion of the step one test, MMC was unable to fully complete the required step two portion of the impairment assessment prior to the issuance of its second quarter 2009 financial statements. A step two impairment test, which under ASC Topic No. 350 (“Intangibles – Goodwill and Other”) is required to be completed after an impairment is indicated in a step one test, requires a complete re-valuation of all assets and liabilities of the reporting units in the same manner as a business combination. Based on a preliminary estimate of the step two assessment, MMC recorded a non-cash charge of $315 million in the second quarter of 2009 which represented management’s best estimate of the goodwill impairment at June 30, 2009. MMC finalized the second step of the goodwill assessment during the third quarter of 2009 and determined that no adjustment to the charge was required.

Other intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life are amortized over their estimated lives and reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of certain triggering events in accordance with applicable accounting literature.

 

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Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:

 

(In millions of dollars)    2010     2009  

Goodwill recorded

   $7,636      $7,365   

Accumulated impairment losses

   (855   (540

Balance as of January 1,

   $6,781      $6,825   

Goodwill acquired

   157      2   

Disposals

   (72     

Other adjustments (a)

   (65   (1

Balance as of March 31,

    

Goodwill recorded

   7,656      7,366   

Accumulated Impairment losses

   (855   (540

Balance at March 31

   $6,801      $6,826   

 

(a)

Primarily foreign exchange.

Goodwill allocable to each of MMC’s reportable segments is as follows: Risk & Insurance Services, $4.1 billion; Consulting, $2.0 billion; and Risk Consulting & Technology, $0.7 billion.

Amortized intangible assets consist of the cost of client lists, client relationships and trade names acquired. The gross cost and accumulated amortization is as follows:

 

      March 31, 2010    December 31, 2009
(In millions of dollars)   

Gross

Cost

  

Accumulated

Amortization

  

Net

Carrying

Amount

   Gross
Cost
  

Accumulated

Amortization

  

Net

Carrying

Amount

Amortized intangibles

   $810    $361    $449    $749    $357    $392

Aggregate amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 was $17 million and $16 million, respectively, and the estimated future aggregate amortization expense is as follows:

 

For the Years Ending December 31,

(In millions of dollars)

   Estimated Expense

2010

   $  55

2011

   69

2012

   65

2013

   55

2014

   44

Subsequent years

   161
     $449

10.    Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Hierarchy

MMC has categorized its assets and liabilities that are valued at fair value on a recurring basis into a three-level fair value hierarchy as defined by the FASB in ASC Topic No. 820 (“Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”). The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1) and lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

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Assets and liabilities recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value are categorized based on the inputs in the valuation techniques as follows:

 

Level 1. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market (examples include active exchange-traded equity securities, most U.S. Government and agency securities, money market mutual funds and certain other sovereign government obligations).

 

Level 2. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on the following:

 

  a) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

 

  b) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets (examples include corporate and municipal bonds, which trade infrequently);

 

  c) Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (examples include most over-the-counter derivatives, including interest rate and currency swaps); and

 

  d) Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full asset or liability (for example, certain mortgage loans).

 

Level 3. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices, or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability (examples include private equity investments, certain commercial mortgage whole loans, and long-dated or complex derivatives including certain foreign exchange options and long-dated options on gas and power).

Valuation Techniques

Equity Securities & Mutual Funds

Investments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the sale price on their principal exchange, or official closing bid price for certain markets. If no sales are reported, the security is valued at its last reported bid price.

Other Sovereign Government Obligations, Municipal Bonds and Corporate Bonds

The investments listed in the caption above are valued on the basis of valuations furnished by an independent pricing service approved by the trustees or dealers selected by Putnam Investment Management LLC (“Putnam Management”), manager of the Putnam mutual funds, a wholly owned subsidiary of Putnam LLC. Such services or dealers determine valuations for normal institutional-size trading units of such securities using methods based on market transactions for comparable securities and various relationships, generally recognized by institutional traders, between securities.

 

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The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

 

(In millions of dollars)   Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
  Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
  Total
     3/31/10   12/31/09   3/31/10   12/31/09   3/31/10   12/31/09   3/31/10   12/31/09

Assets:

               

Financial instruments owned:

               

Exchange traded equity securities (a)

  $    1   $  10   $  —   $  —   $—   $—   $    1   $  10

Mutual funds (a)

  135   141           135   141

Medium term bond funds and fixed income securities (a)

        6         6

Money market funds (b)

  34   448           34   448

Total assets measured at fair value

  $170   $599   $  —   $    6   $—   $—   $170   $605

Fiduciary Assets:

               

State and local obligations (including non U.S. locales)

  $  —   $  —   $120   $161   $—   $—   $120   $161

Other sovereign government obligations and supranational agencies

      288   370       288   370

Corporate and other debt

      41   46       41   46

Money market funds

  253   235           253   235

Total fiduciary assets measured at fair value

  $253   $235   $449   $577   $—   $—   $702   $812

 

(a) Included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

(b) Included in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets.

At March 31, 2010, there were no assets that transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 from December 31, 2009.

11.    Retirement Benefits

MMC maintains qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans for its U.S. and non-U.S. eligible employees. MMC’s policy for funding its tax qualified defined benefit retirement plans is to contribute amounts at least sufficient to meet the funding requirements set forth by U.S. law and the laws of the non-U.S. jurisdictions in which MMC offers defined benefit plans.

The target asset allocation for the U.S. Plan is 65% equities and 35% fixed income. At the end of the first quarter of 2010, the actual allocation for the U.S. Plan was 69% equities and 31% fixed income. The target asset allocation for the U.K. Plan, which comprises approximately 83% of non-U.S. Plan assets, is 58% equities and 42% fixed income. At the end of the first quarter of 2010, the actual allocation of assets for the U.K. Plan was 58% equities and 42% fixed income.

 

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The components of the net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit and other postretirement plans are as follows:

 

    

Combined U.S. and significant non-U.S. Plans

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

   Pension
Benefits
    Postretirement
Benefits
 
(In millions of dollars)    2010     2009     2010     2009  

Service cost

   $   50      $   46      $ 1      $ 1   

Interest cost

   145      130      3      4   

Expected return on plan assets

   (204   (187          

Amortization of prior service credit

   (5   (12   (3   (3

Recognized actuarial loss

   35      17             

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)

   $   21      $    (6   $ 1      $ 2   

U.S. Plans only

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

   Pension
Benefits
    Postretirement
Benefits
 
(In millions of dollars)    2010     2009     2010     2009  

Service cost

   $ 19      $ 20      $ 1      $ 1   

Interest cost

   56      54      2      3   

Expected return on plan assets

   (73   (73          

Amortization of prior service credit

   (4   (12   (3   (3

Recognized actuarial loss

   17      13             

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 15      $   2      $—      $ 1   

Significant non-U.S. Plans only

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

   Pension
Benefits
    Postretirement
Benefits
 
(In millions of dollars)    2010     2009     2010     2009  

Service cost

   $   31      $   26      $—      $—   

Interest cost

   89      76      1      1   

Expected return on plan assets

   (131   (114          

Amortization of prior service cost

   (1               

Recognized actuarial loss

   18      4             

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)

   $     6      $    (8   $ 1      $ 1   

The weighted average actuarial assumptions utilized to calculate the net periodic benefit costs for the U.S. and significant non-U.S. defined benefit plans are as follows:

 

Combined U.S. and significant non-U.S. Plans    Pension
Benefits
    Postretirement
Benefits
 
      2010     2009     2010     2009  

Weighted average assumptions:

        

Expected return on plan assets

   8.1   8.2          

Discount rate

   6.0   6.5   6.3   6.7

Rate of compensation increase

   4.2   3.7          

MMC made $59 million of contributions to its U.S. non-qualified and non-U.S. pension plans in the first quarter of 2010 and expects to contribute approximately $216 million for the remainder of 2010 for these plans.

 

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12.    Debt

MMC’s outstanding debt is as follows:

 

(In millions of dollars)   

March 31,

2010

  

December 31,

2009

Short-term:

     

Current portion of long-term debt

   $   558    $   558

Long-term:

     

Senior notes – 6.25% due 2012 (5.1% effective interest rate)

   $   255    $   255

Senior notes – 4.850% due 2013

   250    249

Senior notes – 5.875% due 2033

   296    296

Senior notes – 5.375% due 2014

   648    648

Senior notes – 5.15% due 2010

   549    549

Senior notes – 5.75% due 2015

   746    747

Senior notes – 9.25% due 2019

   398    398

Mortgage – 5.70% due 2035

   445    447

Other

   3    3
   3,590    3,592

Less current portion

   558    558
     $3,032    $3,034

On October 23, 2009, MMC and certain of its foreign subsidiaries entered into a new $1.0 billion multi-currency three-year unsecured revolving credit facility, which replaced the $1.2 billion facility discussed below. The interest rate on this facility varies based upon MMC’s credit ratings and MMC’s credit default swap levels subject to floors and caps. The facility requires MMC to maintain certain coverage and leverage ratios which are tested quarterly. There were no borrowings outstanding under this facility at March 31, 2010.

MMC and certain of its foreign subsidiaries previously maintained a $1.2 billion multi-currency five-year revolving credit facility. The facility was previously due to expire in December 2010 and was in effect until October 2009. There were no borrowings outstanding under this facility at the time it was terminated.

13.    Restructuring Costs

MMC recorded total restructuring costs of $9 million in the first quarter of 2010, that are primarily in connection with actions initiated in prior years, due to adjustments to the estimated future rent and real estate costs related to previously vacated space. During the first quarter of 2010, MMC made $53 million of payments related to its restructuring plans. As of March 31, 2010, the remaining liability for these initiatives was $215 million, primarily related to future severance and benefit payments ($45 million) and future lease agreements ($133 million).

The expenses associated with the above initiatives are included in compensation and benefits and other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income. The liabilities associated with these initiatives are classified on the consolidated balance sheets as Accounts payable, Other liabilities, or Accrued compensation, depending on the nature of the items.

14.    Financial Instruments

The estimated fair value of MMC’s significant financial instruments is provided below. Certain estimates and judgments were required to develop the fair value amounts. The fair value amounts shown below are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that MMC would realize

 

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upon disposition, nor do they indicate MMC’s intent or need to dispose of the financial instrument.

 

      March 31, 2010    December 31,
2009
(In millions of dollars)    Carrying
Amount
   Fair
Value
  

Carrying

Amount

   Fair
Value

Cash and cash equivalents

   $1,167    $1,167    $1,777    $1,777

Long-term investments

   $     92    $     87    $   109    $   102

Short-term debt

   $   558    $   566    $   558    $   572

Long-term debt

   $3,032    $3,169    $3,034    $3,174

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The estimated fair value of MMC’s cash and cash equivalents approximates their carrying value.

Long-term Investments: Long-term investments include available for sale securities recorded at quoted market prices, certain investments carried at cost and unrealized gains related to available for sale investments in insurance fiduciary funds as discussed below.

MMC has certain long-term investments, for which there are no readily available market prices, amounting to $54 million and $53 million at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, which are carried on a cost basis. These investments are included in Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. MMC monitors these investments for impairment and makes appropriate reductions in carrying values when necessary.

MMC had available for sale securities with an aggregate fair value of $24 million and $38 million at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, which are carried at market value under ASC Topic No. 320. MMC had gross unrealized gains (pre-tax) on these securities of $8 million and $15 million included in accumulated other comprehensive income at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. MMC recorded the following net unrealized gains and (losses) related to its available for sale securities for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

 

(In millions of dollars)    2010    2009  

Net unrealized gains (losses) pre-tax

   $—    $(2

These amounts have been excluded from earnings and reported, net of deferred income taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which is a component of stockholders’ equity.

MMC has a portion of insurance fiduciary funds described in Note 3, that are invested in high quality debt securities and classified as available for sale. Gross unrealized gains (pre-tax) on these securities that are included in other assets and accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets was $14 million and $17 million at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. MMC had no gross unrealized gains on these securities for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, MMC recorded net unrealized losses (pre-tax) of $3 million and $1 million, respectively, related to these investments. These amounts have been excluded from earnings and reported, net of deferred income taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which is a component of stockholders’ equity.

 

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Proceeds and realized gains from the sale of available for sale investments were as follows:

 

(In millions of dollars)    Three Months Ended
March 31,
      2010    2009

Proceeds from the sale of available for sale securities

   $14    $  3

Realized gains on the sale of available for sale securities

   $  8    $—

The cost of securities sold is determined using the average cost method for equity securities.

MMC also holds investments in certain private equity fund partnerships which are accounted for using the equity method and other investments that are held at cost. MMC recorded the following gains (losses) related to these investments:

 

(In millions of dollars)    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
      2010     2009  

Equity method (losses)

   $(1   $(18

Gains on cost method investments

   1      3   

Gains (losses) from equity and cost method investments

        (15

Realized gains on available for sale securities

   8        

Investment income (loss)

   $ 8      $(15

Short-term and Long-term Debt: The fair value of MMC’s short-term debt, which consists primarily of term debt maturing within the next year, approximates its carrying value. The estimated fair value of MMC’s long-term debt is based on discounted future cash flows using current interest rates available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

15.    Common Stock

MMC did not purchase any treasury shares in 2010 or 2009.

16.    Claims, Lawsuits and Other Contingencies

Governmental Inquiries and Claims

 

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In December 2007, the Alaska Retirement Management Board filed a civil lawsuit against Mercer (US) Inc. in Alaska state court. Plaintiff, represented by the Alaska Law Department (through the Alaska Attorney General) and the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, filed an amended complaint in May 2009. The amended complaint alleges professional negligence and malpractice, breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, negligent misrepresentation, unfair trade practices and fraud and misrepresentation related to actuarial services that Mercer provided to the Alaska Division of Retirement and Benefits relating to two State pension and benefit plans, the Alaska Public Employees Retirement System and the Alaska Teachers Retirement System. The amended complaint seeks damages of “at least $2.8 billion” plus treble damages related to the unfair trade practices claim, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, costs and interest. Mercer filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint, which was denied in December 2009. Mercer has filed other pre-trial motions that are pending. Trial is scheduled for July 2010 in Juneau, Alaska.

 

¡  

In October 2007, the State of Connecticut brought a civil action against Guy Carpenter in Connecticut state court alleging that Guy Carpenter violated the state’s antitrust and

 

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unfair trade practices laws by engaging in allocation of markets, price-fixing and other allegedly improper conduct by taking part in the operation of several reinsurance facilities over a period of decades. An amended complaint was filed in October 2009. The amended complaint alleges damages to Guy Carpenter’s insurance company clients and their customers, as well as to the general economy of Connecticut, and seeks monetary damages, civil penalties, attorneys’ fees, costs and injunctive and other equitable relief. Discovery is underway in this matter.

 

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Our activities are regulated under the laws of the United States and its various states, the European Union and its member states, and the other jurisdictions in which we operate. In the ordinary course of business, in addition to private party lawsuits, we may be subject to investigations, lawsuits and/or other regulatory actions undertaken by governmental authorities.

Errors and Omissions Claims

MMC and its subsidiaries are subject to a significant number of other claims, lawsuits and proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Such claims and lawsuits consist principally of alleged errors and omissions in connection with the performance of professional services. Certain of these claims, including the action filed against Mercer by the Alaska Retirement Management Board described above, seek damages, including punitive and treble damages, in amounts that could, if awarded, be significant. In establishing liabilities for errors and omissions claims in accordance with FASB ASC Subtopic No. 450-20 (Contingencies—Loss Contingencies), MMC utilizes internal actuarial and other estimates, and case level reviews by inside and outside counsel. A liability is established when a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable. The liability is reviewed quarterly and adjusted as developments warrant. In many cases, including the lawsuit brought by the Alaska Retirement Management Board against Mercer, MMC has not recorded a liability, other than for legal fees to defend the claim, because MMC is unable, at the present time, to make a determination that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable.

To the extent that expected losses exceed MMC’s deductible in any policy year, MMC also records an asset for the amount that MMC expects to recover under any available third-party insurance programs. MMC has varying levels of third-party insurance coverage, with policy limits and coverage terms varying significantly by policy year. MMC is not aware of coverage defenses or other obstacles to coverage that would limit recoveries through policy year 2001-2002 in a material amount. From 2002 to 2008, the availability of third-party insurance declined significantly, such that the Company has, for example, only limited third-party insurance for the lawsuit brought by the Alaska Retirement Management Board against Mercer.

Brokerage Compensation Practices Settlement and Related Actions

In January 2005, MMC and its subsidiary Marsh Inc. entered into a settlement agreement with the New York State Attorney General (“NYAG”) and the New York State Insurance Department to settle a civil complaint and related citation alleging that Marsh’s use of market service agreements with various insurance companies entailed fraudulent business practices, bid-rigging, illegal restraint of trade and other statutory violations. The parties subsequently entered into an amended and restated settlement agreement in February 2010. The new agreement helps restore a level playing field for Marsh, allowing Marsh to compete on the same terms as other intermediaries in the insurance industry.

Following the filing of the NYAG complaint in October 2004, various state regulators and

 

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attorneys general initiated investigations relating to the conduct alleged in that complaint. MMC and Marsh have entered into settlements with authorities in ten of those states. One action filed in August 2007 by the Attorney General of the State of Ohio against MMC, Marsh, certain Marsh subsidiaries and other parties remains pending.

Numerous private party lawsuits based on similar allegations to those made in the NYAG complaint were commenced against MMC, one or more of its subsidiaries, and their current and former directors and officers. The status of the lawsuits that remain outstanding is as follows:

 

¡  

In February 2009, the trial court approved a settlement of the claims against MMC, Marsh and certain Marsh subsidiaries in two consolidated putative class actions that were pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (one on behalf of a purported class of “commercial” policyholders and the second on behalf of a purported class of “employee benefit” policyholders). The court’s approval of the settlement has been appealed. In addition, ten actions instituted by individual policyholders against MMC, Marsh and certain Marsh subsidiaries are pending in federal and state courts; and one putative class action against these parties is pending in Canada.

 

¡  

On December 22, 2009, an agreement was reached to settle shareholder derivative actions that were pending against certain of MMC’s current and former directors and officers in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. These actions alleged, among other things, breach of fiduciary duties with respect to the alleged misconduct described in the NYAG complaint, and that the defendants were liable for and must contribute to or indemnify MMC for any related damages suffered by MMC. On March 25, 2010, the Delaware Court of Chancery approved the settlement and related award of attorneys’ fees.

 

¡  

MMC, Marsh and certain Marsh subsidiaries were named as additional defendants in a shareholder derivative suit pending in the Delaware Court of Chancery against the directors and officers of American International Group, Inc. (“AIG”) and others. The suit alleged that MMC, Marsh and the Marsh subsidiaries engaged in conspiracy and fraud with respect to the alleged misconduct described in the NYAG complaint, and that they aided and abetted current and former directors and officers of AIG in breaching their fiduciary duties to AIG with respect to AIG’s participation in the alleged misconduct. In June 2009, the Delaware court granted a motion to dismiss all claims against MMC and the Marsh defendants. An appeal of this dismissal is currently pending in the Delaware Supreme Court.

Other Contingencies—Guarantees

 

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In connection with its acquisition of U.K.-based Sedgwick Group in 1998, MMC acquired several insurance underwriting businesses that were already in run-off, including River Thames Insurance Company Limited (“River Thames”), which MMC sold in 2001. Sedgwick guaranteed payment of claims on certain policies underwritten through the Institute of London Underwriters (the “ILU”) by River Thames. The policies covered by this guarantee are reinsured up to £40 million by a related party of River Thames. Payment of claims under the reinsurance agreement is collateralized by segregated assets held in a trust. As of March 31, 2010, the reinsurance coverage exceeded the best estimate of the projected liability of the policies covered by the guarantee. To the extent River Thames or the reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations under those policies, a claimant may seek to recover from MMC under the guarantee.

 

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¡  

From 1980 to 1983, MMC owned indirectly the English & American Insurance Company (“E&A”), which was a member of the ILU. The ILU required MMC to guarantee a portion of E&A’s obligations. After E&A became insolvent in 1993, the ILU agreed to discharge the guarantee in exchange for MMC’s agreement to post an evergreen letter of credit that is available to pay claims by policyholders on certain E&A policies issued through the ILU and incepting between July 3, 1980 and October 6, 1983. Certain claims have been paid under the letter of credit and MMC anticipates that additional claimants may seek to recover against the letter of credit.

Putnam-related Matters

Under the terms of a stock purchase agreement with Great-West Lifeco Inc. (“GWL”) related to GWL’s purchase of Putnam Investments Trust from MMC in August 2007, a copy of which was included as an exhibit to MMC’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 1, 2007, MMC agreed to indemnify GWL with respect to certain Putnam-related litigation and regulatory matters. The consolidated federal actions pending in the District of Maryland, described below, are based on similar allegations as those at issue in Putnam’s 2003 and 2004 settlements with the SEC and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regarding excessive short-term trading by certain former Putnam employees in shares of the Putnam mutual funds (the “Putnam Funds”), and directly involve MMC and/or may be subject to MMC’s indemnification obligations.

 

¡  

Two putative class actions by investors in certain Putnam Funds are pending against Putnam. The first action asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. The second action purports to assert derivative claims on behalf of all Putnam Funds under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act. Both suits seek to recover unspecified damages allegedly suffered by the Putnam Funds and their investors as a result of purported market-timing and late trading activity in certain Putnam Funds. In the first action, the parties entered into a settlement agreement. The agreement is subject to approval by the district court. In the derivative action, the court denied Putnam’s motion for summary judgment.

 

¡  

MMC, Putnam and certain of their current and former officers, directors and employees were defendants in two purported ERISA class actions, one brought by participants in an MMC retirement plan and the other brought by participants in a Putnam retirement plan. The actions alleged, among other things, that, in view of the market-timing that was allegedly allowed to occur at Putnam, the investment of the plans’ funds in MMC stock and the Putnam Funds was imprudent and constituted a breach of fiduciary duties to plan participants. Both actions sought unspecified damages and equitable relief. The parties settled both matters in March 2010 for a nominal amount, and the Court dismissed the actions on April 14, 2010. The settlement resolves all of the claims in both actions against MMC, Putnam, and the named individuals.

The pending proceedings and other matters described in this Note 16 on Claims, Lawsuits and Other Contingencies may expose MMC or its subsidiaries to liability for significant monetary damages and other forms of relief. Where a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable, MMC establishes liabilities in accordance with FASB ASC Subtopic No. 450-20 (Contingencies – Loss Contingencies). Except as described above, MMC is not able at this time to provide a reasonable estimate of the range of possible loss attributable to these matters or the impact they may have on MMC’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. This is primarily because these matters are still developing and involve complex issues subject to inherent uncertainty. Adverse determinations in one or more of these matters, particularly the action filed against Mercer by the Alaska Retirement Management Board, could have a material impact on MMC’s consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flows in a future period.

 

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17.     Segment Information

MMC is organized based on the types of services provided. Under this organizational structure, MMC’s business segments are:

 

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Risk and Insurance Services, comprising insurance services (Marsh) and reinsurance services (Guy Carpenter);

 

¡  

Consulting, comprising Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group; and

 

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Risk Consulting & Technology, which is comprised of Kroll.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those used for the consolidated financial statements described in Note 1 to MMC’s 2009 10-K. Segment performance is evaluated based on segment operating income, which includes directly related expenses, and charges or credits related to integration and restructuring but not MMC corporate-level expenses. Revenues are attributed to geographic areas on the basis of where the services are performed.

Selected information about MMC’s operating segments for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 follows:

 

      Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(In millions of dollars)   

Revenue

   

Operating

Income (Loss)

 

2010 –

    

Risk and Insurance Services

   $1,492 (a)    $ 347   

Consulting

   1,155 (b)    116   

Risk Consulting & Technology

   162 (c)    16   

Total Operating Segments

   2,809      479   

Corporate Eliminations

   (14   (40

Total Consolidated

   $2,795      $439   

2009 –

    

Risk and Insurance Services

   $1,372 (a)    $ 297   

Consulting

   1,083 (b)    73   

Risk Consulting & Technology

   167 (c)     4   

Total Operating Segments

   2,622      374   

Corporate Eliminations

   (13   (50

Total Consolidated

   $2,609      $ 324   

 

(a)

Includes inter-segment revenue of $2 million in each of 2010 and 2009, interest income on fiduciary funds of $11 million and $15 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively, and equity method income of $1 million and $2 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

(b)

Includes inter-segment revenue of $11 million and $10 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively, and interest income on fiduciary funds of $1 million in each of 2010 and 2009.

 

(c)

Includes inter-segment revenue of $1 million in each of 2010 and 2009.

 

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Details of operating segment revenue for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:

 

      Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
(In millions of dollars)    2010     2009  

Risk and Insurance Services

    

Marsh

   $1,175      $1,088   

Guy Carpenter

   317      284   

Total Risk and Insurance Services

   1,492      1,372   

Consulting

    

Mercer

   849      803   

Oliver Wyman Group

   306      280   

Total Consulting

   1,155      1,083   

Risk Consulting & Technology

    

Kroll

   162      167   

Corporate Advisory and Restructuring

          

Total Risk Consulting & Technology

   162      167   

Total Operating Segments

   2,809      2,622   

Corporate Eliminations

   (14   (13

Total

   $2,795      $2,609   

18.    New Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2009, MMC adopted the guidance for calculating EPS using the two-class method with retroactive application to prior periods. The impact of adopting the guidance is discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the new guidance issued by the FASB for Business Combinations. The guidance requires entities in a business combination to recognize all (and only) the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; and requires the acquirer to disclose all information needed by investors and other users to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination.

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the new guidance issued by the FASB for Consolidation – Non-controlling Interests, which did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, it did impact the presentation and disclosure of non-controlling (minority) interests in our consolidated financial statements. The effects of this change are reflected herein.

The new guidance also requires adjustment of net income to include the net income attributable to the non-controlling interests and a new separate caption for net income attributable to MMC to be presented in the consolidated statement of earnings.

In February 2008, the FASB issued guidance related to Fair Value Measurements which delayed until the second quarter of 2009, fair value measurement for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. The Company has applied the provision of this new guidance to its financial statement disclosures beginning in the second quarter of 2009.

On April 1, 2009, the FASB issued guidance for “Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies”, to address application issues raised by preparers, auditors and attorneys. The guidance requires recognition of

 

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contingent assets or liabilities (arising from a business combination contingency) at fair value, at the acquisition date if the acquisition-date fair value of the asset or liability can be determined during the measurement period, or if certain criteria are met. Otherwise, the acquirer should not recognize an asset or liability as of the acquisition date. The guidance is effective for business combinations occurring on or after January 1, 2009. This new guidance did not have a material impact on MMC’s financial condition or reported results.

In the second quarter of 2009, MMC adopted the guidance issued by the FASB for interim disclosures about fair value of financial instruments. The guidance, which is effective for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009, requires disclosures about the fair values of financial instruments in interim period reports of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on MMC’s financial condition or reported results.

In the second quarter of 2009, MMC adopted the guidance issued by the FASB for Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. It amends GAAP guidance including SEC SAB Topic 5M and other authoritative literature that allow the holders of debt securities not to recognize other than temporary impairments based on their intent and ability to hold a security until recovery in fair value to its amortized cost. The other-than-temporary impairment model applies only to debt securities and not equity securities. The guidance requires recognition of a credit loss (the difference between the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis) through earnings. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on MMC’s financial condition or reported results.

In December 2008, the FASB issued guidance for Employers’ Disclosures About Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefit Plan Assets. The guidance requires fair value plan asset disclosures for an employer’s assets in defined benefit pension and postretirement plans similar to the guidance on Fair Value Measurements, as well as (a) how investment allocation decisions are made, (b) the major categories of plan assets, and (c) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. The guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The Company has applied the provision of this new guidance to its financial statement disclosures beginning December 31, 2009.

In December 2009, the FASB issued new guidance related to the Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“VIE”) and transfer of assets. The new guidance focuses on ‘controlling financial interests’ and requires companies to perform qualitative analysis to determine whether they must consolidate a VIE by assessing whether the variable interests give them controlling financial interests in the VIE. This guidance is effective for transfers occurring on or after November 15, 2009. Provisions must be applied in annual reporting periods beginning after November 15, 2009 and interim periods within that annual period. The adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. Also effective January 1, 2010, the Company adopted new guidance that indefinitely defers the above changes relating to the Company’s interests in entities that have all the attributes of an investment company or for which it is industry practice to apply measurement principles for financial reporting that are consistent with those applied by an investment company. As a result of the deferral, the above guidance did not apply to certain investment management trusts managed by Mercer.

In January 2010, the FASB issued new guidance that adds additional disclosures about transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2 items and separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements related to Level 3 measurements. It also clarifies existing fair value disclosures about the level of disaggregation and about inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Further, the new guidance amends the requirements on employer’s disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets to require disclosures be provided by classes of assets instead of by major categories of assets. This guidance is effective for the first reporting period beginning after December 31, 2009, except for the requirement to provide the Level 3 activity of purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis, which will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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In October 2009, the FASB amended its guidance on revenue recognition regarding multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements. The guidance is effective prospectively for arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this new guidance.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries (“MMC”) is a global professional services firm providing advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy, and human capital. MMC’s subsidiaries include Marsh, which provides risk and insurance services; Guy Carpenter, which provides reinsurance services; Mercer, which provides human resource and related financial advice and services; Oliver Wyman Group, which provides management consulting and other services; and Kroll, which provides risk consulting and technology services. MMC’s approximately 52,000 employees worldwide provide analysis, advice and transactional capabilities to clients in over 100 countries.

MMC’s business segments are based on the services provided. Risk and Insurance Services includes risk management and insurance and reinsurance broking and services, provided primarily by Marsh and Guy Carpenter. Consulting, which comprises the activities of Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group, includes human resource consulting and related investment and outsourcing services, and specialized management, economic and brand consulting services. Risk Consulting & Technology, conducted through Kroll, includes risk consulting and related investigative, intelligence, financial, security and technology services.

In February 2010, Marsh acquired Haake Companies, Inc., one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the Midwest. In March 2010, Marsh completed the acquisition of Thomas Rutherfoord, Inc., one of the largest insurance broking firms in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S. In the first quarter of 2010, Kroll completed the sale of Kroll Laboratory Specialists (“KLS”). The net after-tax loss on this disposal is included in discontinued operations in 2010. KLS’s operating results have not been reclassified to discontinued operations, since the amounts are immaterial to MMC. During the second quarter of 2009, Kroll sold KGS. KGS’s results of operations for 2009 are included in discontinued operations.

In April 2009, Guy Carpenter completed the acquisition of John B. Collins Associates, Inc., previously the fifth-largest reinsurance intermediary in the U.S. and seventh-largest in the world. In September 2009, Marsh acquired International Advisory Services Ltd., the largest independent manager of captives and third-party insurance companies in Bermuda. In December 2009, Marsh acquired the NIA Group, LLC, one of the largest, independent insurance agencies in the Northeast and the 34th largest agency in the U.S. In October 2009, Guy Carpenter completed the acquisition of London-based specialty reinsurance broker Rattner Mackenzie Limited from HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.

A reconciliation of segment operating income to total operating income is included in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. The accounting policies used for each segment are the same as those used for the consolidated financial statements.

This MD&A contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. See “Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” at the outset of this report.

 

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Consolidated Results of Operations

 

(In millions, except per share figures)    2010     2009

Revenue

   $2,795      $2,609

Expense:

    

Compensation and Benefits

   1,650      1,571

Other Operating Expenses

   706      714

Operating Expense

   2,356      2,285

Operating Income

   $   439      $   324

Income from Continuing Operations

   $   274      $   179

Discontinued Operations, net of tax

   (22   1

Net Income before Non-controlling Interests

   $   252      $   180

Net Income Attributable to MMC

   $   248      $   176

Income from Continuing Operations Per Share:

    

Basic

   $  0.50      $  0.33

Diluted

   $  0.46      $  0.33

Net Income Per Share:

    

Basic

   $  0.49      $  0.33

Diluted

   $  0.45      $  0.33

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding:

    

Basic

   533      515

Diluted

   536      515

Shares outstanding at March 31,

   541      517

MMC reported consolidated operating income of $439 million in the first quarter of 2010 compared with operating income of $324 million in the prior year. The results include a $50 million increase in Risk and Insurance Services’ operating income, a $43 million increase in the Consulting segment and a $12 million increase in the Risk Consulting & Technology segment. The operating results were also impacted by lower restructuring and related charges in 2010, primarily in the Risk and Insurance Services segment and Corporate.

The devaluation of Venezuela’s bolivar currency in January of 2010 did not have a material impact on MMC’s results of operations or financial position.

Consolidated Revenue and Expense

MMC conducts business in many countries, as a result of which the impact of foreign exchange rate movements may distort period-to-period comparisons of revenue. Similarly, the revenue impact of acquisitions and dispositions, including transfers among businesses, may impact period-to-period comparisons of revenue. Underlying revenue measures the change in revenue from one period to another by isolating these impacts. The impact of foreign currency exchange fluctuations and acquisitions and dispositions, including transfers among businesses, on MMC’s operating revenues by segment is as follows:

 

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Three Months Ended

March 31,

           Components of Revenue Change*  
      

%
Change

GAAP

Revenue

   

Currency

Impact

   

Acquisitions/

Dispositions

Impact

   

Underlying

Revenue

 
(In millions of dollars)    2010     2009          
                                      

Risk and Insurance Services

            

Marsh

   $  1,166      $  1,076      8   6   2   0

Guy Carpenter

   315      281      12   3   9   1

Subtotal

   1,481      1,357      9   5   4   0

Fiduciary Interest Income

   11      15      (28 )%    7        (35 )% 

Total Risk and Insurance Services

   1,492      1,372      9   5   4   0

Consulting

            

Mercer

   849      803      6   7        (1 )% 

Oliver Wyman Group

   306      280      10   4        6

Total Consulting

   1,155      1,083      7   6        1

Risk Consulting & Technology

            

Kroll

   162      167      (3 )%    2   (3 )%    (2 )% 

Corporate Advisory and Restructuring

                              

Total Risk Consulting & Technology

   162      167      (3 )%    2   (3 )%    (2 )% 

Corporate Eliminations

   (14   (13        

Total Revenue

   $  2,795      $  2,609      7   5   2   0

 

* Components of revenue change may not add across due to rounding.

The following table provides more detailed revenue information for certain of the components presented above:

 

     

Three Months Ended

March 31,

          Components of Revenue Change*  
     

%
Change

GAAP

Revenue

   

Currency

Impact

   

Acquisitions/

Dispositions

Impact

   

Underlying

Revenue

 
(In millions of dollars)    2010    2009         
                                    

Marsh:

              

EMEA

   $   527    $   500    5   7   (1 )%    (1 )% 

Asia Pacific

   99    86    14   14   (2 )%    2

Latin America

   52    47    10   9   (2 )%    3

Total International

   678    633    7   8   (1 )%    0

U.S. / Canada

   488    443    10   2   7   1

Total Marsh

   $1,166    $1,076    8   6   2   0

Mercer:

              

Retirement

   $   280    $   276    1   7        (5 )% 

Health and Benefits

   225    212    6   4        2

Rewards, Talent & Communications

   93    105    (11 )%    4        (15 )% 

Total Mercer Consulting

   598    593    1   5        (4 )% 

Outsourcing

   162    142    14   11        3

Investment Consulting & Management

   89    68    32   15        17

Total Mercer

   $   849    $   803    6   7        (1 )% 

Kroll:

              

Litigation Support and Data Recovery

   $     78    $     71    11   2        8

Background Screening

   52    62    (17 )%    1   (9 )%    (9 )% 

Risk Mitigation and Response

   32    34    (7 )%    5        (11 )% 

Total Kroll

   $   162    $   167    (3 )%    2   (3 )%    (2 )% 

 

* Components of revenue change may not add across due to rounding.

 

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Revenue

Consolidated revenue for the first quarter of 2010 was $2.8 billion, an increase of 7% compared with the same period in the prior year, and was flat on an underlying basis.

Revenue in the Risk and Insurance Services segment for the first quarter of 2010 increased 9% from the same period in 2009, and was flat on an underlying basis. Within the Risk and Insurance Services segment, a 1% increase in underlying revenue at Guy Carpenter was offset by a 35% decline in fiduciary interest income. Consulting revenue increased 7%, resulting from increases of 6% in Mercer and 10% in Oliver Wyman. On an underlying basis, Consulting revenue increased 1% reflecting an increase of 6% in Oliver Wyman, partly offset by a 1% decline at Mercer. Revenue decreased 3% in Risk Consulting & Technology or 2% on an underlying basis, reflecting decreases in background screening and risk mitigation and response of 9% and 11%, respectively, partly offset by an 8% increase for litigation support and data recovery.

Operating Expense

Consolidated operating expense in the first quarter of 2010 increased 3% from the same period in 2009. This reflects a 5% increase due to the impact of foreign exchange and a 1% increase due to the impact of acquisitions, partly offset by a 4% decline in underlying expense. The decrease in underlying expense reflects lower legal and regulatory expenses as well as a decline in restructuring expenses, partly offset by higher pension related expenses.

Restructuring

MMC recorded total restructuring costs of $9 million in the first quarter of 2010 in connection with actions initiated in prior years, primarily due to adjustments to the estimated future rent and real estate costs related to previously vacated space.

Risk and Insurance Services

The results of operations for the Risk and Insurance Services segment are presented below:

 

(In millions of dollars)    2010     2009  

Revenue

   $1,492      $1,372   

Compensation and Benefits

   781      722   

Other Expenses

   364      353   

Expense

   1,145      1,075   

Operating Income

   $   347      $   297   

Operating Income Margin

   23.3   21.6

Revenue

Revenue in the Risk and Insurance Services segment in the first quarter of 2010 increased 9%, and was flat on an underlying basis compared with the same period in 2009. This performance was achieved in continued soft market conditions for commercial property-casualty insurance and a decline in the volume of net written premiums in the property-casualty industry, which has been adversely affected by recessionary conditions over the past two years.

 

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In Marsh, revenue in the first quarter of 2010 was $1.2 billion, an increase of 8% from the same quarter of the prior year resulting from the impact of foreign currency translation and acquisitions. Revenue was flat on an underlying basis, reflecting the economic environment and the downward pressure on commercial insurance premium rates. Despite these difficult market conditions, Marsh increased revenues in many areas of the world. Underlying revenue increases of 1% in the U.S. / Canada, 3% in Latin America, and 2% in Asia Pacific were offset by a 1% decrease in EMEA.

In February 2010, Marsh acquired Haake Companies, Inc., one of the largest insurance agencies in the Midwest. In March 2010, Marsh acquired Thomas Rutherfoord, Inc., one of the largest insurance broking firms in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S. On April 30, 2010, Marsh acquired the Bostonian Group, one of the largest regional insurance brokerages in New England. On April 1, 2010, Marsh completed the acquisition of HSBC Insurance Brokers Ltd., an international provider of risk intermediary and risk advisory services.

Guy Carpenter’s revenue increased 12% to $315 million in the first quarter of 2010 compared with the same period in 2009, or 1% on an underlying basis. The increase in underlying revenue was primarily due to continued strong new business. In April 2009, Guy Carpenter acquired John B. Collins Associates, Inc., previously the fifth-largest reinsurance intermediary in the U.S. and seventh-largest in the world. In October 2009, Guy Carpenter completed the acquisition of London-based specialty reinsurance broker Rattner Mackenzie Limited from HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.

Fiduciary interest income was $11 million in the first quarter of 2010, a decrease of 28% compared with the same period of 2009, driven by lower interest rates, partly offset by the impact of foreign exchange rates.

Expense

Expenses in the Risk and Insurance Services segment increased 6% in the first quarter of 2010, compared with the same period in the prior year reflecting a 5% increase related to the impact of foreign currency and a 3% increase from acquisitions, partly offset by a 2% decline in underlying expenses. The decline in underlying expenses reflects lower severance related restructuring activities partly offset by higher pension related expenses.

Consulting

The results of operations for the Consulting segment are presented below:

 

(In millions of dollars)    2010     2009  

Revenue

   $1,155      $1,083   

Compensation and Benefits

   737      712   

Other Expenses

   302      298   

Expense

   1,039      1,010   

Operating Income

   $   116      $     73   

Operating Income Margin

   10.0   6.7

Revenue

Consulting revenue in the first quarter of 2010 increased 7% compared with the same period in 2009, or 1% on an underlying basis. Mercer’s revenue was $849 million in the first quarter of 2010, an increase of 6%. On an underlying basis, Mercer’s revenue decreased 1%. Within Mercer’s consulting lines, revenue decreased 4% on an underlying basis compared with the

 

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first quarter of 2009, reflecting a decrease of 15% in Rewards, Talent and Communications and a 5% decline in retirement, partly offset by an increase of 2% in health and benefits. The growth in health and benefits resulted from increases in Canada, EMEA and Asia Pacific, partly offset by a reduction in the U.S. due to a near-term disruption in demand as Congress debated significant legislation changes to the U.S. healthcare system. Outsourcing revenue increased 3% on an underlying basis, driven by growth in Asia Pacific and the U.S. Investment consulting & management revenue increased 17% on an underlying basis, due to strong growth in the U.S., EMEA and Asia Pacific, primarily reflecting an increase in assets under management and advisory assets. Oliver Wyman’s revenue increased 10% to $306 million in the first quarter of 2010, or 6% on an underlying basis, driven by double-digit revenue growth within its financial services practice.

Expense

Consulting expenses increased 3% in the first quarter of 2010 compared with the same period in 2009, reflecting a 6% increase from the impact of foreign exchange rates, partly offset by a 3% decrease of underlying expenses. Management continues to monitor and manage expenses closely. The decline in underlying expenses is driven primarily by a decrease in base salaries due to decreased staff levels along with lower recoverable expenses from clients. The reduction in recoverable expenses has no impact on net operating income, since it is offset by lower revenue billed to clients for those expenses.

Risk Consulting & Technology

The results of operations for the Risk Consulting & Technology segment are presented below:

 

(In millions of dollars)    2010     2009  

Revenue

   $ 162      $ 167   

Compensation and Benefits

     74        80   

Other Expenses

     72        83   

Expense

     146        163   

Operating Income

   $ 16      $ 4   

Operating Income Margin

     9.9     2.4

Revenue

Risk Consulting & Technology revenues in the first quarter of 2010 decreased 3% compared with 2009, reflecting a 2% decrease in underlying revenues, and a 3% decrease related to dispositions, partly offset by a 2% increase related to foreign exchange translation. The underlying revenue decrease was driven by declines in background screening of 9% and risk mitigation and response of 11%, partly offset by an increase of 8% in litigation support and data recovery. In February 2010, Kroll completed the sale of KLS. Due to the immaterial impact on MMC’s overall results, KLS’s operating results have not been reclassified into discontinued operations.

Expense

Risk Consulting & Technology expenses decreased 11% in the first quarter of 2010 compared with 2009. Underlying expenses decreased 10% with the remaining reduction due to the impact of dispositions of 3%, partly offset by the impact of foreign exchange translation of 2%. The decrease in expenses reflects lower salaries due to decreased headcount and reductions in most other expense categories.

 

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Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses in the first quarter of 2010 were $40 million compared with $50 million in the prior year. The decrease is due to lower consulting fees and restructuring charges in 2010 compared with 2009. The 2009 expense includes restructuring charges of $11 million, primarily related to vacated leased space in MMC’s New York headquarters.

Interest

Interest income earned on corporate funds amounted to $4 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared with $6 million in the first quarter of 2009. The decrease in interest income is due to lower average interest rates in 2010 compared with the prior year. Interest expense of $60 million in the first quarter of 2010 increased $4 million from the same period in the prior year. This increase is primarily due to the higher interest rate on new debt issued in 2009, compared with notes that matured, as well as higher interest expense associated with acquisition related liabilities.

Investment Income (Loss)

Net investment income in the first quarter of 2010 was $8 million due to realized gains on the sale of securities. This compares with investment losses of $15 million in the first quarter of 2009 primarily due to mark-to-market decreases on private equity fund investments.

Income Taxes

MMC reported a 29.9% effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2010. The effective rate reflects the impact of the release of valuation allowances in international jurisdictions largely offset by a provision for uncertain tax positions.

MMC reported a 30.9% effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2009.

The combination of ordinary income and related tax, which MMC is able to reasonably estimate, with certain items which cannot be estimated and therefore are reported in the interim period in which they occur, results in highly variable effective tax rates that do not represent long term operating trends. The items which cannot be estimated include non-deductible goodwill impairments and accruals for severance, restructuring, and professional liability. We expect the effective tax rate to continue to be variable over the short term as items that cannot be estimated continue, and then to moderate.

The effective rate is sensitive to the geographic mix and repatriation of MMC’s earnings, which may have a favorable or unfavorable impact on the rate. Losses in certain jurisdictions cannot be offset by earnings from other operations, and may require valuation allowances affecting the rate, depending on estimates of the realizability of associated deferred tax assets. The tax rate is also sensitive to changes in unrecognized tax benefits, including the impact of settled tax audits and expired statutes of limitation.

Changes in tax laws or tax rulings may have a significant adverse impact on our effective tax rate. For example, proposals for fundamental U.S. international tax reform, such as the recent proposal by President Obama’s Administration, if enacted, could have a significant adverse impact on the effective tax rate.

 

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Dispositions

In the first quarter of 2010, Kroll completed the sale of KLS. The after-tax loss on this disposal is included in discontinued operations in 2010. The operating results of KLS have not been reclassified to discontinued operations, since the amounts are immaterial to MMC.

In the second quarter of 2009, Kroll completed the sale of KGS. The loss on the disposal of KGS and its financial results for 2009 are included in discontinued operations.

Discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2010 and 2009 also includes the accretion of interest related to an indemnity for uncertain tax positions provided as part of the purchase by Great West Lifeco Inc. of Putnam Investments Trust from MMC in August 2007.

The table below depicts the results of discontinued operations:

 

      Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(In millions of dollars)    2010     2009  

Revenue

   $  —      $20   

Income before provision for income tax

   $  —      $  6   

Provision for income tax

        2   

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

        4   

Gain on disposal of discontinued operations

   16        

Provision for income tax

   38      3   

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax

   (22   (3

Discontinued operations, net of tax

   $(22   $  1   

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Operating Cash Flows

MMC used $251 million of cash from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared with $450 million used for the same period in 2009. These amounts reflect the net income of MMC during those periods, excluding gains or losses from investments and from the disposition of businesses, adjusted for non-cash charges, and changes in working capital which relate primarily to the timing of payments of accrued liabilities or receipts of assets. Cash generated from the disposition of businesses is included in investing cash flows. MMC’s cash flow from operations is typically negative in the first quarter of each year, resulting from the payment of accrued incentive compensation.

Financing Cash Flows

Net cash used for financing activities was $156 million for the period ended March 31, 2010, compared with $260 million provided for the same period in 2009. The change primarily reflects the issuance of debt in the first quarter of 2009.

MMC paid dividends on its common shares of $109 million ($0.20 per share) during the first three months of 2010, as compared with $102 million ($0.20 per share) during the first three months of 2009.

In the first quarter of 2009, MMC issued $400 million of 9.25% ten-year fixed rate senior notes to refinance the senior notes that matured in June 2009.

 

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On October 23, 2009, MMC and certain of its foreign subsidiaries entered into a new $1.0 billion multi-currency three-year unsecured revolving credit facility, which replaced the $1.2 billion facility that was previously in place. The interest rate on this facility varies based upon MMC’s credit ratings and MMC’s credit default swap levels subject to floors and caps. The facility requires MMC to maintain certain coverage and leverage ratios which are tested quarterly. There were no borrowings outstanding under this facility at March 31, 2010.

In the first quarter of 2010, MMC paid deferred purchase consideration of $15 million related to the purchase in 2009 of the minority interest of a previously controlled entity.

MMC’s senior debt is currently rated Baa2 by Moody’s and BBB- by Standard & Poor’s. MMC’s short-term debt is currently rated P-2 by Moody’s and A-3 by Standard & Poor’s. MMC carries a stable outlook from both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s.

Investing Cash Flows

Cash used for investing activities amounted to $142 million in the first three months of 2010, compared with $62 million for the same period in 2009 reflecting cash outflows for acquisitions partly offset by proceeds from the disposal of KLS.

MMC made two acquisitions in the first quarter of 2010 and paid $194 million in cash into an escrow account for an acquisition that closed on April 1, 2010. Cash used for these acquisitions, net of cash acquired, was approximately $197 million compared with $2 million in 2009. In addition, MMC issued approximately 7.4 million shares of common stock with an acquisition date value of $178 million, and recorded a liability of $55 million for estimated contingent purchase consideration related to the acquisitions completed in the first quarter of 2010. In the first quarter of 2010, MMC also paid $12 million of deferred purchase consideration related to acquisitions made in prior years. Remaining deferred cash payments of $206 million for acquisitions completed in the first quarter of 2010 and in prior years are recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities or other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2010. Cash generated from the disposition of KLS was $110 million in the first quarter of 2010. There were no dispositions in the comparable period of 2009.

MMC’s additions to fixed assets and capitalized software, which amounted to $80 million in the first three months of 2010 compared with $69 million in the first three months of 2009, primarily related to computer equipment purchases, the refurbishing and modernizing of office facilities and software development costs.

MMC has committed to potential future investments of approximately $81 million in connection with its investments in Trident II and other funds managed by Stone Point Capital. The majority of MMC’s investment commitments for funds managed by Stone Point are related to Trident II, the investment period for which is now closed for new investments and follow-on investments. Any remaining capital calls for Trident II would relate to management fees or other partnership expenses, if necessary. Significant future capital calls related to Trident II are not expected. Although it is anticipated that Trident II will be harvesting its remaining portfolio, the timing of any portfolio company sales and capital distributions is unknown and not controlled by MMC.

 

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Commitments and Obligations

MMC’s contractual obligations of the types identified in the table below were of the following amounts as of March 31, 2010 (dollars in millions):

 

      Payment due by Period
Contractual Obligations    Total   

Within

1 Year

   1-3 Years    4-5 Years   

After

5 Years

Current portion of long-term debt

   $   558    $    558    $     —    $     —    $     —

Long-term debt

   3,040       520    669    1,851

Interest on long-term debt

   1,645    200    354    295    796

Net operating leases

   2,323    354    589    425    955

Service agreements

   406    103    127    86    90

Other long-term obligations

   206    75    117    14   

Total

   $8,178    $1,290    $1,707    $1,489    $3,692

The above does not include unrecognized tax benefits of $213 million, accounted for under ASC Topic No. 740, as MMC is unable to reasonably predict the timing of settlement of these liabilities, other than approximately $14 million that may become payable within one year. The above does not include liabilities established under ASC Topic No. 460 as MMC is unable to reasonably predict the timing of settlement of these liabilities. The above does not include pension liabilities of $914 million because the timing and amount of ultimate payment of such liability is dependent upon future events, including, but not limited to, future returns on plan assets, and changes in the discount rate used to measure the liabilities.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements contains a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact or potential future impact on MMC’s financial results, if determinable.

 

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Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk and Credit Risk

Certain of MMC’s revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and equity markets.

Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk

MMC has historically managed its interest rate exposures by utilizing both variable and fixed rate borrowings to finance MMC’s asset base. In past years, MMC has had some variable rate borrowings in its debt portfolio and has also utilized interest rate swaps to convert a portion of its fixed rate borrowings to variable rate. Currently, virtually all of MMC’s borrowings are fixed rate borrowings.

Interest income generated from MMC’s cash investments as well as invested fiduciary funds will vary with the general level of interest rates.

In addition to interest rate risk, our cash investments and fiduciary fund investments are subject to potential loss of value due to counterparty credit risk. To minimize this risk, MMC and its subsidiaries invest pursuant to a Board approved investment policy. The policy mandates the preservation of principal and liquidity and requires broad diversification with counterparty limits assigned based primarily on credit rating and type of investment. MMC carefully monitors its cash and fiduciary fund investments and will further restrict the portfolio as appropriate to market conditions. The majority of cash and fiduciary fund investments are invested in short-term bank deposits and liquid money market funds.

Foreign Currency Risk

The translated values of revenue and expense from MMC’s international operations are subject to fluctuations due to changes in currency exchange rates. Forward contracts and options are periodically utilized by MMC to limit foreign currency exchange rate exposure on net income and cash flows for specific, clearly defined transactions arising in the ordinary course of its business.

Equity Price Risk

MMC holds investments in both public and private companies as well as certain private equity funds managed by Stone Point Capital. Publicly traded investments of $24 million are classified as available for sale under ASC Topic No. 320 (“Investments – Debt and Equity Securities”). Non-publicly traded investments of $54 million are accounted for using the cost method and $185 million are accounted for under ASC Topic No. 323 (“Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures”). The investments that are classified as available for sale or that are not publicly traded are subject to risk of changes in market value, which if determined to be other than temporary, could result in realized impairment losses. MMC periodically reviews the carrying value of such investments to determine if any valuation adjustments are appropriate under the applicable accounting pronouncements.

Other

A significant number of lawsuits and regulatory proceedings are pending. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

 

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Part I – Item 4. Controls & Procedures

a.  Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Based on their evaluation, as of the end of the period of this report, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective.

b.  Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in MMC’s internal controls over financial reporting that were identified in connection with the evaluation referred to under Part I – Item 4a above that occurred during MMC’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, MMC’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

The information set forth in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements provided in Part I of this report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

MMC and its subsidiaries face a number of risks and uncertainties. In addition to the other information in this report and our other filings with the SEC, readers should consider carefully the risk factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. If any of the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K or such other risks actually occur, our business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

MMC did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the first quarter of 2010. Pursuant to an August 2007 authorization by MMC’s Board of Directors, MMC remains authorized to repurchase shares of its common stock up to a dollar value of $700 million. There is no time limit on this authorization.

 

Period   

(a)

Total

Number of

Shares

(or Units)

Purchased

  

(b)

Average Price
Paid per
Share

(or Unit)

  

(c)

Total Number of
Shares

(or Units)
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs

  

(d)

Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares

(or Units)

that May

Yet Be
Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs

Jan 1-31, 2010

            $700 million

Feb 1-28, 2010

            $700 million

March 1-31, 2010

            $700 million

Total Q1 2010

            $700 million

 

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Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

 

Item 4. [Removed and Reserved]

 

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

See the Exhibit Index immediately following the signature page of this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

Date: May 7, 2010  

/s/ Vanessa A. Wittman

  Vanessa A. Wittman
  Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Date: May 7, 2010  

/s/ Robert J. Rapport

  Robert J. Rapport
  Senior Vice President & Controller
  Chief Accounting Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Name

10.1   Amended and Restated Agreement between the Attorney General of the State of New York and the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York, and Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., Marsh Inc., and their subsidiaries and affiliates (incorporated by reference to MMC’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 11, 2010)
10.2   Form of 2010 Long-term Incentive Award under the 2000 Senior Executive Incentive and Stock Award Plan and the 2000 Employee Incentive and Stock Award Plan
10.3   Letter Agreement, effective as of March 31, 2010, between Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and M. Michele Burns
10.4   Letter Agreement, effective as of March 31, 2010, between Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and Peter J. Beshar
12.1   Statement Re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
31.1   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32.1   Section 1350 Certifications
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

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