Marsh & McLennan Companies Reports Third Quarter 2018 Results

Underlying Revenue Increases 5% for the Quarter and 4% for the First Nine Months of 2018

Nine Months GAAP EPS Rises 4% to $2.93 and Adjusted EPS Increases 14% to $3.26

Excluding Revenue Standard Impact, Nine Months EPS Grows 1% and Adjusted EPS Rises 10%

NEW YORK--()--Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE: MMC), a global professional services firm offering clients advice and solutions in risk, strategy and people, today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018.

Dan Glaser, President and CEO, said: "We are pleased with our performance for the third quarter and first nine months of the year. In the quarter, we produced excellent underlying revenue growth of 5% in both Risk & Insurance Services and Consulting, and adjusted EPS growth of 8% excluding the impact of the new revenue standard. For the first nine months of 2018, we achieved strong underlying revenue growth of 4% on a consolidated basis and 10% adjusted EPS growth excluding the impact of the new revenue standard. Given our solid performance in the first nine months of 2018, the Company is well positioned to deliver full year underlying revenue growth in the 3 to 5% range, as well as margin expansion and strong growth in earnings per share."

"The highlight of the quarter was our agreement to acquire Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group. JLT is a premier organization in our industry that we have admired for a long time. The combination of Marsh & McLennan and JLT will create innovative solutions for our clients, career opportunities for our colleagues, and value for our shareholders,” concluded Mr. Glaser.

Consolidated Results

Consolidated revenue in the third quarter of 2018 was $3.5 billion, an increase of 5% compared with the third quarter of 2017. On an underlying basis, revenue increased 5%. Net income attributable to the Company was $276 million. Operating income was $541 million while adjusted operating income, which excludes noteworthy items as presented in the attached supplemental schedules, decreased 5% to $535 million. Excluding the impact of the new revenue recognition standard, ASC 606, adjusted operating income rose 3%.

On a per share basis, net income attributable to the Company in the third quarter declined to $0.54 from $0.76 in the prior year. Adjusted earnings per share of $0.78 was down 1% from the prior year period. The 1% decrease in adjusted EPS includes a $0.07 per share reduction from the application of ASC 606. Excluding ASC 606, adjusted EPS increased 8%.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, consolidated revenue was $11.2 billion, an increase of 9% and 4% on an underlying basis. Operating income was $2.1 billion, an increase of 8% from the prior year period. Adjusted operating income, which excludes noteworthy items as presented in the attached supplemental schedules, rose 9% to $2.2 billion. Excluding the impact of ASC 606, adjusted operating income rose 5%. Net income attributable to the Company increased 2% to $1.5 billion. Earnings per share increased 4% to $2.93. Adjusted earnings per share increased 14% to $3.26 compared with $2.87 for the comparable period in 2017. The 14% increase in adjusted EPS includes a $0.10 per share benefit from the application of ASC 606. Excluding ASC 606, adjusted EPS increased 10%.

Risk & Insurance Services

Risk & Insurance Services revenue was $1.9 billion in the third quarter of 2018, an increase of 6%, or 5% on an underlying basis. Operating income was $293 million, an increase of 9%, and adjusted operating income declined 3% to $283 million. Excluding ASC 606, adjusted operating income increased 13%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, revenue was $6.3 billion, an increase of 11%, or 4% on an underlying basis. Operating income rose 12% to $1.5 billion and adjusted operating income rose 15% to $1.5 billion. Excluding ASC 606, adjusted operating income increased 10%.

Marsh's revenue in the third quarter was $1.6 billion, an increase of 10%, or 3% on an underlying basis. In U.S./Canada, underlying revenue rose 5%. International operations produced underlying revenue growth of 2%, reflecting flat underlying growth in EMEA, 3% in Asia Pacific, and 7% in Latin America. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, Marsh’s underlying revenue growth was 3%.

Guy Carpenter's revenue in the third quarter was $215 million, an increase of 11% on an underlying basis. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, Guy Carpenter’s underlying revenue growth was 7%.

Consulting

Consulting revenue in the third quarter was $1.7 billion, an increase of 4%, or 5% on an underlying basis. Operating income decreased 6% to $291 million and adjusted operating income decreased 6% to $293 million. For the first nine months of 2018, revenue was $5.0 billion, an increase of 6%, or 4% on an underlying basis. Operating income of $805 million increased 1% and adjusted operating income decreased 2% to $808 million. Excluding ASC 606, adjusted operating income decreased 1%.

Mercer's revenue was $1.2 billion in the third quarter, an increase of 3% on an underlying basis. Wealth, with revenue of $525 million, grew 2% on an underlying basis. Within Wealth, Defined Benefit Consulting & Administration decreased 3%, while Investment Management & Related Services increased 9%. Health revenue of $415 million was up 4% on an underlying basis and Career revenue of $235 million increased 5% on an underlying basis. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, Mercer’s revenue was $3.5 billion, an increase of 3% on an underlying basis.

Oliver Wyman Group’s revenue was $481 million in the third quarter, an increase of 11% on an underlying basis. For the first nine months ended September 30, 2018, Oliver Wyman Group’s revenue increased to $1.5 billion, up 5% on an underlying basis.

Other Items

On September 18, 2018, the Company announced an agreement to acquire Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group (JLT), a leading provider of insurance, reinsurance and employee benefits related advice, brokerage and associated services. JLT is based in London and has offices in over 40 countries including in key emerging markets across Asia and Latin America.

The transaction is expected to close in spring of 2019, subject to receipt of required antitrust and regulatory approvals and the approval of JLT shareholders. In order to protect the Company from pound sterling exchange rate volatility between announcement and closing, the Company entered into a deal contingent forward foreign exchange contract. As a result of entering into this contract, the Company recorded a charge of $100 million reflecting the fair value of the hedging instrument at the end of the quarter. This item is classified as noteworthy and excluded from our adjusted results.

In the third quarter, the Company recognized a charge of $81 million to reflect an other than temporary decline in the carrying value of its equity investment in South African based Alexander Forbes. Also in the quarter, a gain of $46 million was recognized on the sale of a business in Marsh. Both of these items are classified as noteworthy and therefore excluded from our adjusted results.

The Company repurchased 2.1 million shares of its common stock for $175 million in the third quarter. Through nine months, the Company has repurchased 8.2 million shares for $675 million.

Conference Call

A conference call to discuss third quarter 2018 results will be held today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. To participate in the teleconference, please dial +1 888 254 3590. Callers from outside the United States should dial +1 323 994 2093. The access code for both numbers is 5467774. The live audio webcast may be accessed at mmc.com. A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the event.

About Marsh & McLennan Companies

Marsh & McLennan (NYSE: MMC) is the world’s leading professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy and people. The company’s approximately 65,000 colleagues advise clients in over 130 countries. With annual revenue over $14 billion, Marsh & McLennan helps clients navigate an increasingly dynamic and complex environment through four market-leading firms. Marsh advises individual and commercial clients of all sizes on insurance broking and innovative risk management solutions. Guy Carpenter develops advanced risk, reinsurance and capital strategies that help clients grow profitably and pursue emerging opportunities. Mercer delivers advice and technology-driven solutions that help organizations meet the health, wealth and career needs of a changing workforce. Oliver Wyman serves as a critical strategic, economic and brand advisor to private sector and governmental clients. For more information, visit mmc.com, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @mmc_global or subscribe to BRINK.

INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains "forward-looking statements," as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which express management's current views concerning future events or results, use words like "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project" and similar terms, and future or conditional tense verbs like "could," "may," "might," "should," "will" and "would."

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

  • our ability to successfully consummate, integrate or achieve the intended benefits of the acquisition of JLT;
  • the impact of any investigations, reviews, market studies or other activity by regulatory or law enforcement authorities, including the ongoing investigations by the European Commission and the U.K. FCA market study;
  • the impact from lawsuits, other contingent liabilities and loss contingencies arising from errors and omissions, breach of fiduciary duty or other claims against us;
  • our organization's ability to maintain adequate safeguards to protect the security of our information systems and confidential, personal or proprietary information, particularly given the large volume of our vendor network and the need to patch software vulnerabilities;
  • our ability to compete effectively and adapt to changes in the competitive environment, including to respond to disintermediation, digital disruption and other types of innovation;
  • the financial and operational impact of complying with laws and regulations where we operate, including cybersecurity and data privacy regulations such as the E.U.’s General Data Protection Regulation, anti-corruption laws and trade sanctions regimes;
  • the impact of macroeconomic, political, regulatory or market conditions on us, our clients and the industries in which we operate, including the inability to collect on our receivables in certain high-risk jurisdictions;
  • the regulatory, contractual and reputational risks that arise based on insurance placement activities and various broker revenue streams;
  • the extent to which we manage risks associated with the various services, including fiduciary and investments and other advisory services;
  • our ability to successfully recover if we experience a business continuity problem due to cyberattack, natural disaster or otherwise;
  • the impact of changes in tax laws, guidance and interpretations, including related to certain provisions of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or disagreements with tax authorities;
  • the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange and interest rates on our results; and
  • the impact of changes in accounting rules or in our accounting estimates or assumptions, including the impact of the adoption of the new revenue recognition, pension and lease accounting standards.

The factors identified above are not exhaustive. Further information concerning Marsh & McLennan Companies and its businesses, including information about factors that could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition, is contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the "Risk Factors" section and the "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section of our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to us and speak only as of the dates on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which it is made.

       

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In millions, except per share figures)

(Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2018     2017 2018     2017
Revenue $ 3,504   $ 3,341   $ 11,238   $ 10,339  
 
Expense:
Compensation and Benefits 2,083 1,968 6,442 5,971
Other Operating Expenses 880   838   2,656   2,383  
Operating Expenses 2,963   2,806   9,098   8,354  
Operating Income 541 535 2,140 1,985
Other Net Benefit Credits (a) 63 62 194 185
Interest Income 2 2 8 6
Interest Expense (69 ) (60 ) (198 ) (178 )
Investment (Loss) Income (52 ) (2 ) (24 ) 3
Change in Fair Value of Acquisition Related FX Contract (b) (100 )   (100 )  
Income Before Income Taxes 385 537 2,020 2,001
Income Tax Expense 106   140   509   519  
Net Income Before Non-Controlling Interests 279 397 1,511 1,482
Less: Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests 3   4   14   19  
Net Income Attributable to the Company $ 276   $ 393   $ 1,497   $ 1,463  
Net Income Per Share Attributable to the Company:
- Basic $ 0.55   $ 0.77   $ 2.96   $ 2.85  
- Diluted $ 0.54   $ 0.76   $ 2.93   $ 2.81  
Average Number of Shares Outstanding
- Basic 504   512   506   514  
- Diluted 510   519   512   520  
Shares Outstanding at 9/30 504   511   504   511  
 
(a) Effective January 1, 2018, ASC 715, as amended, changed the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement cost. The Company has restated prior years and quarters for this revised presentation.
(b) To hedge the risk of appreciation of the pound sterling ("GBP") denominated purchase price of JLT relative to the U.S. dollar ("USD"), the Company entered into a deal contingent forward exchange contract to, solely upon consummation of the acquisition, purchase GBP and sell USD at a contracted exchange rate. An unrealized loss of $100 million related to the fair value changes to this derivative has been recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018. The Company expects to record fair value gains and losses through its income statement until the completion of the transaction.
 

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income - Impact of Revenue Standard

(In millions, except per share figures)

(Unaudited)

 
The Company adopted the new revenue standard ("ASC 606") using the modified retrospective method, applied to all contracts. The guidance requires entities that elected the modified retrospective method to disclose the impact to financial statement line items as a result of applying the new guidance (rather than previous U.S. GAAP). The table below shows the impacts on the consolidated statement of income.
    Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018
    Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018

As
Reported

   

Revenue
Standard
Impact

   

Prior to
Adoption

As
Reported

   

Revenue
Standard
Impact

   

Prior to
Adoption

Revenue $ 3,504   $ 58   $ 3,562   $ 11,238   $ (127 ) $ 11,111  
Expense:
Compensation and Benefits 2,083 12 2,095 6,442 (58 ) 6,384
Other Operating Expenses 880     880   2,656     2,656  
Operating Expenses 2,963   12   2,975   9,098   (58 ) 9,040  
Operating Income 541 46 587 2,140 (69 ) 2,071
Other Net Benefit Credits 63 63 194 194
Interest Income 2 2 8 8
Interest Expense (69 ) (69 ) (198 ) (198 )
Investment (Loss) Income (52 ) (52 ) (24 ) (24 )
Change in Fair Value of Acquisition Related FX Contract (100 )   (100 ) (100 )   (100 )
Income Before Income Taxes 385 46 431 2,020 (69 ) 1,951
Income Tax Expense 106   12   118   509   (18 ) 491  
Net Income Before Non-Controlling Interests 279 34 313 1,511 (51 ) 1,460
Less: Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests 3     3   14     14  
Net Income Attributable to the Company $ 276   $ 34   $ 310   $ 1,497   $ (51 ) $ 1,446  
Net Income Per Share Attributable to the Company:
- Basic $ 0.55   $ 0.06   $ 0.61   $ 2.96   $ (0.10 ) $ 2.86  
- Diluted $ 0.54   $ 0.07   $ 0.61   $ 2.93   $ (0.10 ) $ 2.83  
 
Average Number of Shares Outstanding
- Basic 504   504   504   506   506   506  
- Diluted 510   510   510   512   512   512  
Shares Outstanding at 9/30 504   504   504   504   504   504  
 
           

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Supplemental Information - Revenue Analysis

Three Months Ended September 30

(Millions) (Unaudited)

 
Components of Revenue Change*
Three Months Ended
September 30,

%
Change
GAAP
Revenue

 

Currency
Impact

   

Acquisitions/
Dispositions/
Other Impact

   

Revenue
Standard
Impact

   

Underlying
Revenue

2018     2017        
Risk and Insurance Services      
Marsh $ 1,630 $ 1,482 10 % (1 )% 6 % 2 % 3 %
Guy Carpenter 215   270   (20 )% (31 )% 11 %
Subtotal 1,845 1,752 5 % (1 )% 5 % (3 )% 4 %
Fiduciary Interest Income 18   11  
Total Risk and Insurance Services 1,863   1,763   6 % (1 )% 5 % (3 )% 5 %
Consulting
Mercer 1,175 1,149 2 % (2 )% 1 % 3 %
Oliver Wyman Group 481   438   10 % (1 )% 11 %
Total Consulting 1,656   1,587   4 % (2 )% 1 % 5 %
Corporate / Eliminations (15 ) (9 )
Total Revenue $ 3,504   $ 3,341   5 % (1 )% 3 % (2 )% 5 %
 

Revenue Details

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

            Components of Revenue Change*
Three Months Ended
September 30,

%
Change
GAAP
Revenue

 

Currency
Impact

   

Acquisitions/
Dispositions/
Other Impact

   

Revenue
Standard
Impact

   

Underlying
Revenue

2018     2017
Marsh:      
EMEA $ 441 $ 426 3 % (1 )% 4 %
Asia Pacific 167 164 2 % (3 )% 2 % 3 %
Latin America 96   95   1 % (10 )% 5 % 7 %
Total International 704 685 3 % (3 )% 4 % 2 %
U.S. / Canada 926   797   16 % 8 % 3 % 5 %
Total Marsh $ 1,630   $ 1,482   10 % (1 )% 6 % 2 % 3 %
Mercer:
Defined Benefit Consulting & Administration $ 300 $ 336 (10 )% (1 )% (7 )% (3 )%
Investment Management & Related Services 225   194   16 % (5 )% 11 % 9 %
Total Wealth 525 530 (1 )% (2 )% 2 %
Health 415 401 3 % (1 )% 1 % (1 )% 4 %
Career 235   218   8 % (2 )% 6 % 5 %
Total Mercer $ 1,175   $ 1,149   2 % (2 )% 1 % 3 %
 
Note:
Underlying revenue measures the change in revenue using consistent currency exchange rates, excluding the impact of certain items that affect comparability such as: acquisitions, dispositions, transfers among businesses, changes in estimate methodology and the impact of the new revenue standard.
 
* Components of revenue change may not add due to rounding.
           

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Supplemental Information - Revenue Analysis

Nine Months Ended September 30

(Millions) (Unaudited)

 
Components of Revenue Change*
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

%
Change
GAAP
Revenue

 

Currency
Impact

   

Acquisitions/
Dispositions/
Other Impact

   

Revenue
Standard
Impact

   

Underlying
Revenue

2018     2017        
Risk and Insurance Services      
Marsh $ 5,073 $ 4,692 8 % 2 % 3 % 3 %
Guy Carpenter 1,184   948   25 % 1 % 16 % 7 %
Subtotal 6,257 5,640 11 % 2 % 3 % 2 % 4 %
Fiduciary Interest Income 46   28  
Total Risk and Insurance Services 6,303   5,668   11 % 2 % 3 % 2 % 4 %
Consulting
Mercer 3,504 3,335 5 % 1 % 1 % 3 %
Oliver Wyman Group 1,470   1,370   7 % 2 % 5 %
Total Consulting 4,974   4,705   6 % 2 % 1 % 4 %
Corporate / Eliminations (39 ) (34 )
Total Revenue $ 11,238   $ 10,339   9 % 2 % 2 % 1 % 4 %
 

Revenue Details

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

            Components of Revenue Change*
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

%
Change
GAAP
Revenue

   

Currency
Impact

   

Acquisitions/
Dispositions/
Other Impact

   

Revenue
Standard
Impact

   

Underlying
Revenue

2018     2017        
Marsh:            
EMEA $ 1,610 $ 1,512 6 % 5 % 1 %
Asia Pacific 514 484 6 % 1 % 1 % 4 %
Latin America 279   274   2 % (6 )% 3 % 5 %
Total International 2,403 2,270 6 % 3 % 1 % 1 %
U.S. / Canada 2,670   2,422   10 % 5 % (1 )% 5 %
Total Marsh $ 5,073   $ 4,692   8 % 2 % 3 % 3 %
Mercer:
Defined Benefit Consulting & Administration $ 959 $ 1,010 (5 )% 3 % (3 )% (4 )%
Investment Management & Related Services 683   572   19 % 1 % 6 % 12 %
Total Wealth 1,642 1,582 4 % 2 % 2 %
Health 1,286 1,239 4 % 1 % (1 )% 4 %
Career 576   514   12 % 1 % 6 % 5 %
Total Mercer $ 3,504   $ 3,335   5 % 1 % 1 % 3 %
 
Note:
Underlying revenue measures the change in revenue using consistent currency exchange rates, excluding the impact of certain items that affect comparability such as: acquisitions, dispositions, transfers among businesses, changes in estimate methodology and the impact of the new revenue standard.
 
* Components of revenue change may not add due to rounding.
 

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

Includes Revenue Standard Impact

Three Months Ended September 30

(Millions) (Unaudited)

 
Overview
The Company reports its financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (referred to in this release as "GAAP" or "reported" results). The Company also refers to and presents below certain additional non-GAAP financial measures, within the meaning of Regulation G under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These measures are: adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted operating margin, adjusted income, net of tax and adjusted earnings per share (EPS). The Company has included reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP in the following tables.
The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information that enables investors to better compare the Company’s performance across periods. Management also uses these measures internally to assess the operating performance of its businesses, to assess performance for employee compensation purposes and to decide how to allocate resources. However, investors should not consider these non-GAAP measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the financial information that the Company reports in accordance with GAAP. The Company's non-GAAP measures include adjustments that reflect how management views our businesses, and may differ from similarly titled non-GAAP measures presented by other companies.
 
Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) and Adjusted Operating Margin
Adjusted operating income (loss) is calculated by excluding the impact of certain noteworthy items from the Company's GAAP operating income or (loss). The following tables identify these noteworthy items and reconcile adjusted operating income (loss) to GAAP operating income or loss, on a consolidated and segment basis, for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The following tables also present adjusted operating margin. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, adjusted operating margin is calculated by dividing adjusted operating income by consolidated or segment GAAP revenue less the gain on the disposal of Marsh's risk management software and services business unit.
               

Risk &
Insurance
Services

Consulting

Corporate/
Eliminations

Total
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Operating income (loss) $ 293 $ 291 $ (43) $ 541
Add (Deduct) impact of Noteworthy Items:
Restructuring (a) 29 2 31
Adjustments to acquisition related accounts (b) 7 2 9
Disposal of business (c) (46) (46)
Operating income adjustments (10) 2 2 (6)
Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 283 $ 293 $ (41) $ 535
Operating margin 15.7% 17.6% N/A 15.5%
Adjusted operating margin 15.5% 17.7% N/A 15.5%
 
(a) Includes severance and related charges from restructuring activities, adjustments to restructuring liabilities for future rent under non-cancellable leases and other real estate costs, and restructuring costs related to the integration of recent acquisitions. Risk and Insurance Services in 2018 reflects severance and consulting costs related to the Marsh simplification initiative.
(b) Primarily includes the change in fair value as measured each quarter of contingent consideration related to acquisitions.
(c) Relates to a gain on the disposal of a risk management software and services business unit of Marsh. The $46 million gain is also removed from GAAP revenue in the calculation of adjusted operating margin.
 
Note:
Comparative financial information for the three months ended September 30, 2017 is presented on page 11.
 

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Comparable Accounting Basis

Excludes the Revenue Standard Impact

Three Months Ended September 30

(Millions) (Unaudited)

 
As discussed earlier, the Company has adopted the new revenue standard using the modified retrospective method, which requires the disclosure of the impacts of the standard on each financial statement line item. The non-GAAP measures below present an analysis of results reflecting 2018 financial information excluding the impact of the application of ASC 606, to facilitate a comparison to the 2017 results. Except for the adjustment for the effects of ASC 606 in 2018, these non-GAAP measures are calculated as described on the prior page.
   

Risk &
Insurance
Services

    Consulting    

Corporate/
Eliminations

    Total
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Operating income (loss) without adoption $ 340   $ 290   $ (43 ) $ 587  
Add (Deduct) impact of Noteworthy Items:
Restructuring (a) 29 2 31
Adjustments to acquisition related accounts (b) 7 2 9
Disposal of business (c) (46 )     (46 )
Operating income adjustments (10 ) 2   2   (6 )
Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 330   $ 292   $ (41 ) $ 581  
Operating margin - Comparable basis 17.7 % 17.5 % N/A   16.5 %
Adjusted operating margin - Comparable basis 17.6 % 17.6 % N/A   16.5 %
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Operating income (loss) $ 268   $ 311   $ (44 ) $ 535  
Add (Deduct) impact of Noteworthy Items:
Restructuring (a) 3 2 3 8
Adjustments to acquisition related accounts (b) 5 (1 ) 4
Other Settlement, Legal and Regulatory (d) 15       15  
Operating income adjustments 23   1   3   27  
Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 291   $ 312   $ (41 ) $ 562  
Operating margin 15.2 % 19.6 % N/A   16.0 %
Adjusted operating margin 16.5 % 19.7 % N/A   16.8 %
 
(a) Includes severance and related charges from restructuring activities, adjustments to restructuring liabilities for future rent under non-cancellable leases and other real estate costs, and restructuring costs related to the integration of recent acquisitions. Risk and Insurance Services in 2018 reflects severance and consulting costs related to the Marsh simplification initiative. Consulting in 2017 reflects severance related to the Mercer business restructure.
(b) Primarily includes the change in fair value as measured each quarter of contingent consideration related to acquisitions.
(c) Relates to a gain on the disposal of a risk management software and services business unit of Marsh. The $46 million gain is also removed from GAAP revenue in the calculation of adjusted operating margin.
(d) Reflects the settlement of the final legacy litigation, originally filed in 2006, regarding Marsh’s use of market service agreements.
 

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

Includes Revenue Standard Impact

Nine Months Ended September 30

(Millions) (Unaudited)

 
Overview
The Company reports its financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (referred to in this release as "GAAP" or "reported" results). The Company also refers to and presents below certain additional non-GAAP financial measures, within the meaning of Regulation G under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These measures are: adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted operating margin, adjusted income, net of tax and adjusted earnings per share (EPS). The Company has included reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP in the following tables.
The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information that enables investors to better compare the Company’s performance across periods. Management also uses these measures internally to assess the operating performance of its businesses, to assess performance for employee compensation purposes and to decide how to allocate resources. However, investors should not consider these non-GAAP measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the financial information that the Company reports in accordance with GAAP. The Company's non-GAAP measures include adjustments that reflect how management views our businesses, and may differ from similarly titled non-GAAP measures presented by other companies.
 
Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) and Adjusted Operating Margin
Adjusted operating income (loss) is calculated by excluding the impact of certain noteworthy items from the Company's GAAP operating income or (loss). The following tables identify these noteworthy items and reconcile adjusted operating income (loss) to GAAP operating income or loss, on a consolidated and segment basis, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The following tables also present adjusted operating margin. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, adjusted operating margin is calculated by dividing adjusted operating income by consolidated or segment GAAP revenue less the gain on the disposal of Marsh's risk management software and services business unit.
   

Risk &
Insurance
Services

    Consulting    

Corporate/
Eliminations

    Total
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Operating income (loss) $ 1,481   $ 805   $ (146 ) $ 2,140  
Add (Deduct) impact of Noteworthy Items:
Restructuring (a) 87 1 7 95
Adjustments to acquisition related accounts (b) 16 3 19
Disposal of business (c) (46 ) (46 )
Other   (1 )   (1 )
Operating income adjustments 57   3   7   67  
Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 1,538   $ 808   $ (139 ) $ 2,207  
Operating margin 23.5 % 16.2 % N/A   19.1 %
Adjusted operating margin 24.6 % 16.3 % N/A   19.7 %
 
(a) Includes severance and related charges from restructuring activities, adjustments to restructuring liabilities for future rent under non-cancellable leases and other real estate costs, and restructuring costs related to the integration of recent acquisitions. Risk and Insurance Services in 2018 reflects severance and consulting costs related to the Marsh simplification initiative.
(b) Primarily includes the change in fair value as measured each quarter of contingent consideration related to acquisitions.
(c) Relates to a gain on the disposal of a risk management software and services business unit of Marsh. The $46 million gain is also removed from GAAP revenue in the calculation of adjusted operating margin.
 
Note:
Comparative financial information for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is presented on page 13.
               

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Comparable Accounting Basis

Excludes the Revenue Standard Impact

Nine Months Ended September 30

(Millions) (Unaudited)

 

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Comparable Accounting Basis (cont’d)

 

Risk &
Insurance
Services

Consulting Corporate/

Eliminations

Total
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Operating income (loss) without adoption $ 1,408   $ 809   $ (146 ) $ 2,071  
Add (Deduct) impact of Noteworthy Items:
Restructuring (a) 87 1 7 95
Adjustments to acquisition related accounts (b) 16 3 19
Disposal of business (c) (46 ) (46 )
Other   (1 )   (1 )
Operating income adjustments 57   3   7   67  
Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 1,465   $ 812   $ (139 ) $ 2,138  
Operating margin - Comparable basis 22.9 % 16.2 % N/A   18.6 %
Adjusted operating margin - Comparable basis 23.9 % 16.3 % N/A   19.3 %
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Operating income (loss) $ 1,318   $ 801   $ (134 ) $ 1,985  
Add (Deduct) impact of Noteworthy Items:
Restructuring (a) 7 18 7 32
Adjustments to acquisition related accounts (b) (5 ) 2 (3 )
Other Settlement, Legal and Regulatory (d) 15       15  
Operating income adjustments 17   20   7   44  
Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 1,335   $ 821   $ (127 ) $ 2,029  
Operating margin 23.3 % 17.0 % N/A   19.2 %
Adjusted operating margin 23.6 % 17.5 % N/A   19.6 %
 
(a) Includes severance and related charges from restructuring activities, adjustments to restructuring liabilities for future rent under non-cancellable leases and other real estate costs, and restructuring costs related to the integration of recent acquisitions. Risk and Insurance Services in 2018 reflects severance and consulting costs related to the Marsh simplification initiative. Consulting in 2017 reflects severance related to the Mercer business restructure.
(b) Primarily includes the change in fair value as measured each quarter of contingent consideration related to acquisitions.
(c) Relates to a gain on the disposal of a risk management software and services business unit of Marsh. The $46 million gain is also removed from GAAP revenue in the calculation of adjusted operating margin.
(d) Reflects the settlement of the final legacy litigation, originally filed in 2006, regarding Marsh’s use of market service agreements.
 

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

Includes the Revenue Standard Impact

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30

(Millions) (Unaudited)

 
Adjusted Income, Net of Tax and Adjusted Earnings per Share
Adjusted income, net of tax is calculated as the Company's GAAP income from continuing operations, adjusted to reflect the after-tax impact of the operating income adjustments set forth in the preceding tables and investments gains or losses related to the impact of mark-to-market adjustments on certain equity securities previously recorded to equity, change in fair value of fx forward, bridge financing fees and adjustments to provisional 2017 tax estimates. Adjusted EPS is calculated by dividing the Company’s adjusted income, net of tax, by MMC's average number of shares outstanding-diluted for the relevant period. The following tables reconcile adjusted income, net of tax to GAAP income from continuing operations and adjusted EPS to GAAP EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.
    Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018
Amount     Adjusted EPS
Income from continuing operations     $ 279
Less: Non-controlling interest, net of tax 3  
Subtotal $ 276 $ 0.54
Operating income adjustments (from page 10) $       (6 )
Investments adjustment (a) 55
Change in fair value of FX forward (b) 100
Amortization of bridge financing fees (c) 3
Impact of income taxes on above items (16 )
Adjustments to provisional 2017 tax estimates (d) (14 )
122   0.24
Adjusted income, net of tax $ 398   $ 0.78
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018
Amount Adjusted EPS
Income from continuing operations $ 1,511
Less: Non-controlling interest, net of tax 14  
Subtotal $ 1,497 $ 2.93
Operating income adjustments (from page 12) $ 67
Investments adjustment (a) 37
Change in fair value of FX forward (b) 100
Amortization of bridge financing fees (c) 3
Impact of income taxes on above items (26 )
Adjustments to provisional 2017 tax estimates (d) (11 )
170   0.33
Adjusted income, net of tax $ 1,667   $ 3.26
 
(a) Mark-to-market adjustments for investments classified as available for sale under prior guidance were recorded to equity, net of tax. Beginning January 1, 2018 such adjustments must be recorded as part of investment income. Prior periods were not restated. The Company excludes such mark-to-market gains or losses from its calculation of adjusted earnings per share. The Company recorded mark-to-market gains of $25 million and $43 million for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively, which are included in Investment Income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
The Company has an investment in Alexander Forbes (“AF”), which is accounted for using the equity method. AF’s shares (which are publicly traded on the Johannesburg stock exchange) have been trading below the Company’s carrying value. Based on the extent of and duration over which the shares have traded below the Company’s carrying value, the Company determined the decline was other than temporary and recorded a charge of $81 million in Investment gain or loss.
(b) Reflects the change in fair value of the deal contingent foreign exchange contract related to the acquisition of JLT.
(c) Reflects amortization of fees on the bridge financing included in interest expense related to the acquisition of JLT.
(d) Relates to adjustments to provisional 2017 year-end estimates of transition taxes and U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities from U.S. tax reform.
Note:
Comparative financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 is presented on page 15.
 

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Comparable Accounting Basis

Excludes the Revenue Standard Impact

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30

(Millions) (Unaudited)

 
As discussed earlier, the Company adopted the new revenue standard using the modified retrospective method, which requires the disclosure of the impacts of the standard on each financial statement line item. The non-GAAP measures below present an analysis of results reflecting 2018 financial information excluding the impact of the application of ASC 606, to facilitate a comparison to the 2017 results. Except for the adjustment for the effects of ASC 606 in 2018, these non-GAAP measures are calculated as described on the prior page.
  Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018
    Three Months Ended
September 30, 2017
Amount    

Adjusted
EPS

Amount    

Adjusted
EPS

Income from continuing operations, (2018 prior to the impact of ASC 606)     $   313     $ 397
Less: Non-controlling interest, net of tax 3   4  
Subtotal $ 310 $ 0.61 $ 393 $ 0.76
Operating income adjustments (from page 11) $     (6 ) $     27
Investments adjustment (a) 55
Change in fair value of FX forward (b) 100
Amortization of bridge financing fees (c) 3
Impact of income taxes on above items (16 ) (10 )
Adjustments to provisional 2017 tax estimates (d) (14 )  
122   0.24   17   0.03
Adjusted income, net of tax $   432   $ 0.85   $ 410   $ 0.79
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
Amount

Adjusted
EPS

Amount

Adjusted
EPS

Income from continuing operations, (2018 prior to the impact of ASC 606) $ 1,460 $ 1,482
Less: Non-controlling interest, net of tax 14   19  
Subtotal $ 1,446 $ 2.83 $ 1,463 $ 2.81
Operating income adjustments (from page 13) $ 67 $ 44
Investments adjustment (a) 37
Change in fair value of FX forward (b) 100
Amortization of bridge financing fees (c) 3
Impact of income taxes on above items (26 ) (16 )
Adjustments to provisional 2017 tax estimates (d) (11 )  
170   0.33   28   0.06
Adjusted income, net of tax $   1,616   $ 3.16   $ 1,491   $ 2.87
 
(a) Mark-to-market adjustments for investments classified as available for sale under prior guidance were recorded to equity, net of tax. Beginning January 1, 2018 such adjustments must be recorded as part of investment income. Prior periods were not restated. The Company excludes such mark-to-market gains or losses from its calculation of adjusted earnings per share. The Company recorded mark-to-market gains of $25 million and $43 million for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively, which are included in Investment Income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
The Company has an investment in Alexander Forbes (“AF”), which is accounted for using the equity method. AF’s shares (which are publicly traded on the Johannesburg stock exchange) have been trading below the Company’s carrying value. Based on the extent of and duration over which the shares have traded below the Company’s carrying value, the Company determined the decline was other than temporary and recorded a charge of $81 million in Investment gain or loss.
(b) Reflects the change in fair value of the deal contingent foreign exchange contract related to the acquisition of JLT.
(c) Reflects amortization of fees on the bridge financing included in interest expense related to the acquisition of JLT.
(d) Relates to adjustments to provisional 2017 year-end estimates of transition taxes and U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities from U.S. tax reform.
 
       

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Supplemental Information - Impact of Revenue Recognition Standard

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30

(Millions) (Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
   

Excludes
Impact of
Revenue
Standard

       

Excludes
Impact of
Revenue
Standard

   
2018 2018 2017 2018 2018 2017
Consolidated
Compensation and Benefits $ 2,083 $ 2,095 $ 1,968 $ 6,442 $ 6,384 $ 5,971
Other operating expenses 880   880   838   2,656   2,656   2,383
Total Expenses $ 2,963   $ 2,975   $ 2,806   $ 9,098   $ 9,040   $ 8,354
 
Depreciation and amortization expense $ 77 $ 77 $ 78 $ 236 $ 236 $ 234
Identified intangible amortization expense 47   47   42   135   135   122
Total $ 124   $ 124   $ 120   $ 371   $ 371   $ 356
 
Stock option expense $ 3 $ 3 $ 2 $ 20 $ 20 $ 19
Capital expenditures $ 87 $ 87 $ 73 $ 222 $ 222 $ 217
Operating cash flows $ 906 $ 906 $ 794 $ 1,319 $ 1,319 $ 1,137
 
Risk and Insurance Services
Compensation and Benefits $ 1,103 $ 1,111 $ 1,045 $ 3,416 $ 3,349 $ 3,084
Other operating expenses 467   467   450   1,406   1,406   1,266
Total Expenses $ 1,570   $ 1,578   $ 1,495   $ 4,822   $ 4,755   $ 4,350
 
Depreciation and amortization expense $ 36 $ 36 $ 36 $ 108 $ 108 $ 106
Identified intangible amortization expense 39   39   35   111   111   100
Total $ 75   $ 75   $ 71   $ 219   $ 219   $ 206
 
Consulting
Compensation and Benefits $ 895 $ 899 $ 843 $ 2,753 $ 2,762 $ 2,635
Other operating expenses 470   470   433   1,416   1,416   1,269
Total Expenses $ 1,365   $ 1,369   $ 1,276   $ 4,169   $ 4,178   $ 3,904
 
Depreciation and amortization expense $ 23 $ 23 $ 25 $ 74 $ 74 $ 76
Identified intangible amortization expense 8   8   7   24   24   22
Total $ 31   $ 31   $ 32   $ 98   $ 98   $ 98
 
       

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Millions)

 
(Unaudited)
September 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 951 $ 1,205
Net receivables 4,476 4,133
Other current assets 539   224  
Total current assets 5,966 5,562
 
Goodwill and intangible assets 10,764 10,363
Fixed assets, net 707 712
Pension related assets 1,814 1,693
Deferred tax assets 497 669
Other assets 1,381   1,430  
TOTAL ASSETS $ 21,129   $ 20,429  
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt $ 638 $ 262
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2,293 2,083
Accrued compensation and employee benefits 1,406 1,718
Accrued income taxes 179 199
Dividends payable 211    
Total current liabilities 4,727 4,262
 
Fiduciary liabilities 5,185 4,847
Less - cash and investments held in a fiduciary capacity (5,185 ) (4,847 )
Long-term debt 5,512 5,225
Pension, post-retirement and post-employment benefits 1,727 1,888
Liabilities for errors and omissions 303 301
Other liabilities 1,322 1,311
 
Total equity 7,538   7,442  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 21,129   $ 20,429  
 
Note:
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company, upon the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard, recorded a cumulative effect adjustment, net of tax resulting in an increase to the opening balance of retained earnings of $364 million, with offsetting increases/decreases to other balance sheet accounts, e.g. accounts receivable, other current assets, other assets and deferred income taxes.
 

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets - Impact of Revenue Standard

(Millions) (Unaudited)

 
As discussed earlier, the Company adopted the new revenue standard (ASC 606) using the modified retrospective method, applied to all contracts. The guidance requires entities that elected the modified retrospective method to disclose the impact to financial statement line items as a result of applying the new guidance (rather than previous U.S. GAAP). The table below shows the impacts on the consolidated balance sheet.
    September 30, 2018
As Reported    

Impact of
Revenue
Standard

   

Prior to
Adoption

ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 951 $ $ 951
Net receivables 4,476 (175 ) 4,301
Other current assets 539   (290 ) 249  
Total current assets 5,966 (465 ) 5,501
 
Goodwill and intangible assets 10,764 10,764
Fixed assets, net 707 707
Pension related assets 1,814 1,814
Deferred tax assets 497 121 618
Other assets 1,381   (238 ) 1,143  
TOTAL ASSETS $ 21,129   $ (582 ) $ 20,547  
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt $ 638 $ $ 638
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2,293 (143 ) 2,150
Accrued compensation and employee benefits 1,406 1,406
Accrued income taxes 179 179
Dividends payable 211     211  
Total current liabilities 4,727 (143 ) 4,584
 
Fiduciary liabilities 5,185 5,185
Less - cash and investments held in a fiduciary capacity (5,185 )   (5,185 )
Long-term debt 5,512 5,512
Pension, post-retirement and post-employment benefits 1,727 1,727
Liabilities for errors and omissions 303 303
Other liabilities 1,322 (24 ) 1,298
 
Total equity 7,538   (415 ) 7,123  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 21,129   $ (582 ) $ 20,547  
 

Contacts

Media:
Marsh & McLennan Companies
Erick R. Gustafson, +1 202-263-7788
erick.gustafson@mmc.com
or
Investors:
Marsh & McLennan Companies
Dan Farrell, +1 212-345-3713
daniel.farrell@mmc.com

Contacts

Media:
Marsh & McLennan Companies
Erick R. Gustafson, +1 202-263-7788
erick.gustafson@mmc.com
or
Investors:
Marsh & McLennan Companies
Dan Farrell, +1 212-345-3713
daniel.farrell@mmc.com