TW-2015.03.31-10Q


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
___________________________________________________
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File Number: 001-34594
___________________________________________________
TOWERS WATSON & CO.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
___________________________________________________
Delaware
 
27-0676603
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
901 N. Glebe Road Arlington, VA
 
22203
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(zip code)
(703) 258-8000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 
___________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, 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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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, 2015, there were 69,321,501 outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock at a par value of $0.01 per share.
 





TOWERS WATSON & CO.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
For the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
Page
Certifications
 





PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
TOWERS WATSON & CO.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue
$
920,714

 
$
904,833

 
$
2,756,743

 
$
2,602,927

Costs of providing services:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
544,176

 
547,385

 
1,634,023

 
1,574,535

Professional and subcontracted services
65,838

 
57,729

 
199,673

 
188,203

Occupancy
32,416

 
33,961

 
105,245

 
102,288

General and administrative expenses
72,622

 
82,844

 
230,156

 
236,651

Depreciation and amortization
41,185

 
44,250

 
130,161

 
130,931

Transaction and integration expenses

 
241

 

 
1,049

 
756,237

 
766,410

 
2,299,258

 
2,233,657

Income from operations
164,477

 
138,423

 
457,485

 
369,270

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss from affiliates
(17
)
 

 
(17
)
 

Interest income
938

 
758

 
2,895

 
1,847

Interest expense
(2,479
)
 
(2,090
)
 
(6,993
)
 
(6,553
)
Other non-operating income
466

 
4,053

 
1,331

 
9,743

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
163,385

 
141,144

 
454,701

 
374,307

Provision for income taxes
59,025

 
39,231

 
158,459

 
96,322

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
104,360

 
101,913

 
296,242

 
277,985

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax of $0, $175, $0, and $41,012

 
3,939

 

 
5,980

NET INCOME BEFORE NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
104,360

 
105,852

 
296,242

 
283,965

Less: Income attributable to non-controlling interests
218

 
3,346

 
366

 
7,057

NET INCOME (attributable to common stockholders)
$
104,142

 
$
102,506

 
$
295,876

 
$
276,908

Basic earnings per share (attributable to common stockholders):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$
1.50

 
$
1.40

 
$
4.23

 
$
3.83

Income from discontinued operations

 
0.06

 

 
0.09

Net income
$
1.50

 
$
1.46

 
$
4.23

 
$
3.92

Diluted earnings per share (attributable to common stockholders):
 
 

 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$
1.49

 
$
1.39

 
$
4.22

 
$
3.81

Income from discontinued operations

 
0.06

 

 
0.09

Net income
$
1.49

 
$
1.45

 
$
4.22

 
$
3.90

 
 
 


 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per share
$
0.15

 
$
0.14

 
$
0.45

 
$
0.28

 
 
 


 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares of common stock, basic (000)
69,602

 
70,447

 
69,909

 
70,685

Weighted average shares of common stock, diluted (000)
69,771

 
70,884

 
70,163

 
71,047

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements

1



TOWERS WATSON & CO.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited) 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net income before non-controlling interests
$
104,360

 
$
105,852

 
$
296,242

 
$
283,965

Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation
(115,570
)
 
(797
)
 
(300,403
)
 
87,938

Defined pension and post-retirement benefit costs
1,754

 
2,806

 
7,473

 
9,337

Hedge effectiveness
560

 
292

 
1,458

 
(738
)
Available-for-sale securities
122

 
(483
)
 
(113
)
 
(261
)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before non-controlling interests
(113,134
)
 
1,818

 
(291,585
)
 
96,276

Comprehensive (loss)/income before non-controlling interests
(8,774
)
 
107,670

 
4,657

 
380,241

Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to non-controlling interest
(19
)
 
3,325

 
(418
)
 
6,422

Comprehensive (loss)/income (attributable to common stockholders)
$
(8,755
)
 
$
104,345

 
$
5,075

 
$
373,819

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements


2



TOWERS WATSON & CO.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)
(Unaudited) 
 
March 31,
2015
 
June 30,
2014
Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
690,408

 
$
727,849

Fiduciary assets
24,026

 
12,010

Short-term investments
69,177

 
122,761

Receivables from clients:
 
 
 
Billed, net of allowances of $10,918 and $8,075
484,791

 
507,213

Unbilled, at estimated net realizable value
340,924

 
314,020

 
825,715

 
821,233

Other current assets
143,181

 
124,645

Total current assets
1,752,507

 
1,808,498

Fixed assets, net
370,175

 
374,444

Deferred income taxes
56,763

 
79,103

Goodwill
2,112,107

 
2,313,058

Intangible assets, net
579,575

 
657,293

Other assets
439,531

 
395,390

Total Assets
$
5,310,658

 
$
5,627,786

Liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred income
$
390,846

 
$
404,760

Employee-related liabilities
479,117

 
518,532

Fiduciary liabilities
24,026

 
12,010

Term loan - current
25,000

 
25,000

Other current liabilities
55,143

 
74,297

Total current liabilities
974,132

 
1,034,599

Revolving credit facility

 

Term loan
181,250

 
200,000

Accrued retirement benefits and other employee-related liabilities
671,413

 
768,024

Professional liability claims reserve
238,549

 
225,959

Other noncurrent liabilities
257,270

 
288,255

Total Liabilities
2,322,614

 
2,516,837

Commitments and contingencies

 

Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Class A Common Stock — $0.01 par value: 300,000,000 shares authorized; 74,552,661 issued and 69,451,434 and 70,338,891 outstanding
746

 
746

Additional paid-in capital
1,869,270

 
1,849,119

Treasury stock, at cost — 5,101,227 and 4,213,770 shares
(402,323
)
 
(286,182
)
Retained earnings
1,987,231

 
1,722,927

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(480,503
)
 
(189,702
)
Total Stockholders’ Equity
2,974,421

 
3,096,908

Non-controlling interest
13,623

 
14,041

Total Equity
2,988,044

 
3,110,949

Total Liabilities and Total Equity
$
5,310,658

 
$
5,627,786

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements

3



TOWERS WATSON & CO.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income before non-controlling interests
$
296,242

 
$
283,965

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
 
 
 
Provision for doubtful receivables from clients
19,086

 
4,241

Depreciation
80,312

 
73,967

Amortization of intangible assets
49,849

 
57,402

Gain on sale of discontinued operations, pretax

 
(23,631
)
Provision for deferred income taxes
23,727

 
64,052

Stock-based compensation
26,323

 
16,045

Other, net
1,696

 
(3,743
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
 
 
 
Receivables from clients
(91,506
)
 
16,846

Fiduciary assets
(12,016
)
 
113,017

Other current assets
(10,850
)
 
1,016

Other noncurrent assets
3,269

 
(6,432
)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred income
(10,501
)
 
(34,948
)
Employee-related liabilities
12,003

 
(128,510
)
Fiduciary liabilities
12,016

 
(113,017
)
Accrued retirement benefits and other employee-related liabilities
(92,254
)
 
(113,690
)
Professional liability claims reserves
21,801

 
9,418

Other current liabilities
13,709

 
(607
)
Other noncurrent liabilities
(29,385
)
 
(14,141
)
Income tax related accounts
(43,032
)
 
21,501

Cash flows from operating activities
270,489

 
222,751

Cash flows used in investing activities:
 
 
 
Cash paid for business acquisitions
(1,255
)
 
(210,814
)
Cash transferred with discontinued operations

 
(25,066
)
Proceeds from discontinued operations

 
256,953

Cash acquired from business acquisitions

 
3,949

Fixed assets and software for internal use
(48,540
)
 
(50,825
)
Capitalized software costs
(46,478
)
 
(36,596
)
Purchases of investments of consolidated variable interest entity

 
(109,510
)
Purchases of held-to-maturity investments
(202,757
)
 
(14,994
)
Redemptions of held-to-maturity investments
232,178

 

Purchases of available-for-sale securities
(8,449
)
 
(44,891
)
Sales and redemptions of available-for-sale securities
29,164

 
74,246

Cash flows used in investing activities
(46,137
)
 
(157,548
)
Cash flows (used in)/from financing activities:
 
 
 
Borrowings under credit facility
275,000

 
220,600

Repayments under credit facility
(275,000
)
 
(220,600
)
Repayments of notes payable
(18,750
)
 
(18,750
)
Cash received from consolidated variable interest entity

 
109,510

Contingent retention liability

 
21,746

Cash paid on retention liability
(10,338
)
 
(1,939
)
Dividends paid
(30,659
)
 
(11,165
)
Repurchases of common stock
(133,849
)
 
(74,506
)
Payroll tax payments on vested shares
(10,764
)
 
(7,457
)
Excess tax benefits
4,603

 
9,800

Cash flows (used in)/from financing activities
(199,757
)
 
27,239

Effect of exchange rates on cash
(62,036
)
 
11,713

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(37,441
)
 
104,155

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
727,849

 
532,805

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
690,408

 
$
636,960

Supplemental disclosures:
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
$
2,231

 
$
2,831

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds
$
163,674

 
$
45,414

Transfers into consolidated investment funds
$

 
$
223,212

 Deconsolidation of investment funds
$

 
$
339,019

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements

4



TOWERS WATSON & CO.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars and numbers of shares in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Class A
Common
Stock
Outstanding
 
Class A
Common
Stock
 
Class B
Common
Stock
Outstanding
 
Class B
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury
Stock, at
Cost
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss)/Income
 
Non-
Controlling
Interest
 
Total
Balance as of June 30, 2013
69,178

 
$
692

 
5,374

 
$
54

 
$
1,850,448

 
$
(221,643
)
 
$
1,394,407

 
$
(299,464
)
 
$
20,340

 
$
2,744,834

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 
276,908

 

 
7,057

 
283,965

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
96,911

 
(635
)
 
96,276

Repurchases of common stock

 

 

 

 

 
(74,506
)
 

 

 

 
(74,506
)
Shares received for employee taxes upon vesting of restricted stock units

 

 

 

 

 
(7,457
)
 

 

 

 
(7,457
)
Exercises of stock options

 

 

 

 
(4,380
)
 
5,064

 

 

 

 
684

Vesting of restricted stock units

 

 

 

 
(24,934
)
 
18,126

 

 

 

 
(6,808
)
Acquisitions

 

 

 

 
6,717

 

 

 

 
(6,297
)
 
420

Redeemable non-controlling interest from consolidated variable interest entity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
332,722

 
332,722

Deconsolidation of redeemable non-controlling interest from variable interest entity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(339,019
)
 
(339,019
)
Class A Common Stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

 
(20,905
)
 

 

 
(20,905
)
Excess tax benefits

 

 

 

 
9,800

 

 

 

 

 
9,800

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 
17,082

 

 

 

 

 
17,082

Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares
5,374

 
54

 
(5,374
)
 
(54
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2014
74,552

 
$
746

 

 
$

 
$
1,854,733

 
$
(280,416
)
 
$
1,650,410

 
$
(202,553
)
 
$
14,168

 
$
3,037,088

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of June 30, 2014
74,552

 
$
746

 

 
$

 
$
1,849,119

 
$
(286,182
)
 
$
1,722,927

 
$
(189,702
)
 
$
14,041

 
$
3,110,949

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 
295,876

 

 
366

 
296,242

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(290,801
)
 
(784
)
 
(291,585
)
Repurchases of common stock

 

 

 

 

 
(133,849
)
 

 

 

 
(133,849
)
Shares received for employee taxes upon vesting of restricted stock units

 

 

 

 

 
(8,001
)
 

 

 

 
(8,001
)
Exercises of stock options

 

 

 

 
(7,168
)
 
14,471

 

 

 

 
7,303

Vesting of restricted stock units

 

 

 

 
(3,607
)
 
11,238

 

 

 

 
7,631

Class A Common Stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Cash dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

 
(31,572
)
 

 

 
(31,572
)
Excess tax benefits

 

 

 

 
4,603

 

 

 

 

 
4,603

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 
26,323

 

 

 

 

 
26,323

Balance as of March 31, 2015
74,552

 
$
746

 

 
$

 
$
1,869,270

 
$
(402,323
)
 
$
1,987,231

 
$
(480,503
)
 
$
13,623

 
$
2,988,044

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements

5



TOWERS WATSON & CO.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts are in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Note 1 — Organization and Basis of Presentation.
The accompanying unaudited quarterly condensed consolidated financial statements of Towers Watson & Co. (“Towers Watson”, the “Company” or “we”) and our subsidiaries are presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). In the opinion of management, these condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements and results for the interim periods. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read together with the Towers Watson audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014, which was filed with the SEC on August 15, 2014, and may be accessed via EDGAR on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Balance sheet data as of June 30, 2014 was derived from Towers Watson’s audited financial statements.
Our fiscal year 2015 began July 1, 2014 and ends June 30, 2015.
The results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that can be expected for the entire fiscal year ending June 30, 2015. The results reflect certain estimates and assumptions made by management including those estimates used in calculating acquisition consideration and fair value of tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, professional liability claims, estimated bonuses, valuation of billed and unbilled receivables, and anticipated tax liabilities that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes.
As discussed further in Note 2Acquisitions and Divestitures, we have classified the operating results of our reinsurance and property and casualty insurance brokerage business as discontinued operations for all periods presented in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. This business was sold in November 2013.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements.
Not yet adopted
On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") issued their final standard on revenue from contracts with customers. The standard, issued as Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09 by the FASB, outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers, and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU applies to all contracts with customers, except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. Compared with current U.S. GAAP, the ASU also requires significantly expanded disclosures about revenue recognition. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods that begin after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is prohibited. However, the FASB recently proposed a one-year deferral of the adoption date allowing for early adoption. An ASU has not yet been released with this position. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this provision.
On June 19, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period. The update is intended to resolve the diverse accounting treatment of these types of awards in practice. The amendments require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)" as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved, and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. If the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods that begin after December 15, 2015. The

6



Company does not expect the adoption of this pronouncement to have an impact on our financial statements as this guidance mirrors our existing policy for such share-based awards.
On February 18, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which amends the consolidation requirements in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810 and significantly changes the consolidation analysis required under U.S. GAAP. Generally, the changes were made to introduce the concepts of principal versus agency relationships and to integrate them into the existing rules. The amendments rescind the indefinite deferral of ASU 2009-17 for investment funds and will impact the determination of whether an entity is a variable interest entity; the evaluation of a service provider's fees when identifying variable interests; and the extent to which related party interests are considered in the consolidation conclusion. For public business entities, the ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is allowed for all entities (including during an interim period), but the guidance must be applied as of the beginning of the annual period containing the adoption date. The Company plans to early adopt the ASU in our fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, and is still in the process of evaluating the impact to Towers Watson.
On April 7, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. For public companies, the ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the amendments is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this provision.
Adopted
On June 7, 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-08, Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946): Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements, which amends the criteria an entity would need to meet to qualify as an investment company under ASC 946. The ASU (1) introduces new disclosure requirements that apply to all investment companies and, (2) amends the measurement criteria for certain interests in other investment companies. The ASU also amends the requirements in ASC 810 related to qualifying for the “investment-company deferral” in ASU 2010-10, as well as the requirements in ASC 820 related to qualifying for the “net asset value practical expedient” in ASU 2009-12. We manage certain funds that are considered variable interest entities and for which our management fee is considered a variable interest. These funds qualify for the “investment-company deferral” in ASU 2010-10, and therefore are subject to the consolidation guidance prior to the issuance of ASU 2009-17. The ASU is effective for annual periods that begin after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company has evaluated whether these funds continued to qualify for the “investment-company deferral” based on the amended investment company criteria proscribed by ASU 2013-08 and concluded that there were no changes to the Company's original assessments. Therefore, there is no impact to the Company's financial statements or disclosures.
Note 2 — Acquisitions and Divestitures.
Acquisitions
Liazon Corporation Acquisition
On November 22, 2013, Towers Watson purchased Liazon Corporation (“Liazon”), a business focused on developing and delivering private benefit exchanges for active employees, for $204.3 million in cash and assumed equity awards valued at $8.0 million. See Note 11 for further information on the assumed equity awards. The Liazon business initially became a new line of business, which complements our other offerings under the Exchange Solutions segment, and is currently part of the Active Exchanges practice after the segment reorganization which became effective July 1, 2014. Together these solutions help organizations, both large and small, deliver self- and fully-insured benefits to both employees as well as pre- and post-65 retirees. We included the results of Liazon's operations since the acquisition date in both the Exchange Solutions segment and in our condensed consolidated financial statements.
We have recorded the tangible assets received, liabilities assumed, and the fair value of intangibles for Liazon. The intangibles included developed technology, valued at $34.3 million, and other intangibles that were collectively immaterial. Our estimate of fair value for the technology intangible was developed using the multi-period excess earnings method valuation model. Significant assumptions used in the valuation were estimated revenues and expenses, contributory asset charges, required rates of return, and discount rates. We also recorded a net deferred tax asset of $9.2 million. It was determined that total consideration was $212.3 million, and we recorded $172.9 million of goodwill related to the acquisition of Liazon.

7



Divestitures
Sale of our Brokerage business
On September 19, 2013, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our Reinsurance and Property and Casualty Insurance Brokerage (“Brokerage”) business to Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc (“JLT”) for cash consideration of $250 million. The Brokerage business was a component of our Risk and Financial Services segment. The sale closed during our second quarter of fiscal year 2014. We divested this business as part of our strategy to focus on other areas of the business. We continue to focus on risk consulting, software and other services for the insurance industry. The business was branded for a transitional period of 10 months from the closing date as JLT Towers Re.
As part of the transaction, we entered into an Alliance Agreement with JLT that will ensure clients have continued access to our risk consulting and software services. This agreement will also provide JLT Towers Re with continued use of Towers Watson’s proprietary actuarial models and software.
The Company assessed the guidance under ASC 205 to determine if the Alliance Agreement or any other terms of the sale agreement constituted significant continuing direct cash flows or significant continuing involvement with the Brokerage business after the sale. The Company compared the cash flows expected to be recognized from the Brokerage business as a result of the continuation or migration of activities after the disposal transaction to the projected generation of cash flows by the Brokerage business that we could have expected absent the disposal transaction. Based on this analysis, the expected annual cash inflows or outflows related to the portion of revenues shared or commissions received or paid and software sales under the Alliance Agreement were each expected to represent approximately 1% or less of the annual revenues generated by our Brokerage business operations prior to the disposal. This was deemed not significant. Actual results have been within the original expectations and continue to be not significant.
The Company also calculated the expected cash flows associated with the placement of its insurance and reinsurance arrangements. The Company agreed to use JLT as its broker-of-record for all insurance and reinsurance transactions to which the Company’s wholly-owned captive insurance company, Stone Mountain Insurance Company, is a party through November 2018. These amounts were previously eliminated as intercompany transactions, and were $2.8 million for fiscal year 2014. Additionally, the Company agreed to a Transitional Services Agreement with JLT for a two-year period ending November 5, 2015. The Company expects to incur approximately $6.3 million each year in occupancy or other infrastructure costs, which were prepaid as part of deal consideration or will be repaid by JLT over the two-year period. The cash flows associated with these arrangements represented approximately 7.4% of the annual expenses generated by our Brokerage operations prior to the disposal, which was deemed not significant.
The Company noted that none of the aforementioned agreements or arrangements constituted significant continuing involvement because they do not afford the Company the ability to influence the financial or operating decisions of JLT. Accordingly, we concluded that the continuing cash flows expected after the sale of our Brokerage business did not preclude discontinued operations presentation, and the Company therefore classified the results of our Brokerage business’s operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. There was no revenue or income from discontinued operations in the current fiscal year. The following selected financial information relates to the Brokerage business’s operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2014: 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2014
Revenue from discontinued operations
$

 
$
63,762

 
 
 
 
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations before taxes
(1,037
)
 
23,361

Tax expense on discontinued operations
188

 
8,989

Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations
$
(1,225
)
 
$
14,372

 
 
 
 
Gain from sale of discontinued operations
5,151

 
23,631

Tax (credit)/expense on gain from sale of discontinued operations
(13
)
 
32,023

Net income/(loss) from sale of discontinued operations
5,164

 
(8,392
)
Total net income from discontinued operations
$
3,939

 
$
5,980

Only the fiduciary assets and liabilities associated with the European businesses were sold. North American fiduciary assets and liabilities were not disposed of during the sale due to certain legal restrictions which do not permit the transfer of these

8



assets and liabilities. The subsequent settlement of the North American fiduciary assets and liabilities was presented within the operating section of our statement of cash flows for the year ended June 30, 2014.
In addition to the stated $250 million cash consideration stipulated in the sale agreement, a purchase price adjustment of $31.4 million was paid to the Company by JLT representing the value of net assets transferred in the sale.
As part of the sale, the Company agreed to repay JLT for retention payments made to certain employees of Brokerage if they remain with the business on the 30-day anniversary of the sale and the first and second anniversary of the sale. The value ascribed to this portion of the obligation is $21.7 million at the time of the sale. The remaining liability at March 31, 2015 is carried at fair value on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets (see Note 5Fair Value Measurements). The total amount has been classified as current or non-current liabilities based on the expected payment dates.
The obligation for retention payments and certain other negotiated terms reduced total consideration received at close to $215.1 million. Total transaction and integration costs were approximately $6.4 million. We finalized the completion accounts and the purchase price adjustments during the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Our final pre-tax gain on the sale was $24.0 million. The sale of our Brokerage business resulted in a significant taxable gain since the disposal of the goodwill and intangible assets associated with the business was not tax-deductible.
Note 3 — Investments.
Held-to-maturity - Our held-to-maturity investments are comprised of term deposits, certificates of deposit, and certain bonds with original maturities greater than 90 days. As of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, all held-to-maturity investments were included in short-term investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity investments were $232.2 million during the nine months ended March 31, 2015, resulting in immaterial realized gains. There were no proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity investments during the nine months ended March 31, 2014.
Available-for-sale - Our available-for-sale securities are comprised of equity securities and mutual funds / exchange-traded funds. Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments of available-for-sale securities during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 were $29.2 million, resulting in immaterial gains. Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments of available-for-sale securities during the nine months ended March 31, 2014 were $74.2 million, resulting in realized gains of $0.8 million that is reflected as income from discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
Additional information on the Company's investments is provided in the following table as of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014:
 
As of March 31, 2015
 
As of June 30, 2014
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Short Term Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term deposits & Certificates of deposits
$
20,229

 
$

 
$

 
$
20,229

 
$
107,556

 
$

 
$

 
$
107,556

Fixed income securities
43,830






43,830









Available-for-sale:


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Equity securities
102

 

 
(10
)
 
92

 
126

 
7

 
(3
)
 
130

Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds
5,017

 
9

 

 
5,026

 
15,033

 
42

 

 
15,075

Total Short-Term Investments:
69,178

 
9

 
(10
)
 
69,177

 
122,715

 
49

 
(3
)
 
122,761

Other Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds
36,975

 
51

 

 
37,026

 
42,147

 
451

 

 
42,598

Total Investments in Other Assets
$
36,975

 
$
51

 
$

 
$
37,026

 
$
42,147

 
$
451

 
$

 
$
42,598

For all investments other than fixed income securities, amortized cost represents the cost basis of the investment as of the purchase date. For fixed income securities, amortized cost represents the face value of the bond plus the unamortized portion of the bond premium as of the date presented. There were no material investments that have been in a continuous loss position for more than twelve months, and there have been no other-than-temporary impairments recognized. The aggregate fair value of

9



investments with unrealized losses as of March 31, 2015 was $0.1 million. The aggregate fair value of investments with unrealized losses as of June 30, 2014 was immaterial.
Note 4 — Goodwill and Intangible Assets.
The components of goodwill are outlined below for the nine months ended March 31, 2015:
 
Benefits
 
Risk and
Financial
Services
 
Talent and
Rewards
 
Exchange
Solutions
 
All Other
 
Total
Balance as of June 30, 2014
$
1,290,789

 
$
391,549

 
$
113,862

 
$
515,644

 
$
1,214

 
$
2,313,058

Goodwill related to acquisitions

 

 

 
(1,255
)
 

 
(1,255
)
Goodwill reallocated in segment restructuring
(54,052
)
 

 

 
54,052

 

 

Translation adjustment
(139,149
)
 
(48,399
)
 
(12,148
)
 

 

 
(199,696
)
Balance as of March 31, 2015
$
1,097,588

 
$
343,150

 
$
101,714

 
$
568,441

 
$
1,214

 
$
2,112,107

Included in the Benefits and Exchange Solutions information is a $54.1 million preliminary reclassification of goodwill related to the segment reorganization, which was effective on July 1, 2014. See Note 13 for additional information regarding the segment reorganization.
The following table reflects changes in the net carrying amount of the components of finite-lived intangible assets for the nine months ended March 31, 2015:
 
Customer
related
intangible
 
Core/
developed
technology
 
Favorable
lease
agreements
 
Total
Balance as of June 30, 2014
$
198,855

 
$
75,827

 
$
2,617

 
$
277,299

Amortization
(32,615
)
 
(17,234
)
 
(710
)
 
(50,559
)
Translation adjustment
(12,369
)
 
(754
)
 
(35
)
 
(13,158
)
Balance as of March 31, 2015
$
153,871

 
$
57,839

 
$
1,872

 
$
213,582

We record amortization related to our intangible assets. Exclusive of the amortization of our favorable lease agreements, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015, we recorded $15.0 million and $49.8 million, respectively, of amortization, and for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2014, we recorded $19.4 million and $57.4 million, respectively, of amortization. These amounts include amortization that has been classified within income from discontinued operations on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Our indefinite-lived non-amortizable intangible assets consist of acquired trade names. The carrying value of these assets was $366.0 million and $380.0 million as of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively. The change during the period was due to foreign currency translation.
Our acquired unfavorable lease liabilities were $7.9 million and $10.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively, and are recorded in the other noncurrent liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The change for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 was comprised primarily of a reduction to rent expense of $2.2 million.

10



The following table reflects the carrying value of finite-lived intangible assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014:
 
As of March 31, 2015

As of June 30, 2014

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization
Finite-lived intangible assets and liabilities:








Trade name
$
150

 
$
150

 
$
520

 
$
520

Customer related intangibles
358,123

 
204,252

 
391,201

 
192,346

Core/developed technology
162,869

 
105,030

 
175,948

 
100,121

Favorable lease agreements
6,292

 
4,420

 
6,488

 
3,871

Total finite-lived intangible assets
$
527,434


$
313,852


$
574,157


$
296,858

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unfavorable lease agreements
22,873

 
14,935

 
24,818

 
14,588

Total finite-lived intangible liabilities
$
22,873


$
14,935


$
24,818


$
14,588

Certain trademark and trade-name intangible assets have indefinite useful lives and are not amortized. The weighted average remaining life of amortizable intangible assets and liabilities at March 31, 2015 was 4.5 years.
The table below reflects the following for the remainder of fiscal year 2015 and for subsequent fiscal years:
1) Future estimated amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets consisting of customer related intangibles and core/developed technology, and
2) The rent offset resulting from the amortization of the net lease intangible assets and liabilities:
Fiscal year ending June 30,
Amortization

Rent (Offset)
Expense
2015
$
19,308

 
$
(429
)
2016
53,079

 
(1,604
)
2017
49,222

 
(1,871
)
2018
41,466

 
(1,981
)
2019
27,155

 
(315
)
Thereafter
21,480

 
134

Total
$
211,710


$
(6,066
)
Note 5 — Fair Value Measurements.
We have categorized our financial instruments into a three-level fair value hierarchy. 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.
Financial assets and liabilities recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets are categorized based on the inputs in the valuation techniques as follows:
Level 1 — Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date.
Level 2 — Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 — Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

11



The following presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014:
 
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis at March 31, 2015
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
$
92

 
$

 
$

 
$
92

Mutual funds / exchange traded funds
42,052

 

 

 
42,052

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forwards (a)

 
2,673

 

 
2,673

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forwards (a)

 
1,320

 

 
1,320

Contingent Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retention bonus liability (b)

 

 
9,923

 
9,923

 
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis at June 30, 2014
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
$
130

 
$

 
$

 
$
130

Mutual funds / exchange traded funds
57,673

 

 

 
57,673

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forwards (a)

 
639

 

 
639

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forwards (a)

 
550

 

 
550

Contingent Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retention bonus liability (b)

 

 
19,998

 
19,998

_________________________
(a)
These derivative investments are included in other current assets or accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred income on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. See Note 6 for further information on our derivative investments.
(b)
This liability is included in other current liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities at June 30, 2014, and other current liabilities at March 31, 2015, on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow model.
We record gains or losses related to the changes in the fair value of our financial instruments for foreign exchange forward contracts accounted for as foreign currency hedges in general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015, we recorded losses of $1.1 million for instruments still held at March 31, 2015. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2014, we recorded gains of $0.1 million for instruments still held at March 31, 2014. There were no material gains or losses recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for available-for-sale securities still held at March 31, 2015 or 2014.
We generally use third-party pricing services in determining the fair value of our investments. The pricing services use observable inputs when available. These values take into account recent market activity as well as other market observable data such as interest rate, spread and prepayment information. We perform various procedures to evaluate the accuracy of the fair values provided by the third-party service provider. These procedures include obtaining a detailed understanding of the models, inputs, and assumptions used in developing prices provided by the pricing services. This understanding includes a review of the vendors’ Service Organization Controls report and, as necessary, discussions with valuation resources at the pricing services. We obtain the information necessary to assess the model, inputs and assumptions used to comply with U.S. GAAP, including disclosure requirements. Additional information related to the Company’s fair valuation process is included in our financial statements and the notes thereto as filed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K on August 15, 2014.

12



Transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2
There were no securities transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 or the year ended June 30, 2014. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period.
Level 3 Financial Instruments
The fair value of the retention bonus liability is determined using a discounted cash flows model. The significant unobservable inputs used in the discounted cash flows model are a credit-adjusted interest rate of 1.7% and an assumed forfeiture rate of 7.0%. Changes in each of these unobservable inputs would have adjusted the fair value as follows:
Interest rate - The lowest and highest interest rates that we could have used to value the bonus retention liability are 0.5% to 10.0%, which would have resulted in values of $10.0 million and $9.2 million, respectively.
Forfeiture rates - Changing the assumed forfeiture rate to either 5.0% or 10.0% would have resulted in values of $10.1 million and $9.6 million, respectively.
Fair Value Measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
Beginning balance - June 30, 2014
$
(19,998
)
Payments
10,338

Unrealized gains/(losses)
(263
)
Ending balance - March 31, 2015
$
(9,923
)
Note 6 — Derivative Financial Instruments.
We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Where possible, we identify exposures in our business that can be offset internally. Where no natural offset is identified, we may choose to enter into various derivative transactions. These instruments have the effect of reducing our exposure to unfavorable changes in foreign currency rates. We do not enter into derivative transactions for trading purposes.
A number of our foreign subsidiaries receive revenues (through either internal or external billing) in currencies other than their functional currency. As a result, the foreign subsidiary’s functional currency revenue will fluctuate as the currency exchange rates change. To reduce this variability, we use foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge the foreign exchange risk of the forecasted collections. We have designated these derivatives as cash flow hedges of the forecasted foreign currency denominated collections. We also use derivative financial contracts, principally foreign exchange forward contracts, to hedge other non-functional currency obligations. These exposures primarily arise from intercompany lending and other liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. At March 31, 2015, the longest outstanding maturity was 15 months. As of March 31, 2015, a net $2.4 million pretax gain was deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income and is expected to be recognized in general and administrative expenses during the next 12 months when the hedged revenue is recognized.
As of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, we had cash flow and economic hedges with a notional value of $57.1 million and $49.5 million, respectively, to hedge cash flow and balance sheet exposures. We determine the fair value of our foreign currency derivatives based on quoted prices received from the counterparty for each contract, which we evaluate using pricing models whose inputs are observable. The net fair value of all derivatives held as of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014 was an asset of $1.4 million and an asset of $0.1 million, respectively. See Note 5, Fair Value Measurements, for further information regarding the determination of fair value.

13



The fair value of our derivative instruments held as of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014 and their location in the condensed consolidated balance sheet are as follows:
 
Derivative assets

Derivative liabilities
 
Balance sheet
location

Fair value

Balance sheet
location

Fair value
 
 

March 31, 2015

June 30, 2014

 

March 31, 2015

June 30, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forwards
Other current assets
 
$
2,671

 
$
618

 
Accounts payable,
accrued liabilities
and deferred income
 
$
(129
)
 
$
(513
)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forwards
Other current assets
 
2

 
21

 
Accounts payable,
accrued liabilities
and deferred income
 
(1,191
)
 
(37
)
Total derivative assets (liabilities)


$
2,673


$
639




$
(1,320
)

$
(550
)
The effects of derivative instruments that are designated as hedging instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and the condensed consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
Gain recognized in OCI
(effective portion)
 
Location
of gain/(loss) reclassified
from OCI into income
(effective portion)
 
Gain/(loss) reclassified
from OCI into income
(effective portion)
 
Location of gain/(loss) recognized in income
(ineffective portion and
amount excluded from
effectiveness testing)
 
Gain/(loss) recognized
in income (ineffective
portion and
amount excluded from
effectiveness testing)
 
 
2015

2014
 
 

2015

2014
 
 
 
2015

2014
Foreign exchange forwards
 
$
1,656

 
$
85

 
General and
administrative
expenses
 
$
824

 
$
(520
)
 
General and
administrative
expenses
 
$
49

 
$
(4
)
Total

$
1,656


$
85




$
824


$
(520
)



$
49


$
(4
)
Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
Gain/(loss) recognized in OCI
(effective portion)
 
Location
of gain reclassified
from OCI into income
(effective portion)
 
Gain reclassified
from OCI into income
(effective portion)
 
Location of gain/(loss) recognized in income
(ineffective portion and
amount excluded from
effectiveness testing)
 
Gain/(loss) recognized
in income (ineffective
portion and
amount excluded from
effectiveness testing)
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
Foreign exchange forwards
 
$
3,430

 
$
(1,978
)
 
General and
administrative
expenses
 
$
1,105

 
$
852

 
General and
administrative
expenses
 
$
62

 
$
(1
)
Total
 
$
3,430

 
$
(1,978
)
 
 
 
$
1,105

 
$
852

 
 
 
$
62

 
$
(1
)
Included in the notional values above are $23.0 million and $24.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively, of derivatives held as economic hedges primarily to hedge intercompany loans denominated in currencies other than the functional currency. The effects of derivatives that have not been designated as hedging instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 

 

(Loss)/gain recognized in income
 



Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
Location of (loss)/gain
recognized in income

2015

2014
 
2015
 
2014
Foreign exchange forwards
 
General and administrative expenses
 
$
(2,567
)
 
$
(365
)
 
$
(5,151
)
 
$
697

Total



$
(2,567
)

$
(365
)
 
$
(5,151
)
 
$
697

Note 7 — Retirement Benefits.
Defined Benefit Plans
Towers Watson sponsors both qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans in North America and Europe. As of June 30, 2014, these funded and unfunded plans represented 98 percent of Towers Watson’s pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations and are disclosed herein. Towers Watson also sponsors funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans in certain other countries as well, representing the remaining two percent of the liability. All expenses and contributions presented in this note are inclusive of amounts classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s defined benefit pension plan for North America and Europe for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015

2014
 
North
America

Europe

North
America

Europe
Service cost
$
17,636

 
$
954

 
$
17,493

 
$
3,054

Interest cost
34,168

 
9,616

 
35,062

 
10,182

Expected return on plan assets
(52,661
)
 
(13,536
)
 
(46,968
)
 
(11,457
)
Settlement

 
3,972

 

 

Amortization of net loss
4,353

 
2,470

 
5,473

 
2,235

Amortization of prior service (credit)/cost
(2,095
)
 
10

 
(2,095
)
 
10

Other

 
148

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost
$
1,401


$
3,634


$
8,965


$
4,024

 
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
North
America
 
Europe
 
North
America
 
Europe
Service cost
$
53,529

 
$
7,516

 
$
52,819

 
$
9,162

Interest cost
103,320

 
29,933

 
105,628

 
30,545

Expected return on plan assets
(159,029
)
 
(39,294
)
 
(141,375
)
 
(34,370
)
Settlement

 
3,972

 

 

Amortization of net loss
13,304

 
8,895

 
16,597

 
6,706

Amortization of prior service (credit)/cost
(6,285
)
 
31

 
(6,284
)
 
31

Other

 
148

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost
$
4,839

 
$
11,201

 
$
27,385

 
$
12,074

The decrease in our North American pension expense was primarily driven by an increase in the expected return on assets. This higher expected return in fiscal year 2015 relates to larger pension asset values at the beginning of the fiscal year caused by favorable investment returns in fiscal year 2014.

14



Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Other Postretirement Plans
The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s post-retirement plans for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2015

2014
 
2015
 
2014
Service cost
$
318


$
365

 
$
960

 
$
1,097

Interest cost
2,020


2,216

 
6,115

 
6,647

Expected return on plan assets
(24
)

(28
)
 
(72
)
 
(84
)
Amortization of net gain
(441
)

(436
)
 
(1,321
)
 
(1,309
)
Amortization of prior service credit
(1,726
)

(1,751
)
 
(5,179
)
 
(5,253
)
Net periodic benefit cost
$
147


$
366

 
$
503

 
$
1,098

Employer Contributions to Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The Company made $31.1 million in contributions to the North American plans during the first nine months of fiscal year 2015, and anticipates making $0.4 million in contributions over the remainder of the fiscal year. The Company made $35.3 million in contributions to European plans during the first nine months of fiscal year 2015, and anticipates making $13.3 million in contributions over the remainder of the fiscal year.
Defined Contribution Plans
The cost of the Company's contributions to the various U.S. defined contribution plans amounted to $10.3 million and $9.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and to $21.4 million and $22.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The cost of the Company's contributions to the various U.K. defined contribution plans amounted to $4.9 million and $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and to $14.8 million and $15.1 million for each of the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Note 8 — Debt, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.
The debt, commitments and contingencies described below are currently in effect and would require Towers Watson, or domestic subsidiaries, to make payments to third parties under certain circumstances. In addition to commitments and contingencies specifically described below, Towers Watson has historically provided guarantees on an infrequent basis to third parties in the ordinary course of business.
Towers Watson Senior Credit Facility
On November 7, 2011, Towers Watson and certain subsidiaries entered into a five-year, $500 million revolving credit facility, which amount may be increased by an aggregate amount of $250 million, subject to the satisfaction of customary terms and conditions, with a syndicate of banks (the “Senior Credit Facility”). Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility bear interest at a spread to either LIBOR or the Prime Rate. During the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the weighted-average interest rate on borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility was 1.40% and 1.93%, respectively. We are charged a quarterly commitment fee, currently 0.175% of the Senior Credit Facility, which varies with our financial leverage and is paid on the unused portion of the Senior Credit Facility. Obligations under the Senior Credit Facility are guaranteed by Towers Watson and all of its domestic subsidiaries (other than Professional Consultants Insurance Company (“PCIC”), a majority-owned captive insurance company, and Stone Mountain Insurance Company (“SMIC”), a wholly-owned captive insurance company).
The Senior Credit Facility contains customary representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants. The Senior Credit Facility requires Towers Watson to maintain certain financial covenants that include a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and a maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio (which terms in each case are defined in the Senior Credit Facility). In addition, the Senior Credit Facility contains restrictions on the ability of Towers Watson to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness; pay dividends; make distributions; create liens on assets; make acquisitions; dispose of property; engage in sale-leaseback transactions; engage in mergers or consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions; engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and make changes in lines of businesses. As of March 31, 2015, we were in compliance with our covenants.

15



As of March 31, 2015, Towers Watson had no outstanding borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility.
Letters of Credit under the Senior Credit Facility
As of March 31, 2015, Towers Watson had standby letters of credit totaling $21.4 million associated with our captive insurance companies in the event that we fail to meet our financial obligations. Additionally, Towers Watson had $0.8 million of standby letters of credit covering various other existing or potential business obligations. The aforementioned letters of credit are issued under the Senior Credit Facility, and therefore reduce the amount that can be borrowed under the Senior Credit Facility by the outstanding amount of these standby letters of credit.
Term Loan Agreement Due June 2017
On June 1, 2012, the Company entered into a five-year $250 million amortizing term loan facility (“the Term Loan”) with a consortium of banks. The interest rate on the term loan is based on the Company’s choice of one, three or six month LIBOR plus a spread of 1.25% to 1.75%, or alternatively the bank base rate plus 0.25% to 0.75%. The spread to each index is dependent on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. The weighted-average interest rate on the Term Loan during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was 1.41% and 1.42%, respectively. The Term Loan amortizes at a rate of $6.3 million per quarter, beginning in September 2013, with a final maturity date of June 1, 2017. The Company has the right to prepay a portion or all of the outstanding Term Loan balance on any interest payment date without penalty. At March 31, 2015, the balance on the Term Loan was $206.5 million.
This agreement contains substantially the same terms and conditions as our Senior Credit Facility, including guarantees from all of the domestic subsidiaries of Towers Watson (other than PCIC and SMIC). The Company entered into the Term Loan as part of the financing of our acquisition of Extend Health on May 29, 2012.
Indemnification Agreements
Towers Watson has various agreements which provide that it may be obligated to indemnify the other party to the agreement with respect to certain matters. Generally, these indemnification provisions are included in contracts arising in the normal course of business and in connection with the purchase and sale of certain businesses. Although it is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments that may become due under these indemnification agreements because of the conditional nature of Towers Watson’s obligations and the unique facts of each particular agreement, Towers Watson does not believe any potential liability that might arise from such indemnity provisions is probable or material. There are no provisions for recourse to third parties, nor are any assets held by any third parties that any guarantor can liquidate to recover amounts paid under such indemnities.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, Towers Watson and its subsidiaries are parties to various lawsuits, arbitrations or mediations that arise in the ordinary course of business. Towers Watson was formed on January 1, 2010, upon the merger (the “Merger”) of Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc. (“Watson Wyatt”) and Towers, Perrin, Forster & Crosby, Inc. (“Towers Perrin”), and its subsidiaries include both Watson Wyatt and Towers Perrin. The matters reported on below relate to certain pending claims or demands against Towers Watson and its subsidiaries. We do not expect the impact of claims or demands not described below to be material to Towers Watson’s financial statements. We also receive subpoenas in the ordinary course of business and, from time-to-time, receive requests for information in connection with governmental investigations.
Towers Watson carries substantial professional liability insurance which, effective July 1, 2010, has been provided by SMIC. For the policy period beginning July 1, 2011 certain changes were made to our professional liability insurance program. Our professional liability insurance for each annualized policy period commencing July 1, 2011, up to and including the policy period commencing July 1, 2014, includes a $10 million aggregate self-insured retention above the $1 million self-insured retention per claim, including the cost of defending such claims. SMIC provides us with $40 million of coverage per claim and in the aggregate, above the retentions, including the cost of defending such claims. SMIC secured $25 million of reinsurance from unaffiliated reinsurance companies in excess of the $15 million SMIC retained layer. Excess insurance attaching above the SMIC coverage is provided by various unaffiliated commercial insurance companies.
This structure effectively results in Towers Watson and SMIC bearing the first $25 million of loss per occurrence or in the aggregate above the $1 million per claim self-insured retention. As a wholly-owned captive insurance company, SMIC is consolidated into our financial statements.
Before the Merger, Watson Wyatt and Towers Perrin each obtained substantial professional liability insurance from PCIC. A limit of $50 million per claim and in the aggregate was provided by PCIC subject to a $1 million per claim self-insured retention. PCIC secured reinsurance of $25 million attaching above the $25 million PCIC retained layer from unaffiliated

16



reinsurance companies. Our ownership interest in PCIC is 72.86%. As a consequence, PCIC’s results are consolidated in Towers Watson’s operating results. PCIC ceased issuing insurance policies effective July 1, 2010 and at that time entered into a run-off mode of operation. Our shareholder agreements with PCIC could require additional payments to PCIC if development of claims significantly exceeds prior expectations.
We provide for the self-insured retention where specific estimated losses and loss expenses for known claims are considered probable and reasonably estimable. Although we maintain professional liability insurance coverage, this insurance does not cover claims made after expiration of our current policies of insurance. Generally accepted accounting principles require that we record a liability for incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) professional liability claims if they are probable and reasonably estimable. We use actuarial assumptions to estimate and record our IBNR liability. As of March 31, 2015, we had a $181.3 million IBNR liability balance, net of estimated IBNR recoverable receivables of our captive insurance companies. This net liability was $173.8 million as of June 30, 2014. To the extent our captive insurance companies, PCIC and SMIC, expect losses to be covered by a third party, they record a receivable for the amount expected to be recovered. This receivable is classified in other current or other noncurrent assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.
We reserve for contingent liabilities based on ASC 450, Contingencies, when it is determined that a liability, inclusive of defense costs, is probable and reasonably estimable. The contingent liabilities recorded are primarily developed actuarially. Litigation is subject to many factors which are difficult to predict so there can be no assurance that in the event of a material unfavorable result in one or more claims, we will not incur material costs.
Current and Former Employees of Teck Metals, Ltd.
A class action is currently pending against the Company in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. On July 14, 2009, James Weldon, an employee of Teck Metals, Ltd. (“Teck”) commenced an action against Teck and Towers Perrin Inc. (now known as Towers Watson Canada Inc.). On October 17, 2011, Leonard Bleier, a former employee of Teck, sued Teck and Towers Perrin. Aside from their employment status, the allegations in the action commenced by Bleier (retired from Teck in 2006) are substantively similar in all material respects to those in the action commenced by Weldon (employed by Teck at the time the action commenced). Both actions were brought in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, and that court consolidated the actions on June 21, 2012.
On October 1, 2012, the Company filed a response to the plaintiffs' consolidated and amended claim denying the legal and factual basis for the plaintiffs' claim. On December 21, 2012, the court certified the consolidated case as a class action.
At all times relevant to the plaintiffs’ claim, Towers Perrin acted as the actuarial advisor for Teck’s defined benefit pension plan. According to the plaintiffs' allegations, in 1992 and on Towers Perrin's advice, Teck offered its non-union, salaried employees a one-time option to continue participation in Teck’s defined benefit pension plan or to transfer to a newly established defined contribution plan. The plaintiffs also allege that Towers Perrin assisted Teck in preparing—and that Towers Perrin approved—informational materials and a computer-based modeling tool that Teck distributed to eligible employees prior to the employees electing whether to transfer. Several hundred employees elected to transfer from the defined benefit pension plan to the defined contribution plan on January 1, 1993.
The plaintiff class comprises current and former Teck employees who elected to transfer from the defined benefit pension plan to the defined contribution plan. As of October 23, 2014, the Company understands there to be 436 individuals in the class.
The plaintiffs, on behalf of the class, allege that Towers Perrin was professionally negligent and that Teck and Towers Perrin breached statutory and fiduciary duties and acted deceitfully by providing incomplete, inaccurate, and misleading information to participants in Teck’s defined benefit plan regarding the option to transfer to the defined contribution plan. Principally, the plaintiffs allege that the risks of the defined contribution plan—including investment risk and annuity risk—were downplayed, either negligently or with the specific intent of causing eligible employees to transfer to the defined contribution plan.
The plaintiffs seek assorted declaratory relief; an injunction reinstating them and all class members into the defined benefit plan with full rights and benefits as if they had not transferred; disgorgement against Teck; damages in the amount necessary to provide the plaintiffs and all class members with the pension and other benefits they would have accrued if they had not transferred; interest as allowed by law; and such further and other relief as to the court may seem just.
In a settlement agreement dated October 31, 2014, the Company, plaintiffs, and Teck agreed to resolve all claims in this litigation. The settlement agreement is subject to court approval. Based on all of the information to date, the Company believes the likelihood of a material loss is remote.

17



City of Houston
On August 1, 2014, the City of Houston ("plaintiff") filed suit against the Company in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division.
In the complaint, plaintiff alleges various deficiencies in pension actuarial work-product and advice stated to have been provided by the Company's predecessor firm, Towers Perrin, in its capacity as principal actuary to the Houston Firefighters' Relief and Retirement Fund (the "Fund"). ‎Towers Perrin is stated to have acted in this capacity between "the early 1980s until 2002".
In particular, the complaint is critical of two reports allegedly issued by Towers Perrin — one in February 2000 and the other in April 2000 — containing actuarial valuations upon which plaintiff claims to have relied. Plaintiff claims that the reports indicated that the City’s minimum contribution percentages to the Fund would remain in place through at least 2018; and ‎that existing benefits under the Fund could be increased, and new benefits could be added, without increasing plaintiff's financial burden, and without increasing plaintiff's rate of annual contributions to the Fund. The complaint alleges that plaintiff relied on these reports when supporting a new benefit package for the Fund.  These reports, and other advice, are alleged, among other things, to have been negligent, to have misrepresented the present and future financial condition of the Fund and the contributions required to be made by plaintiff to support those benefits, and to have constituted professional malpractice. Plaintiff asserts that, but for Towers Perrin's alleged negligence and misrepresentations, plaintiff would not have supported the benefit increase, and that such increased benefits would not and could not have been approved or enacted.  It is further asserted that Towers Perrin's alleged "negligence and misrepresentations damaged the City to the tune of tens of millions of dollars in annual contributions."
Plaintiff seeks the award of actual damages, exemplary damages, special damages, attorney's fees and expenses, costs of suit, pre- and post- judgment interest at the maximum legal rate, and other unspecified legal and equitable relief.  Plaintiff has not yet quantified fully its asserted damages. 
On October 10, 2014, the Company filed a motion to dismiss plaintiff's entire complaint on the basis that the complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. On November 21, 2014, the City filed its response in opposition to the Company's motion to dismiss. To date, no hearing on that motion has been scheduled.
Given the stage of the proceedings, the Company is currently unable to provide an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. The Company disputes the allegations, and intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously.
British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme
On September 4, 2014, Towers Watson Limited ("TWL"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, received a Letter of Claim (the "Demand Letter") on behalf of Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme Trustees Limited (the "Trustee"), trustee of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (the "Scheme").  The Demand Letter was sent under the Professional Negligence Pre-Action Protocol, a pre-action dispute resolution procedure which applies in England and Wales.
In the Demand Letter, it is asserted that the Trustee has a claim against TWL in respect of allegedly negligent investment consulting advice provided to it by Watson Wyatt Limited, in the United Kingdom, in particular with regard to a currency hedge that was implemented in connection with the Scheme’s investment of £250,000,000 in a Bluebay local currency emerging market debt fund in August 2008.  It is alleged that the currency hedge has caused a substantial loss to the Scheme, quantified at £47,500,000, for the period August 2008 to October 2012.  
TWL sent a Letter of Response on December 23, 2014.
Based on all of the information to date, and given the stage of the matter, TWL is currently unable to provide an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss.  TWL disputes the allegations, and intends to defend the matter vigorously. 
Meriter Health Services
On January 12, 2015, Towers Watson Delaware Inc. ("TWDE"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was served with a Summons and Complaint (the "Complaint") on behalf of Meriter Health Services, Inc. ("Meriter"), plan sponsor of the Meriter Health Services Employee Retirement Plan (the “Plan”).  The Complaint was filed in Wisconsin State Court in Dane County; on February 12, 2015, the Complaint was removed to the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. On March 10, 2015, Meriter filed a Motion to Remand, seeking to transfer the Complaint back to Wisconsin State Court in Dane County.

18



In the Complaint, among other allegations, it is asserted that Meriter has a claim against TWDE, and other entities, in respect of allegedly negligent benefits consulting advice provided to it by Towers, Perrin, Forster & Crosby, Inc. (“TPFC”) and Davis, Conder, Enderle & Sloan, Inc. (“DCES”), including TPFC’s involvement in the Plan design and drafting of the Plan document in 1987, DCES’ Plan review in 2001, and Plan redesign, Plan amendment and drafting of ERISA section 204(h) notices. Additionally, Meriter asserts that TPFC and DCES breached an alleged duty to advise Meriter regarding the competency of Meriter’s then ERISA counsel.
In 2010, a putative class action lawsuit related to the Plan was filed by Plan participants against Meriter alleging a number of claims involving ERISA. The lawsuit was settled in 2015 for $82 million. While the Complaint does not include a specific, quantified demand, it does refer to the $82 million paid out by Meriter in settlement of the class action, and other damages which are not specified in the Complaint. On April 13, 2015, TWDE and other defendants filed with the court their respective Answers to the Complaint.
Based on all of the information to date, and given the stage of the matter, TWDE is currently unable to provide an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss.  TWDE disputes the allegations, and intends to defend the matter vigorously.
Note 9 — Variable Interest Entities.
We offer integrated solutions that include different combinations of investment management or consulting, pension administration, and actuarial services, through funding vehicles holding approximately $4.2 billion of assets in entities that are considered variable interest entities ("VIEs") and for which our management fee is considered a variable interest. In addition, some of the investments in these entities are held by the Company's retirement plans, which are considered related parties.
We have determined that some of the VIEs qualify for the deferral to certain provisions of ASC Subtopic 810-10, Consolidation – Overall, afforded by ASU 2010-10, Consolidation – Amendments for Certain Investment Funds. In accordance with this deferral, we determine whether we consolidate each VIE based on whether we absorb a majority of the VIE’s expected losses or receive a majority of the VIE’s expected returns. For VIEs that do not qualify for the deferral, we determine whether we consolidate based on whether we have both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE and a variable interest that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
We are not the primary beneficiary and therefore do not consolidate any of the funds as of March 31, 2015 or June 30, 2014. Our maximum exposure to loss of these unconsolidated VIEs is limited to collection of any unpaid management fees (which are not material) and any potential increase to pension funding obligation due to losses incurred by the funds in which the Company's retirement plans are invested. The Company has no obligation to provide financial or other support to these VIEs, other than guarantees to provide the minimum statutorily-mandated capital. The Company reassesses its initial evaluation of whether an entity is a VIE when certain reconsideration events occur. The Company reassesses its determination of whether it is the primary beneficiary on an ongoing basis based on current facts and circumstances.
Note 10 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss).
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of non-controlling interests, are provided in the following table. The difference between the amounts presented in this table and the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income are the corresponding components attributable to non-controlling interests, which are not material for further disclosure.
 
Foreign
currency
translation
(1)

Hedge effectiveness (1)

Available-for-sale
securities (2)

Defined pension and
post-retirement benefit costs (3)
 

Before
Tax

Tax

After
Tax

Before
Tax

Tax

After
Tax

Before
Tax

Tax

After
Tax
As of June 30, 2014
$
2,271

 
$
144

 
$
(79
)
 
$
65

 
$
344

 
$
(114
)
 
$
230

 
$
(262,902
)
 
$
70,634

 
$
(192,268
)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications
(299,628
)
 
3,430

 
(1,279
)
 
2,151

 
(115
)
 
46

 
(69
)
 

 

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

 
(1,105
)
 
412

 
(693
)
 
(35
)
 

 
(35
)
 
9,314

 
(1,841
)
 
7,473

Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)
(299,628
)

2,325


(867
)
 
1,458

 
(150
)
 
46

 
(104
)
 
9,314

 
(1,841
)
 
7,473

As of March 31, 2015
$
(297,357
)

$
2,469


$
(946
)

$
1,523


$
194


$
(68
)

$
126


$
(253,588
)

$
68,793


$
(184,795
)
________________________
(1)
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income are included in general and administrative expenses (see Note 6 Derivative Financial Instruments for additional details regarding the reclassification adjustments for the hedge settlements)

19



(2)
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income are included in general and administrative expenses
(3)
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 7Retirement Benefits for additional details)

Note 11 — Share-Based Compensation.
Restricted Stock Units
Executives and Employees
The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors approves performance-vested restricted stock unit awards pursuant to the Towers Watson & Co. 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan. RSUs are designed to provide us an opportunity to offer our long-term incentive program ("LTIP") and to provide key executives with a long-term stake in our success. RSUs are notional, non-voting units of measurement based on our common stock. Under the RSU agreement, participants become vested in a number of RSUs based on the achievement of specified levels of financial performance during the performance period set forth in the agreement, provided that the participant remains in continuous service with us through the end of the performance period. Any RSUs that become vested are payable in shares of our Class A Common Stock. Dividend equivalents will accrue on certain RSUs and vest to the same extent as the underlying shares. The form of performance-vested restricted stock unit award agreement includes a provision whereby the Committee could provide for continuation of vesting of restricted stock units upon an employee’s termination under certain circumstances such as a qualified retirement. This definition of qualified retirement is age 55 and with 15 years of experience at the company and a minimum of one year of service in the performance period.
These awards are typically approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors in the first quarter of the fiscal year. The LTIP awards are generally based on the value of the executive officer’s annual base salary and a multiplier, which is then converted into a target number of RSUs based on our closing stock price as of the date of grant. Between 0% and 204%, or between 0% and 240% for the 2014 Exchange Solutions ("ES") LTIP, of the target number of RSUs will vest based on the extent to which specified performance metrics are achieved over the three-year performance period, subject to the employee or executive officers’ continued employment with us through the end of the performance period, except in the case of a qualified retirement. For participants that meet the requirement for qualified retirement, we record the expense of their awards over the one-year service period as performed. The Compensation Committee approved the grants and established adjusted three-year average EPS and revenue growth during the performance period as the performance metrics for the awards, with the exception of the 2014 ES LTIP awards, which metrics are based on EBITDA margin and revenue growth. We record stock-based compensation expense over the performance period beginning with the date of grant and will adjust the expense for their awards based upon the level of performance achieved.
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors also approves RSUs to certain employees under our Select Equity Plan (“SEP”) during the first quarter of the fiscal year. The RSUs vest annually over a three-year period and include an assumed forfeiture rate.
The following table presents key information with regard to each of the awards that had been granted as of March 31, 2015:
Plan
 
Performance Period
 
RSUs Awarded
 
Grant Date Stock Price
 
Assumed Forfeiture Rate
2015 LTIP
 
July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2017
 
82,350
 
$100.02 and $131.35
 
None
2014 LTIP
 
July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016
 
65,355
 
$105.90 and $110.70
 
None
2013 LTIP
 
July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2015
 
121,075
 
$54.59
 
None
2014 ES LTIP
 
July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016
 
30,192
 
$91.43
 
None
2014 SEP
 
July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2017
 
112,464
 
$106.89
 
5%
2013 SEP
 
July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016
 
131,286
 
$91.43
 
5%
2012 SEP
 
July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2015
 
147,503
 
$53.93
 
5%
Total expense related to our LTIP and SEP awards, and other miscellaneous RSU awards for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $7.4 million and $3.1 million, respectively, and $23.5 million and $13.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

20



Outside Directors
The Towers Watson & Co. Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors provides for cash and stock compensation for outside directors for service on the board of directors. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, 8,059 RSUs were granted for the annual award for outside directors, which vest in equal quarterly installments over fiscal year 2015. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, 10,251 RSUs were granted for the annual award for outside directors, which vest in equal quarterly installments over fiscal year 2014. We recorded stock-based compensation expense related to these grants in the amount of $0.1 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, and $0.8 million for both the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
Acquired Plans
Liazon RSUs. In November 2013, in connection with the acquisition, we assumed the Liazon Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan and converted the outstanding unvested restricted stock units into 70,533 Towers Watson restricted stock units using a conversion ratio stated in the agreement for the exercise price and number of options. The fair value of these restricted stock units was calculated using the fair value share price of Towers Watson’s closing share price on the date of acquisition. We determined the fair value of the portion of the 70,533 outstanding RSUs related to pre-acquisition employee service using Towers Watson graded vesting methodology from the date of grant to the acquisition date to be $5.7 million which was added to the transaction consideration. The fair value of the remaining portion of RSUs related to the post-acquisition employee services was $2.1 million, and will be recorded over the future vesting periods.
Liazon Options. In November 2013, in connection with the Liazon acquisition, we assumed the Liazon Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan and converted the outstanding unvested employee stock options into 37,162 Towers Watson stock options using a conversion ratio stated in the agreement for the exercise price and number of options. The fair value of the vested stock options was calculated using the Black-Scholes model with a volatility and risk-free interest rate over the expected term of each group of options using the fair value share price of Towers Watson’s closing share price on the date of acquisition. The fair value of the new awards was less than the acquisition date fair value of the replaced Liazon options; accordingly, no compensation expense was recorded. We determined the fair value of the portion of the 37,162 outstanding options relating to the pre-acquisition employee service using Towers Watson graded vesting methodology from the date of grant to the acquisition date to be $2.2 million, which was added to the transaction consideration. The fair value of the remaining portion of unvested options related to the post-acquisition employee service was $1.7 million, which will be recorded over the future vesting periods.
Extend Health Options. In May 2012, we assumed the Extend Health, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan and converted the outstanding unvested employee stock options into 377,614 Towers Watson stock options using a conversion ratio stated in the agreement for the exercise price and number of options. The fair value of the vested stock options was calculated using the Black-Scholes model with a volatility and risk-free interest rate over the expected term of each group of options using the fair value share price of Towers Watson’s closing share price on the date of acquisition. The fair value of the new awards was less than the acquisition date fair value of the replaced Extend Health options; accordingly, no compensation expense was recorded. We determined the fair value of the portion of the 377,614 outstanding options related to pre-acquisition employee service using Towers Watson graded vesting methodology from the date of grant to the acquisition date was $11.2 million, which was added to the transaction consideration. The fair value of the remaining portion of the unvested options, less 10% estimated forfeitures, was $7.9 million, and will be recorded over the future vesting periods.
Total expense related to our acquired plans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $0.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and $2.0 million and $2.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Note 12 — Income Taxes.
Provision for income taxes on continuing operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 was $59.0 million and $158.5 million, respectively, compared to $39.2 million and $96.3 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2014. The effective tax rate was 34.8% for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 25.7% for the nine months ended March 31, 2014. The prior year effective tax rate was lower due to income tax benefits on the release of uncertain tax positions of 4.8% related to the lapses in statute of limitations in various taxing jurisdictions, primarily the U.S., and an income tax benefit of 1.0% in connection with the enacted statutory tax rate reduction in the U.K., offset by a current year shift in the geographical mix of earnings, primarily increases in the U.S.
We have liabilities for uncertain tax positions under ASC 740, Income Taxes of $34.7 million, excluding interest and penalties. The Company believes the outcomes which are reasonably possible within the next 12 months may result in a reduction in the liability for uncertain tax positions in the range of approximately $7.7 million to $14.6 million, excluding interest and penalties.

21



On April 15, 2015, the Company was issued a letter from the Internal Revenue Service accepting examination findings for the fiscal years 2012 and 2013. As a result, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company expects the liability for uncertain tax positions to be reduced by $7.2 million, including interest and penalties, which will result in a cash settlement of approximately $2.3 million and an income tax benefit of approximately $2.7 million recorded in the statement of operations.
Note 13 — Segment Information.
Towers Watson has four reportable operating segments or business areas:
Benefits
Exchange Solutions
Risk and Financial Services
Talent and Rewards
Towers Watson’s chief operating decision maker is its chief executive officer. It was determined that Towers Watson operational data used by the chief operating decision maker is that of the segments. Management bases strategic goals and decisions on these segments and the data presented below is used to assess the adequacy of strategic decisions, the method of achieving these strategies and related financial results.
Management evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on net operating income on a pre-bonus, pre-tax basis. Revenue includes amounts that were directly incurred on behalf of our clients and reimbursed by them (reimbursable expenses).
On January 23, 2014, Towers Watson announced plans to expand the Exchange Solutions segment by combining operations and associates from the Health & Welfare practice of the Technology and Administration Solutions North America line of business, and certain associates from the Health and Group Benefits line of business with the Retiree & Access Exchanges line of business and the Liazon acquisition to better align their respective strategic goals. The restructuring took effect on July 1, 2014. We have reclassified certain portions of the revenue (net of reimbursable expenses) and net operating income previously reflected in the Benefits segment in the quarterly filing for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2014 to conform to the current segment alignment within Exchange Solutions. The reorganization had no impact on the Risk and Financial Services and Talent and Rewards segments.
The table below presents revenue (net of reimbursable expenses) for the continuing operations of the reported segments for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Benefits
$
495,689

 
$
500,795

 
$
1,449,729

 
$
1,388,890

Exchange Solutions
96,963

 
74,170

 
277,169

 
201,567

Risk and Financial Services
156,212

 
174,382

 
458,516

 
477,343

Talent and Rewards
140,103

 
127,572

 
477,370

 
451,464

Total revenue (net of reimbursable expenses)
$
888,967

 
$
876,919

 
$
2,662,784

 
$
2,519,264

The table below presents net operating income for the continuing operations of the reported segments for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Benefits
$
190,873

 
$
172,445

 
$
521,655

 
$
440,084

Exchange Solutions
20,803

 
17,037

 
47,277

 
34,518

Risk and Financial Services
49,670

 
53,047

 
126,975

 
109,976

Talent and Rewards
27,946

 
11,558

 
132,357

 
108,718

Total net operating income
$
289,292

 
$
254,087

 
$
828,264

 
$
693,296


22



The table below presents a reconciliation of the information reported by segment to the consolidated amounts reported from continuing operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue:

 

 
 
 
 
Total segment revenue
$
888,967

 
$
876,919

 
$
2,662,784

 
$
2,519,264

Reimbursable expenses and other
31,747

 
27,914

 
93,959

 
83,663

Revenue
$
920,714

 
$
904,833

 
$
2,756,743

 
$
2,602,927

Net Operating Income:

 

 
 
 
 
Total segment net operating income
$
289,292

 
$
254,087

 
$
828,264

 
$
693,296

Differences in allocation methods (1)
(1,180
)
 
(6,885
)
 
26,204

 
9,970

Amortization of intangibles
(15,033
)
 
(19,380
)
 
(49,849
)
 
(56,963
)
Transaction and integration expenses

 
(241
)
 

 
(1,049
)
Stock-based compensation (2)
(4,729
)
 
(2,362
)
 
(16,019
)
 
(7,707
)
Discretionary compensation
(97,533
)
 
(75,712
)
 
(300,912
)
 
(225,919
)
Payroll tax on discretionary compensation
(5,861
)
 
(5,335
)
 
(17,707
)
 
(13,978
)
Other, net
(479
)
 
(5,749
)
 
(12,496
)
 
(28,380
)
Income from operations
$
164,477

 
$
138,423

 
$
457,485

 
$
369,270

________________________
(1)
Depreciation, general and administrative, pension, and medical costs are allocated to our segments based on budgeted expenses determined at the beginning of the fiscal year, as management believes that these costs are largely uncontrollable to the segment. To the extent that the actual expense base upon which allocations are made differs from the forecast/budget amount, a reconciling item will be created between internally allocated expenses and the actual expense that we report for GAAP purposes.
(2)
Stock-based compensation excludes RSUs granted in conjunction with our performance bonus, which are included in discretionary compensation, as well as LTIP awards granted to certain executives of our Exchange Solutions segment, which are included within the calculation of Exchange Solutions' net operating income.
Note 14 — Subsequent Events.
On April 23, 2015, Towers Watson acquired Saville Consulting Group, Ltd. ("Saville") for £42.0 million of cash consideration. Saville is a U.K. and Jersey-based global psychometric assessment business. Its principal activities include helping employers to improve the match between people, work and organizations through the development and sale of objective psychometric assessment tools and related user training and consultancy services. Saville will be aligned with our Data, Surveys and Technology line of business within our Talent and Rewards segment. In addition to the cash consideration, additional amounts are expected to be paid in the form of retention and recorded as compensation over the retention periods. We expect to record the preliminary fair value of intangible and tangible assets received and liabilities assumed and the consideration transferred in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015.

23



ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Executive Overview
Business Overview
Towers Watson is a leading global professional services firm operating from 113 markets in 37 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South Africa and the Middle East. We help organizations improve performance through effective people, risk and financial management by focusing on providing human capital and financial consulting services.
We bring together professionals from around the world — experts in their areas of specialty — to deliver the perspectives that give organizations a clear path forward. We do this by offering consulting, technology and solutions and private exchanges in four principal areas: Benefits; Exchange Solutions; Risk and Financial Services; and Talent and Rewards.
We help our clients enhance business performance in a variety of ways. We help employers improve their ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified employees. We deliver consulting services and solutions that help organizations anticipate, identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities in benefit and human capital management. We advise the insurance industry on a wide range of strategic and risk management issues. We provide investment advice and solutions to help our clients develop and implement disciplined, efficient strategies to meet their investment goals. Also, we help employers make smart decisions with regard to employee benefit plans, including decisions regarding the use of private health insurance exchanges in the U.S. These decisions and others enable organizations to realize cost savings related to their workforce and retiree health plans, while providing plan participants with improved choice and control over their health benefits.
We derive the majority of our revenue from fees for consulting services. Approximately 60% of these arrangements are billed at standard hourly rates and expense reimbursement, which we refer to as time and expense basis. The remaining 40% of these arrangements are billed on a fixed-fee basis. Clients are typically invoiced on a monthly basis, with revenue generally recognized as services are performed. No single client accounted for more than 1% of our consolidated revenues for any of our three most recent fiscal years.
Economic and Competitive Factors
As leading economies worldwide become more service-oriented and interconnected, effective human resource management and financial management are increasingly sources of competitive advantage for organizations. Employers, regardless of geography or industry, are facing unprecedented challenges involving the management of their people. Changing technology, expectations for innovation and quality enhancements, changing risks, skill shortages in selected areas, and an aging population in many developed countries have increased employers’ focus on attracting and retaining talented employees. Further, employers are focused on improving productivity and effectively managing the size and volatility of their labor costs. The growing demand for employee benefit and human capital management services is directly related to the size and complexity of human resource programs and the changes associated with their design, financial management and administration, including health care reform in the U.S. Additionally, as organizations focus on improving business performance, they want to combine risk management and operational improvements within their overall financial management framework. It is crucial for employers, including insurance carriers, to link risk, capital and value in order to manage value creation and balance risk and return. These are among the primary business issues that lead employers to seek Towers Watson’s advice and solutions.

24



The human capital and risk management consulting industries are highly competitive. We believe there are significant barriers to entry, and we have developed competitive advantages in providing HR consulting services. However, we face strong competition from several sources.
The market for our services is subject to change as a result of economic, regulatory and legislative changes, technological developments, and increased competition from established and new competitors. Regulatory and legislative actions, along with continuously evolving technological developments will likely have the greatest impact on the overall market for our exchange products. We believe the primary factors in selecting a human resources or risk management consulting firm include reputation, the ability to provide measurable increases to shareholder value and return on investment, global scale, quality of service and the ability to tailor services to clients’ unique needs. With regard to the market for exchanges, we believe that clients base their decisions on a variety of factors that include the ability of the provider to deliver measurable cost savings for clients, a strong reputation for efficient execution, a provider's capability in delivering a broad number of configurations to serve various population segments and financing options, and an innovative service delivery model and platform. For our traditional consulting and risk management services and the rapidly evolving exchange products, we believe we compete favorably with respect to these factors.
Financial Statement Overview
The table below sets forth our condensed consolidated statements of operations and data as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Thousands of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue
$
920,714

 
100
 %
 
$
904,833

 
100
%
 
$
2,756,743

 
100
 %
 
$
2,602,927

 
100
%
Operating expenses
756,237

 
82
 %
 
766,410

 
85
%
 
2,299,258

 
83
 %
 
2,233,657

 
86
%
Income from operations
164,477

 
18
 %
 
138,423

 
15
%
 
457,485

 
17
 %
 
369,270

 
14
%
Non-operating (loss)/income
(1,092
)
 
 %
 
2,721

 

 
(2,784
)
 
 %
 
5,037

 

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
163,385

 
18
 %
 
141,144

 
16
%
 
454,701

 
16
 %
 
374,307

 
14
%
Provision for income taxes
59,025

 
6
 %
 
39,231

 
4
%
 
158,459

 
6
 %
 
96,322

 
4
%
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
104,360

 
11
 %
 
101,913

 
11
%
 
296,242

 
11
 %
 
277,985

 
11
%
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax of $0, $175, $0, and $41,012

 

 
3,939

 

 

 
 %
 
5,980

 

NET INCOME BEFORE NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
104,360

 
11
 %
 
105,852

 
12
%
 
296,242

 
11
 %
 
283,965

 
11
%
Less: Income attributable to non-controlling interests
218

 
 %
 
3,346

 
%
 
366

 
 %
 
7,057

 
%
NET INCOME (attributable to common stockholders)
$
104,142

 
11
 %
 
$
102,506

 
11
%
 
$
295,876

 
11
 %
 
$
276,908

 
11
%
Diluted earnings per share (attributable to common stockholders)
$
1.49

 
 
 
$
1.45

 
 
 
$
4.22

 
 
 
$
3.90

 
 
Revenue
Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $920.7 million, compared to $904.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, an increase of $15.9 million, or 1.8%. Revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 was $2.8 billion, compared to $2.6 billion for the nine months ended March 31, 2014, an increase of $153.8 million, or 5.9%. This growth in revenue was driven by our Benefits, Exchange Solutions and Talent and Rewards segments, offset by our Risk and Financial Services segment. The Benefits segment contributed in the areas of bulk lump sum projects, healthcare consulting and pension administration. Our Exchange Solutions segment revenue growth was due to increased enrollments and increased health and welfare administration work. The Risk and Financial Services segment experienced growth in recurring software sales, which was more than offset by lower consulting demand. Our Talent and Rewards segment revenue growth was due to

25



consulting work in support of M&A activity, seasonal benefit enrollment work and the timing of survey delivery. Our Exchange Solutions segment revenue growth was due to increased enrollments and increased health and welfare administration work.
Shown below are Towers Watson’s top five markets based on percentage of consolidated revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and the fiscal years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. For the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014, the information provided excludes the Brokerage business, which was sold in November 2013.
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Fiscal Year
 
March 31, 2015
 
2014
 
2013
United States
56%
 
53%
 
53%
United Kingdom
20
 
20
 
22
Canada
5
 
6
 
6
Germany
4
 
5
 
4
Netherlands
2
 
2
 
2
Our results from operations can be materially impacted by changes in currency conversions, which can fluctuate significantly over the course of a fiscal year. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015, currency translation decreased our consolidated revenue by $47.2 million and $61.8 million, respectively. The primary currencies driving the change were the British Pound, the Euro and the Canadian Dollar.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 was $205.4 million, compared to $182.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 was $587.3 million, compared to $500.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2014. A reconciliation of Net income (attributable to common stockholders) to Adjusted EBITDA is included in our Non-U.S. GAAP Measures section on this Form 10-Q.
The increase in Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 was primarily driven by growth in revenues and decreases in operating expenses, primarily in the areas of professional insurance and foreign currency transaction expense.
The increase in Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily driven by growth in revenues. This growth was offset by increases in operating expenses, primarily in the areas of salaries and employee benefits, where increased profitability for the year drove increased discretionary compensation expense.
Net Income (attributable to common stockholders)
Net income for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 was $104.1 million, compared to $102.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Net income for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 was $295.9 million, compared to $276.9 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2014.
The increase in net income for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 was primarily driven by growth in revenues and decreases in operating expenses, primarily in the areas of professional insurance and foreign currency expenses. The increase in pre-tax income was offset by an increase in the tax provision driven by a lower prior year effective tax rate due to income tax benefits from the release of a valuation allowance and a current year shift in the geographical mix of earnings, primarily increases in the U.S.
The increase in net income for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily driven by growth in revenues. This growth was offset by increases in operating expenses, primarily in the areas of salaries and employee benefits where increased profitability for the year drove increased discretionary compensation expense. This net increase in operating income was offset by an increase in the tax provision driven by a lower prior year effective tax rate due to income tax benefits from the release of uncertain tax positions and a statutory rate reduction in the U.K.
Net income can be materially impacted by changes in currency conversions, which can fluctuate significantly over the course of a fiscal year. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015, currency translation decreased our consolidated net income by $5.9 million and $11.1 million, respectively. The primary currencies driving the change were the British Pound, the Euro and the Canadian Dollar.

26



Diluted Earnings Per Share (attributable to common stockholders)
Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 was $1.49, compared to $1.45 for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 was $4.22, compared to $3.90 for the nine months ended March 31, 2014.
Increases in diluted earnings per share for the for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 were driven in part by the respective increases in net income as discussed, as well as the share repurchases made over the previous twelve months.
Segment Analysis
We provide services in four business segments: Benefits; Exchange Solutions; Risk and Financial Services; and Talent and Rewards.
Towers Watson employed approximately 15,400 and 14,800 full-time associates as of March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively, in the following segments (amounts presented at June 30, 2014 have been adjusted from previously disclosed amounts to reflect the segment organization which took effect on July 1, 2014):
 
March 31, 2015
 
June 30, 2014
Benefits
6,700

 
6,600

Exchange Solutions
1,700

 
1,300

Risk and Financial Services
1,900

 
2,000

Talent and Rewards
2,600

 
2,500

Other
600

 
500

Business Services (incl. Corporate and field support)
1,900

 
1,900

Total associates
15,400

 
14,800

Segment revenue excludes amounts that were directly incurred on behalf of our clients and reimbursed by them (reimbursed expenses); however, these amounts are included in consolidated revenue.
Benefits Segment. The Benefits segment is our largest business segment. For the nine months ended March 31, 2015, the Benefits segment contributed 55% of our segment revenue. For the same period, approximately 43% of the Benefits segment’s revenue originated from outside the United States and is thus subject to translation exposure resulting from foreign exchange rate fluctuations.
The four lines of business within the Benefits segment are:

Retirement — This business provides actuarial and consulting services for large defined benefit and defined contribution plans, including consulting on plan design, funding and risk management strategies. The Retirement business also helps clients assess the costs and risks of retirement plans on cash flow, earnings and the balance sheet, the effects of changing workforce demographics on their retirement plans, and retiree benefit adequacy and security.
Health and Group Benefits — The Health and Group Benefits business provides plan management consulting across the full spectrum of health and group benefit programs, including health, dental, disability, life and other coverage.
Technology and Administration Solutions — This business provides pension outsourcing services to hundreds of clients across multiple industries.
International Consulting — To help multinational companies address the challenges of operating in the global marketplace, the International Consulting business provides expertise in dealing with international human capital management, as well as related benefits and compensation advice for corporate headquarters and their overseas subsidiaries.
A significant portion of the revenue in this segment is from recurring work, driven in large part by the heavily regulated nature of employee benefits plans and our clients’ annual needs for these services. Revenue for the Retirement business is typically seasonal, as most of our work pertains to calendar-year-end reporting and compliance related to the completion of pension plan valuations; thus, the third quarter of our fiscal year is typically the strongest quarter.

27



Revenue generated from each line of business within the Benefits segment for three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
Components of Revenue Change
 
 
 
As Reported Change
 
Currency Impact
 
Constant Currency Change
 
Acquisitions/Divestitures
 
Organic Change
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue by line of business:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Retirement*
 
$
348,008

 
$
360,325

 
(3
)%
 
(6
)%
 
3
%
 
%
 
3
%
    Health and Group
    Benefits
 
79,781

 
73,316

 
9
 %
 
(1
)%
 
10
%
 
%
 
10
%
    Technology and
    Administration Solutions
 
46,579

 
48,101

 
(3
)%
 
(9
)%
 
6
%
 
%
 
6
%
    International Consulting
 
21,321

 
19,053

 
12
 %
 
(6
)%
 
18
%
 
%
 
18
%
Total revenue (net of reimbursable expenses)
 
$
495,689

 
$
500,795

 
(1
)%
 
(6
)%
 
5
%
 
%
 
5
%
*Includes headquarters
Benefits revenue was $495.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared to $500.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, a decrease of 1%. On an organic basis, our Benefits segment revenue grew 5%. Revenue increased in all lines of business and across all regions. Revenue from our Retirement business, which makes up a majority of the segment, increased 3% with revenue growth in all regions. The growth was driven by an increase in pension administration work in the Americas region, timing of commissions and an increase in valuation work in the EMEA region and an increase in consulting work in the Asia Pacific region. Our Health and Group Benefits business had a 10% revenue increase due to new plan management work and special projects in the Americas. Our Technology and Administration Solutions business experienced 6% revenue growth due to increased pension administration and special projects in EMEA. Our International business revenue increased 18% due to an increase in M&A activity in the Americas region.
Revenue generated from each line of business within the Benefits segment for nine months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 are as follows:
 
 
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
Components of Revenue Change
 
 
 
As Reported Change
 
Currency Impact
 
Constant Currency Change
 
Acquisitions/Divestitures
 
Organic Change
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue by line of business:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Retirement*
 
$
1,017,435

 
$
992,216

 
3
%
 
(3
)%
 
6
%
 
%
 
6
%
    Health and Group
Benefits
 
226,108

 
209,062

 
8
%
 
(1
)%
 
9
%
 
%
 
9
%
    Technology and
Administration Solutions
 
144,279

 
130,783

 
10
%
 
(4
)%
 
14
%
 
%
 
14
%
    International Consulting
 
61,907

 
56,829

 
9
%
 
(2
)%
 
11
%
 
%
 
11
%
Total revenue (net of reimbursable expenses)
 
$
1,449,729

 
$
1,388,890

 
4
%
 
(3
)%
 
7
%
 
%
 
7
%
*Includes headquarters
Benefits revenue was $1.45 billion for the nine months ended March 31, 2015, compared to $1.39 billion for the nine months ended March 31, 2014, an increase of 4%. On an organic basis, our Benefits segment revenue grew 7%. Revenue increased in all lines of business and across all regions. Revenue from our Retirement business, which makes up a majority of the segment, increased 6%. The growth was primarily due to an increase in non-recurring bulk lump sum project work in the first half of the fiscal year and, in general, project activity in the Americas region, while commission activity helped drive growth in the EMEA region. Our Health and Group Benefits business had a 9% revenue increase, due to new plan management work and an increase in special projects in the Americas. Our Technology and Administration Solutions business experienced 14% revenue growth, due to non-recurring bulk lump sum projects in the first half of the fiscal year and increased project activity across all regions. Our International business experienced an 11% increase in revenue related to M&A activity in the Americas and EMEA regions.

28



Exchange Solutions Segment. Exchange Solutions accounted for approximately 10% of our segment revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and operates solely in the United States.
On January 23, 2014, Towers Watson announced plans to expand the Exchange Solutions segment by combining operations and associates from the Health & Welfare practice of the Technology and Administration Solutions North America line of business and certain associates from the Health and Group Benefits line of business with the Retiree & Access Exchanges line of business and the Liazon acquisition to better align their respective strategic goals. The restructuring took effect on July 1, 2014. Therefore, beginning in fiscal year 2015, this segment has two lines of business: 

Retiree & Access Exchanges — This business provides primary medical and ancillary benefit exchange services to retirees and pre-65 individuals through its proprietary 'group to individual' technology platform, which tightly integrates patented call routing technology, efficient quoting, an enrollment engine, a custom-developed Customer Relationship Management ("CRM") system and comprehensive insurance carrier connectivity.
Other — This business is comprised of two practices:
Active Exchanges — This business is focused on delivering group benefit exchanges serving the active employees of virtually any employer across the United States. Using our proprietary BenefitConnect or Bright Choices exchange platforms, combined with our expertise in creating high-performing benefit plan designs, we believe we are well-positioned to help our clients simplify their benefits delivery, while lowering the total costs of benefits and related administration. We have relationships with more than 400 broker partners to access and service the small to mid-size group market and offer both fully-insured and self-insured exchanges to meet the needs of our employer clients.
Health and Welfare Administration — This business provides a complete suite of health and welfare outsourcing services to more than 100 clients across multiple industries. By combining our proprietary BenefitConnect technology platform with our disciplined approach to customer service, we can cost-effectively offer clients high-touch service.
A significant portion of the revenue in this segment is recurring in nature, driven by either the commissions from the policies we sell or from long-term service contracts with our clients that typically range from three to five years. Revenue across this segment is seasonal, driven by the fact that we typically increase our membership levels significantly effective January 1. This results in revenues that are higher in the second half of the fiscal year than the first half of the fiscal year. Costs are also seasonal and tend to be higher during the first half of the fiscal year, because we deploy temporary resources to service the enrollment activity associated with our client’s January 1-effective transitions.
Revenue generated from each line of business within the Exchange Solutions segment for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
Components of Revenue Change
 
 
 
As Reported Change
 
Currency Impact
 
Constant Currency Change
 
Acquisitions/Divestitures
 
Organic Change
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue by line of business:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Retiree & Access Exchanges*
 
$
59,264

 
$
44,995

 
32
%
 
N/A
 
32
%
 
%
 
32
%
    Other
 
37,699

 
29,175

 
29
%
 
N/A
 
29
%
 
%
 
29
%
Total revenue (net of reimbursable expenses)
 
$
96,963

 
$
74,170

 
31
%
 
N/A
 
31
%
 
%
 
31
%
*Includes headquarters
Exchange Solutions revenue was $97.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared to $74.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, an increase of 31%. Exchange Solutions revenue is entirely denominated in U.S. dollars. Our Retiree and Access Exchanges revenue increased 32%. Revenues for this business are recognized over the related policy year and as such, the increase in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 is driven by the addition of over 160,000 OneExchange Retiree members. Revenue in our Other business grew 29% primarily due to an expanded client base and a strong demand for special projects in our Health and Welfare Administration business.


29



Revenue generated from each line of business within the Exchange Solutions segment for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 are as follows:
 
 
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
Components of Revenue Change
 
 
 
As Reported Change
 
Currency Impact
 
Constant Currency Change
 
Acquisitions/Divestitures
 
Organic Change
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue by line of business:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Retiree & Access Exchanges*
 
$
166,543

 
$
115,334

 
44
%
 
N/A
 
44
%
 
%
 
44
%
    Other
 
110,626

 
86,233

 
28
%
 
N/A
 
28
%
 
5
%
 
23
%
Total revenue (net of reimbursable expenses)
 
$
277,169

 
$
201,567

 
38
%
 
N/A
 
38
%
 
3
%
 
35
%
*Includes headquarters
Exchange Solutions revenue was $277.2 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2015, compared to $201.6 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2014, an increase of 38%. Exchange Solutions revenue is entirely denominated in U.S. dollars. On an organic basis, our Exchange Solutions segment revenue grew 35%. Our Retiree and Access Exchanges revenue increased 44%. Revenues for this business are recognized over the related policy year and as such, the increase in the nine months of fiscal year 2015 is driven by strong annual enrollments and off-cycle enrollments in the prior year. Revenue in our Other business grew 23% driven by Health and Welfare new client wins in the prior year which had not yet gone-live in the first half of fiscal year 2014. The majority of the go-live dates for these clients occurred between January 2014 and August 2014. As of March 31, 2015 we had approximately 800,000 OneExchange Retiree members and approximately 275,000 lives on our Active Exchanges.
Risk and Financial Services Segment. The Risk and Financial Services segment accounted for 17% of our segment revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2015. Approximately 72% of the segment’s revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 originated from outside the United States and is thus subject to translation exposure resulting from foreign exchange rate fluctuations. This segment has two lines of business: 

Risk Consulting and Software — This business serves the insurance industry as well as corporate clients with respect to their insurance and risk management needs.
Investment — The Investment business provides coordinated investment advice and solutions — based on our expertise in risk assessment, asset-liability modeling, strategic asset allocation policy setting, manager selection and investment execution — to some of the world’s largest pension funds and institutional investors.
The segment has a base of recurring revenue, driven by long-term client relationships in retainer investment consulting relationships, consulting services on financial reporting and actuarial opinions on property/casualty loss reserves. Some of these relationships have been in place for more than 20 years. A portion of the revenue is related to project work, which is more heavily dependent on the overall level of discretionary spending by clients which can fluctuate significantly based on demand and market factors, such as mergers and acquisitions activity in the insurance industry.
Revenue generated from each line of business within the Risk and Financial Services segment for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
Components of Revenue Change
 
 
 
As Reported Change
 
Currency Impact
 
Constant Currency Change
 
Acquisitions/Divestitures
 
Organic Change
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue by line of business:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Risk Consulting and
    Software*
 
$
98,442

 
$
113,157

 
(13
)%
 
(7
)%
 
(6
)%
 
%
 
(6
)%
    Investment
 
57,770

 
61,225

 
(6
)%
 
(8
)%
 
2
 %
 
%
 
2
 %
Total revenue (net of reimbursable expenses)
 
$
156,212

 
$
174,382

 
(10
)%
 
(7
)%
 
(3
)%
 
%
 
(3
)%
*Includes headquarters
Risk and Financial Services revenue was $156.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared to $174.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, a decrease of 10%. On an organic basis, our Risk and Financial Services segment

30



revenue decreased 3%. Risk Consulting and Software business revenue decreased 6% due to lower consulting demand, which more than offset the increase in software sales. Our Investment business experienced 2% revenue growth, due to an increase in performance fees.
Revenue generated from each line of business within the Risk and Financial Services segment for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 are as follows:
 
 
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
Components of Revenue Change
 
 
 
As Reported Change
 
Currency Impact
 
Constant Currency Change
 
Acquisitions/Divestitures
 
Organic Change
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue by line of business:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Risk Consulting and
    Software*
 
$
285,026

 
$
295,757

 
(4
)%
 
(3
)%
 
(1
)%
 
%
 
(1
)%
    Investment
 
173,490

 
181,586

 
(4
)%
 
(2
)%
 
(2
)%
 
%
 
(2
)%
Total revenue (net of reimbursable expenses)
 
$
458,516

 
$
477,343

 
(4
)%
 
(3
)%
 
(1
)%
 
%
 
(1
)%
*Includes headquarters
Risk and Financial Services revenue was $458.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2015, compared to $477.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2014, a decrease of 4%. On an organic basis, our Risk and Financial Services segment revenue decreased 1%. Our Risk Consulting and Software business revenue decreased 1%, with lower consulting demand offsetting the growth in recurring software sales and growth in EMEA. The growth in EMEA was due to continued market stabilization, and better project management following the restructuring in fiscal year 2014. Our Investment business experienced a 2% revenue decline, reflecting a strong comparable in EMEA from the first half of fiscal year 2014, which had higher than normal project work and performance fees.
Talent and Rewards Segment. Talent and Rewards accounted for approximately 18% of our segment revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2015. Approximately 46% of the segment’s revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 originated from outside the United States and is thus subject to translation exposure resulting from foreign exchange rate fluctuations. This segment has three lines of business: 

Executive Compensation — This business advises clients’ management and boards of directors on all aspects of executive pay programs, including base pay, annual bonuses, long-term incentives, perquisites and other benefits.
Rewards, Talent and Communication — This business offers a broad array of advisory services focused on designing and implementing Rewards and Talent Management programs and processes. These solutions help companies attract and deploy talent, engage them over time, manage and reward their performance, develop their skills, provide them with relevant career paths, communicate with them and manage organizational change initiatives.
Data, Surveys and Technology — This business provides benchmarking data, employee surveys and HR software to help companies administer and manage their talent management and reward programs.
Few of the segment’s projects have a recurring element. As a result, this segment is most sensitive to changes in discretionary spending due to cyclical economic fluctuations. Revenue for Talent and Rewards consulting has minimal seasonality, with a small degree of heightened activity in the last quarter of the fiscal year during the annual compensation, benefits and survey cycles.

31



Revenue generated from each line of business within the Talent and Rewards segment for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
Components of Revenue Change
 
 
 
As Reported Change
 
Currency Impact
 
Constant Currency Change
 
Acquisitions/Divestitures
 
Organic Change
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue by line of business:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Executive Compensation
 
$
34,980

 
$
33,191

 
5
%
 
(6
)%
 
11
%
 
%
 
11
%
    Rewards, Talent and
    Communication*
 
58,694

 
49,749

 
18
%
 
(6
)%
 
24
%
 
%
 
24
%
    Data, Surveys and
    Technology
 
46,429

 
44,632

 
4
%
 
(5
)%
 
9
%
 
%
 
9
%
Total revenue (net of reimbursable expenses)
 
$
140,103

 
$
127,572

 
10
%
 
(5
)%
 
15
%
 
%
 
15
%
*Includes headquarters
Talent and Rewards revenue was $140.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared to $127.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, an increase of 10%. On an organic basis, Talent and Rewards revenue increased 15%. Our Executive Compensation business revenue grew by 11%, due to an increase in IPO and M&A projects in the Americas and Asia Pacific regions. Rewards, Talent and Communication revenue, which is primarily project-oriented, increased 24%, primarily due to increased M&A activity in the Americas and EMEA regions. Data, Surveys and Technology business revenue increased 9%, due to the timing of survey delivery year-over-year and increased demand for HR technology projects.
Revenue generated from each line of business within the Talent and Rewards segment for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 are as follows:
 
 
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
Components of Revenue Change
 
 
 
As Reported Change
 
Currency Impact
 
Constant Currency Change
 
Acquisitions/Divestitures
 
Organic Change
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue by line of business:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Executive Compensation
 
$
112,256

 
$
105,699

 
6
%
 
(3
)%
 
9
%
 
%
 
9
%
    Rewards, Talent and
    Communication*
 
184,249

 
169,408

 
9
%
 
(2
)%
 
11
%
 
%
 
11
%
    Data, Surveys and
    Technology
 
180,865

 
176,357

 
3
%
 
(2
)%
 
5
%
 
%
 
5
%
Total revenue (net of reimbursable expenses)
 
$
477,370

 
$
451,464

 
6
%
 
(2
)%
 
8
%
 
%
 
8
%
*Includes headquarters
Talent and Rewards revenue was $477.4 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2015, compared to $451.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2014, an increase of 6%. On an organic basis, Talent and Rewards revenue increased 8%. Revenue increased in all lines of business and across all regions. Our Executive Compensation business revenue grew by 9%, with growth in all regions due to an increase in IPO and M&A projects and success in targeted industries. Rewards, Talent and Communication revenue, which is primarily project-oriented, increased 11% primarily due to a strong enrollment season in the U.S., M&A activity in the EMEA region and new client work in the Asia Pacific region. Data, Surveys and Technology business revenue increased 5% primarily due to strong demand for HR technology projects.

32



Additional Consolidated Financial Information
The table below details condensed consolidated operating expenses for the three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2015, as well as each item's corresponding percentage of revenue:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
$
544,176

59
%
 
$
547,385

60
%
 
$
1,634,023

59
%
 
$
1,574,535

60
%
Professional and subcontracted services
65,838

7
%
 
57,729

6
%
 
199,673

7
%
 
188,203

7
%
Occupancy
32,416

4
%
 
33,961

4
%
 
105,245

4
%
 
102,288

4
%
General and administrative expenses
72,622

8
%
 
82,844

9
%
 
230,156

8
%
 
236,651

9
%
Depreciation and amortization
41,185

4
%
 
44,250

5
%
 
130,161

5
%
 
130,931

5
%
Transaction and integration expenses

%
 
241

%
 

%
 
1,049

%
Total operating expenses
$
756,237

 
 
$
766,410

 
 
$
2,299,258

 
 
$
2,233,657

 
Salaries and Employee Benefits
Our most significant expense is compensation to associates, which typically comprises approximately 70% of total costs of providing services. Salaries and employee benefits are comprised of wages paid to associates, related taxes, severance, benefit expenses such as pension, medical and insurance costs, and fiscal year-end incentive bonuses. We compensate our directors and select executive officers and associates with incentive non-cash stock-based compensation awards which generally vest equally over three years. We use a graded vesting expense methodology that assumes the equity awards are issued to participants in equal amounts of shares that vest over one year, two years and three years, giving the effect of more expense in the first year than the second and third. Our equity awards are settled in Towers Watson Class A common stock.
Salaries and employee benefits were $544.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, a decrease of $3.2 million, or 1%, compared to $547.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. We experienced a $11.7 million decrease in salaries and wage-related taxes for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 associated with the rationalizing of our staff in fiscal year 2014, primarily in our Corporate functions and in our Benefits segment in the EMEA region. Also, our pension expense decreased by $7.9 million, driven by a higher expected return on assets in our North American plan. Our discretionary compensation is based on profitability and fluctuates based on the operating results of the Company, and as a result, our discretionary compensation for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 increased $22.3 million compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Salaries and employee benefits were 59% and 60% of revenues for the third quarters of fiscal year 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Salaries and employee benefits were $1.63 billion for the nine months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $59.5 million, or 4%, compared to $1.57 billion for the nine months ended March 31, 2014. Our discretionary compensation is based on profitability, and fluctuates based on the operating results of the Company. As a result, our discretionary compensation for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 increased $78.7 million, compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2014. Additionally, we experienced $8.8 million increased stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 driven primarily by performance-based plans that can fluctuate with the operating results of the Company. Salaries and wage-related taxes for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 was flat as compared to the prior year due to annual increases offset by reduced severance costs. These changes were offset by a decrease in our pension expense of $21.1 million driven by a higher expected return on assets in our North American plan. Salaries and employee benefits were 59% of revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2015, compared to 60% of revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2014.
In October 2014, the Society of Actuaries released final reports on a study of mortality and mortality improvement in U.S. pension plans, which suggest that recent mortality experience across U.S. pension plans is stronger than that which has been assumed in the determination of our pension and postretirement obligations and cost.  We are in the process of determining our best estimates of current and future mortality rates; however, we do expect to modify prior assumptions.  We estimate that these changes will increase annual U.S. benefit plan costs starting in fiscal year 2016 by approximately $15 million to $20 million.
Professional and Subcontracted Services
Professional and subcontracted services represent fees paid to external service providers for employment, marketing and other services. On average, and for all periods presented, 30% to 40% of the professional and subcontracted services were directly incurred on behalf of clients and were reimbursed by them, with such reimbursements being included in revenue.

33



Professional and subcontracted services for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 were $65.8 million, compared to $57.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, an increase of $8.1 million, or 14%. Professional and subcontracted services for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 were $199.7 million, compared to $188.2 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2014, an increase of $11.5 million, or 6%. This was primarily due to an increase in seasonal employees for the Retiree and Access Exchanges business.
Professional and subcontracted services were 7% of revenue for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared to 6% of revenue for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. For both nine month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, professional and subcontracted services were 7% of revenue.
Occupancy
Occupancy includes expenses for rent and utilities, as well as the net reduction to rent related to the amortization of acquired favorable and unfavorable lease agreements.
Occupancy expenses were $32.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared to $34.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, a decrease of $1.5 million, or 5%. Occupancy expenses were $105.2 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2015, compared to $102.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2014, an increase of $3.0 million, or 3%. The increase in occupancy expenses primarily relates to the expansion of call center space used in our OneExchange and outsourced administration businesses coupled with a one-time charge for exiting certain North American office space in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015. Occupancy expenses were 4% of revenue for each of the third quarters of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, and the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses include legal, marketing, supplies, telephone and networking costs to operate office locations as well as insurance, including premiums on excess insurance and losses on professional liability claims, non-client-reimbursed travel by associates, costs of publications and professional development. This line item also includes miscellaneous expenses, including gains and losses on foreign currency transactions.
General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 were $72.6 million, compared to $82.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, a decrease of $10.2 million, or 12%. The decrease was primarily driven by lower professional insurance and foreign currency expense for the current year. General and administrative expenses were 8% and 9% of revenue for the third quarters of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively.
General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 were $230.2 million, compared to $236.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2014, a decrease of $6.5 million, or 3%. The decrease was primarily driven by lower marketing and foreign currency expense. General and administrative expenses were 8% and 9% of revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization includes the depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of intangible assets and internally-developed software.
Depreciation and amortization expenses for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 were $41.2 million, compared to $44.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, a decrease of $3.1 million, or 7%. Depreciation and amortization expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 were $130.2 million, compared to $130.9 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2014, a decrease of $0.8 million, or 1%. The decrease for the quarter was a result of the scheduled reduction to amortization on certain of our intangible assets resulting from past acquisitions. These intangible assets amortize according to their economic lives. The decrease for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 was also driven by this reduced amortization on intangible assets, which more than offset the current year increases from the additional amortization of two internally developed software applications released in the second half of fiscal year 2014. The releases included Talent|REWARD 8.0, a product which we host and is used by our clients, and IAP 2.0, an employee survey software tool which is used by our associates as part of their consulting work. Depreciation and amortization expenses were 4% and 5% of revenue for the third quarters of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively, and 5% of revenue for each of the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
Transaction and Integration
Transaction and integration expenses include fees and charges associated with our acquisitions, and principally consist of integration consultants, contract termination fees, as well as legal, accounting, marketing, and information technology integration expenses.

34



Transaction and integration expense was $0.2 million and $1.0 million for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2014, respectively. These expenses related to our acquisition activities in fiscal year 2014. There was no transaction and integration expense for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015.
Provision for Income Taxes
Provision for income taxes on continuing operations for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 was $59.0 million, compared to $39.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. The effective tax rate was 36.1% for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 and 27.8% for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Provision for income taxes on continuing operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 was $158.5 million, compared to $96.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2014. The effective tax rate was 34.8% for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 25.7% for the nine months ended March 31, 2014.
The prior year effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was lower due to an income tax benefit of 1.9% from a valuation allowance release on U.S. net operating losses, as it was determined that it is more likely than not that these net operating losses would be realized within the carryforward period, offset by a current year shift in the geographical mix of earnings, primarily increases in the U.S.
The prior year effective tax rate for the nine months ended March 31, 2014 was lower due to income tax benefits on the release of uncertain tax positions of 4.8% related to the lapses in statute of limitations in various taxing jurisdictions, primarily the U.S., and an income tax benefit of 1.0% in connection with the enacted statutory tax rate reduction in the U.K., offset by a current year shift in the geographical mix of earnings, primarily increases in the U.S.
On April 15, 2015, the Company was issued a letter from the Internal Revenue Service accepting the examination findings for the fiscal years 2012 and 2013. As a result, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company expects the liability for uncertain tax positions to be reduced by $7.2 million, which will result in a cash settlement of approximately $2.3 million and an income tax benefit of approximately $2.7 million recorded in the statement of operations.
Income from Discontinued Operations, net of income tax
Income from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2014 was $3.9 million and $6.0 million, respectively. The operations of our Brokerage business, formerly part of our Risk and Financial Services segment, have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented as a result of our Board of Directors committing to a plan of action to sell the business in our first quarter of fiscal year 2014. During our second quarter of fiscal year 2014, we sold this business to JLT. There was no revenue or income from discontinued operations in the current fiscal year. The following selected financial information relates to the Brokerage business’s operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2014:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2014
Revenue from discontinued operations
$

 
$
63,762

 
 
 
 
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations before taxes
(1,037
)
 
23,361

Tax expense on discontinued operations
188

 
8,989

Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations
$
(1,225
)
 
$
14,372

 
 
 
 
Gain from sale of discontinued operations
5,151

 
23,631

Tax (credit)/expense on gain from sale of discontinued operations
(13
)
 
32,023

Net income/(loss) from sale of discontinued operations
5,164

 
(8,392
)
Total net income from discontinued operations
$
3,939

 
$
5,980

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
There were no material changes from the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on August 15, 2014.

35



Liquidity and Capital Resources
Executive Summary
Our most significant sources of liquidity are funds generated by operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents, and our credit facility. Consistent with our liquidity position, management considers various alternative strategic uses of cash reserves including acquisitions, dividends and stock buybacks, or any combination of these options.
We believe that we have sufficient resources to fund operations beyond the next 12 months. The key variables that we manage in response to current and projected capital resource needs include credit facilities and short-term borrowing arrangements, working capital, mergers and acquisitions, the amount of dividend payments and our stock repurchase program.
We continue to assert that the historical cumulative earnings of our foreign subsidiaries are reinvested indefinitely and we do not provide U.S. deferred tax liabilities on these amounts. We believe the Company’s current cash position, and access to capital markets (via a supplemental offering, if needed) will allow it to meet its U.S. cash obligations without repatriating historical cumulative foreign earnings. Further, non-U.S. cash is used for working capital needs of our non-U.S. operations and may be used for foreign restructuring expenses or acquisitions. It is not practicable to estimate the U.S. federal income tax liability that might be payable if such earnings are not reinvested indefinitely. If future events, including material changes in estimates of cash, working capital and long-term investment requirements, necessitate that these earnings be distributed, an additional provision for U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes, net of foreign tax credits, may be necessary.
Assets and liabilities associated with non-U.S. entities have been translated into U.S. dollars as of March 31, 2015 at U.S. dollar rates that fluctuate compared to historical periods. As a result, cash flows derived from changes in the condensed consolidated balance sheets include the impact of the change in foreign exchange translation rates.
Events that could change the historical cash flow dynamics discussed above include significant changes in operating results, potential future acquisitions or divestitures, material changes in geographic sources of cash, unexpected adverse impacts from litigation, or future pension funding during periods of severe downturn in the capital markets.
Cash and Short-term Investments
Our cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2015 totaled $690.4 million, compared to $727.8 million at June 30, 2014. The decrease in cash from June 30, 2014 to March 31, 2015 was primarily due to the payment of year-end bonuses, pension contributions and benefit payments, share repurchases, and payments on our Senior Credit Facility, offset primarily by cash collections from customers.
Short-term investments at March 31, 2015 totaled $69.2 million, compared to $122.8 million at June 30, 2014. These assets consist primarily of held-to-maturity investments in certificates of deposit and time deposits that have been classified as short-term.
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments include $22.9 million and $5.0 million, respectively, from the consolidated balance sheets of PCIC and SMIC, which are available for payment of professional liability claims reserves. Additionally, we had fiduciary assets totaling $24.0 million at March 31, 2015, which are related to our health and welfare benefits administration outsourcing business. These amounts are held in a fiduciary capacity on behalf of clients, and are not available for general use by the Company. Adjusting for these items, we had a net $667.5 million of cash and $64.2 million of short-term investments that were available for our general use at March 31, 2015.
Our non-U.S. operations are substantially self-sufficient for their working capital needs. As of March 31, 2015, $630.5 million of Towers Watson’s total cash and cash equivalents balance of $690.4 million was held outside of the United States. Should we require more capital in the United States than is generated by our U.S. operations, we may decide to make additional borrowings under our Senior Credit Facility, repatriate funds held in foreign jurisdictions or raise capital in the U.S. through debt or equity issuances. These alternatives could result in higher effective tax rates or increased interest expense. We do not expect restrictions or taxes on repatriation of cash held outside the U.S. to have a material effect on the Company’s overall liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.
Summarized Condensed Consolidated Cash Flows
The following table presents the summarized condensed consolidated cash flow information for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:

36



 
 
 
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
Net cash from/(used in):
 
 
 
 
 
     Operating activities
 
 
$
270,489

 
$
222,751

     Investing activities
 
 
(46,137
)
 
(157,548
)
     Financing activities
 
 
(199,757
)
 
27,239

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
 
(62,036
)
 
11,713

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
(37,441
)
 
104,155

Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period
 
 
727,849

 
532,805

Cash and cash equivalents end of period
 
 
$
690,408

 
$
636,960

Cash Flows From Operating Activities.
Cash flows from operating activities were $270.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2015, compared to cash flows from operating activities of $222.8 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2014.
The significant source of cash provided by operating activities during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 were provided by cash collections from customers, totaling $2.78 billion and $2.67 billion, respectively.
In addition to the normal funding of our operations, the primary uses of cash from operating activities during the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 related to the annual payout of the bonus as well as the payment of pension contributions to our qualified plans or benefit payments made through our non-qualified plans. In the nine months ended March 31, 2015, we made additional tax payments of $118.3 million as compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. These additional payments were largely driven by the taxable gain recognized in connection with the sale of our Brokerage business to JLT in November 2013 and U.S. estimated tax payments related to fiscal year 2015. Our bonus payment made in the first nine months of fiscal year 2015 decreased from the payment made in the first nine months of fiscal year 2014 by $50.9 million. Pension payments were $114.8 million and $162.7 million, respectively, for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Remaining contributions or benefit payments to our various pension plans for fiscal year 2015 are projected to be approximately $40.5 million.
The allowance for doubtful accounts increased $2.8 million from June 30, 2014 to March 31, 2015. The number of days of sales outstanding decreased to 77 days at March 31, 2015, compared to 80 days at June 30, 2014. Our working capital increased from June 30, 2014 by $4.5 million to $778.4 million at March 31, 2015.
Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities.
Cash flows used in investing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 were $46.1 million, driven by $95.0 million in fixed asset purchases and capitalized costs of developing internal and external facing software. These cash outflows were offset by the $29.4 million net proceeds resulting from the redemption and repurchase of held-to-maturity investments and the $29.2 million net proceeds resulting from the sale or redemption of available-for-sale securities.
Cash flows used in investing activities of $157.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2014 were driven by cash paid to acquire Liazon of $210.8 million, cash transferred to JLT as part of the Brokerage sale of $25.1 million, fixed asset purchases and capitalized costs of developing internal and external facing software of $87.4 million, investment purchases made by our temporarily consolidated variable interest entity of $109.5 million, and investment purchases of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities of $59.9 million. These cash outflows were offset by the sale of our Brokerage business to JLT for cash proceeds of $257.0 million, as well as proceeds resulting from the sale or redemption of $74.2 million of available-for-sale securities.
Cash Flows (Used In)/From Financing Activities.
Cash flows used in financing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 were $199.8 million. The primary drivers during the period were $30.7 million in dividends paid, $133.8 million in share repurchases made under our repurchase authorizations, $18.8 million repayment on our Term Loan, as well as the first scheduled retention payment of $10.3 million made in connection with the sale of our Brokerage business to JLT in November 2013. During the nine months ended March 31, 2015, the average outstanding balance on our Senior Credit Facility was $36.0 million, and the largest outstanding balance during that period was $135.0 million.

37



Cash flows from financing activities were $27.2 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2014, primarily driven by $109.5 million of cash inflows to our temporarily consolidated variable interest entity. These net inflows were primarily offset by $74.5 million paid to repurchase shares under our repurchase authorizations and a repayment on our Term Loan of $18.8 million. During the nine months ended March 31, 2014, the average outstanding balance on our Senior Credit Facility was $12.3 million, and the largest outstanding balance during that period was $57.5 million.
Share Repurchase Program
The Towers Watson Board of Directors has authorized the Company to periodically repurchase shares of common stock under distinct sets of authority. Prior to August 22, 2014, there were two sets of authority.
The purpose of the first authority was to offset the dilutive effect of issuance of shares under the Company’s equity-based compensation plans (“Dilution”) and was approved for the repurchase of up to 1,750,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock to offset Dilution. The purpose of the second authority was to purchase up to $150 million of the Company’s Class A Common Stock outside of the anti-dilutive authorization.
On August 22, 2014, the Board of Directors replaced the first and second stock repurchase authorities with a combined repurchase authorization. Under this new authority, the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $300 million of the Company’s Class A Common Stock to cover all stock repurchase objectives. There is no expiration date for the new repurchase authority.
During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had the following share repurchase activity:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
2015
 
2014
Shares repurchased
423,160
 
287,800
1,177,653
 
630,700
Average price per share
$123.90
 
$118.02
$113.64
 
$117.98
Aggregate repurchase cost (excluding broker commissions)
$52.4 million
 
$34.0 million
$133.8 million
 
$74.4 million
As of March 31, 2015, $188.4 million remained available for the repurchase of shares under the $300 million authority.
Capital Commitments
Capital expenditures were $48.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal year 2015. Anticipated commitments of capital funds are estimated to be around $70.0 million to $75.0 million for the 2015 fiscal year. We expect cash from operations to adequately provide for these cash needs.
Dividends
During February 2015, our board of directors approved the payment of a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.15 per share, which was paid in April 2015. Total dividends paid in the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $30.7 million and $11.2 million, respectively.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
Operating Leases. We lease office space, furniture, cars and selected computer equipment under operating lease agreements with terms typically ranging from one to ten years. We have determined that there is not a large concentration of leases that will expire in any one fiscal year. Consequently, management anticipates that any increase in future rent expense on leases will be mainly market driven. Intangible assets and liabilities were recognized for the difference between the contractual cash obligations and the estimated market rates at the time of the acquisitions. The resulting intangibles amortize to rent expense but do not impact our contractual cash obligations.
Indebtedness
Towers Watson Senior Credit Facility
On November 7, 2011, Towers Watson and certain subsidiaries entered into a five-year, $500 million revolving credit facility, which amount may be increased by an aggregate amount of $250 million, subject to the satisfaction of customary terms and conditions, with a syndicate of banks (the “Senior Credit Facility”).
Our Senior Credit Facility is available to the Company to meet all borrowing requirements, including but not limited to normal and seasonal working capital needs, financing of internal and external investments including acquisitions, returns of cash to shareholders and repayment of other borrowings. As of March 31, 2015, Towers Watson had no outstanding borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility.
Letters of Credit under the Senior Credit Facility
As of March 31, 2015, Towers Watson had standby letters of credit totaling $21.4 million associated with our captive insurance companies in the event that we fail to meet our financial obligations. Additionally, Towers Watson had $0.8 million of standby letters of credit covering various other existing or potential business obligations. The aforementioned letters of credit are issued under the Senior Credit Facility, and therefore reduce the amount that can be borrowed under the Senior Credit Facility by the outstanding amount of these standby letters of credit.
Term Loan Agreement Due June 2017
On June 1, 2012, the Company entered into a five-year $250 million amortizing term loan facility (“the Term Loan”) with a consortium of banks. The Term Loan amortizes at a rate of $6.3 million per quarter, beginning in September 2013, with a final maturity date of June 1, 2017. The Company has the right to prepay a portion or all of the outstanding Term Loan balance on any interest payment date without penalty. The Company entered into the Term Loan as part of the financing of our acquisition of Extend Health on May 29, 2012. At March 31, 2015, the balance on the Term Loan was $206.5 million.
Non-U.S. GAAP Measures
In order to assist readers of our financial statements in understanding the core operating results that the Company’s management uses to evaluate the business and for financial planning, we present the following non-U.S. GAAP measures: (1) Constant Currency Change, (2) Organic Change, (3) Adjusted EBITDA, (4) Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share from continuing operations, (5) Adjusted income from continuing operations and (6) Free Cash Flow. The Company believes these measures are relevant and provide useful information widely used by analysts, investors and other interested parties in our industry to provide a baseline for evaluating and comparing our operating results.

38



These non-U.S. GAAP measures are not defined in the same manner by all companies and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-U.S. GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the information contained within our financial statements.
Constant Currency Change and Organic Change
We evaluate our revenue on an as reported, constant currency and organic basis. We believe providing constant currency and organic information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our results, consistent with how we evaluate our performance internally.
Constant Currency Change - Represents the year over year change in revenues excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. To calculate this impact, the prior year local currency results are first translated using the current year monthly average exchange rates. The change is calculated by comparing the adjusted prior year revenues to the current year as reported revenues for the same period.
Organic Change - The organic presentation excludes both the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates as described above as well as the impact of acquisitions and divestitures.
The constant currency and organic change results, and a reconciliation from the as reported results, for consolidated revenues are included in the following tables. These results are also reported by segment and line of business in the Segment Analysis tables presented within this Form 10-Q.
 
Consolidated Revenues
 
 
 
Components of Revenue Change
 
 
As Reported Change
 
Currency Impact
 
Constant Currency Change
 
Acquisitions/Divestitures
 
Organic Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
$
920,714

 
$
904,833

 
2
%
 
(5
)%
 
7
%
 
%
 
7
%
Nine months ended March 31,
2,756,743

 
2,602,927

 
6
%
 
(2
)%
 
8
%
 
%
*
8
%
* The impact from acquisitions and divestitures contributed less than 1% of the total change in revenue for the period.
Adjusted EBITDA
We consider Adjusted EBITDA to be an important financial measure, which is used to internally evaluate and assess our core operations, to benchmark our operating results against our competitors, and to evaluate and measure our performance based compensation plans.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Net income (attributable to common stockholders) adjusted for discontinued operations, net of tax, provision for income taxes, interest, net, depreciation and amortization, transaction and integration expenses, and other non-operating income excluding income from variable interest entity.
A reconciliation of Net income (attributable to common stockholders) to Adjusted EBITDA is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in thousands)
NET INCOME (attributable to common stockholders)
$
104,142

 
$
102,506

Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 
3,939

Income from continuing operations (attributable to common stockholders)
104,142

 
98,567

Provision for income taxes
59,025

 
39,231

Interest, net
1,541

 
1,332

Depreciation and amortization
41,185

 
44,250

Transaction and integration expenses

 
241

Other non-operating income (a)
(449
)
 
(1,104
)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
205,444

 
$
182,517


39



 
Nine Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in thousands)
NET INCOME (attributable to common stockholders)
$
295,876

 
$
276,908

Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 
5,980

Income from continuing operations (attributable to common stockholders)
295,876

 
270,928

Provision for income taxes
158,459

 
96,322

Interest, net
4,098

 
4,706

Depreciation and amortization
130,161

 
130,931

Transaction and integration expenses

 
1,049

Other non-operating income (a)
(1,314
)
 
(3,446
)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
587,280

 
$
500,490

_________________________
(a)
Other non-operating income includes income from affiliates and other non-operating income excluding income from variable interest entity of $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and $6.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2014.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share and Adjusted Income from continuing operations
Adjusted diluted earnings per share is another measure which excludes the impact of acquisition related expenses that is used to internally evaluate and assess our core operations and to benchmark our operating results against our competitors.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share is defined as Adjusted Income from continuing operations divided by the weighted average shares of common stock, diluted.
Adjusted Income from continuing operations is defined as Net income (attributable to common stockholders) adjusted for discontinued operations, net of tax, and adjusted for certain tax-effected merger and acquisition related items of amortization of intangible assets and transaction and integration expenses. This measure is used solely for the purpose of calculating Adjusted diluted earnings per share.
A reconciliation of Net income (attributable to common stockholders) to Adjusted diluted earnings per share is as follows:

Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2015

2014

(In thousands, except share and
per share amounts)
NET INCOME (attributable to common stockholders)
$
104,142


$
102,506

Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax


3,939

Income from continuing operations (attributable to common stockholders)
104,142


98,567

Adjusted for certain acquisition related items (b):



Amortization of intangible assets
9,602


13,993

Transaction and integration expenses including severance


174

Adjusted Income from continuing operations
$
113,744


$
112,734

Weighted average shares of common stock — diluted (000)
69,771

 
70,884

Diluted earnings per share, as reported from continuing operations
$
1.49

 
$
1.39

Adjusted for certain acquisition related items:

 

Amortization of intangible assets
0.14

 
0.20

Transaction and integration expenses including severance

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
$
1.63


$
1.59

 

40



 
Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In thousands, except share and
per share amounts)
NET INCOME (attributable to common stockholders)
$
295,876

 
$
276,908

Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 
5,980

Income from continuing operations (attributable to common stockholders)
295,876

 
270,928

Adjusted for certain acquisition related items (b):
 
 
 
Amortization of intangible assets
32,477

 
42,834

Transaction and integration expenses including severance

 
724

Adjusted Income from continuing operations
$
328,353

 
$
314,486

Weighted average shares of common stock — diluted (000)
70,163

 
71,047

Diluted earnings per share, as reported from continuing operations
$
4.22

 
$
3.81

Adjusted for certain acquisition related items:

 

Amortization of intangible assets
0.46

 
0.60

Transaction and integration expenses including severance

 
0.01

Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
$
4.68

 
$
4.42

________________________
(b)
The adjustments to net income (attributable to common stockholders) and diluted earnings per share of certain acquisition related items are net of tax. In calculating the net of tax amounts, all adjustments were tax effected at the applicable effective tax rate (ETR) for the period. The ETR was 36.1% and 27.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and 34.8% and 25.7% for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Free Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow is used to evaluate our core operating performance, and is defined as cash flows from operating activities less cash used to purchase fixed assets and software for internal use.
A reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities to Free Cash Flow is as follows:
 
Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities
$
270,489

 
$
222,751

Less: Fixed assets and software for internal use
48,540

 
50,825

Free Cash Flow
$
221,949

 
$
171,926

Risk Management
As a part of our risk management program, we purchase customary commercial insurance policies, including commercial general liability and claims-made professional liability insurance. Our professional liability insurance currently includes a self-insured retention of $1 million per claim, together with a self-insured retention of $10 million aggregate, above the $1 million self-insured retention, and covers professional liability claims against us, including the cost of defending such claims.
For the policy period beginning July 1, 2011 certain changes were made to our professional liability insurance program. Our professional liability insurance for each annualized policy period commencing July 1, 2011, up to and including the policy period commencing July 1, 2014, includes a self-insured retention of $1 million per claim. Towers Watson also retains a $10 million aggregate self-insured retention above the $1 million self-insured retention per claim, including the cost of defending such claims. Stone Mountain Insurance Company (“SMIC”) provides us with $40 million of coverage per claim and in the aggregate, above these retentions, including the cost of defending such claims. SMIC secured $25 million of reinsurance from unaffiliated reinsurance companies in excess of the $15 million SMIC retained layer. Excess insurance attaching above the SMIC coverage is provided by various unaffiliated commercial insurance companies. Because of the $1 million self-insured retention per claim and the additional $10 million aggregate self-insured retention above, and because SMIC is wholly-owned by us, our primary errors and omissions risk is borne by Towers Watson and the subsidiary SMIC. We reserve for contingent liabilities based on ASC 450, Contingencies, when it is determined that a liability, inclusive of defense costs, is probable and reasonably estimable. The contingent liabilities recorded are primarily developed actuarially.
Before the Merger, Watson Wyatt and Towers Perrin each obtained substantial professional liability insurance from an affiliated captive insurance company, Professional Consultants Insurance Company (“PCIC”). A limit of $50 million per claim and in the aggregate was provided by PCIC subject to a $1 million per claim self-insured retention. PCIC secured reinsurance of $25 million attaching above the $25 million PCIC retained layer. In addition, both legacy companies carried excess insurance from unaffiliated commercial insurance companies above the self-insured retention and the coverage provided by PCIC.
Our ownership interest in PCIC is 72.86%. As a consequence, PCIC’s results of operations are consolidated into our results of operations. PCIC ceased issuing insurance policies effective July 1, 2010 and at that time entered into a run-off mode of operation. Our shareholder agreements with PCIC could require additional payments to PCIC if development of claims significantly exceeds prior expectations.
We provide for the self-insured retention where specific estimated losses and loss expenses for known claims are considered probable and reasonably estimable. Although we maintain professional liability insurance coverage, this insurance does not cover claims made after expiration of our current policies of insurance. Generally accepted accounting principles require that we record a liability for incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) professional liability claims if they are probable and reasonably estimable, and for which we have not yet contracted for insurance coverage. We use actuarial assumptions to estimate and record our IBNR liability. As of March 31, 2015, we had a $181.3 million IBNR liability, net of estimated IBNR recoverable receivables of our captive insurance companies. This net liability was $173.8 million as of June 30, 2014. To the extent our captive insurance companies, PCIC and SMIC, expect losses to be covered by a third party, they record a receivable for the amount expected to be recovered. This receivable is classified in other current or other noncurrent assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Insurance market conditions for us and our industry have varied in recent years, but the long-term trend has been increasing premium cost. Although the market for professional liability insurance is presently reasonably accessible, trends toward higher self-insured retentions, constraints on aggregate excess coverage for this class of professional liability risk and financial difficulties which have, over the past few years, been faced by several longstanding E&O carriers, are anticipated to recur periodically, and to be reflected in our future annual insurance renewals. As a result, we will continue to assess our ability to secure future insurance coverage, and we cannot assure that such coverage will continue to be available in the event of adverse claims experience, adverse loss trends, market capacity constraints or other factors.

41



In light of increasing litigation worldwide, including litigation against professionals, we have a policy that all client relationships be documented by engagement letters containing specific risk mitigation clauses that were not included in all historical client agreements. Certain contractual provisions designed to mitigate risk may not be legally enforceable in litigation involving breaches of fiduciary duty or certain other alleged errors or omissions, or in certain jurisdictions. We may incur significant legal expenses in defending against litigation.
Disclaimer Regarding Forward-looking Statements
This filing contains a number of “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, among others, statements regarding revenue drivers, growth opportunities and operational cost savings; Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Executive Overview; Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates; the discussion of our capital expenditures; Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations; Liquidity and Capital Resources; Risk Management; and Part II, Item 1 “Legal Proceedings”. You can identify these statements and other forward-looking statements in this filing by words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “plan”, “intend”, “continue”, or similar words, expressions or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. You should read these statements carefully because they contain projections of our future results of operations or financial condition, or state other “forward-looking” information. A number of risks and uncertainties exist which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results reflected in these forward-looking statements. Such factors include but are not limited to:
general economic and business conditions, including a significant or prolonged economic downturn, that adversely affect us or our clients;
our ability to integrate acquired businesses into our own business, processes and systems, and achieve the anticipated results;
our ability to protect client data and our information systems;
our continued ability to recruit and retain qualified associates;
our ability to address the risk of translation exposure impacting our results, arising from foreign currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations and volatility;
the success of our marketing, client development and sales programs after our acquisitions;
our ability to maintain client relationships and to attract new clients after our acquisitions;
a significant decrease in the demand for the consulting, actuarial and other services we offer as a result of changing economic conditions or other factors;
our ability to reduce our effective tax rate through the restructuring of certain foreign operations of Towers Perrin;
our ability to make suitable acquisitions and divestitures;
the acquisitions of Extend Health and Liazon Corporation are not profitable or are not otherwise successfully integrated;
recent SEC rules concerning compensation consultant independence and disclosure of compensation consultant fees, and the potential impact of losses of clients and associates;
outcomes of pending or future litigation and the availability and capacity of professional liability insurance to fund the outcome of pending cases or future judgments or settlements;
our ability to obtain professional liability insurance;
actions by competitors, including public accounting and consulting firms, technology consulting firms, insurance consulting firms and Internet/intranet development firms;
our ability to achieve cost reductions after acquisitions;
exposure to liabilities that have not been expressly assumed in our acquisition transactions;
potential changes in federal and state health care regulations or future interpretation of existing regulations;
our Exchange Solutions or One Exchange businesses fail to maintain good relationships with insurance carriers, become dependent upon a limited number of insurance carriers or fail to develop new insurance carrier relationships;
changes and developments in the health insurance system in the United States;
our ability to respond to rapid technological changes;
the level of capital resources required for future acquisitions and business opportunities;
regulatory developments abroad and domestically that impact our business practice;
legislative and technological developments that may affect the demand for or costs of our services;
and other factors as discussed under “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. These statements are based on assumptions that may not come true. All forward-looking disclosure is speculative by its nature. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information included in this report, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed expectations or otherwise.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
We are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of business. These risks include interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange and translation risk.
Interest Rate Risk
We are primarily exposed to changes in short-term interest rates globally with respect to the return on our cash and short-term investments, and in the United States with respect to our cost of borrowing under our term loan and revolving credit facility.
Because of our desire for flexibility with respect to our investment balances, and our primary objective of preservation of principal, we primarily invest our portfolios in short-term securities that are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. We monitor our cost of borrowing under our various facilities, taking into account the seasonal nature of our funding requirements, and our expectation for short-term rates in the future.
We have material pension obligations that are impacted by interest rates. In recent years, the declining interest rate environment has resulted in lower discount rates, one of the main assumptions used in valuing a pension plan. As discount rates are

42



determined by corporate bond yields, significant changes in the bond market can adversely affect our discount rate, which in turn increases our pension liabilities.
Foreign Currency Risk
For the nine months ended March 31, 2015, 44% of our revenue was denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, typically in the local currency of our foreign operations. These operations also incur most of their expenses in the local currency. Accordingly, our foreign operations use the local currency as their functional currency and our primary international operations use the British pound sterling, Canadian dollar and the Euro. Our international operations are subject to risks typical of international operations, including, but not limited to, differing economic conditions, changes in political climate, differing tax structures, other regulations and restrictions, and foreign exchange rate volatility. Accordingly, our future results could be adversely impacted by changes in these or other factors. As of March 31, 2015, a uniform 10% strengthening in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the currencies in which our transactions are denominated would have resulted in a decrease in net income (attributable to common stockholders) of $13.3 million, or 5%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2015. This theoretical calculation assumes that each exchange rate would change in the same direction relative to the U.S. dollar. This calculation is not indicative of our actual experience in foreign currency transactions.
Translation Exposure
Foreign exchange rate fluctuations may adversely impact our condensed consolidated financial position as well as our condensed consolidated results of operations and may adversely impact our financial position as the assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars in preparing our condensed consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, foreign exchange rate fluctuations may adversely impact our condensed consolidated results of operations as exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in currencies other than our functional currencies result in gains and losses that are reflected in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Certain of Towers Watson’s foreign subsidiaries, primarily in the United Kingdom, receive revenue in currencies that differ from their functional currencies. To reduce this variability, Towers Watson uses foreign exchange forward contracts and has the ability to use over-the-counter options to hedge the foreign exchange risk of the forecasted collections. See Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q for a further discussion of our foreign currency forwards and their fair market value.
We consolidate our international subsidiaries by converting them into U.S. dollars in accordance with generally acceptable accounting principles of foreign currency translation. The results of operations and our financial position will fluctuate when there is a change in foreign currency exchange rates.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the chief executive officer, or CEO, and chief financial officer, or CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2015.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
Management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will necessarily prevent all error and all fraud. However, management does expect that the control system provides reasonable assurance that its objectives will be met. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. In addition, the design of such internal controls must take into account the costs of designing and maintaining such a control system. Certain inherent limitations exist in control systems to make absolute assurances difficult, including the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake, and that individuals can circumvent controls. The design of any control system is based in part upon existing business conditions and risk assessments. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in business

43



conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures. As a result, they may require change or revision. Because of the inherent limitations in a control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be detected. Nevertheless, the disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their stated objectives, and the CEO and CFO have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable assurance level.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
From time to time, we are a party to various lawsuits, arbitrations or mediations that arise in the ordinary course of business. The disclosure called for by Part II, Item 1, regarding our legal proceedings is incorporated by reference herein from Note 8, Debt, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
There are no material changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on August 15, 2014. We urge you to read the risk factors contained in our Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On August 22, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $300 million of the Company’s Class A Common Stock to offset the dilutive effect of the issuance of shares under the Company's equity-based compensation plans, as well as to be used for other share repurchases. There is no expiration date for the new repurchase authority. During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 423,160 shares of Class A Common Stock under the new authority, and $188.4 million remained available for repurchase of shares at that date.
The table below presents specified information about the Company’s Class A Common Stock repurchases in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 and the Company’s repurchase authority.    
Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased

Average
Price Paid
per Share

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

Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or Programs (a)
January 1, 2015 through January 31, 2015
149,822

 
$
114.74

 
149,822

 
1,698,373

February 1, 2015 through February 28, 2015
128,685

 
126.89

 
128,685

 
1,569,688

March 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015
144,653

 
130.73

 
144,653

 
1,425,035


423,160

 
$
123.90

 
423,160

 
1,425,035

 ________________________
(a)
The maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the existing stock repurchase plan is 1,425,035. An estimate of the maximum number of shares under the repurchase of up to $300 million was determined using the closing price of our stock on March 31, 2015 of $132.19.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.


44



ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
31.1
 
Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer, John J. Haley, pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.*
31.2
 
Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer, Roger F. Millay, pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.*
32.1
 
Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer, John J. Haley, and Chief Financial Officer, Roger F. Millay, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
101
 
The following materials from Towers Watson & Co.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language); (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the nine months ended March 31, 2014 and 2015, and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.*
_________________________
*    Filed or furnished herewith.



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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.
Towers Watson & Co.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ John J. Haley
 
May 5, 2015
Name:
 
John J. Haley
 
Date
Title:
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Roger F. Millay
 
May 5, 2015
Name:
 
Roger F. Millay
 
Date
Title:
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Michael M. Thomson
 
May 5, 2015
Name:
 
Michael M. Thomson
 
Date
Title:
 
Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 


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