Form 10-Q

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: 1-09761

ARTHUR J. GALLAGHER & CO.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   36-2151613
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

Two Pierce Place, Itasca, Illinois 60143-3141

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

(630) 773-3800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨

(Do not check if a 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

The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, $1.00 par value, as of March 31, 2015 was approximately 166,657,000.


Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Index

 

               Page No.  

Part I.

   Financial Information   
   Item 1.    Financial Statements (Unaudited):   
      Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the Three-month Periods Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014      3   
      Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Earnings for the Three-month Periods Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014      4   
      Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014      5   
      Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Three-month Periods Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014      6   
      Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three-month Period Ended March 31, 2015      7   
      Notes to March 31, 2015 Consolidated Financial Statements      8-28   
      Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm      29   
   Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      30-54   
   Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      55-56   
   Item 4.    Controls and Procedures      56   

Part II.

   Other Information   
   Item 1.    Legal Proceedings      56   
   Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds      57   
   Item 6.    Exhibits      58   
   Signature      59   
   Exhibit Index      60   

 

- 2 -


Part I - Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Consolidated Statement of Earnings

(Unaudited - in millions, except per share data)

 

     Three-month period ended
March 31,
 
         2015             2014      

Commissions

   $ 519.7      $ 411.5   

Fees

     323.2        257.2   

Supplemental commissions

     26.9        25.4   

Contingent commissions

     44.5        32.2   

Investment income

     13.1        1.3   

Gains on books of business sales

     0.9        1.0   

Revenues from clean coal activities

     303.9        166.4   

Other net (losses) revenues

     (0.9     20.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     1,231.3        915.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation

     575.2        466.3   

Operating

     203.5        148.8   

Cost of revenues from clean coal activities

     309.3        171.0   

Interest

     25.6        16.2   

Depreciation

     21.5        14.8   

Amortization

     54.7        38.1   

Change in estimated acquisition earnout payables

     10.6        5.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,200.4        860.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

     30.9        54.7   

Benefit for income taxes

     (1.5     (3.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

     32.4        57.8   

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

     10.5        8.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to controlling interests

   $ 21.9      $ 49.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic net earnings per share

   $ 0.13      $ 0.37   

Diluted net earnings per share

     0.13        0.36   

Dividends declared per common share

     0.37        0.36   

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

- 3 -


Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Earnings

(Unaudited - in millions)

 

     Three-month period ended
March 31,
 
         2015             2014      

Net earnings

   $ 32.4      $ 57.8   

Change in pension liability, net of taxes

     0.7        0.2   

Foreign currency translation

     (134.8     8.8   

Change in fair value of derivative investments, net of taxes

     —          0.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss)

     (101.7     67.3   

Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (4.0     0.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to controlling interests

   $ (97.7   $ 67.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

- 4 -


Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

(In millions)

 

     March 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 
     (Unaudited)        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 276.8      $ 314.4   

Restricted cash

     1,186.6        1,367.6   

Premiums and fees receivable

     1,543.6        1,462.5   

Other current assets

     587.8        666.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     3,594.8        3,811.2   

Fixed assets - net

     190.6        195.4   

Deferred income taxes

     395.4        392.6   

Other noncurrent assets

     408.5        385.2   

Goodwill - net

     3,418.0        3,449.6   

Amortizable intangible assets - net

     1,723.6        1,776.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 9,730.9      $ 10,010.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Premiums payable to insurance and reinsurance companies

   $ 2,447.0      $ 2,623.3   

Accrued compensation and other accrued liabilities

     654.1        623.7   

Unearned fees

     76.3        66.1   

Other current liabilities

     50.5        61.7   

Premium financing debt

     95.8        127.9   

Corporate related borrowings - current

     115.0        140.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     3,438.7        3,642.7   

Corporate related borrowings - noncurrent

     2,125.0        2,125.0   

Other noncurrent liabilities

     947.6        937.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     6,511.3        6,704.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock - issued and outstanding 166.7 shares in 2015 and 164.6 shares in 2014

     166.7        164.6   

Capital in excess of par value

     2,722.7        2,649.4   

Retained earnings

     636.0        676.0   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (380.2     (260.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity attributable to controlling interests

     3,145.2        3,229.4   

Stockholders’ equity attributable to noncontrolling interests

     74.4        75.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     3,219.6        3,305.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 9,730.9      $ 10,010.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

- 5 -


Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(Unaudited - in millions)

 

     Three-month period ended
March 31,
 
         2015             2014      

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net earnings

   $ 21.9      $ 49.3   

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Net gain on investments and other

     0.1        (21.0

Depreciation and amortization

     76.2        52.9   

Change in estimated acquisition earnout payables

     10.6        5.1   

Amortization of deferred compensation and restricted stock

     4.2        4.8   

Stock-based and other noncash compensation expense

     2.2        2.4   

Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates

     0.1        (0.2

Net change in restricted cash

     162.5        117.8   

Net change in premiums receivable

     (79.3     47.8   

Net change in premiums payable

     (81.4     (195.1

Net change in other current assets

     84.4        (20.6

Net change in accrued compensation and other accrued liabilities

     38.1        111.1   

Net change in fees receivable/unearned fees

     (16.5     (6.7

Net change in income taxes payable

     (18.2     (5.6

Net change in deferred income taxes

     (2.1     (16.1

Net change in other noncurrent assets and liabilities

     (21.6     (48.2

Unrealized foreign currency remeasurement (loss) gain

     (67.9     6.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     113.3        84.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Net additions to fixed assets

     (17.8     (19.8

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (22.0     (23.6

Net proceeds from sales of operations/books of business

     0.8        2.0   

Net funding of investment transactions

     (1.3     (3.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used by investing activities

     (40.3     (44.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     18.1        18.1   

Tax impact from issuance of common stock

     4.1        3.8   

Payments for noncontrolling interests

     (10.6     (8.0

Dividends paid

     (62.7     (49.3

Net borrowings on premium financing debt facility

     (28.3     —     

Borrowings on line of credit facility

     17.0        367.4   

Repayments on line of credit facility

     (42.0     (530.5

Net borrowings of corporate related long-term debt

     —          600.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used) provided by financing activities

     (104.4     401.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     (6.2     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (37.6     441.1   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     314.4        298.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 276.8      $ 739.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Interest paid

   $ 28.8      $ 19.5   

Income taxes paid

     12.9        15.2   

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

- 6 -


Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

(Unaudited - in millions)

 

     Common Stock      Capital in
Excess of
    Retained     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Earnings
    Noncontrolling        
     Shares      Amount      Par Value     Earnings     (Loss)     Interests     Total  

Balance at December 31, 2014

     164.6       $ 164.6       $ 2,649.4      $ 676.0      $ (260.6   $ 75.7      $ 3,305.1   

Net earnings

     —           —           —          21.9        —          10.5        32.4   

Change in pension liability, net of taxes of $0.5 million

     —           —           —          —          0.7        —          0.7   

Foreign currency translation

     —           —           —          —          (120.3     (14.5     (134.8

Compensation expense related to stock option plan grants

     —           —           2.2        —          —          —          2.2   

Tax impact from issuance of common stock

     —           —           4.1        —          —          —          4.1   

Common stock issued in:

                

Fifteen purchase transactions

     1.3         1.3         59.0        —          —          —          60.3   

Stock option plans

     0.6         0.6         15.2        —          —          —          15.8   

Employee stock purchase plan

     0.1         0.1         2.2        —          —          —          2.3   

Deferred compensation and restricted stock

     0.1         0.1         (9.4     —          —          —          (9.3

Other compensation expense

     —           —           —          —          —          2.7        2.7   

Cash dividends declared on common stock

     —           —           —          (61.9     —          —          (61.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2015

     166.7       $ 166.7       $ 2,722.7      $ 636.0      $ (380.2   $ 74.4      $ 3,219.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

- 7 -


Notes to March 31, 2015 Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1. Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and its subsidiaries, collectively referred to herein as we, our, us or the company, provide insurance brokerage and risk management services to a wide variety of commercial, industrial, institutional and governmental organizations through three reportable operating segments. Commission and fee revenue generated by the brokerage segment is primarily related to the negotiation and placement of insurance for our clients. Fee revenue generated by the risk management segment is primarily related to claims management, information management, risk control consulting (loss control) services and appraisals in the property/casualty market. Investment income and other revenue are generated from our premium financing operations and our investment portfolio, which includes invested cash and restricted funds, as well as clean energy and other investments. We are headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, have operations in 30 countries and offer client-service capabilities in more than 140 countries globally through a network of correspondent insurance brokers and consultants.

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein are, in the opinion of management, prepared on a basis consistent with our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 and include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the information set forth. The quarterly results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be reported for subsequent quarters or the full year. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. In the preparation of our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2015, management evaluated all material subsequent events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date on which the financial statements were issued, for potential recognition or disclosure therein.

In first quarter 2015, we transferred management of a claims handling operation from the brokerage segment to the risk management segment. Total revenues related to this operation were $4.9 million and $4.2 million in first quarters 2015 and 2014, respectively. We made the applicable segment reclassifications to the prior-period amounts to conform to the current period presentation. The changes in the segment structure affect only the manner in which the results for the reportable segments were previously reported. These reclassifications did not impact our previously reported consolidated net earnings. In addition, effective January 1, 2015, we obtained control over a previously uncontrolled partially-owned subsidiary and are now consolidating its financial results, which were previously accounted for using the equity method of accounting. In conjunction with this change, effective in first quarter 2015, we changed the presentation in our consolidated statement of earnings and consolidated balance sheet to separately disclose the noncontrolling interests portions for all partially owned subsidiaries that we consolidate. We included such amounts in operating expenses and other non-current liabilities, respectively, in prior reporting periods. We made the applicable reclassifications to the prior-period amounts to conform to the current-period presentation. Net earnings and total stockholders’ equity in prior reporting periods are now referred to as net earnings attributable to controlling interests and stockholders’ equity attributable to controlling interests, respectively, in the current period presentation. This change had no impact on net earnings per share.

 

- 8 -


2. Effect of New Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (which we refer to as the FASB) issued new accounting guidance on revenue from contracts with customers, which will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principal of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue when it transfers 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 guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This new guidance is currently effective for the first quarter of 2017 and early adoption is not permitted. The guidance permits two methods of transition upon adoption; full retrospective and modified retrospective. Under the full retrospective method, prior periods would be restated under the new revenue standard, providing a comparable view across all periods presented. Under the modified retrospective method, prior periods would not be restated. Rather, revenues and other disclosures for pre-2017 periods would be provided in the notes to the financial statements as previously reported under the current revenue standard. Management is currently reviewing the guidance, and the impact from its adoption on our consolidated financial statements cannot be determined at this time.

3. Business Combinations

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, we acquired substantially all of the net assets of the following firms in exchange for our common stock and/or cash. These acquisitions have been accounted for using the acquisition method for recording business combinations (in millions except share data):

 

Name and Effective

Date of Acquisition

   Common
Shares
Issued
     Common
Share
Value
     Cash
Paid
     Accrued
Liability
     Escrow
Deposited
     Recorded
Earnout
Payable
     Total
Recorded
Purchase
Price
     Maximum
Potential
Earnout
Payable
 
     (000s)                                                   

e3 Financial, Inc. (EFI) January 1, 2015

     2       $ —         $ 9.1       $ —         $ 0.1       $ 0.7       $ 9.9       $ 7.0   

Aequus Trade Credit LLC January 31, 2015

     11         0.3         1.5         —           0.2         1.3         3.3         1.9   

Cohen & Lord Insurance Brokers Limited (CLI) February 1, 2015

     77         3.6         1.5         —           —           —           5.1         —     

Cohn Financial Group, LLC (CFG) February 1, 2015

     407         19.0         —           —           0.3         4.2         23.5         14.0   

Excel Insurance Services, Inc. (EIS) February 1, 2015

     52         1.5         7.3         —           1.0         —           9.8         —     

Metcom Excess February 1, 2015

     49         1.8         2.3         —           0.5         —           4.6         —     

NationAir Aviation Insurance (NAI) February 1, 2015

     288         12.3         —           —           1.3         —           13.6         —     

Evolution Group of Companies (EGC) February 6, 2015

     101         4.7         0.3         0.5         0.4         2.9         8.8         3.1   

Three other acquisitions completed in 2015

     106         5.0         2.8         —           0.1         2.4         10.3         7.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,093       $ 48.2       $ 24.8       $ 0.5       $ 3.9       $ 11.5       $ 88.9       $ 33.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

- 9 -


Common shares issued in connection with acquisitions are valued at closing market prices as of the effective date of the applicable acquisition. We record escrow deposits that are returned to us as a result of adjustments to net assets acquired as reductions of goodwill when the escrows are settled. The maximum potential earnout payables disclosed in the foregoing table represent the maximum amount of additional consideration that could be paid pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement for the applicable acquisition. The amounts recorded as earnout payables, which are primarily based upon the estimated future operating results of the acquired entities over a two- to three-year period subsequent to the acquisition date, are measured at fair value as of the acquisition date and are included on that basis in the recorded purchase price consideration in the foregoing table. We will record subsequent changes in these estimated earnout obligations, including the accretion of discount, in our consolidated statement of earnings when incurred.

The fair value of these earnout obligations is based on the present value of the expected future payments to be made to the sellers of the acquired entities in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective purchase agreements, which is a Level 3 fair value measurement. In determining fair value, we estimated the acquired entity’s future performance using financial projections developed by management for the acquired entity and market participant assumptions that were derived for revenue growth and/or profitability. Revenue growth rates approximated 10.0% for our 2015 acquisitions. We estimated future payments using the earnout formula and performance targets specified in each purchase agreement and these financial projections. We then discounted these payments to present value using a risk-adjusted rate that takes into consideration market-based rates of return that reflect the ability of the acquired entity to achieve the targets. These discount rates approximated 8.5% for all of our 2015 acquisitions. Changes in financial projections, market participant assumptions for revenue growth and/or profitability, or the risk-adjusted discount rate, would result in a change in the fair value of recorded earnout obligations.

During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we recognized $4.2 million and $3.3 million, respectively, of expense in our consolidated statement of earnings related to the accretion of the discount recorded for earnout obligations in connection with our acquisitions. In addition, during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we recognized $6.4 million and $1.8 million of expense, respectively, related to net adjustments in the estimated fair value of earnout obligations in connection with revised projections of future performance for 24 and 21 acquisitions, respectively. The aggregate amount of maximum earnout obligations related to acquisitions was $566.8 million as of March 31, 2015, of which $213.9 million was recorded in our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015, based on the estimated fair value of the expected future payments to be made.

The following is a summary of the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired at the date of each acquisition made in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 (in millions):

 

     EFI      CLI      CFG      EIS     NAI      EGC      Five
Other
Acquisitions
    Total  

Cash

   $ —         $ 1.0       $ 0.1       $ (0.3   $ —         $ 1.5       $ (0.2   $ 2.1   

Other current assets

     —           1.0         —           5.2        4.7         2.7         5.6        19.2   

Fixed assets

     —           0.1         —           0.2        —           3.1         0.1        3.5   

Noncurrent assets

     —           —           —           0.1        —           0.5         —          0.6   

Goodwill

     4.1         3.3         11.3         4.8        9.7         2.8         7.7        43.7   

Expiration lists

     5.6         1.8         12.0         4.3        5.6         1.0         10.5        40.8   

Non-compete agreements

     0.2         0.1         0.1         0.1        —           —           0.2        0.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

     9.9         7.3         23.5         14.4        20.0         11.6         23.9        110.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current liabilities

     —           2.2         —           4.6        4.2         2.5         5.2        18.7   

Noncurrent liabilities

     —           —           —           —          2.2         0.3         0.5        3.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities assumed

     —           2.2         —           4.6        6.4         2.8         5.7        21.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net assets acquired

   $ 9.9       $ 5.1       $ 23.5       $ 9.8      $ 13.6       $ 8.8       $ 18.2      $ 88.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

- 10 -


Among other benefits, these acquisitions allow us to expand into desirable geographic locations, further extend our presence in the retail and wholesale insurance brokerage services and risk management industries and increase the volume of general services currently provided. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the tangible net assets acquired at the acquisition date was allocated to goodwill, expiration lists and non-compete agreements in the amounts of $43.7 million, $40.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively, within the brokerage segment.

Provisional estimates of fair value are established at the time of each acquisition and are subsequently reviewed within the first year of operations subsequent to the acquisition date to determine the necessity for adjustments. The fair value of the tangible assets and liabilities for each applicable acquisition at the acquisition date approximated their carrying values. The fair value of expiration lists was established using the excess earnings method, which is an income approach based on estimated financial projections developed by management for each acquired entity using market participant assumptions. We estimate the fair value as the present value of the benefits anticipated from ownership of the subject customer list in excess of returns required on the investment in contributory assets necessary to realize those benefits. The rate used to discount the net benefits was based on a risk-adjusted rate that takes into consideration market-based rates of return and reflects the risk of the asset relative to the acquired business. The fair value of non-compete agreements was established using the profit differential method, which is an income approach based on estimated financial projections developed by management for the acquired company using market participant assumptions and various non-compete scenarios.

Expiration lists, non-compete agreements and trade names related to our acquisitions are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives (three to fifteen years for expiration lists, three to five years for non-compete agreements and five to fifteen years for trade names), while goodwill is not subject to amortization. We use the straight-line method to amortize these intangible assets because the pattern of their economic benefits cannot be reasonably determined with any certainty. We review all of our intangible assets for impairment periodically (at least annually) and whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. In reviewing intangible assets, if the fair value were less than the carrying amount of the respective (or underlying) asset, an indicator of impairment would exist and further analysis would be required to determine whether or not a loss would need to be charged against current period earnings as a component of amortization expense. Based on the results of impairment reviews during the three-month period ended March 31, 2014, we wrote off $0.6 million of amortizable intangible assets related to the brokerage segment.

Of the $40.8 million of expiration lists and $0.7 million of non-compete agreements related to our acquisitions made during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, $9.8 million and $0.1 million, respectively, is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Accordingly, we recorded a deferred tax liability of $3.4 million, and a corresponding amount of goodwill, in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 related to nondeductible amortizable intangible assets.

Our consolidated financial statements for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 include the operations of the acquired entities from their respective acquisition dates. The following is a summary of the unaudited pro forma historical results, as if these entities had been acquired at January 1, 2014 (in millions, except per share data):

 

     Three-month period ended
March 31,
 
         2015              2014      

Total revenues

   $ 1,234.2       $ 923.3   

Net earnings

     22.2         49.9   

Basic net earnings per share

     0.13         0.37   

Diluted net earnings per share

     0.13         0.36   

 

- 11 -


The unaudited pro forma results above have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations which actually would have resulted had these acquisitions occurred at January 1, 2014, nor are they necessarily indicative of future operating results. Annualized revenues of entities acquired during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 totaled approximately $33.6 million. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, total revenues and net earnings recorded in our unaudited consolidated statement of earnings related to our acquisitions made during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 in the aggregate, were $5.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

4. Other Current Assets

Major classes of other current assets consist of the following (in millions):

 

     March 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Premium finance advances and loans

   $ 194.2       $ 232.6   

Accrued supplemental, direct bill and other receivables

     130.0         156.3   

Refined coal production related receivables

     92.5         103.5   

Deferred income taxes - current

     102.4         102.2   

Prepaid expenses

     68.7         72.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other current assets

   $ 587.8       $ 666.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The premium finance loans represent short-term loans which we make to many of our brokerage related clients and other non-brokerage clients to finance their premiums paid to insurance carriers. These premium finance loans are primarily generated by the Crombie/OAMPS operations which were acquired on June 16, 2014. Financing receivables are carried at amortized cost. Given that these receivables are collateralized, carry a fairly rapid delinquency period of only seven days post payment date, and that contractually the underlying insurance policies will be cancelled within one month of the payment due date, there historically has not been any risk of not receiving payment and therefore we do not maintain any significant allowance for losses against this balance.

5. Intangible Assets

The carrying amount of goodwill at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 allocated by domestic and foreign operations is as follows (in millions):

 

     Brokerage      Risk
Management
     Corporate      Total  

At March 31, 2015

           

United States

   $ 1,686.7       $ 23.5       $ —         $ 1,710.2   

United Kingdom

     786.6         1.9         —           788.5   

Canada

     299.2         —           —           299.2   

Australia

     324.6         —           —           324.6   

Other foreign, principally New Zealand

     295.5         —           —           295.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total goodwill - net

   $ 3,392.6       $ 25.4       $ —         $ 3,418.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2014

           

United States

   $ 1,652.6       $ 20.2       $ —         $ 1,672.8   

United Kingdom

     818.7         1.9         —           820.6   

Canada

     318.5         —           —           318.5   

Australia

     336.8         —           —           336.8   

Other foreign, principally New Zealand

     300.9         —           —           300.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total goodwill - net

   $ 3,427.5       $ 22.1       $ —         $ 3,449.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

- 12 -


The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 are as follows (in millions):

 

     Brokerage     Risk
Management
    Corporate      Total  

Balance as of December 31, 2014

   $ 3,427.5      $ 22.1      $ —         $ 3,449.6   

Goodwill acquired during the period

     43.7        —          —           43.7   

Goodwill related to transfer of operations between segments

     (3.4     3.4        —           —     

Goodwill adjustments due to appraisals and other acquisition adjustments

     2.9        —          —           2.9   

Foreign currency translation adjustments during the period

     (78.1     (0.1     —           (78.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2015

   $ 3,392.6      $ 25.4      $ —         $ 3,418.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Major classes of amortizable intangible assets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consist of the following (in millions):

 

     March 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 

Expiration lists

   $ 2,458.1      $ 2,461.9   

Accumulated amortization - expiration lists

     (764.9     (719.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,693.2        1,742.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compete agreements

     43.3        43.2   

Accumulated amortization - non-compete agreements

     (30.6     (29.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     12.7        13.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Trade names

     28.4        29.7   

Accumulated amortization - trade names

     (10.7     (10.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     17.7        19.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amortizable assets

   $ 1,723.6      $ 1,776.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years is as follows:

 

2015 (remaining nine months)

   $ 164.1   

2016

     210.6   

2017

     201.0   

2018

     187.1   

2019

     173.2   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 936.0   
  

 

 

 

 

- 13 -


6. Credit and Other Debt Agreements

The following is a summary of our corporate and other debt (in millions):

 

     March 31,      December 31,  
     2015      2014  

Note Purchase Agreements:

     

Semi-annual payments of interest, fixed rate of 6.44%, balloon due 2017

   $ 300.0       $ 300.0   

Semi-annual payments of interest, fixed rate of 2.80%, balloon due 2018

     50.0         50.0   

Semi-annual payments of interest, fixed rate of 3.20%, balloon due 2019

     50.0         50.0   

Semi-annual payments of interest, fixed rate of 5.85%, $50 million due in 2016, 2018 and 2019

     150.0         150.0   

Semi-annual payments of interest, fixed rate of 3.99%, balloon due 2020

     50.0         50.0   

Semi-annual payments of interest, fixed rate of 3.48%, balloon due 2020

     50.0         50.0   

Semi-annual payments of interest, fixed rate of 5.18%, balloon due 2021

     75.0         75.0   

Semi-annual payments of interest, fixed rate of 3.69%, balloon due 2022

     200.0         200.0   

Semi-annual payments of interest, fixed rate of 5.49%, balloon due 2023

     50.0         50.0   

Semi-annual payments of interest, fixed rate of 4.13%, balloon due 2023

     200.0         200.0   

Semi-annual payments of interest, fixed rate of 4.58%, balloon due 2024

     325.0         325.0   

Semi-annual payments of interest, fixed rate of 4.31%, balloon due 2025

     200.0         200.0   

Semi-annual payments of interest, fixed rate of 4.73%, balloon due 2026

     175.0         175.0   

Semi-annual payments of interest, fixed rate of 4.36%, balloon due 2026

     150.0         150.0   

Semi-annual payments of interest, fixed rate of 4.98%, balloon due 2029

     100.0         100.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Note Purchase Agreements

     2,125.0         2,125.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credit Agreement:

     

Periodic payments of interest and principal, prime or LIBOR plus up to 1.45%, expires September 19, 2018

     115.0         140.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Premium Financing Debt Facility - expires June 15, 2016:

     

Periodic payments of interest and principal, Interbank rates plus 1.65% for Facility B; plus 0.85% for Facilities C and D

     

Facility B

     

AUD denominated tranche

     70.5         95.0   

NZD denominated tranche

     16.4         17.8   

Facility C and D

     

AUD denominated tranche

     1.7         7.7   

NZD denominated tranche

     7.2         7.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Premium Financing Debt Facility

     95.8         127.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total corporate and other debt

   $ 2,335.8       $ 2,392.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note Purchase Agreements - We are a party to an amended and restated note purchase agreement dated December 19, 2007, with certain accredited institutional investors, pursuant to which we issued and sold $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 6.44% Senior Notes, Series B, due August 3, 2017, in a private placement. These notes require semi-annual payments of interest that are due in February and August of each year.

We are a party to a note purchase agreement dated November 30, 2009, with certain accredited institutional investors, pursuant to which we issued and sold $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 5.85% Senior Notes, Series C, due in three equal installments on November 30, 2016, November 30, 2018 and November 30, 2019, in a private placement. These notes require semi-annual payments of interest that are due in May and November of each year.

We are a party to a note purchase agreement dated February 10, 2011, with certain accredited institutional investors, pursuant to which we issued and sold $75.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 5.18% Senior Notes, Series D, due February 10, 2021 and $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 5.49% Senior Notes, Series E, due February 10, 2023, in a private placement. These notes require semi-annual payments of interest that are due in February and August of each year.

 

- 14 -


We are a party to a note purchase agreement dated July 10, 2012, with certain accredited institutional investors, pursuant to which we issued and sold $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 3.99% Senior Notes, Series F, due July 10, 2020, in a private placement. These notes require semi-annual payments of interest that are due in January and July of each year.

We are a party to a note purchase agreement dated June 14, 2013, with certain accredited institutional investors, pursuant to which we issued and sold $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 3.69% Senior Notes, Series G, due June 14, 2022, in a private placement. These notes require semi-annual payments of interest that are due in June and December of each year.

We are a party to a note purchase agreement dated December 20, 2013, with certain accredited institutional investors, pursuant to which we issued and sold $325.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 4.58% Senior Notes, Series H, due February 27, 2024, $175.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 4.73% Senior Notes, Series I, due February 27, 2026 and $100.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 4.98% Senior Notes, Series J, due February 27, 2029. These notes require semi-annual payments of interest that are due in February and August of each year. The funding of this note purchase agreement occurred on February 27, 2014. We incurred approximately $1.4 million of debt acquisition costs that was capitalized and will be amortized on a pro rata basis over the life of the debt.

We are a party to a note purchase agreement dated June 24, 2014, with certain accredited institutional investors, pursuant to which we issued and sold $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2.80% Senior Notes, Series K, due June 24, 2018, $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 3.20% Senior Notes, Series L, due June 24, 2019, $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 3.48% Senior Notes, Series M, due June 24, 2020, $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 4.13% Senior Notes, Series N, due June 24, 2023, $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 4.31% Senior Notes, Series O, due June 24, 2025 and $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 4.36% Senior Notes, Series P, due June 24, 2026. These notes require semi-annual payments of interest that are due in June and December of each year. We incurred approximately $2.6 million of debt acquisition costs that was capitalized and will be amortized on a pro rata basis over the life of the debt.

Under the terms of the note purchase agreements described above, we may redeem the notes at any time, in whole or in part, at 100% of the principal amount of such notes being redeemed, together with accrued and unpaid interest and a “make-whole amount.” The “make-whole amount” is derived from a net present value computation of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest using a discount rate based on U.S. Treasury yields plus 0.5% and is designed to compensate the purchasers of the notes for their investment risk in the event prevailing interest rates at the time of prepayment are less favorable than the interest rates under the notes. We do not currently intend to prepay any of the notes.

The note purchase agreements described above contain customary provisions for transactions of this type, including representations and warranties regarding us and our subsidiaries and various financial covenants, including covenants that require us to maintain specified financial ratios. We were in compliance with these covenants as of March 31, 2015. The note purchase agreements also provide customary events of default, generally with corresponding grace periods, including, without limitation, payment defaults with respect to the notes, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other agreements evidencing our or our subsidiaries’ indebtedness, certain judgments against us or our subsidiaries and events of bankruptcy involving us or our material subsidiaries.

The notes issued under the note purchase agreements are senior unsecured obligations of ours and rank equal in right of payment with our Credit Agreement discussed below.

Credit Agreement - On September 19, 2013, we entered into a $600.0 million unsecured multicurrency credit agreement (which we refer to as the Credit Agreement), which expires on September 19, 2018, with a group of fifteen financial institutions. The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit commitment of up to $600.0 million, of which up to $75.0 million may be used for issuances of standby or commercial letters of credit and up to $50.0 million may be used for the making of swing loans, as defined in the Credit Agreement. We may from time to time request, subject to certain conditions, an increase in the revolving credit commitment up to a maximum aggregate revolving credit commitment of $850.0 million.

The Credit Agreement provides that we may elect that each borrowing in U.S. dollars be either base rate loans or Eurocurrency loans, as defined in the Credit Agreement. All loans denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars will be Eurocurrency loans. Interest rates on base rate loans and outstanding drawings on letters of credit in U.S. dollars under the Credit Agreement are based on the base rate, as defined in the Credit Agreement. Interest rates on Eurocurrency loans or outstanding drawings on letters of credit in currencies other than U.S. dollars are based on an adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (which we refer to as LIBOR), as defined in the Credit Agreement, plus a

 

- 15 -


margin of 0.85%, 0.95%, 1.05%, 1.25% or 1.45%, depending on the financial leverage ratio we maintain. Interest rates on swing loans are based, at our election, on either the base rate, as defined in the Credit Agreement, or such alternate rate as may be quoted by the lead lender. The annual facility fee related to the Credit Agreement is 0.15%, 0.175%, 0.20%, 0.25% or 0.30% of the used and unused portions of the revolving credit commitment, depending on the financial leverage ratio we maintain. In connection with entering into the Credit Agreement, we incurred approximately $2.1 million of debt acquisition costs that were capitalized and will be amortized on a pro rata basis over the term of the Credit Agreement.

The terms of the Credit Agreement include various financial covenants, including covenants that require us to maintain specified financial ratios. We were in compliance with these covenants as of March 31, 2015. The Credit Agreement also includes customary provisions for transactions of this type, including events of default, with corresponding grace periods and cross-defaults to other agreements evidencing our indebtedness.

At March 31, 2015, $22.6 million of letters of credit (for which we had $10.4 million of liabilities recorded at March 31, 2015) were outstanding under the Credit Agreement. There were $115.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement at March 31, 2015. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2015, $462.4 million remained available for potential borrowings under the Credit Agreement, of which $52.4 million was available for additional letters of credit.

Premium Financing Debt Facility - On June 16, 2014 we entered into a Syndicated Facility Agreement, revolving loan facility, which we refer to as the Premium Financing Debt Facility, that provides funding for the three acquired Australian (AU) and New Zealand (NZ) premium finance subsidiaries. The Premium Financing Debt Facility is comprised of: (i) Facility B is separate AU$150.0 million and NZ$35.0 million tranches, (ii) Facility C is an AU$25.0 million equivalent multi-currency overdraft tranche and (iii) Facility D is a NZ$15.0 million equivalent multi-currency overdraft tranche. The Premium Financing Debt Facility expires June 15, 2016.

The interest rates on Facility B are Interbank rates, which vary by tranche, duration and currency, plus a margin of 1.65%. The interest rates on Facilities C and D are 30 day Interbank rates, plus a margin of 0.85%. The annual fee for Facility B is 0.7425% of the undrawn commitments for the two tranches of the facility. The annual fee for Facilities C and D is 0.80% of the total commitments of the facilities. In connection with entering into the Premium Financing Debt Facility, we incurred an upfront fee of 0.30% of the principal amount of the committed facilities.

The terms of our Premium Financing Debt Facility include various financial covenants, including covenants that require us to maintain specified financial ratios. We were in compliance with these covenants as of March 31, 2015. The Premium Financing Debt Facility also includes customary provisions for transactions of this type, including events of default, with corresponding grace periods and cross-defaults to other agreements evidencing our indebtedness. Facilities B, C and D are secured by the premium finance receivables of the Australian and New Zealand premium finance subsidiaries.

At March 31, 2015, AU$90.0 million and NZ$21.5 million of borrowings were outstanding under Facility B, AU$2.2 million of borrowings were outstanding under Facility C and NZ$9.5 million of borrowings were outstanding under Facility D. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2015, AU$60.0 million and NZ$13.5 million remained available for potential borrowing under Facility B, and AU$22.8 million and NZ$5.5 million under Facilities C and D, respectively.

See Note 13 to these unaudited consolidated financial statements for additional discussion on our contractual obligations and commitments as of March 31, 2015.

The aggregate estimated fair value of the $2,125.0 million in debt under the note purchase agreements at March 31, 2015 was $2,321.5 million due to the long-term duration and fixed interest rates associated with these debt obligations. No active or observable market exists for our private placement long-term debt. Therefore, the estimated fair value of this debt is based on discounted future cash flows, which is a Level 3 fair value measurement, using current interest rates available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. See Note 1, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The estimated fair value of this debt is based on the income valuation approach, which is a valuation technique that converts future amounts (for example, cash flows or income and expenses) to a single current (that is, discounted) amount. The fair value measurement is determined on the basis of the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. Because our debt issuances generate a measurable income stream for each lender, the income approach was deemed to be an appropriate methodology for valuing the private placement long-term debt. The methodology used calculated the original deal spread at the time of each debt issuance, which was equal to the difference between the yield of each issuance (the coupon rate) and the equivalent benchmark treasury yield at that time. The market spread as of the valuation date was calculated, which is equal to the difference between an index for investment grade insurers and the equivalent benchmark treasury yield today. An implied premium or

 

- 16 -


discount to the par value of each debt issuance based on the difference between the origination deal spread and market as of the valuation date was then calculated. The index we relied on to represent investment graded insurers was the Bloomberg Valuation Services (BVAL) U.S. Insurers BBB index. This index is comprised primarily of insurance brokerage firms and was representative of the industry in which we operate. For the purposes of our analysis, the average BBB rate was assumed to be the appropriate borrowing rate for us based on our current estimated credit rating. The estimated fair value of the $115.0 million of borrowings outstanding under our Credit Agreement approximates their carrying value due to their short-term duration and variable interest rates. The estimated fair value of the $95.8 million of borrowings outstanding under our Premium Financing Debt Facility approximates their carrying value due to their short-term duration and variable interest rates.

7. Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net earnings per share (in millions, except per share data):

 

     Three-month period ended
March 31,
 
         2015              2014      

Net earnings attributable to controlling interests

   $ 21.9       $ 49.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     165.6         134.2   

Dilutive effect of stock options using the treasury stock method

     1.2         1.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding

     166.8         135.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic net earnings per share

   $ 0.13       $ 0.37   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted net earnings per share

   $ 0.13       $ 0.36   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options to purchase 2.4 million and 0.4 million shares of common stock were outstanding at March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, but were not included in the computation of the dilutive effect of stock options for the three-month periods then ended. These stock options were excluded from the computation because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common shares during the respective period, and therefore, would be anti-dilutive to earnings per share under the treasury stock method.

8. Stock Option Plans

Long-Term Incentive Plan

On May 13, 2014, our stockholders approved the Arthur J. Gallagher 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (which we refer to as the LTIP), which replaced our previous stockholder-approved Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (which we refer to as the 2011 LTIP). The LTIP term began May 13, 2014 and terminates on the date of the annual meeting of stockholders in 2021, unless terminated earlier by our board of directors. All of our officers, employees and non-employee directors are eligible to receive awards under the LTIP. The compensation committee of our board of directors determines the participants under the LTIP. The LTIP provides for non-qualified and incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance units, any or all of which may be made contingent upon the achievement of performance criteria. A stock appreciation right entitles the holder to receive, upon exercise and subject to withholding taxes, cash or shares of our common stock (which may be restricted stock) with a value equal to the difference between the fair market value of our common stock on the exercise date and the base price of the stock appreciation right. Subject to the LTIP limits, the compensation committee has the discretionary authority to determine the size of an award.

Shares of our common stock available for issuance under the LTIP include authorized and unissued shares of common stock or authorized and issued shares of common stock reacquired and held as treasury shares or otherwise, or a combination thereof. The number of available shares will be reduced by the aggregate number of shares that become subject to outstanding awards granted under the LTIP. To the extent that shares subject to an outstanding award granted under either the LTIP or the 2014 LTIP are not issued or delivered by reason of the expiration, termination, cancellation or forfeiture of such award or by reason of the settlement of such award in cash, then such shares will again be available for grant under the LTIP. Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding requirements upon the vesting of awards other than stock options and stock appreciation rights will also be available for grant under the LTIP. Shares

 

- 17 -


that are subject to a stock appreciation right and were not issued upon the net settlement or net exercise of such stock appreciation right, shares that are used to pay the exercise price of an option, delivered to or withheld by us to pay withholding taxes related to stock options or stock appreciation rights, and shares that are purchased on the open market with the proceeds of an option exercise, may not again be made available for issuance.

The maximum number of shares available under the LTIP for restricted stock, restricted stock unit awards and performance unit awards settled with stock (i.e., all awards other than stock options and stock appreciation rights) is 2.0 million at March 31, 2015. To the extent necessary to be qualified performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (which we refer to as the IRC): (i) the maximum number of shares with respect to which options or stock appreciation rights or a combination thereof that may be granted during any fiscal year to any person is 200,000; (ii) the maximum number of shares with respect to which performance-based restricted stock or restricted stock units that may be granted during any fiscal year to any person is 100,000; (iii) the maximum amount that may be payable with respect to cash-settled performance units granted during any fiscal year to any person is $5.0 million; and (iv) the maximum number of shares with respect to which stock-settled performance units may be granted during any fiscal year to any person is 100,000.

The LTIP provides for the grant of stock options, which may be either tax-qualified incentive stock options or non-qualified options and stock appreciation rights. The compensation committee determines the period for the exercise of a non-qualified stock option, tax-qualified incentive stock option or stock appreciation right, provided that no option can be exercised later than seven years after its date of grant. The exercise price of a non-qualified stock option or tax-qualified incentive stock option and the base price of a stock appreciation right cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant, provided that the base price of a stock appreciation right granted in tandem with an option will be the exercise price of the related option.

Upon exercise, the option exercise price may be paid in cash, by the delivery of previously owned shares of our common stock, through a net-exercise arrangement, or through a broker-assisted cashless exercise arrangement. The compensation committee determines all of the terms relating to the exercise, cancellation or other disposition of an option or stock appreciation right upon a termination of employment, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason. Stock option and stock appreciation right awards under the LTIP are non-transferable.

On March 11, 2015, the compensation committee granted 1,941,000 options under the 2014 LTIP to our officers and key employees that become exercisable at the rate of 34%, 33% and 33% on the anniversary date of the grant in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. On March 12, 2014, the compensation committee granted 1,923,000 options to our officers and key employees that become exercisable at the rate of 34%, 33% and 33% on the anniversary date of the grant in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. The 2015 and 2014 options expire seven years from the date of grant, or earlier in the event of certain terminations of employment. For certain of our executive officers age 55 or older, stock options awarded in 2015 and 2014 are no longer subject to forfeiture upon such officers’ departure from the company after two years from the date of grant.

Other Information

All of our stock option plans provide for the immediate vesting of all outstanding stock option grants in the event of a change in control of our company, as defined in the applicable plan documents.

During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we recognized $2.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively, of compensation expense related to our stock option grants.

For purposes of expense recognition, the estimated fair values of the stock option grants are amortized to expense over the options’ vesting period. We estimated the fair value of stock options at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

     2015     2014  

Expected dividend yield

     3.0     3.0

Expected risk-free interest rate

     1.8     1.8

Volatility

     28.2     28.9

Expected life (in years)

     5.5        5.5   

 

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Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Because our employee and director stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the selective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of our employee and non-employee director stock options. The weighted average fair value per option for all options granted during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, as determined on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, was $9.25 and $9.66, respectively.

The following is a summary of our stock option activity and related information for 2015 (in millions, except exercise price and year data):

 

     Three-month period ended March 31, 2015  
     Shares
Under
Option
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 

Beginning balance

     8.4      $ 35.49         

Granted

     1.9        46.17         

Exercised

     (0.6     27.44         

Forfeited or canceled

     —          —           
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

Ending balance

     9.7      $ 38.13         4.53       $ 84.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Exercisable at end of period

     3.0      $ 28.27         2.16       $ 55.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending vested and expected to vest

     9.5      $ 37.99         4.50       $ 83.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options with respect to 7.0 million shares (less any shares of restricted stock issued under the LTIP - see Note 10 to these unaudited consolidated financial statements) were available for grant under the LTIP at March 31, 2015.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $10.3 million and $9.3 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2015, we had approximately $44.2 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested options. We expect to recognize that cost over a weighted average period of approximately four years.

Other information regarding stock options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2015 is summarized as follows (in millions, except exercise price and year data):

 

          Options Outstanding      Options Exercisable  

Range of Exercise Prices

        Number
Outstanding
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)
     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Number
Exercisable
     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

$    21.28   -  $   30.95

        2.8         1.95       $ 27.22         2.6       $ 26.99   

      31.34   -        39.17

        3.0         4.50         37.61         0.4         35.64   

      46.17   -        46.17

        2.0         6.95         46.17         —           —     

      46.87   -        46.87

        1.9         5.95         46.87         —           —     

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

$    21.28   -  $   46.87

        9.7         4.53       $ 38.13         3.0       $ 28.27   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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9. Deferred Compensation

We have a Deferred Equity Participation Plan (which we refer to as the Age 62 Plan), which is a non-qualified plan that generally provides for distributions to certain of our key executives when they reach age 62 (or the one-year anniversary of the date of the grant for participants over the age of 61 as of the grant date) or upon or after their actual retirement. Under the provisions of the Age 62 Plan, we typically contribute cash in an amount approved by the compensation committee to a rabbi trust on behalf of the executives participating in the Age 62 Plan, and instruct the trustee to acquire a specified number of shares of our common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions based on participant elections. Distributions under the Age 62 Plan may not normally be made until the participant reaches age 62 (or the one-year anniversary of the date of the grant for participants over the age of 61 as of the grant date) and are subject to forfeiture in the event of voluntary termination of employment prior to then. All contributions to the plan deemed to be invested in shares of our common stock are distributed in the form of our common stock and all other distributions are paid in cash.

Our common stock that is issued to or purchased by the rabbi trust as a contribution under the Age 62 Plan is valued at historical cost, which equals its fair market value at the date of grant or date of purchase. When common stock is issued, we record an unearned deferred compensation obligation as a reduction of capital in excess of par value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, which is amortized to compensation expense ratably over the vesting period of the participants. Future changes in the fair market value of our common stock owed to the participants do not have any impact on the amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements.

In the first quarter of each of 2015 and 2014, the compensation committee approved $8.9 million and $9.2 million, respectively, of awards in the aggregate to certain key executives under the Age 62 Plan that were contributed to the rabbi trust in first quarter 2015 and 2014, respectively. We contributed cash to the rabbi trust and instructed the trustee to acquire a specified number of shares of our common stock on the open market to fund these 2015 and 2014 awards. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we charged $1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively, to compensation expense related to these awards.

At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we recorded $37.7 million (related to 2.1 million shares) and $28.2 million (related to 1.9 million shares), respectively, of unearned deferred compensation as a reduction of capital in excess of par value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The total intrinsic value of our unvested equity based awards under the plan at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $97.5 million and $89.1 million, respectively. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, cash and equity awards with an aggregate fair value of $0.1 million were vested and distributed to executives under the Age 62 Plan.

We have a Deferred Cash Participation Plan (which we refer to as the DCPP), which is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for certain key employees, other than executive officers, that generally provides for vesting and/or distributions no sooner than five years from the date of awards. Under the provisions of the DCPP, we typically contribute cash in an amount approved by compensation committee to the rabbi trust on behalf of the executives participating in the DCPP, and instruct the trustee to acquire a specified number of shares of our common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions based on participant elections. In the first quarter of each of 2015 and 2014, the compensation committee approved $2.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively, of awards in the aggregate to certain key executives under the DCPP that were contributed to the rabbi trust in first quarter 2015 and 2014, respectively. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we charged $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively, to compensation expense related to these awards. There were no distributions from the DCPP during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015.

10. Restricted Stock, Performance Share and Cash Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

As discussed in Note 8 to these unaudited consolidated financial statements, on May 13, 2014, our stockholders approved the LTIP, which replaced our previous stockholder-approved 2011 LTIP. The LTIP provides for the grant of a stock award either as restricted stock or as restricted stock units. In either case, the compensation committee may determine that the award will be subject to the attainment of performance measures over an established performance period. Stock awards and the related dividend equivalents are non-transferable and subject to forfeiture if the holder does not remain continuously employed with us during the applicable restriction period or, in the case of a performance-based award, if applicable performance measures are not attained. The compensation committee will determine all of the terms relating to the satisfaction of performance measures and the termination of a restriction period, or the forfeiture and cancellation of a restricted stock award upon a termination of employment, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason. The compensation committee may grant unrestricted shares of common stock or units representing the right to receive shares of common stock to employees who have attained age 62.

 

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The agreements awarding restricted stock units under the LTIP will specify whether such awards may be settled in shares of our common stock, cash or a combination of shares and cash and whether the holder will be entitled to receive dividend equivalents, on a current or deferred basis, with respect to such award. Prior to the settlement of a restricted stock unit, the holder of a restricted stock unit will have no rights as a stockholder of the company. The maximum number of shares available under the LTIP for restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance unit awards settled with stock (i.e., all awards other than stock options and stock appreciation rights) is 2.0 million. At March 31, 2015, 1.6 million shares were available for grant under the LTIP for such awards.

In the first quarter of each of 2015 and 2014, we granted 362,600 and 323,600 restricted stock units, respectively, to employees under the LTIP, with an aggregate fair value of $16.7 million and $15.2 million, respectively, at the date of grant. These 2015 and 2014 awards of restricted stock units vest as follows: 362,600 units granted in first quarter 2015 and 323,600 units granted in first quarter 2014, vest in full based on continued employment through March 11, 2019 and March 12, 2018, respectively. For certain of our executive officers age 55 or older, restricted stock units awarded in 2015 and 2014 are no longer subject to forfeiture upon such officers’ departure from the company after two years from the date of grant.

We account for restricted stock awards at historical cost, which equals its fair market value at the date of grant, which is amortized to compensation expense ratably over the vesting period of the participants. Future changes in the fair value of our common stock that is owed to the participants do not have any impact on the amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we recognized $2.8 million and $2.6 million, respectively, to compensation expense related to restricted stock unit awards granted in 2006 through 2015. The total intrinsic value of unvested restricted stock units at March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $67.2 million and $59.8 million, respectively. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, equity awards (including accrued dividends) with an aggregate fair value of $9.3 million and $8.7 million were vested and distributed to employees under this plan.

Performance Share Awards

On March 11, 2015 and March 12, 2014, pursuant to the LTIP, the compensation committee approved 53,900 and 48,800, respectively of provisional performance unit awards, with an aggregate fair value of $2.5 million and $2.3 million, respectively, for future grants to our officers. Each performance unit award was equivalent to the value of one share of our common stock on the date such provisional award was approved. These awards are subject to a one-year performance period based on our financial performance and a two-year vesting period. At the discretion of the compensation committee and determined based on our performance, the eligible officer will be granted a percentage of the provisional performance unit award that equates to the EBITAC growth achieved (as specified in the applicable grant agreement). At the end of the performance period, eligible participants will be granted a number of units based on achievement of the performance goal and subject to approval by the compensation committee. Granted units for the 2015 and 2014 provisional awards will fully vest based on continuous employment through January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2017, respectively, and will be settled in shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis as soon as practicable in 2018 and 2017, respectively. For certain of our executive officers age 55 or older, awards granted in 2015 and 2014 are no longer subject to forfeiture upon such officers’ departure from the company after two years from the date of grant. If an eligible employee leaves us prior to the vesting date, the entire award will be forfeited.

Cash Awards

On March 11, 2015, pursuant to our Performance Unit Program (which we refer to as the Program), the compensation committee approved provisional cash awards of $14.6 million in the aggregate for future grants to our officers and key employees that are denominated in units (315,000 units in the aggregate), each of which was equivalent to the value of one share of our common stock on the date the provisional award was approved. The Program consists of a one-year performance period based on our financial performance and a two-year vesting period. At the discretion of the compensation committee and determined based on our performance, the eligible officer or key employee will be granted a percentage of the provisional cash award units that equates to the EBITAC growth achieved (as defined in the Program). At the end of the performance period, eligible participants will be granted a number of units based on achievement of the performance goal and subject to approval by the compensation committee. Granted units for the 2015 provisional award will fully vest based on continuous employment through January 1, 2018. For certain of our executive officers age 55 or older, awards granted under the Program in 2015 are no longer subject to forfeiture upon such officers’ departure from the company after two years from the date of the provisional award. The ultimate award value will be equal to the trailing twelve-month price of our common stock on December 31, 2017, multiplied by the number of units

 

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subject to the award, but limited to between 0.5 and 1.5 times the original value of the units determined as of the grant date. The fair value of the awarded units will be paid out in cash as soon as practicable in 2018. If an eligible employee leaves us prior to the vesting date, the entire award will be forfeited. We did not recognize any compensation expense during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 related to the 2015 provisional award under the Program.

On March 12, 2014, pursuant to the Program, the compensation committee approved provisional cash awards of $10.8 million in the aggregate for future grant to our officers and key employees that are denominated in units (229,000 units in the aggregate), each of which was equivalent to the value of one share of our common stock on the date the provisional awards were approved. Terms of the 2014 provisional awards were similar to the terms of the 2015 provisional awards. Based on our performance for 2014, we granted 220,000 units under the Program in first quarter 2015 that will fully vest on January 1, 2017. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, we recognized $1.2 million to compensation expense related to these awards. We did not recognize any compensation expense during 2014 related to the 2014 awards.

On March 13, 2013, pursuant to the Program, the compensation committee approved provisional cash awards of $10.5 million in the aggregate for future grant to our officers and key employees that are denominated in units (269,000 units in the aggregate), each of which was equivalent to the value of one share of our common stock on the date the provisional awards were approved. Terms of the 2013 provisional awards were similar to the terms of the 2015 provisional awards. Based on our performance for 2013, we granted 263,000 units under the Program in first quarter 2014 that will fully vest on January 1, 2016. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, we recognized $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, to compensation expense related to the 2013 awards.

On March 16, 2012, pursuant to the Program, the compensation committee approved provisional cash awards of $13.1 million in the aggregate for future grant to our officers and key employees that are denominated in units (368,000 units in the aggregate), each of which was equivalent to the value of one share of our common stock on the date the provisional awards were approved. Terms of the 2012 provisional awards were similar to the terms of the 2015 provisional awards. Based on our performance for 2012, we granted 365,000 units under the Program in first quarter 2013 that fully vested on January 1, 2015. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 we recognized $2.7 million of compensation expense related to the 2012 awards. We did not recognize any compensation expense during 2015 related to the 2012 awards.

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, cash awards related to the 2012 provisional award with an aggregate fair value of $15.8 million (0.3 million units in the aggregate) were vested and distributed to employees under the Program.

11. Retirement Plans

We have a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that, prior to July 1, 2005, covered substantially all of our domestic employees who had attained a specified age and one year of employment. Benefits under the plan were based on years of service and salary history. In 2005, we amended our defined benefit pension plan to freeze the accrual of future benefits for all U.S. employees, effective on July 1, 2005. In the table below, the service cost component represents plan administration costs that are incurred directly by the plan.

The components of the net periodic pension benefit cost for the plan consists of the following (in millions):

 

     Three-month period ended
March 31,
 
             2015                     2014          

Service cost

   $ 0.1      $ 0.1   

Interest cost on benefit obligation

     2.6        3.2   

Expected return on plan assets

     (3.9     (4.7

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     1.6        0.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost (earnings)

   $ 0.4      $ (0.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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We are not required under the IRC to make any minimum contributions to the plan for the 2015 plan year nor were we required to make any minimum contributions to the plan for the 2014 plan year. This level of required funding is based on the plan being frozen and the aggregate amount of our historical funding. We did not make any discretionary contributions to the plan during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

12. Investments

The following is a summary of our investments and the related funding commitments (in millions):

 

     March 31, 2015      December 31,  
            Funding      2014  
     Assets      Commitments      Assets  

Chem-Mod LLC

   $ 4.0       $ —         $ 4.0   

Chem-Mod International LLC

     2.0         —           2.0   

C-Quest Technologies LLC and C-Quest Technologies International LLC

     —           —           —     

Clean-coal investments:

        

Controlling interest in five limited liability companies that own fourteen 2009 Era Clean Coal Plants

     16.4         —           17.3   

Non-controlling interest in one limited liability company that owns one 2011 Era Clean Coal Plant

     0.9         —           1.0   

Controlling interest in thirteen limited liability companies that own nineteen 2011 Era Clean Coal Plants

     54.3         5.5         54.5   

Other investments

     3.3         2.9         3.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 80.9       $ 8.4       $ 82.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Chem-Mod LLC - At March 31, 2015, we held a 46.54% controlling interest in Chem-Mod. Chem-Mod possesses the exclusive marketing rights, in the U.S. and Canada, for technologies used to reduce emissions created during the combustion of coal. The refined coal production plants discussed below, as well as those owned by other unrelated parties, license and use Chem-Mod’s proprietary technologies, The Chem-Mod™ Solution, in the production of refined coal. The Chem-Mod™ Solution uses a dual injection sorbent system to reduce mercury, sulfur dioxide and other emissions at coal-fired power plants.

We believe that the application of The Chem-Mod™ Solution qualifies for refined coal tax credits under IRC Section 45 when used with refined coal production plants placed in service by December 31, 2011 or 2009. Chem-Mod has been marketing its technologies principally to coal-fired power plants owned by utility companies, including those utilities that are operating with the IRC Section 45 refined coal production plants in which we hold an investment.

Chem-Mod is determined to be a variable interest entity (which we refer to as a VIE). We are the controlling manager of Chem-Mod and therefore consolidate its operations into our consolidated financial statements. At March 31, 2015, total assets and total liabilities of this VIE included in our consolidated balance sheet were $9.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, total revenues and expenses were $17.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively. We are under no obligation to fund Chem-Mod’s operations in the future.

Chem-Mod International LLC - At March 31, 2015, we held a 31.52% non-controlling ownership interest in Chem-Mod International. Chem-Mod International has the rights to market The Chem-Mod™ Solution in countries other than the U.S. and Canada. Such marketing activity has been limited to date.

C-Quest Technologies LLC and C-Quest Technologies International LLC (together, C-Quest) - At March 31, 2015, we held a non-controlling 12% interest in C-Quest’s global entities, which is an increase of 4% resulting from the transaction described below. C-Quest possesses rights, information and technology for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions created by burning fossil fuels. Thus far, C-Quest’s operations have been limited to laboratory testing. C-Quest is determined to be a VIE, but due to our lack of control over the operation of C-Quest, we do not consolidate this investment into our consolidated financial statements. Prior to August 1, 2013, we had an option to acquire an additional 19% interest in C-Quest’s global entities for $9.5 million at any time on or prior to August 1, 2016. On August 1, 2013, we loaned the majority owner $2.0 million at a 2% interest rate, which was to mature on

 

- 23 -


May 15, 2014. Also on August 1, 2013, the option to acquire the 19% interests was extended to August 15, 2016. The loan was to be repaid in cash or by delivery of an additional 4% ownership interest in C-Quest’s global entities. On March 31, 2014, we accepted payment of the loan by delivery of the additional 4% ownership interest, therefore our remaining option was reduced to 15% and the remaining purchase price was reduced to $7.5 million.

Clean Coal Investments -

   

We have investments in limited liability companies that own 34 refined coal production plants which produce refined coal using propriety technologies owned by Chem-Mod. We believe the production and sale of refined coal at these plants is qualified to receive refined coal tax credits under IRC Section 45. The fourteen plants placed in service prior to December 31, 2009 (which we refer to as the 2009 Era Plants) are eligible to receive tax credits through 2019 and the twenty plants placed in service prior to December 31, 2011 (which we refer to as the 2011 Era Plants) are eligible to receive tax credits through 2021.

 

   

Our purchase price for the additional ownership interests in these twelve plants was the assumption of the promissory note that we received as consideration for the co-investor’s purchase of ownership interests in three of the 2009 Era Plants on March 1, 2010, which had a carrying value, including accrued interest, of $8.0 million at March 1, 2013, plus the payment of cash and other consideration of $5.0 million. We recognized a gain of $11.4 million as a component of other net revenues in the accompanying unaudited consolidated statement of earnings, which included the increase in fair value of our prior 25% equity interest in the limited liability company upon the acquisition of the additional 35% equity interest, and recorded $26.3 million of fixed and other amortizable intangible assets and $6.8 million of other assets in connection with this transaction. The carrying value of our prior non-controlling interest in the limited liability company was $4.8 million as of the acquisition date. The fair value of our prior non-controlling interest in the limited liability company was determined by allocating, on a pro rata basis, the fair value of the limited liability company as adjusted for our lack of control in our prior ownership position. We determined the fair value of the limited liability company using similar valuation techniques to those discussed in Note 3 to these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

   

On March 1, 2014, we purchased additional ownership interests from a co-investor in four limited liability companies that own seven 2009 Era Plants and five 2011 Era Plants. We recognized a gain of $25.6 million as a component of other net revenues in the accompanying unaudited consolidated statement of earnings, which included the increase in fair value of our prior equity interests in the limited liability companies upon the acquisition of the additional equity interests, and recorded $26.3 million of fixed and other amortizable intangible assets in connection with this transaction. The carrying value of our prior non-controlling interest in the limited liability company was $15.6 million as of the acquisition date. The fair value of our prior non-controlling interest in the limited liability company was determined by allocating, on a pro rata basis, the fair value of the limited liability company as adjusted for our lack of control in our prior ownership position. We determined the fair value of the limited liability company using similar valuation techniques to those discussed in Note 3 to these consolidated financial statements. For seven of the 2009 Era plants, our ownership increased from 49.5% to 100.0%. For the 2011 Era plants, our ownership increased from 48.8% to 90.0% for one of the plants, from 49.0% to 100.0% for three of the plants and from 98.0% to 100.0% for one of the plants. Our investments in the plants where our ownership was less than 50% had been accounted for under the equity method of accounting. As of March 1, 2014 we consolidated the operations of the limited liability companies that own these plants. Total revenues and expenses recorded in our unaudited consolidated statement of earnings for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 related to this acquisition were $131.5 million and $138.7 million, respectively.

 

   

As of March 31, 2015:

 

   

Twenty-six of the plants have long-term production contracts.

 

   

The remaining eight plants are in various stages of seeking and negotiating long-term production contracts.

 

   

We have a non-controlling interest in one plant, which is owned by a limited liability company (which we refer to as a LLC). We have determined that this LLC is a VIE, for which we are not the primary beneficiary. At March 31, 2015, total assets and total liabilities of this VIE were $7.7 million and $4.8 million, respectively. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, total revenues and expenses of this VIE were $5.6 million and $6.8 million, respectively.

 

- 24 -


   

We and our co-investors each fund our portion of the on-going operations of the limited liability companies in proportion to our investment ownership percentages. Other than our portion of the on-going operational funding, there are no additional amounts that we are committed to related to funding these investments.

Other Investments - At March 31, 2015, we owned a non-controlling, minority interest in four venture capital funds totaling $2.8 million, a 20% non-controlling interest in an investment management company totaling $0.5 million, twelve certified low-income housing developments with zero carrying value and two real estate entities with zero carrying value. The low-income housing developments and real estate entities have been determined to be VIEs, but are not required to be consolidated due to our lack of control over their respective operations. At March 31, 2015, total assets and total debt of these VIEs were approximately $60.0 million and $20.0 million, respectively.

13. Commitments, Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In connection with our investing and operating activities, we have entered into certain contractual obligations and commitments. See Notes 6 and 12 to these unaudited consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of these obligations and commitments. Our future minimum cash payments, including interest, associated with our contractual obligations pursuant to the note purchase agreements, Credit Agreement, Premium Financing Debt Facility, operating leases and purchase commitments at March 31, 2015 were as follows (in millions):

 

     Payments Due by Period  

Contractual Obligations

   2015     2016     2017     2018     2019     Thereafter      Total  

Note purchase agreements

   $ —        $ 50.0      $ 300.0      $ 100.0      $ 100.0      $ 1,575.0       $ 2,125.0   

Credit Agreement

     115.0        —          —          —          —          —           115.0   

Premium Financing Debt Facility

     95.8        —          —          —          —          —           95.8   

Interest on debt

     73.2        100.4        97.5        77.5        73.2        323.9         745.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt obligations

     284.0        150.4        397.5        177.5        173.2        1,898.9         3,081.5   

Operating lease obligations

     78.8        90.0        76.7        57.5        45.7        161.5         510.2   

Less sublease arrangements

     (2.0     (1.3     (0.9     (0.6     (0.5     —           (5.3

Outstanding purchase obligations

     29.4        6.4        1.1        0.4        —          —           37.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations

   $ 390.2      $ 245.5      $ 474.4      $ 234.8      $ 218.4      $ 2,060.4       $ 3,623.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The amounts presented in the table above may not necessarily reflect our actual future cash funding requirements, because the actual timing of future payments may vary from the stated contractual obligation.

Note Purchase Agreements, Credit Agreement and Premium Financing Debt Facility - See Note 6 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the terms of the note purchase agreements, the Credit Agreement and Premium Financing Debt Facility.

Operating Lease Obligations - Our corporate segment’s executive offices and certain subsidiary and branch facilities of our brokerage and risk management segments are located at Two Pierce Place, Itasca, Illinois, where we lease approximately 306,000 square feet of space, or approximately 60% of the building. The lease commitment on this property expires February 28, 2018.

We generally operate in leased premises at our other locations. Certain of these leases have options permitting renewals for additional periods. In addition to minimum fixed rentals, a number of leases contain annual escalation clauses which are generally related to increases in an inflation index.

We have leased certain office space to several non-affiliated tenants under operating sublease arrangements. In the normal course of business, we expect that certain of these leases will not be renewed or replaced. We adjust charges for real estate taxes and common area maintenance annually based on actual expenses, and we recognize the related revenues in the year in which the expenses are incurred. These amounts are not included in the minimum future rentals to be received in the contractual obligations table above.

Outstanding Purchase Obligations - We typically do not have a material amount of outstanding purchase obligations at any point in time. The amount disclosed in the contractual obligations table above represents the aggregate amount of unrecorded purchase obligations that we had outstanding at March 31, 2015. These obligations represent agreements to purchase goods or services that were executed in the normal course of business.

 

- 25 -


Off-Balance Sheet Commitments - Our total unrecorded commitments associated with outstanding letters of credit, financial guarantees and funding commitments as of March 31, 2015 were as follows (in millions):

 

     Amount of Commitment Expiration by Period      Total
Amounts
Committed
 

Off-Balance Sheet Commitments

   2015      2016      2017      2018      2019      Thereafter     

Letters of credit

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 22.6       $ 22.6   

Financial guarantees

     0.7         0.8         0.8         0.8         0.8         16.0         19.9   

Funding commitments

     5.5         —           —           —           —           2.9         8.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total commitments

   $ 6.2       $ 0.8       $ 0.8       $ 0.8       $ 0.8       $ 41.5       $ 50.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Since commitments may expire unused, the amounts presented in the table above do not necessarily reflect our actual future cash funding requirements. See Note 12 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our funding commitments related to our corporate segment and the Off-Balance Sheet Debt section below for a discussion of our letters of credit. All of the letters of credit represent multiple year commitments that have annual, automatic renewing provisions and are classified by the latest commitment date.

Since January 1, 2002, we have acquired 350 companies, all of which were accounted for using the acquisition method for recording business combinations. Substantially all of the purchase agreements related to these acquisitions contain provisions for potential earnout obligations. For all of our acquisitions made in the period from 2012 to 2015 that contain potential earnout obligations, such obligations are measured at fair value as of the acquisition date and are included on that basis in the recorded purchase price consideration for the respective acquisition. The amounts recorded as earnout payables are primarily based upon estimated future operating results of the acquired entities over a two- to three-year period subsequent to the acquisition date. The aggregate amount of the maximum earnout obligations related to these acquisitions was $566.8 million, of which $213.9 million was recorded in our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015 based on the estimated fair value of the expected future payments to be made. See Note 3 to these unaudited consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our funding commitments related to our acquisitions we signed and completed in 2015.

Off-Balance Sheet Debt - Our unconsolidated investment portfolio includes investments in enterprises where our ownership interest is between 1% and 50%, in which management has determined that our level of influence and economic interest is not sufficient to require consolidation. As a result, these investments are accounted for under the equity method. None of these unconsolidated investments had any outstanding debt at March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014 that was recourse to us.

At March 31, 2015, we had posted two letters of credit totaling $11.3 million, in the aggregate, related to our self-insurance deductibles, for which we had a recorded liability of $10.4 million. We have an equity investment in a rent-a-captive facility, which we use as a placement facility for certain of our insurance brokerage operations. At March 31, 2015, we had posted seven letters of credit totaling $6.3 million to allow certain of our captive operations to meet minimum statutory surplus requirements and for additional collateral related to premium and claim funds held in a fiduciary capacity. At March 31, 2015, we had posted one letter of credit totaling $5.0 million to support our potential obligation under a client’s insurance program. These letters of credit have never been drawn upon.

Litigation, Regulatory and Taxation Matters - We are a defendant in various legal actions incidental to the nature of our business including but not limited to matters related to employment practices, alleged breaches of non-compete or other restrictive covenants, theft of trade secrets, breaches of fiduciary duties and related causes of action. We are also periodically the subject of inquiries, investigations and reviews by regulatory and taxing authorities into various matters related to our business. Neither the outcomes of these matters nor their effect upon our business, financial condition or results of operations can be determined at this time.

Our micro-captive advisory services are the subject of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Additionally, the IRS has initiated audits for the 2012 tax year of over 100 of the micro-captive insurance companies organized and/or managed by us. Among other matters, the IRS is investigating whether we have been acting as a tax shelter promoter in connection with these operations. While the IRS has not made any specific allegations relating to our operations, if the IRS were to successfully assert that the micro-captives organized and/or managed by us do not meet the requirements of IRC Section 831(b), we could be subject to monetary claims by the IRS and/or our micro-captive clients, and our future earnings from our micro-captive operations could be materially adversely affected, any of which events, could negatively impact the overall captive business and adversely affect our consolidated results of operations and financial condition. Due to the early stage of the investigation and the fact that the IRS has not made any allegation against us at this time, we are not able to reasonably estimate the amount of any potential loss in connection with this investigation.

 

- 26 -


In July 2014, we were named in a lawsuit that asserts that we, our subsidiary, Gallagher Clean Energy, LLC, and Chem-Mod LLC are liable for infringement of a patent held by Nalco Company. The complaint seeks a judgment of infringement, damages, costs and attorneys’ fees, and injunctive relief. We and the other defendants dispute the allegations contained in the complaint and intend to defend this matter vigorously. On September 30, 2014, we filed a motion to dismiss the complaint on behalf of all defendants. On February 4, 2015, our motion to dismiss was granted by the court; however, the court also granted Nalco Company 30 days to file an amended complaint, which Nalco did on March 3, 2015, and we filed a second motion to dismiss on April 10, 2015. We believe that the probability of a material loss is remote. However, litigation is inherently uncertain and it is not possible for us to predict the ultimate disposition of this proceeding.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, five senior employees of our U.K.-based international brokerage operations, including the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and chief risk officer, resigned from the company. Shortly thereafter, we announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer for such operations. In addition, the Financial Conduct Authority (which we refer to as the FCA) recently informed us that it is planning to review certain aspects of our U.K. operation’s governance and control framework and that such review will include a skilled person’s report under section 166 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. We are fully cooperating with the FCA, and are engaged in discussions regarding the scope of this review. Although it has not indicated it will do so, we cannot rule out the possibility that the FCA could impose fines or penalties, impose limitations or restrictions on our business, or require us to take remedial action. Therefore, at present, we cannot determine whether this review will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Contingent Liabilities - We purchase insurance to provide protection from errors and omissions (which we refer to as E&O) claims that may arise during the ordinary course of business. We currently retain the first $5.0 million of each and every E&O claim. Our E&O insurance provides aggregate coverage for E&O losses up to $175.0 million in excess of our retained amounts. We have historically maintained self-insurance reserves for the portion of our E&O exposure that is not insured. We periodically determine a range of possible reserve levels using actuarial techniques that rely heavily on projecting historical claim data into the future. Our E&O reserve in the March 31, 2015 unaudited consolidated balance sheet is above the lower end of the most recently determined actuarial range by $1.8 million and below the upper end of the actuarial range by $5.7 million. We can make no assurances that the historical claim data used to project the current reserve levels will be indicative of future claim activity. Thus, the E&O reserve level and corresponding actuarial range could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could materially impact the amounts reported and disclosed herein.

Tax-advantaged Investments No Longer Held - Between 1996 and 2007, we developed and then sold portions of our ownership in various energy related investments, many of which qualified for tax credits under IRC Section 29. In connection with the sales to other investors, we provided various indemnifications. At March 31, 2015, the maximum potential amount of future payments that we could be required to make under these indemnifications totaled approximately $32.0 million, net of the applicable income tax benefit. In addition, we recorded tax benefits in connection with our ownership in these investments. At March 31, 2015, we had exposure on $117.0 million of previously earned tax credits. In 2004, 2007 and 2009, the IRS examined several of these investments and all examinations were closed without any changes being proposed by the IRS. However, any future adverse tax audits, administrative rulings or judicial decisions could disallow previously claimed tax credits or cause us to be subject to liability under our indemnification obligations. Because of the contingent nature of these exposures, no liabilities have been recorded in our March 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet related to these indemnification obligations.

14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)

The after-tax components of our accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to controlling interests consist of the following:

 

     Pension
Liability
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
    Fair Value of
Derivative
Investments
    Accumulated
Comprehensive
Earnings (Loss)
 

Balance as of December 31, 2014

   $ (44.2   $ (216.3   $ (0.1   $ (260.6

Net change in period

     0.7        (120.3     —          (119.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2015

   $ (43.5   $ (336.6   $ (0.1   $ (380.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The foreign currency translation during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 primarily relates to the net impact of changes in the value of the local currencies relative to the U.S. dollar for our operations in Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, India, New Zealand and the U.K.

During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, $1.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively, of expense related to the pension liability was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) to compensation expense in the statement of earnings. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, $0.1 million of income and $0.2 million of expense, respectively, related to the fair value of derivative investments, was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) to the statement of earnings. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, no amounts related to foreign currency translation were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) to the statement of earnings.

15. Segment Information

We have three reportable segments: brokerage, risk management and corporate.

The brokerage segment is primarily comprised of our retail and wholesale insurance brokerage operations. The brokerage segment generates revenues through commissions paid by insurance underwriters and through fees charged to our clients. Our brokers, agents and administrators act as intermediaries between insurers and their customers and we do not assume underwriting risks.

The risk management segment provides contract claim settlement and administration services for enterprises that choose to self-insure some or all of their property/casualty coverages and for insurance companies that choose to outsource some or all of their property/casualty claims departments. These operations also provide claims management, loss control consulting and insurance property appraisal services. Revenues are principally generated on a negotiated per-claim or per-service fee basis.

The corporate segment manages our clean energy and other investments. This segment also holds all of our corporate debt.

Allocations of investment income and certain expenses are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates primarily using revenue, headcount and other information. We allocate the provision for income taxes to the brokerage and risk management segments using the local country statutory rates. Reported operating results by segment would change if different methods were applied. See Note 1 to these unaudited consolidated financial statements for a discussion of a reclassification of amounts between the brokerage and risk management segments.

Financial information relating to our segments for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in millions):

 

     Three-month period
ended March 31,
 
     2015     2014  

Brokerage

    

Total revenues

   $ 751.1      $ 564.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

   $ 61.0      $ 50.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Identifiable assets at March 31, 2015 and 2014

   $ 8,092.2      $ 5,771.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Risk Management

    

Total revenues

   $ 177.2      $ 164.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

   $ 23.6      $ 18.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Identifiable assets at March 31, 2015 and 2014

   $ 571.7      $ 598.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Corporate

    

Total revenues

   $ 303.0      $ 186.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

   $ (53.7   $ (14.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Identifiable assets at March 31, 2015 and 2014

   $ 1,067.0      $ 905.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Review by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The interim consolidated financial statements at March 31, 2015 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 have been reviewed by Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, and their report is included herein.

Review Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheet of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. as of March 31, 2015, and the related consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive earnings for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the consolidated statement of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. as of December 31, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive earnings, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, not presented herein, and we expressed an unqualified audit opinion on those consolidated financial statements in our report dated February 12, 2015. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. as of December 31, 2014, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois

April 28, 2015

 

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

The discussion and analysis that follows relates to our financial condition and results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015. Readers should review this information in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes included in Item 1 of Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2014.

Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains certain statements related to future results, or states our intentions, beliefs and expectations or predictions for the future, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations or forecasts of future events. Such statements use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “contemplate,” “forecast,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “potential,” and other similar terms, and future or conditional tense verbs like “could,” “may,” “might,” “see,” “should,” “will” and “would.” You can also identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. For example, we may use forward-looking statements when addressing topics such as: market and industry conditions, including competitive and pricing trends; acquisition strategy; the expected impact of acquisitions and dispositions; the development and performance of our services and products; changes in the composition or level of our revenues or earnings; our cost structure and the outcome of cost-saving or restructuring initiatives; future capital expenditures; future debt to earnings ratios; the outcome of contingencies; dividend policy; pension obligations; cash flow and liquidity; capital structure and financial losses; future actions by regulators; the outcome of existing regulatory actions, investigations, reviews or litigation; the impact of changes in accounting rules; financial markets; interest rates; foreign exchange rates; matters relating to our operations; income taxes; expectations regarding our investments, including our clean energy investments; and integrating recent acquisitions. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from either historical or anticipated results depending on a variety of factors.

Many factors could affect our actual results, and variances from our current expectations regarding such factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Potential factors that could impact results include:

 

   

Failure to successfully and cost-effectively integrate recently acquired businesses and their operations or fully realize synergies from such acquisitions in the expected time frame;

 

   

Volatility or declines in premiums or other adverse trends in the insurance industry;

 

   

An economic downturn;

 

   

Competitive pressures in each of our businesses;

 

   

Risks that could negatively affect the success of our acquisition strategy, including continuing consolidation in our industry and growing interest in acquiring insurance brokers on the part of private equity firms, which could make it more difficult to identify targets and could make them more expensive, execution risks, integration risks, the risk of post-acquisition deterioration leading to intangible asset impairment charges, and the risk we could incur or assume unanticipated regulatory liabilities such as those relating to violations of anti-corruption and sanctions laws;

 

   

Our failure to attract and retain experienced and qualified personnel;

 

   

Risks arising from our growing international operations, including the risks posed by political and economic uncertainty in certain countries, (including the risks posed by protectionist local governments and underdeveloped or evolving legal systems), risks related to maintaining regulatory and legal compliance across multiple jurisdictions (such as those relating to violations of anti-corruption, sanctions and privacy laws), and risks arising from the complexity of managing businesses across different time zones, geographies, cultures and legal regimes;

 

   

Risks particular to our risk management segment;

 

   

The lower level of predictability inherent in contingent and supplemental commissions versus standard commissions;

 

   

Sustained increases in the cost of employee benefits;

 

   

Our failure to apply technology effectively in driving value for our clients through technology-based solutions, or failure to gain internal efficiencies and effective internal controls through the application of technology and related tools;

 

- 30 -


   

Our inability to recover successfully should we experience a disaster, cybersecurity attack or other significant disruption to business continuity;

 

   

Damage to our reputation;

 

   

Our failure to comply with regulatory requirements, including those related to governance and control requirements in particular jurisdictions, international sanctions, or a change in regulations or enforcement policies that adversely affects our operations (for example, relating to insurance broker compensation methods);

 

   

Violations or alleged violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the U.K. Bribery Act 2010 or other anti-corruption laws and FATCA;

 

   

The outcome of any existing or future investigation, review, regulatory action or litigation;

 

   

Our failure to adapt our services to changes resulting from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act;

 

   

Unfavorable determinations related to contingencies and legal proceedings;

 

   

Clients that are not satisfied with our services;

 

   

Improper disclosure of confidential, personal or proprietary data;

 

   

Significant changes in foreign exchange rates;

 

   

Changes in our accounting estimates and assumptions;

 

   

Risks related to our clean energy investments, including the risk of intellectual property claims, utilities switching from coal to natural gas, environmental and product liability claims, and environmental compliance costs;

 

   

Disallowance of Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (which we refer to as IRC) Section 29 or IRC Section 45 tax credits;

 

   

The risk that our outstanding debt adversely affects our financial flexibility and restrictions and limitations in the agreements and instruments governing our debt;

 

   

The risk we may not be able to receive dividends or other distributions from subsidiaries;

 

   

The risk of share ownership dilution when we issue common stock as consideration for acquisitions and for other reasons; and

 

   

Volatility of the price of our common stock.

Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of, and are based on information available to us on, the date of the applicable document. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. We do not undertake any obligation to update any such statements or release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risk factors referred to above. Our future performance and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Many of the factors that will determine these results are beyond our ability to control or predict. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date that they are made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

A detailed discussion of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our published expectations is contained under the heading “Risk Factors” in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, and any other reports we file with the SEC in the future.

 

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Information Regarding Non-GAAP Measures and Other

In the discussion and analysis of our results of operations that follows, in addition to reporting financial results in accordance with GAAP, we provide information regarding EBITDAC, EBITDAC margin, adjusted EBITDAC, adjusted EBITDAC margin, diluted net earnings per share (as adjusted) for the brokerage and risk management segments, adjusted revenues, adjusted compensation and operating expenses, adjusted compensation expense ratio, adjusted operating expense ratio and organic revenue measures for each operating segment. These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, the GAAP information provided in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. We believe that these presentations provide useful information to management, analysts and investors regarding financial and business trends relating to our results of operations and financial condition. Our industry peers may provide similar supplemental non-GAAP information related to organic revenues and EBITDAC, although they may not use the same or comparable terminology and may not make identical adjustments. The non-GAAP information we provide should be used in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the GAAP information provided. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior-year amounts reported in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q in order to conform them to the current-year presentation.

Adjusted presentation - We believe that the adjusted presentations of the current and prior year information presented on the following pages provides stockholders and other interested persons with useful information regarding certain financial metrics that may assist such persons in analyzing our operating results as they develop a future earnings outlook for us. The after-tax amounts related to the adjustments were computed using the normalized effective tax rate for each respective period.

 

   

Adjusted revenues and expenses - We define these measures as revenues, compensation expense and operating expense, respectively, each adjusted to exclude gains realized from sales of books of business, acquisition integration costs, claim portfolio transfer ramp up fees/costs, workforce related charges, lease termination related charges, acquisition related adjustments and the impact of foreign currency translation, as applicable. Integration costs include costs related to transactions not expected to occur on an ongoing basis in the future once we fully assimilate the applicable acquisition. These costs are typically associated with redundant workforce, extra lease space, duplicate services and external costs incurred to assimilate the acquisition with our IT related systems.

 

   

Adjusted ratios - Adjusted compensation expense ratio and operating expense ratio are defined as adjusted compensation expense and adjusted operating expense, respectively, each divided by adjusted revenues.

Earnings Measures - We believe that the presentation of EBITDAC, EBITDAC margin, adjusted EBITDAC, adjusted EBITDAC margin and diluted net earnings per share (as adjusted) for the brokerage and risk management segment, each as defined below, provides a meaningful representation of our operating performance. We consider EBITDAC and EBITDAC margin as a way to measure financial performance on an ongoing basis. Adjusted EBITDAC, adjusted EBITDAC margin and diluted net earnings per share (as adjusted) for the brokerage and risk management segments are presented to improve the comparability of our results between periods by eliminating the impact of the items that have a high degree of variability.

 

   

EBITDAC - We define this measure as net earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and the change in estimated acquisition earnout payables.

 

   

EBITDAC margin - We define this measure as EBITDAC divided by total revenues.

 

   

Adjusted EBITDAC - We define this measure as EBITDAC adjusted to exclude gains realized from sales of books of business, acquisition integration costs, workforce related charges, lease termination related charges, claim portfolio transfer ramp up fees/costs, acquisition related adjustments, and the period-over-period impact of foreign currency translation, as applicable.

 

   

Adjusted EBITDAC margin - We define this measure as adjusted EBITDAC divided by total adjusted revenues (defined above).

 

   

Diluted net earnings per share (as adjusted) - We define this measure as net earnings adjusted to exclude the after-tax impact of gains realized from sales of books of business, acquisition integration costs, claim portfolio transfer ramp up fees/costs, workforce related charges, lease termination related charges and acquisition related adjustments, the period-over-period impact of foreign currency translation, as applicable, divided by diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

 

- 32 -


Organic Revenues - For the brokerage segment, organic change in base commission and fee revenues excludes the first twelve months of net commission and fee revenues generated from acquisitions accounted for as purchases and the net commission and fee revenues related to operations disposed of in each year presented. These commissions and fees are excluded from organic revenues in order to help interested persons analyze the revenue growth associated with the operations that were a part of our business in both the current and prior year. In addition, change in base commission and fee revenue organic growth excludes the impact of supplemental and contingent commission revenues and the period-over-period impact of foreign currency translation. The amounts excluded with respect to foreign currency translation are calculated by applying current year foreign exchange rates to the same prior year periods. In addition, for entities where we consolidate their operations into our results, but own less than 60%, we only include our proportional share of the revenues in the organic computation. For the risk management segment, organic change in fee revenues excludes the first twelve months of fee revenues generated from acquisitions accounted for as purchases and the fee revenues related to operations disposed of in each year presented. In addition, change in organic growth excludes the impact of the period-over-period impact of foreign currency translation to improve the comparability of our results between periods by eliminating the impact of the items that have a high degree of variability or are due to the limited-time nature of these revenue sources.

These revenue items are excluded from organic revenues in order to determine a comparable measurement of revenue growth that is associated with the revenue sources that are expected to continue in the current year and beyond. We have historically viewed organic revenue growth as an important indicator when assessing and evaluating the performance of our brokerage and risk management segments. We also believe that using this measure allows financial statement users to measure, analyze and compare the growth from our brokerage and risk management segments in a meaningful and consistent manner.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Information Presented to GAAP Measures - This quarterly report on Form 10-Q includes tabular reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures for adjusted revenues, adjusted compensation expense and adjusted operating expense, EBITDAC, EBITDAC margin, adjusted EBITDAC, adjusted EBITDAC margin, diluted net earnings per share (as adjusted) and organic revenue measures.

Segment Reclassification - In first quarter 2015, we transferred management of a claims handling operation from the brokerage segment to the risk management segment. Totals revenues related to this operation were $4.9 million and $4.2 million in first quarters 2015 and 2014, respectively. We made the applicable segment reclassifications to the prior-period amounts to conform to the current-period presentation. The changes in the segment structure affect only the manner in which the results for the reportable segments were previously reported. These reclassifications did not impact our previously reported consolidated net earnings. See Note 1 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein for an additional discussion on the reclassification of amounts between the brokerage and risk management segments.

Other Information - Allocations of investment income and certain expenses are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates primarily using revenue, headcount and other information. We allocate the provision for income taxes to the brokerage and risk management segments using local statutory rates. As a result, the provision for income taxes for the corporate segment reflects the entire benefit to us of the IRC Section 45 credits generated, because that is the segment which produced the credits. The law that provides for IRC Section 45 credits substantially expires in December 2019 for our fourteen 2009 Era Plants and in December 2021 for our twenty 2011 Era Plants. We anticipate reporting an effective tax rate of approximately 34.0% to 37.0% in both our brokerage and risk management segments for the foreseeable future. Reported operating results by segment would change if different allocation methods were applied.

In the discussion that follows regarding our results of operations, we also provide the following ratios with respect to our operating results: pretax profit margin, compensation expense ratio and operating expense ratio. Pretax profit margin represents pretax earnings divided by total revenues. The compensation expense ratio is compensation expense divided by total revenues. The operating expense ratio is operating expense divided by total revenues.

 

- 33 -


Overview and First Quarter 2015 Highlights

We are engaged in providing insurance brokerage and third-party property/casualty claims settlement and administration services to entities in the U.S. and abroad. Throughout 2014 and into 2015, we have expanded, and expect to continue to expand, our international operations through both acquisitions and organic growth. We generated approximately 66% of our revenues for the combined brokerage and risk management segments domestically, with the remaining 34% derived internationally, primarily in Australia, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, New Zealand and the U.K. (based on first quarter 2015 revenues). We expect that our international revenue will continue to grow as a percentage of our total revenues in 2015 compared to 2014, given the number and size of the non-U.S. acquisitions that we completed in the latter part of 2014. We have three reportable segments: brokerage, risk management and corporate, which contributed approximately 61%, 14% and 25%, respectively, to revenues during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015. Our major sources of operating revenues are commissions, fees and supplemental and contingent commissions from brokerage operations and fees from risk management operations. Investment income is generated from invested cash and fiduciary funds, clean energy and other investments, and interest income from premium financing.

We have generated positive organic growth in each of the last seventeen quarterly periods in both the brokerage and risk management segments. We believe our customers are increasingly optimistic about their business prospects and the economy in general. The first quarter 2015 Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers (which we refer to as CIAB) survey indicated that rates retracted modestly at 2.3% on average, which is in line with the basically flat to slightly lower rate trend noted in the fourth quarter 2014 survey. The fourth quarter 2014 CIAB survey indicated that rates, on average, declined by 0.7% across all sized accounts. Most of the brokers surveyed reported an actively competitive market; however, results varied somewhat by line, region and client loss experience. Based on our experience, insurance carriers appear to be making rational pricing decisions. In lines and accounts where rate increases or decreases are warranted, the underwriters are pricing accordingly. As carriers reach their profitability targets in lines, rates may start to flatten. The CIAB represents the leading domestic and international insurance brokers, who write approximately 85% of the commercial property/casualty premiums in the U.S.

Our operating results improved in first quarter 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 in both our brokerage and risk management segments:

 

   

In our brokerage segment, total revenues and adjusted total revenues were both up 33% and 36%, respectively, base organic commission and fee revenues were up 4.5%, net earnings were up 12%, adjusted EBITDAC was up 52% and adjusted EBITDAC margins were up 214 basis points.

 

   

In our risk management segment, total revenues and adjusted total revenues were both up 8% and 11%, respectively, organic fees were up 10.9%, net earnings were up 25%, adjusted EBITDAC was up 20% and adjusted EBITDAC margins were up 124 basis points.

 

   

In our combined brokerage and risk management segments, total revenues and adjusted total revenues were up 27% and 30%, respectively, organic commissions and fee revenues were up 6.0%, net earnings were up 15%, adjusted EBITDAC was up 46% and adjusted EBITDAC margins were up by 208 basis points.

 

   

Our acquisition program and our integration efforts are meeting our expectations. During the first quarter of 2015, the brokerage segment completed eleven acquisitions with annualized revenues totaling $33.6 million.

 

   

In our corporate segment, the net after tax loss from our clean energy investments was $5.5 million in the first quarter of 2015. On March 1, 2014, we acquired additional ownership interests in seven of the 2009 Era Plants and five of the 2011 Era Plants from a co-investor. These transactions resulted in a non-cash after-tax gain of $14.1 million, which resulted from the fair value as of the transaction date. All but one of our investments in these plants had been accounted for under the equity method of accounting. For all plants where our ownership is over 50%, as of March 1, 2014 we consolidated the operations of the limited liability companies that own these plants. We anticipate our clean energy investments to generate between $92.5 million and $107.5 million in net earnings in 2015. We expect to use these additional earnings to continue our mergers and acquisition strategy in our core brokerage and risk management operations.

 

- 34 -


The following provides information that management believes is helpful when comparing revenues, EBITDAC and diluted net earnings per share for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 with the same period in 2014:

 

For the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31,                                                         
     Revenues     EBITDAC     Diluted Net Earnings
Per Share
 

Segment

   2015      2014      Chg     2015     2014     Chg     2015     2014     Chg  
     (in millions)     (in millions)                    

Brokerage, as adjusted

   $ 750.2       $ 552.6         36   $ 166.9      $ 109.6        52   $ 0.36      $ 0.29        24

Net gains on book sales

     0.9         1.0           0.9        1.0          —          —       

Acquisition integration

     —           —             (20.8     (6.5       (0.08     (0.03  

Workforce & lease termination

     —           —             (8.5     (2.0       (0.03     (0.01  

Acquisition related adjustments

     —           —             —          (1.1       (0.03     (0.01  

Levelized foreign currency translation

     —           10.8           —          0.6          —          —       
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Brokerage, as reported

     751.1         564.4           138.5        101.6          0.22        0.24     
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Risk Management, as adjusted

     177.2         160.0         11     29.8        24.9        20     0.09        0.09       

Workforce & lease termination

     —           —             (0.2     (0.4       —          —       

Claim portfolio transfer ramp up

     —           —             —          (1.2       —          (0.01  

Levelized foreign currency translation

     —           4.2           —          1.2          —          0.01     
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Risk Management, as reported

     177.2         164.2           29.6        24.5          0.09        0.09     
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total Brokerage & Risk Management, as reported

   $ 928.3       $ 728.6         $ 168.1      $ 126.1          0.31        0.33     
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Corporate, as adjusted

                   (0.18     (0.12  

Non-cash gains on changes in ownership levels

                   —          0.15     
                

 

 

   

 

 

   

Corporate, as reported

                   (0.18     0.03     

Total Company, as reported

                 $ 0.13      $ 0.36     
                

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total Brokerage & Risk Management, as adjusted

   $ 927.4       $ 712.6         30   $ 196.7      $ 134.5        46   $ 0.45      $ 0.38        18
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

- 35 -


Results of Operations

Brokerage

The brokerage segment accounted for 61% of our revenues during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015. Our brokerage segment is primarily comprised of retail and wholesale brokerage operations. Our retail brokerage operations negotiate and place property/casualty, employer-provided health and welfare insurance and retirement solutions, principally for middle-market commercial, industrial, public entity, religious and not-for-profit entities. Many of our retail brokerage customers choose to place their insurance with insurance underwriters, while others choose to use alternative vehicles such as self-insurance pools, risk retention groups or captive insurance companies. Our wholesale brokerage operations assist our brokers and other unaffiliated brokers and agents in the placement of specialized, unique and hard-to-place insurance programs.

Our primary sources of compensation for our retail brokerage services are commissions paid by insurance companies, which are usually based upon a percentage of the premium paid by insureds, and brokerage and advisory fees paid directly by our clients. For wholesale brokerage services, we generally receive a share of the commission paid to the retail broker from the insurer. Commission rates are dependent on a number of factors, including the type of insurance, the particular insurance company underwriting the policy and whether we act as a retail or wholesale broker. Advisory fees are dependent on the extent and value of services we provide. In addition, under certain circumstances, both retail brokerage and wholesale brokerage services receive supplemental and contingent commissions. A supplemental commission is a commission paid by an insurance carrier that is above the base commissions paid, is determined by the insurance carrier and is established annually in advance of the contractual period based on historical performance criteria. A contingent commission is a commission paid by an insurance carrier based on the overall profit and/or volume of the business placed with that insurance carrier during a particular calendar year and is determined after the contractual period.

Within our retail brokerage operations, one area of growth in recent years has been organizing and managing “captives” and other vehicles for self-insurance. A “captive” is an insurance company that insures the risks of its owner, affiliates or a group of companies. A portion of our captive business includes the development and management of “micro-captives,” through operations we acquired in 2010 in our acquisition of the assets of Tribeca Strategic Advisors (Tribeca). Micro-captives are captive insurance companies that are subject to taxation only on net investment income under IRC Section 831(b). Our micro-captive advisory services are the subject of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Additionally, the IRS has initiated audits for the 2012 tax year of over 100 of the micro-captive insurance companies organized and/or managed by us. Among other matters, the IRS is investigating whether we have been acting as a tax shelter promoter in connection with these operations. While the IRS has not made any specific allegations relating to our operations or the pre-acquisition activities of Tribeca, if the IRS were to successfully assert that the micro-captives organized and/or managed by us do not meet the requirements of IRC Section 831(b), we could be subject to monetary claims by the IRS and/or our micro-captive clients, and our future earnings from our micro-captive operations could be materially adversely affected, any of which events, could negatively impact the overall captive business and adversely affect our consolidated results of operations and financial condition. Even if the IRS were to conclude that the micro-captives have been operated in accordance with applicable law, we may still experience lost earnings due to the negative effect of an extended IRS investigation on our clients’ and potential clients’ businesses. Annual renewals for micro-captive clients generally occur during the fourth quarter. Therefore, any negative impact from this investigation would likely have a disproportionate impact on fourth-quarter results. In 2014, our micro-captive operations contributed approximately $5.0 million in EBITDAC and $2.5 million in net earnings to our consolidated results. Due to the early stage of the investigation and the fact that the IRS has not made any allegation against us at this time, we are not able to reasonably estimate the amount of any potential loss in connection with this investigation.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, five senior employees of our U.K.-based international brokerage operations, including the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and chief risk officer, resigned from the company. Shortly thereafter, we announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer for such operations. In addition, the Financial Conduct Authority (which we refer to as the FCA) recently informed us that it is planning to review certain aspects of our U.K. operation’s governance and control framework and that such review will include a skilled person’s report under section 166 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. We are fully cooperating with the FCA, and are engaged in discussions regarding the scope of this review. Although it has not indicated it will do so, we cannot rule out the possibility that the FCA could impose fines or penalties, impose limitations or restrictions on our business, or require us to take remedial action. Therefore, at present, we cannot determine whether this review will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

- 36 -


Financial information relating to our brokerage segment results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, is as follows (in millions, except per share, percentages and workforce data):

 

     Three-month period  
     ended March 31,  

Statement of Earnings

   2015     2014     Change  

Commissions

   $ 519.7      $ 411.5      $ 108.2   

Fees

     146.1        93.4        52.7   

Supplemental commissions

     26.9        25.4        1.5   

Contingent commissions

     44.5        32.2        12.3   

Investment income

     13.0        0.9        12.1   

Gains realized on books of business sales

     0.9        1.0        (0.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     751.1        564.4        186.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation

     460.3        352.6        107.7   

Operating

     152.3        110.2        42.1   

Depreciation

     12.9        8.9        4.0   

Amortization

     54.0        37.3        16.7   

Change in estimated acquisition earnout payables

     10.6        5.1        5.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     690.1        514.1        176.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

     61.0        50.3        10.7   

Provision for income taxes

     20.4        17.8        2.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

     40.6        32.5        8.1   

Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     3.9        (0.3     4.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to controlling interests

   $ 36.7      $ 32.8      $ 3.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted net earnings per share

   $ 0.22      $ 0.24      $ (0.02
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information

      

Change in diluted net earnings per share

     (8 %)      26  

Growth in revenues

     33     25  

Organic change in commissions and fees

     4     3  

Compensation expense ratio

     61     62  

Operating expense ratio

     20     20  

Effective income tax rate

     33     35  

Workforce at end of period (includes acquisitions)

     15,118        11,060     

Identifiable assets at March 31

   $ 8,092.2      $ 5,771.6     

EBITDAC

      

Net earnings

   $ 40.6      $ 32.5      $ 8.1   

Provision for income taxes

     20.4        17.8        2.6   

Depreciation

     12.9        8.9        4.0   

Amortization

     54.0        37.3        16.7   

Change in estimated acquisition earnout payables

     10.6        5.1        5.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDAC

   $ 138.5      $ 101.6      $ 36.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDAC margin

     18     18  

EBITDAC growth

     36     27  

 

- 37 -


The following provides information that management believes is helpful when comparing EBITDAC and adjusted EBITDAC for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 to the same period in 2014 (in millions):

 

     Three-month period
ended March 31,
 
     2015     2014  

Total EBITDAC - see computation above

   $ 138.5      $ 101.6   

Gains from books of business sales

     (0.9     (1.0

Acquisition integration

     20.8        6.5   

Acquisition related adjustments

     —          1.1   

Workforce and lease termination related charges

     8.5        2.0   

Levelized foreign currency translation

     —          (0.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAC

   $ 166.9      $ 109.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAC change

     52.3     34.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAC margin - see page 35

     22.3     19.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Acquisition integration costs include costs related to our July 2, 2014 acquisition of Noraxis Capital Corporation (which we refer to as Noraxis), our June 16, 2014 acquisition of the Crombie/OAMPS operations (which we refer to as Crombie/OAMPS) , our April 1, 2014 acquisition of Oval Group of Companies (which we refer to as Oval), our November 14, 2013 acquisition of the Giles Group of Companies (which we refer to as Giles) and our August 12, 2013 acquisition of Bollinger, Inc. (which we refer to as Bollinger) that are not expected to occur on an ongoing basis in the future once we fully assimilate these acquisitions. These costs relate to the on-boarding of employees, communication system conversion costs, related performance compensation, redundant workforce, extra lease space, duplicate services and external costs incurred to assimilate the acquired businesses with our IT related systems. The Noraxis integration costs in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 totaled $1.1 million and were primarily related to the onboarding of over 650 employees. The Crombie/OAMPS integration costs in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 totaled $7.6 million and were primarily related to technology costs, the onboarding of over 1,700 employees and incentive compensation. The Giles and Oval integration costs in the three-month period March 31, 2015 totaled $12.1 million and were primarily related to the consolidation of offices in the U.K., technology costs, the onboarding of over 2,000 employees, branding and incentive compensation. The Bollinger integration costs in the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 totaled $2.3 million and were primarily related to technology costs, the onboarding of over 500 employees and incentive compensation. The Giles integration costs in the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 totaled $4.2 million, and were primarily related to technology costs, the onboarding of over 1,000 employees and incentive compensation. The prior period integration costs relate to the Bollinger and Giles acquisitions only. The full integration of the Bollinger operations into our existing operations was completed in the fourth quarter of 2014. Integration costs related to the 2013 and 2014 acquisitions are expected to range between $15.0 million to $20.0 million per quarter in 2015 and approximately $2.0 million per quarter in 2016.

Commissions and fees - The aggregate increase in commissions and fees for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, was principally due to revenues associated with acquisitions that were made in the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2015 ($143.6 million). Commissions and fees in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 included new business production and renewal rate increases of $87.2 million, which was partially offset by lost business of $69.9 million. Commissions increased 26% and fees increased 56% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. Organic growth in commissions and fee revenues for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 was 4.5% compared to 3.4% for the same period in 2014, principally due to premium rate increases.

London Reinsurance Operation - In January 2014, we formed a start-up joint-venture with a group of notable reinsurance leaders, whereby we participated in approximately 35% of the venture’s net profits and losses. In late December 2014, the venture was reorganized and we became the controlling partner, yet still participate in approximately 35% of the venture’s net profits and losses. Accordingly, effective January 1, 2015 we are required to consolidate 100% of the venture’s results within our brokerage segment, and then reflect approximately 65% of the venture’s results in our consolidated statement of earnings in the line entitled “Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests” also within the brokerage segment. The organic revenue table below only includes our approximate 35% share of the venture’s organic growth. See Note 1 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein for a discussion of a change in presentation pertaining to amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests.

 

- 38 -


Items excluded from organic revenue computations yet impacting revenue comparisons for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 include the following (in millions):

 

            2015 Organic Revenue     2014 Organic Revenue  

For the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31,

              2015             2014             2014             2013      

Commissions and Fees

           

Commission revenues as reported

      $ 519.7      $ 411.5      $ 411.5      $ 326.8   

Fee revenues as reported

        146.1        93.4        93.4        82.3   

Less commission and fee revenues from acquisitions

        (143.6     —          (82.2     —     

Less non-owned portion of consolidated entities

     *         (8.4     —          —          —     

Less disposed of operations

        —          (3.5     —          (2.8

Levelized foreign currency translation

        —          (9.6     —          2.4   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Organic base commission and fee revenues

      $ 513.8      $ 491.8      $ 422.7      $ 408.7   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Organic change in base commission and fee revenues

        4.5       3.4  
     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Supplemental Commissions

           

Supplemental commissions as reported

      $ 26.9      $ 25.4      $ 25.4      $ 17.3   

Less supplemental commissions from acquisitions

        (5.1     —          (7.3     —     

Levelized foreign currency translation

        —          (0.9     —          —     
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Organic supplemental commissions

      $ 21.8      $ 24.5      $ 18.1      $ 17.3   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Organic change in supplemental commissions

        (11.0 %)        4.6  
     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Contingent Commissions

           

Contingent commissions as reported

      $ 44.5      $ 32.2      $ 32.2      $ 22.5   

Less contingent commissions from acquisitions

        (6.8     —          (4.9     —     

Levelized foreign currency translation

        —          (0.1     —          —     
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Organic contingent commissions

      $ 37.7      $ 32.1      $ 27.3      $ 22.5   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Organic change in contingent commissions

        17.5       21.3  
     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Total organic change in commissions and fees, supplemental commissions and contingent commissions

        4.5       4.4  
     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

* We control, but own less than 50% of, certain entities and must consolidate 100% of their results. Accordingly, we have excluded the non-owned portion of those entities’ revenues from the organic revenue computation.

The following is a summary of brokerage segment acquisition activity for 2015 and 2014:

 

            Three-month period
ended March 31,
 
                2015              2015      

Shares issued for acquisitions and earnouts

        1,280,000         738,000   

Number of acquisitions closed

        11         9   

Annualized revenues acquired (in millions)

      $ 33.6       $ 17.8   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Rollover revenues recognized in period from 2014 acquisitions (in millions)

      $ 162.4      

Portion of Q1 2015 acquisitions revenues recognized in period (in millions)

        5.6      
     

 

 

    

Total

     *       $ 168.0      
     

 

 

    

 

* Consists of $143.6 million recognized in commissions and fees, $11.9 million in supplemental and contingent commissions and $12.5 million in investment income and gains related to premium funding operations acquired.

 

- 39 -


Supplemental and contingent commissions - Reported supplemental and contingent commission revenues recognized in 2015, 2014 and 2013 by quarter are as follows (in millions):

 

     First
Quarter
     Second
Quarter
     Third
Quarter
     Fourth
Quarter
     YTD  

2015

  

           

Reported supplemental commissions

   $ 26.9                $ 26.9   

Reported contingent commissions

     44.5                  44.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Reported supplemental and contingent commissions

   $ 71.4                $ 71.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

2014

  

           

Reported supplemental commissions

   $ 25.4       $ 27.9       $ 24.2       $ 26.5       $ 104.0   

Reported contingent commissions

     32.2         21.8         14.4         16.3         84.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Reported supplemental and contingent commissions

   $ 57.6       $ 49.7       $ 38.6       $ 42.8       $ 188.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

2013

  

           

Reported supplemental commissions

   $ 17.3       $ 18.3       $ 17.8       $ 23.9       $ 77.3   

Reported contingent commissions

     22.5         14.5         6.5         8.6         52.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Reported supplemental and contingent commissions

   $ 39.8       $ 32.8       $ 24.3       $ 32.5       $ 129.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investment income and gains realized on books of business sales - This primarily represents interest income earned on cash, cash equivalents and restricted funds, interest income from premium financing and one-time gains related to sales of books of business, which were $0.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The increase in investment income in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 is primarily due to the interest income from premium financing generated by the Crombie/OAMPS operations which were acquired on June 16, 2014.

Compensation expense - The following provides information that management believes is helpful when comparing compensation expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 with the same period in 2014 (in millions):

 

     Three-month period  
     ended March 31,  
     2015     2014  

Reported amounts

   $ 460.3      $ 352.6   

Acquisition integration

     (11.6     (3.6

Workforce related charges

     (8.5     (1.5

Acquisition related adjustments

     —          (1.1

Levelized foreign currency translation

     —          (7.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted amounts

   $ 440.2      $ 338.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted revenues - see page 35

   $ 750.2      $ 552.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted ratios

     58.7     61.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The increase in compensation expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily due to increased headcount, salary increases, one-time compensation payments and increases in incentive compensation linked to our overall operating results ($93.7 million in the aggregate), increases in employee benefits ($11.4 million), severance related costs ($4.6 million) and temporary staffing ($0.3 million), offset by decreases in deferred compensation ($1.9 million) and stock compensation expense ($0.4 million). The increase in employee headcount primarily relates to employees associated with the acquisitions completed in the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2015.

 

- 40 -


Operating expenses - The following provides information that management believes is helpful when comparing operating expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 with the same period in 2014 (in millions):

 

     Three-month period  
     ended March 31,  
     2015     2014  

Reported amounts

   $ 152.3      $ 110.2   

Acquisition integration

     (9.2     (2.9

Workforce and lease termination related charges

     —          (0.5

Levelized foreign currency translation

     —          (2.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted amounts

   $ 143.1      $ 104.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted revenues - see page 35

   $ 750.2      $ 552.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted ratios

     19.1     18.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The increase in operating expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency translation ($0.6 million) and increases in technology expenses ($12.6 million), real estate expenses ($6.7 million), outside consulting fees ($4.5 million), business insurance ($3.8 million), meeting and client entertainment expense ($3.7 million), other expense ($2.2 million), professional and banking fees ($2.1 million), licenses and fees ($2.1 million), employee related expense ($1.5 million), bad debt expense ($1.5 million), premium financing expense ($1.2 million), outside services expense ($0.5 million) and office supplies ($0.4 million), partially offset by a decrease in lease termination charges. Also contributing to the increase in operating expenses in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 were increased expenses associated with the acquisitions completed in the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2015.

Depreciation - Depreciation expense in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 increased slightly compared to the same period in 2014 due to expenses associated with acquisitions completed in the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2015.

Amortization - The increase in amortization expense in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 was due primarily to amortization expense of intangible assets associated with acquisitions completed in the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2015. Expiration lists, non-compete agreements and trade names are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives (three to fifteen years for expiration lists, three to five years for non-compete agreements and five to ten years for trade names). Based on the results of impairment reviews during the three-month period ended March 31, 2014, we wrote off $0.6 million of amortizable intangible assets related to the brokerage segment.

Change in estimated acquisition earnout payables - The change in expense from the change in estimated acquisition earnout payables in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, was due primarily to adjustments made to the estimated fair value of earnout obligations related to revised projections of future performance. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we recognized $4.2 million and $3.3 million, respectively, of expense related to the accretion of the discount recorded for earnout obligations in connection with our acquisitions made in the period from 2012 to 2015. In addition, during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we recognized $6.4 million and $1.8 million of expense, respectively, related to net adjustments in the estimated fair value of earnout obligations in connection with revised projections of future performance for 24 and 21 acquisitions, respectively.

 

- 41 -


The amounts initially recorded as earnout payables for our 2012 to 2015 acquisitions were measured at fair value as of the acquisition date and are primarily based upon the estimated future operating results of the acquired entities over a two- to three-year period subsequent to the acquisition date. The fair value of these earnout obligations is based on the present value of the expected future payments to be made to the sellers of the acquired entities in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective purchase agreements. In determining fair value, we estimate the acquired entity’s future performance using financial projections developed by management for the acquired entity and market participant assumptions that were derived for revenue growth and/or profitability. We estimated future earnout payments using the earnout formula and performance targets specified in each purchase agreement and these financial projections. Subsequent changes in the underlying financial projections or assumptions will cause the estimated earnout obligations to change and such adjustments are recorded in our consolidated statement of earnings when incurred. Increases in the earnout payable obligations will result in the recognition of expense and decreases in the earnout payable obligations will result in the recognition of income.

Provision for income taxes - The brokerage segment’s effective income tax rates for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were 33.4% (35.7% on a controlling interests basis) and 35.4%, respectively. We anticipate reporting an effective tax rate of approximately 34.0% to 36.0% in our brokerage segment for the foreseeable future.

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests - The amount reported in this line for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 include non-controlling interest earnings of $3.9 million related to our investment in London reinsurance operation discussed above.

 

- 42 -


Risk Management

The risk management segment accounted for 14% of our revenue during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015. The risk management segment provides contract claim settlement and administration services for enterprises that choose to self-insure some or all of their property/casualty coverages and for insurance companies that choose to outsource some or all of their property/casualty claims departments. In addition, this segment generates revenues from integrated disability management programs, information services, risk control consulting (loss control) services and appraisal services, either individually or in combination with arising claims. Revenues for risk management services are substantially in the form of fees that are generally negotiated in advance on a per-claim or per-service basis, depending upon the type and estimated volume of the services to be performed.

Financial information relating to our risk management segment results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, is as follows (in millions, except per share, percentages and workforce data):

 

     Three-month period
ended March 31,
 

Statement of Earnings

   2015     2014     Change  

Fees

   $ 177.1      $ 163.8      $ 13.3   

Investment income

     0.1        0.4        (0.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     177.2        164.2        13.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation

     106.9        103.4        3.5   

Operating

     40.7        36.3        4.4   

Depreciation

     5.3        5.0        0.3   

Amortization

     0.7        0.8        (0.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     153.6        145.5        8.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

     23.6        18.7        4.9   

Provision for income taxes

     8.7        6.8        1.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

     14.9        11.9        3.0   

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to controlling interests

   $ 14.9      $ 11.9      $ 3.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted net earnings per share

   $ 0.09      $ 0.09      $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other information

      

Change in diluted net earnings per share

     0     (18 %)   

Growth in revenues

     8     4  

Organic change in fees

     11     6  

Compensation expense ratio

     60     63  

Operating expense ratio

     23     22  

Effective income tax rate

     37     36  

Workforce at end of period (includes acquisitions)

     5,046        4,944     

Identifiable assets at March 31

   $ 571.7      $ 598.9     

EBITDAC

      

Net earnings

   $ 14.9      $ 11.9      $ 3.0   

Provision for income taxes

     8.7        6.8        1.9   

Depreciation

     5.3        5.0        0.3   

Amortization

     0.7        0.8        (0.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDAC

   $ 29.6      $ 24.5      $ 5.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDAC margin

     17     15  

EBITDAC growth

     21     (9 %)   

 

- 43 -


The following provides information that management believes is helpful when comparing EBITDAC and adjusted EBITDAC for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 to the same period in 2014 (in millions):

 

     Three-month period  
     ended March 31,  
     2015     2014  

Total EBITDAC - see computation above

   $ 29.6      $ 24.5   

Workforce and lease termination related charges

     0.2        0.4   

Claim portfolio transfer and ramp up

     —          1.2   

Levelized foreign currency translation

     —          (1.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAC

   $ 29.8      $ 24.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAC change

     19.7     6.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAC margin - see page 35

     16.8     15.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fees - The increase in fees for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 was due primarily to revenues associated with new business and the impact of increased claim counts (total of $19.8 million), which were partially offset by lost business of $6.5 million. Organic growth in fee revenues for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 was 11% compared to 6% for the same period in 2014.

Items excluded from organic fee computations yet impacting revenue comparisons for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 include the following (in millions):

 

            2015 Organic Revenue     2014 Organic Revenue  

For the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31

              2015             2014             2014             2013      

Fees

      $ 173.8      $ 159.7      $ 159.7      $ 151.7   

International performance bonus fees

        3.3        4.1        4.1        5.7   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fees as reported

        177.1        163.8        163.8        157.4   

Less fees from acquisitions

        —          —          (2.2     —     

Less South Australia ramp up fees

        —          —          —          (1.4

Less New Zealand earthquake claims administration

        —          —          —          (0.1

Levelized foreign currency translation

        —          (4.1     —          (3.0
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Organic fees

     *       $ 177.1      $ 159.7      $ 161.6      $ 152.9   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Organic change in fees

        10.9       5.7  
     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

* Includes approximately $5.0 million of fee revenues in both first quarter 2015 and 2014 related to the previously announced run-off of a contract with the New South Wales Workers Compensation Scheme in Australia.

Investment income - Investment income primarily represents interest income earned on our cash and cash equivalents. Investment income in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 remained relatively unchanged compared to the same period in 2014.

 

- 44 -


Compensation expense - The following provides information that management believes is helpful when comparing compensation expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 with the same period in 2014 (in millions):

 

     Three-month period
ended March 31,
 
     2015     2014  

Reported amounts

   $ 106.9      $ 103.4   

Claim portfolio transfer ramp up costs

     —          (0.8

Workforce related charges

     (0.2     (0.4

Levelized foreign currency translation

     —          (2.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted amounts

   $ 106.7      $ 99.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted revenues - see page 35

   $ 177.2      $ 160.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted ratios

     60.2     62.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The increase in compensation expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily due to an unfavorable foreign currency translation ($2.5 million), increased headcount and increases in salaries ($6.7 million in the aggregate) and employee benefits expense ($0.5 million), offset by decreases in claim portfolio transfer cost ($0.8 million), temporary-staffing expense ($0.3 million) and deferred compensation ($0.1 million).

Operating expenses - The following provides information that management believes is helpful when comparing operating expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 with the same period in 2014 (in millions):

 

     Three-month period
ended March 31,
 
     2015     2014  

Reported amounts

   $ 40.7      $ 36.3   

Claim portfolio transfer ramp up costs

     —          (0.4

Levelized foreign currency translation

     —          (0.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted amounts

   $ 40.7      $ 35.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted revenues - see page 35

   $ 177.2      $ 160.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted ratios

     23.0     22.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The operating expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 increased compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to an unfavorable foreign currency translation ($0.1 million) and increases in outside consulting fees ($1.4 million), professional and banking fees ($1.3 million), technology expenses ($0.8 million), meeting and client entertainment expense ($0.5 million), business insurance ($0.4 million), licenses and fees ($0.3 million), bad debt expense ($0.2 million), employee related expense ($0.1 million) and outside services expenses ($0.1 million), offset by decreases in claim portfolio transfer cost ($0.4 million), real estate expenses ($0.3 million) and office supplies ($0.1 million).

Depreciation - Depreciation expense increased slightly in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 and reflects the impact of purchases of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements related to office expansions and relocations, and expenditures related to upgrading computer systems.

 

- 45 -


Amortization - Amortization expense decreased slightly in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. Historically, the risk management segment has made few acquisitions. We made no acquisitions in this segment during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Provision for income taxes - The risk management segment’s effective income tax rates for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were 36.9% and 36.3%, respectively. We anticipate reporting an effective tax rate of approximately 35.0% to 37.0% in our risk management segment for the foreseeable future.

Diluted net earnings per share - On April 16, 2014, we closed on a secondary public offering of our common stock issuing 21.85 million shares of stock for net proceeds of $911.4 million to fund the purchase of Crombie/OAMPS, a brokerage segment acquisition. The impact to diluted net earnings per share in the risk management segment for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 related to the shares issued under this secondary offering was a reduction of approximately $0.01 per share.

 

- 46 -


Corporate

The corporate segment reports the financial information related to our clean energy and other investments, our debt, and certain corporate and acquisition-related activities. For a detailed discussion of the nature of these investments, see Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included herein for a summary of our investments as of March 31, 2015 and in Note 13 to our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K as of December 31, 2014. For a detailed discussion of the nature of our debt, see Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements included herein as of March 31, 2015 and in Note 7 to our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K as of December 31, 2014.

Financial information relating to our corporate segment results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 is as follows (in millions, except per share and percentages):

 

     Three-month period
ended March 31,
 

Statement of Earnings

   2015     2014     Change  

Revenues from consolidated clean coal production plants

   $ 289.5      $ 154.3      $ 135.2   

Royalty income from clean coal licenses

     14.7        14.6        0.1   

Loss from unconsolidated clean coal production plants

     (0.3     (2.5     2.2   

Other net revenues

     (0.9     20.0        (20.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     303.0        186.4        116.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of revenues from consolidated clean coal production plants

     309.3        171.0        138.3   

Compensation

     8.0        10.3        (2.3

Operating

     10.5        2.3        8.2   

Interest