UNITED STATES

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 December 31, 2002

OR

        TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

        For the transition period from _____ to _____

Commission File Number: 001-16159

WATSON WYATT & COMPANY HOLDINGS
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

 

52-2211537

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1717 H Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20006-3900
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(202) 715-7000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:

Yes  X      No     

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of January 31, 2003.

Class

Number of Shares

Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value

 

32,961,184

Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value

 

-

 


WATSON WYATT & COMPANY HOLDINGS
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q


For the Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2002

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1 - 4

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations--Three and six months ended December 31, 2002 and 2001


1

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 2002 and June 30, 2002

2

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--Six months ended December 31, 2002 and 2001


3

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity--Six months ended December 31, 2002


4

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

5

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


13

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

24

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

25

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

25

Item 2.

Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

26

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

26

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

26

Item 5.

Other Information

28

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

28

Signatures

29

Certifications

30

 


 

WATSON WYATT & COMPANY HOLDINGS
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
               
    Three Months Ended December 31,   Six Months Ended December 31,


    2002   2001   2002   2001




      (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)  
                 
Revenue   $      174,624   $      174,897   $      353,582   $      347,353
   
 
 
 
Costs of providing services:               

   Salaries and employee benefits

97,838   100,494   199,351   195,214
   Professional and subcontracted services 13,042   14,459   23,860   24,559
   Occupancy, communications and other 25,485  

25,487

 

52,113

 

54,215

   General and administrative expenses 14,815   14,032   29,205   27,207
   Depreciation and amortization 5,266   5,242   10,345   10,630




    156,446   159,714   314,874   311,825
   



Income from operations 18,178   15,183   38,708   35,528
             
Interest income, net 225   244   467   686
Other non-operating income 121   --   641   1,000
Income from affiliates  2,058   1,403   2,907   2,095
   



Income before income taxes 20,582   16,830   42,723   39,309
                 
Provision for income taxes  8,438   6,734   17,516   15,725
   



Net income   $       12,144     $        10,096   $        25,207   $        23,584
   
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share $            0.37   $            0.31   $            0.77   $            0.71
   
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share $            0.36   $            0.30   $            0.76   $            0.71
   
 
 
 
Weighted average shares of common stock,   
   basic (000) 32,942   32,973   32,944   33,003
   
 
 
 
Weighted average shares of common stock,               
   diluted (000) 33,279   33,313   33,285   33,418

 
 
 

 

See accompanying notes

1


 

WATSON WYATT & COMPANY HOLDINGS
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
           
      December 31,   June 30,
      2002   2002


      (Unaudited)    
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents   $            91,346   $            95,974
Receivables from clients:        
  Billed, net of allowances of $2,622 and $1,405   87,375   83,311
  Unbilled, net of allowances of $685 and $431   54,602   68,301


      141,977   151,612
Deferred income taxes   524   7,904
Other current assets   12,446   17,268


  Total current assets   246,293   272,758
       
Investment in affiliates   23,903   20,086
Fixed assets, net   62,423   62,552
Deferred income taxes   60,117   54,758
Goodwill and intangible assets  

18,303

 

18,430

Other assets   8,021   8,233


Total Assets   $          419,060   $          436,817


Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, including discretionary compensation   $            92,624   $          134,998
Income taxes payable   12,069   14,589


  Total current liabilities   104,693   149,587
Accrued retirement benefits   84,755   84,148
Deferred rent and accrued lease losses   3,667   3,660
Other noncurrent liabilities   40,931   40,201
     
 
Total Liabilities   234,046   277,596


Commitments and contingencies        
         
Stockholders' Equity        
Preferred Stock - No par value:        
  1,000,000 shares authorized;        
  None issued and outstanding   --    --
Class A Common Stock - $.01 par value:        
  69,000,000 shares authorized;        
  33,087,880 and 20,212,449 issued and         
  32,955,703 and 20,029,115 outstanding   331   202
Class B-1 Common Stock - $.01 par value:        
  15,000,000 shares authorized;        
  none issued and outstanding   --   --
Class B-2 Common Stock - $.01 par value:        
  15,000,000 shares authorized;        
  none and 12,868,030 issued and outstanding   --   129
Additional paid-in capital    146,353   147,034
Treasury stock, at cost - 132,177 and 183,334 shares    (2,238

)

(3,076

)

Retained earnings   45,558  

20,351

 
Cumulative translation adjustment (accumulated other        
  comprehensive loss)   (4,990

)

(5,419

)



Total Stockholders' Equity   185,014   159,221
     
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity   $          419,060   $          436,817


 

See accompanying notes

2


 

WATSON WYATT & COMPANY HOLDINGS

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

   

Six Months Ended December 31,


2002   2001
   

(Unaudited)

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities:      
  Net income $        25,207   $       23,584
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash      
     from (used in) operating activities:      
        Provision for doubtful receivables from clients 5,387   3,629
        Depreciation 10,203   10,566
        Amortization of intangible assets 142   64
        Provision for deferred income taxes 2,021   --
        Income from affiliates (2,907 )

(2,095

)

        Distributions from affiliates 2,033   324
        Other, net (860 )

(1,187

)

        Discontinued operations, net 46  

(165

)

        Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of discontinued operations):      
           Receivables from clients 4,248  

(6,454

)

           Other current assets 4,822  

(3,596

)

           Other assets 212   (45

)

           Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (37,051 )

(45,291

)

           Income taxes payable (2,520 )

9,864

 
         Accrued retirement benefits 607

5,489

 
           Deferred rent and accrued lease losses 7  

(570

)

           Other noncurrent liabilities 599  

2,039

 



     Net cash from (used in) operating activities 12,196  

(3,844

)

   
 
Cash flows used in investing activities:      
  Purchases of fixed assets (10,313 )

(11,211

)

  Proceeds from divestitures 1,042   1,428
  Acquisitions and contingent consideration payments (366 )

(3,598

)

  Investment in affiliate (1,961 ) --


      Net cash used in investing activities (11,598 )

(13,381

)

   
 
Cash flows (used in) from financing activities:      
  Secondary offering costs --   (56

)

  Issuances of common stock - exercises of stock options 331   62
  Issuances of common stock - employee stock purchase plan 3,121   --
Repurchases of common stock (8,765 ) --


     Net cash (used in) from financing activities (5,313 ) 6
   
 
Effect of exchange rates on cash 87  

307

 
   

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (4,628 )

(16,912

)

       
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 95,974   81,735
   
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $        91,346   $       64,823


 

See accompanying notes

3


 

WATSON WYATT & COMPANY HOLDINGS
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
(Unaudited)
                               
      Cumulative             Additional   Treasury    
  Retained   Translation   Class A   Class B-1   Class B-2   Paid-in   Stock,    
  Earnings   Loss   Common Stock   Common Stock   Common Stock   Capital   at Cost   Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at June 30, 2002 $                   20,351   $        (5,419

$                  202   $                     --      $                  129   $    147,034   $          (3,076

$       159,221
Comprehensive income:                              
    Net income

25,207

                          25,207
    Foreign currency translation adjustment     429                       429

Total comprehensive income                             25,636
Transfer restriction expiration of                              
12,745,015 shares         127       (127

)

        --
Repurchases of common stock         2       (2 

)

    (8,765 )

(8,765

)

Issuances of common stock - exercises of                              
common stock options                  

 

(20

)

351   331
Issuances of common stock - employee stock                              
purchase plan                     (946

4,067   3,121 
Issuances of common stock - deferred stock units                     285   5,021  

5,306

 
Issuance of common stock to outside directors                         164  

164

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2002 $                    45,558   $        (4,990 $                   331   $                      --   $                     --   $    146,353   $          (2,238 $       185,014








 

See accompanying notes

4


WATSON WYATT & COMPANY HOLDINGS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular amounts are in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

1.    The accompanying unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings and our subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "we," "Watson Wyatt" or the "Company") are presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and do not include all of the disclosures normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In the opinion of management, these statements reflect all adjustments, including recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements for the interim periods. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, which is filed with the SEC and may be accessed via EDGAR on the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.

The results of operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the results that can be expected for the entire fiscal year ending June 30, 2003. The results reflect certain estimates, including estimated bonuses and anticipated tax rates. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.

2.    The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended December 31, 2002 are as follows:

 

 

 

Benefits Group

 

Technology

Solutions

(eHR)

Group

 

 

Human Capital Group

 

 

 

 

International

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Balance as of June 30, 2002

$

14,684

 

$

949

 

$

59

 

$

244

 

$

1,214

 

$

17,150

 

Goodwill recorded during the period

 

--

   

--

   

--

   

385

   

--

   

385

 

Translation adjustment

 

(124

)

 

--

   

(3

)

 

(38

)

 

--

   

(165

)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                     

Balance as of December 31, 2002

$

14,560

 

$

949

 

$

56

 

$

591

 

$

1,214

 

$

17,370

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

5


The following table reflects changes in the carrying amount of the components of intangible assets for the six months ended December 31, 2002:

Non-contractual

customer

 

Non-compete

 

Purchased

relationships

agreements

software

Total





Balance as of June 30, 2002

$

866

$

361

$

53

$

1,280

Amortization expense

(86

)

(46

)

(10

)

(142

)

Translation adjustment

(205

)

--

--

(205

)





Balance as of December 31, 2002

$

575

$

315

$

43

$

933

 





The gross carrying amount of intangible assets at December 31, 2002 was $1,456,000. Accumulated amortization of intangible assets at December 31, 2002 was $523,000. The weighted average remaining life of amortizable intangible assets at December 31, 2002 was 3.4 years. Estimated amortization expense for fiscal year 2003 and each of the four succeeding fiscal years is as follows:

Fiscal year ending June 30:

Amount

 

2003

$

292

2004

280

2005

257

2006

225

2007

21

3.    We implemented targeted job reductions in our North American Technology Solutions Group (formerly eHR) and Human Capital Group practices during the second quarter of fiscal year 2003. This resulted in the elimination of 72 positions, or approximately 2% of our workforce, and a severance charge of $2.0 million that was included in our results for the quarter ended December 31, 2002. Of the $2.0 million severance charge, $1.8 million is included in Salaries and employee benefit expenses and $0.2 million is included in Professional and subcontracted services. As of December 31, 2002, $0.9 million has been paid under severance agreements.

4.    The Company's North American regions are managed using a practice-based matrix form of organization, while our international operations are managed geographically. We have five reportable segments:

(1)

Benefits Group

(2)

Technology Solutions Group (formerly eHR)

(3)

Human Capital Group

(4)

International

(5)

Other (including Data Services and Communication)

 

6


The Company evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on net operating income, which is income before income taxes and discretionary compensation.

The table below presents specified information about reported segments as of and for the three months ended December 31, 2002:

 

Benefits

Group

 

Technology

Solutions

Group

 

Human

Capital

Group

 

International

 

Other

 

Total

 
 
 
 
 
 

Revenue (net of

   reimbursable

   expenses)

$

95,076

 

$

26,521

 

$

11,940

 

$

19,146

 

$

11,958

 

$

164,641

Net operating

   income/(loss)

18,073

4,890

(547

)

946

(9

)

23,353

Receivables

82,348

18,528

10,090

15,343

6,835

133,144


The table below presents specified information about reported segments as of and for the three months ended December 31, 2001:

 

Benefits

Group

 

Technology

Solutions

Group

 

Human

Capital

Group

 

International

 

Other

 

Total

 
 
 
 
 
 

Revenue (net of

   reimbursable

   expenses)

$

95,386

 

$

27,711

 

$

12,330

 

$

16,758

 

$

14,122

 

$

166,307

Net operating

   income/(loss)

22,760

6,479

(1,207

)

(454

)

111

27,689

Receivables

91,047

21,338

10,558

14,081

10,298

147,322


The table below presents specified information about reported segments as of and for the six months ended December 31, 2002:

 

Benefits

Group

 

Technology

Solutions

Group

 

Human

Capital

Group

 

International

 

Other

 

Total

 
 
 
 
 
 

Revenue (net of

   reimbursable

   expenses)

$

197,076

 

$

52,829

 

$

23,186

 

$

37,064

 

$

25,911

 

$

336,066

Net operating

   income/(loss)

43,943

9,650

(473

)

1,324

2,135

56,579

Receivables

 

82,348

 

 

18,528

 

 

10,090

 

 

15,343

 

 

6,835

 

 

133,144

 

7


The table below presents specified information about reported segments as of and for the six months ended December 31, 2001:

 

Benefits

Group

 

Technology

Solutions

Group

 

Human

Capital

Group

 

International

 

Other

 

Total

 
 
 
 
 
 

Revenue (net of

   reimbursable

   expenses)

$

188,308

 

$

55,347

 

$

24,106

 

$

33,643

 

$

30,707

 

$

332,111

Net operating

   income/(loss)

43,151

12,589

(3,632

)

363

2,172

54,643

Receivables

91,047

21,338

10,558

14,081

10,298

147,322

Information about interest income and tax expense is not presented as a segment expense because it is not considered a responsibility of the segments' operating management.

8


Reconciliations of the information reported by segment to the consolidated amounts follow for the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2002 and 2001:

Three Months Ended December 31,

Six Months Ended December 31,

 
 
 

2002

2001

2002

2001





Revenue:

   Total segment revenue

$

164,641

$

166,307

$

336,066

$

332,111

   Reimbursable expenses not included in total

      segment revenue

10,341

8,312

17,318

14,499

   Other, net

(358

)

278

198

743





   Consolidated revenue

$

174,624

$

174,897

$

353,582

$

347,353





Net Operating Income:

   Total segment net operating income

$

23,353

$

27,689

$

56,579

$

54,643

   Income from affiliates

2,058

1,403

2,907

2,095

   Differences in allocation methods for

     depreciation, G&A, medical and pension costs

(629

)

(737

)

(1,095

)

(1,208

)

   Gain on sale of business units and

     other non-operating income

549

269

1,069

1,311

   Discretionary compensation

(7,574

)

(12,479

)

(19,574

)

(18,814

)

   Other, net

2,825

685

2,837

1,282





Consolidated income before income taxes

$

20,582

$

16,830

$

42,723

$

39,309





Receivables:

   Total segment receivables - billed and unbilled

$

133,144

$

147,322

$

133,144

$

147,322

   Net valuation differences

8,833

7,094

8,833

7,094





   Total billed and unbilled receivables

141,977

154,416

141,977

154,416

   Assets not reported by segment

277,083

227,944

277,083

227,944





   Consolidated assets

$

419,060

$

382,360

$

419,060

$

382,360

 





 

9


5.    Basic earnings per share is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of outstanding stock options using the "treasury stock" method. The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:

Three Months Ended December 31,

Six Months Ended December 31,

 
 

2002

2001

2002

2001





Net income

$

12,144

$

10,096

$

25,207

$

23,584





Weighted average outstanding shares of

   common stock

32,942

32,973

32,944

33,003

Dilutive effect of employee stock options

337

340

341

415





Common stock and stock equivalents

33,279

33,313

33,285

33,418





Earnings per share:

Basic

$

0.37

$

0.31

$

0.77

$

0.71





Diluted

$

0.36

$

0.30

$

0.76

$

0.71





6.    From time to time, we are a party to various lawsuits, arbitrations or mediations that arise in the ordinary course of business. These disputes typically involve claims relating to the rendering of professional services or employment matters. We carry claims-made professional liability insurance with a self-insured retention of $1 million per claim, which provides coverage for professional liability claims including the cost of defending such claims. Our primary insurance coverage beyond this retention is written by an affiliated captive insurance company owned by us and two other professional services firms. The first $5 million of coverage has a premium structure which provides for recovering from the insured firm defending the claim approximately 75% of any loss up to $5 million. This recovery occurs through increased insurance premiums over the following five years. The remaining 25% of any loss up to $5 million is a risk borne by the captive insurance company. The Company has provided for the self-insured retention and for the prospective premium increases where specific estimated losses for known claims in excess of $1 million are considered probable and reasonably estimable. The Company has also used actuarial assumptions to estimate and record a liability for incurred but not reported (IBNR) professional liability claims. This liability was equal to $12.3 million as of December 31, 2002. In addition to professional liability insurance, we also carry employment practices liability insurance. In the current insurance market environment, we have experienced increases in premium cost and reductions in aggregate excess coverages, trends which are anticipated to continue. Management believes, based on currently available information, that the results of all pending claims against us will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

7.    Comprehensive income includes net income and changes in the cumulative translation adjustment gain or loss. For the three months ended December 31, 2002, comprehensive income totaled $13.3 million, compared with $9.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2001. For the six months ended December 31, 2002, comprehensive income totaled $25.6 million, compared with $23.7 million for the six months ended December 31, 2001.

8.    Effective August 31, 2001, we sold our U.S. based public sector retirement business to Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company ("GRS"). The sale included approximately 120 U.S. public sector retirement clients, representing approximately $6.0 million in annual revenues.  Simultaneous with the sale, we entered into an alliance agreement with GRS under which we will mutually refer future business opportunities and explore joint consulting assignments.

10


In accordance with the terms of the sale, GRS paid $1.0 million to the Company during the first quarter of fiscal year 2002, and $0.5 million of contingent payments during the first quarter of fiscal year 2003. The Company also received approximately 7% of the common stock of GRS in fiscal year 2002, in lieu of a portion of future cash payments. The amount of additional contractual cash payments over the next four years are contingent upon the successful transition of certain clients to GRS and upon their retention by GRS.

9.    The Company had three classes of common stock outstanding after completion of our initial public offering ("IPO") in October 2000: Class A, B-1 and B-2. Class A shares are freely transferable. Class B-1 and B-2 shares had transfer restrictions which expired on October 16, 2001 and October 16, 2002, respectively. As a result, 9,956,140 shares of our Class B-1 common stock and 12,745,015 shares of our Class B-2 common stock automatically converted into Class A common stock on those respective dates.

In addition to these transfer restriction periods, we entered into agreements providing for additional transfer restrictions with major stockholders, executive officers and employee directors. As a result of these agreements, 4,268,475 Class A shares are currently restricted, of which 2,134,247 will become freely transferable in October 2003 and 2,134,228 will become freely transferable in October 2004.

10.    In September 2002, the Company made a capital infusion £ 1.25 million, or approximately $2.0 million, in our affiliate, Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe) Limited. The transaction has been recorded as an Investment in affiliates.

11.    In June 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities" (FAS 146). FAS 146 provides further guidance regarding requirements for recognition of a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity and is effective for all exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. Management does not presently believe that the adoption of FAS 146 will have a material effect on the Company's financial performance or condition.

In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure" (FAS 148). FAS 148 provides additional transition guidance for those entities that elect to expense stock options pursuant to FAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this pronouncement on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45 (FIN 45), which clarified existing guidance from the FASB regarding a guarantor's accounting for, and disclosure of, the issuance of certain types of guarantees. The disclosure provisions of the Interpretation are effective for all periods that end after December 15, 2002, and provisions for recognition and measurement are effective on a prospective basis for guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. Management has reviewed guarantees issued by the Company and has provided relevant disclosure in footnote 12 based on those types of guarantees which the Company currently has in place. The adoption of FIN 45 did not have an effect on the Company's financial performance or condition.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), which clarifies the financial reporting for variable interest entities. Management does not believe that the adoption of FIN 46 will have an effect on the Company's financial performance or condition.

12.    The Company has historically provided guarantees on an infrequent basis to third parties in the normal course of business. The guarantees described below are currently in effect and could require the Company to make payments to third parties under certain circumstances.

11


Letters of Credit. The Company has issued two letters of credit totaling $5.8 million under our existing credit facility to guarantee payment to the beneficiary in the event that the Company fails to meet its financial obligations to that beneficiary. One letter of credit for $2.6 million will ultimately expire in October 2006, while the second letter of credit for $3.2 million will remain outstanding as long as we retain an ownership share of our captive insurance company.

Stock Loans. The Company also guarantees a credit facility which provides loans to associates for stock purchased under our former Stock Purchase Program. This program was discontinued in conjunction with our initial public offering in October 2000. As a result, the facility permanently decreases as the loans are repaid. The maximum available borrowings and aggregate outstanding balances under this facility were $1.2 million at December 31, 2002, and $2.9 million at June 30, 2002. A total of 1,213,000 and 2,731,000 Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings shares were pledged by stockholders to collateralize these loans at December 31, 2002, and June 30, 2002, respectively.

Affiliate Agreements. In 1995, we entered into an alliance agreement with R. Watson & Sons, a United Kingdom based actuarial, benefits and human resources consulting partnership (now Watson Wyatt LLP or WWLLP), the predecessor of which was founded in 1878. Included in the agreements between the Company and WWLLP (the "Alliance Agreements") are various indemnities and guaranties relating to the performance of the Company and its subsidiaries, some of which became part of Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe), Ltd. (WWHE), as to such matters as tax liabilities, liabilities for prior acts or omissions arising from the operation of the UK and European businesses prior to the alliance and failure to perform various obligations under the Alliance Agreements. In addition, certain events, such as a sale of material parts of our business could require the Company to either purchase from or sell to WWLLP an interest in our European business, and/or repurchase the shares of the Company's stock currently held by WWLLP. The Company is unable to estimate an amount of any potential future payments under these contractual arrangements since the potential occurrence of any of the events to which the indemnities apply is entirely speculative, and the dollar amount, if any, would be dependent upon the nature of the event triggering such indemnity. Management believes that any potential for payment under such indemnities and guaranties should decline with the passage of time. There are no provisions for recourse to third parties, nor are any assets held by any third parties that any guarantor can liquidate to recover amounts paid under such indemnities.

The Company owns 25% of WWHE, while WWLLP owns the remaining 75%. Additional capital for WWHE, if required, may be provided by both companies based on their respective ownership percentages. In the event that either the Company or WWLLP does not provide its pro rata share of the additional capital requested by WWHE, the party's respective ownership percentages would be reduced accordingly.

In connection with the establishment of our alliance with Watson Wyatt LLP, the Company agreed to guarantee Watson Wyatt LLP's performance under a lease for office space in London that expires in 2015. Payments by Watson Wyatt LLP under the lease total approximately £ 1.4 million, or approximately $2.3 million per year. We also granted Watson Wyatt LLP an option to return the leased space to our UK subsidiary in 2009. If Watson Wyatt LLP exercises this option, the Company would attempt to sublease the space at the then-current market rates.

Indemnification Agreements. The Company has also entered into agreements in connection with the purchase and sale of certain businesses. These agreements include provisions for the Company to indemnify the counterparty to the transaction against specified claims and liabilities, including those arising from the operation of the subject business before or after the closing date. The Company does not believe that any potential liability that might arise from such indemnity provisions is material, probable or reasonably estimable.  There are no provisions for recourse to third parties, nor are any assets held by any third parties that any guarantor can liquidate to recover amounts paid under such indemnities.

12


Wellspring Leases. We continue to guarantee certain leases for office premises and equipment for Wellspring Resources, LLC ("Wellspring"), the benefits administration outsourcing business that we discontinued in fiscal year 1998. At December 31, 2002, minimum remaining payments guaranteed under these leases, which expire at various dates through 2007, total $27.7 million, excluding sublease income. These leases are also jointly and severally guaranteed by the Company's former partner in Wellspring, State Street Bank and Trust Company. The estimated loss from the potential exercise of these guarantees was included in the fiscal year 1998 loss accrual recorded in connection with the disposal of the benefits administration outsourcing business. Wellspring related activity is reflected on the Statements of Cash Flows as discontinued operations.

As a result of de minimis positive cash flows that began in the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 related to these leases, the Company will reevaluate its accrual related to Wellspring during the third quarter of fiscal year 2003. The evaluation will include an analysis of real estate market conditions in cities in which the leases exist, along with an assessment of the probability of future sublease income for these leases. If necessary, the accrual will be adjusted as a result of this analysis. Any adjustment would be recorded in discontinued operations and not significantly affect future cash flows. Management does not anticipate having to increase the accruals for these lease commitments.


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

General

Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings, including its subsidiaries, is a global human capital consulting firm. We help our clients enhance business performance by improving their ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified employees. As leading economies worldwide become more services oriented, human capital has become increasingly important to companies and organizations. The heightened competition for skilled employees, unprecedented changes in workforce demographics and rising employee-related costs have increased the importance of effective human capital management. We help our clients address these issues by combining our expertise in human capital management with technologies in order to improve the design and implementation of various human resources, or HR programs, including compensation, retirement and healthcare plans.

We operate from 62 offices in 18 countries throughout North America, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Watson Wyatt & Company, which became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings as a result of our corporate reorganization and initial public offering in October 2000, was incorporated in Delaware on February 17, 1958. Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings was incorporated in Delaware on January 7, 2000. Including our predecessors, we have been in business since 1946. In 1995, we entered into an alliance agreement with R. Watson & Sons (now Watson Wyatt LLP), a United Kingdom based actuarial, benefits and human resources limited liability partnership that was founded in 1878. We conducted business as The Wyatt Company until changing our corporate name to Watson Wyatt & Company in connection with the establishment of the Watson Wyatt Worldwide alliance. Since 1995, we and our alliance partners have marketed our services globally and seamlessly under the Watson Wyatt Worldwide brand, sharing resources, technologies, processes and business referrals.

13


Watson Wyatt's principal executive offices are located at 1717 H Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006. Our web site is www.watsonwyatt.com. Information on this website is not a part of this filing.

We employ approximately 4,200 associates as follows:

Benefits Group

1,660

Technology Solutions Group

410

Human Capital Group

213

International

993

Other (including Data Services and Communication)

692

Corporate

232

 

Total

4,200

 

 

Principal Services

We design, develop and implement HR strategies and programs through the following three closely interrelated practice areas:

Benefits Group

 

Technology Solutions Group

 

Human Capital Group

  • Retirement plans, including pension, 401 (k) and executive benefits plans

  • eHRTM, our web-based delivery of HR information and programs

  • Compensation plans, including executive compensation and stock option programs
  • Investment consulting services to pension plans

  • Employee self-service applications and call centers

  • Strategies to align workforces with business objectives
  • Healthcare, disability and other group benefit plans

  • Benefit administration systems and retirement planning tools

  • Organization effectiveness services
  • Actuarial services
 
  • eHRTM strategy consulting, using best-of-breed research on HR vendors, products and services
 
  • Strategies for attracting, retaining and motivating employees

Our clients include many of the world's largest corporations as well as emerging growth companies, public institutions and non-profit organizations. Many of our client relationships have existed over several decades.

We believe that our extensive experience, global presence, dedication to long-term client relationships and recognized reputation for quality provide us with significant competitive advantages. We focus on delivering value-added consulting services that help our clients anticipate, identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities in human capital management.

14


International Operations

Outside of North America, our consultants, working in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, operate on a geographic basis from 25 offices in 16 countries and provide consulting services in the practice areas described above.

Other

While we focus our consulting services in the areas described above, management believes that one of our primary strengths is our ability to draw upon consultants from our different practices to deliver integrated services to meet the needs of our clients. Examples include:

    1. Communication Consulting: Our communication consulting group provides research on employee attitudes and communication effectiveness, conducts communications audits, facilitates research and focus groups, provides communications planning and implementation and assists employers in complying with disclosure requirements.

  1. Data Services: Watson Wyatt Data Services produces custom and standard compensation and benefits surveys and human resource reference materials for use by global and local companies in 60 countries. Over 8,500 companies participate in our surveys and our products include over 70 compensation, benefits and employment practices references and survey reports.


Watson Wyatt Worldwide Alliance

Recognizing that a global organization is essential to service the needs of our clients, we established operations throughout Europe in the late 1970's by acquiring local firms and opening new offices. Responding to the rapidly increasing globalization of the world economy, we made a strategic decision in 1995 to strengthen our European capabilities significantly and extend our global reach by entering into an alliance agreement with R. Watson & Sons (now Watson Wyatt LLP), a United Kingdom-based actuarial, benefits and human resources limited liability partnership that was founded in 1878. Since 1995, we have marketed our services globally and seamlessly under the Watson Wyatt Worldwide brand, sharing resources, technologies, processes and business referrals.

The Watson Wyatt Worldwide global alliance maintains 89 offices in 30 countries and employs approximately 6,300 associates. Watson Wyatt & Company operates 62 offices in 18 countries in North America, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Watson Wyatt LLP operates 10 offices in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and also operates one office engaged in the insurance and financial services business in the United States. The alliance operates 16 offices in 10 continental European countries principally through a jointly owned holding company, Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe) Limited, which is 25% owned by Watson Wyatt and 75% owned by Watson Wyatt LLP.

Financial Statement Overview

Watson Wyatt's fiscal year ends June 30. The financial statements contained in this quarterly report reflect a Consolidated Balance Sheet as of the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 (December 31, 2002), a Consolidated Balance Sheet as of the end of fiscal year 2002 (June 30, 2002), Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six month periods ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 and a Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the six month period ended December 31, 2002.

We operate globally as an alliance with our affiliates. However, the revenues and operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect solely the results of operations of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings. Our share of the results of our affiliates, recorded using the equity method of accounting, is reflected in the "Income from affiliates" line. Our principal affiliates are Watson Wyatt LLP, in which we hold a 10% interest in a defined distribution pool, and Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe) Limited, a holding company through which we conduct continental European operations. We own 25% of Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe) Limited and Watson Wyatt LLP owns the remaining 75%.

15


We derive substantially all of our revenue from fees for consulting services, which generally are billed at standard hourly rates or on a fixed-fee basis; management believes the approximate percentages of such billing methods are 60% and 40% of revenues, respectively. Clients are typically invoiced on a monthly basis with revenue recognized as services are performed. For the most recent three fiscal years, revenue from U.S. consulting operations has comprised approximately 80% of consolidated revenue. No single client accounted for more than 4% of our consolidated revenue for any of the most recent three fiscal years.

In delivering consulting services, our principal direct expenses relate to compensation of personnel. Salaries and employee benefits are comprised of wages paid to associates, related taxes, benefit expenses such as pension, medical and insurance costs and fiscal year-end incentive bonuses. Annual bonuses are discretionary and are based on Company performance and competitive employment market conditions. Annual pre-bonus profitability is reviewed quarterly by the Company and discretionary annual bonus amounts are then determined by management. After determining the annual bonus amount, the bonus is then distributed to interim or quarterly reporting periods as a constant percentage of pre-bonus income. In those quarters where the estimated annual bonus level changes, the remaining estimated annual bonus is accrued over the remaining quarters as a constant percentage of estimated pre-bonus income. Management bases its judgments upon information available at the time the accruals are made.

Professional and subcontracted services represent fees paid to external service providers for legal, marketing and other services, approximately 50% of which are directly incurred on behalf of our clients and are reimbursed by them, with such reimbursements being included in revenue.

Occupancy, communications and other expenses represent expenses for rent, utilities, supplies and telephone to operate office locations as well as non-client-reimbursed travel by associates, publications and professional development. General and administrative expenses include the operational costs and professional fees paid by corporate management, general counsel, marketing, human resources, finance, research and technology support.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Our estimates, judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated based on available information and experience. Because of the use of estimates inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.

We have reviewed the accounting estimates recognized in our financial statements and have determined that the following accounting policies are critical to the understanding of the use of estimates in the Company's financial statements:

Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue on a time-and-materials basis or, to a lesser degree, on a fixed-fee basis, depending on the terms and conditions defined at the inception of an engagement with a client. Revenue is recognized on engagements as services are provided. Revenue includes reimbursable expenses billed to clients.

16


For fixed-fee engagements, we periodically review ongoing engagements in order to assess the accuracy of our estimates-to-complete and revenue recognition, which can be affected by a number of factors including a change in the estimated amount of effort required to complete the project, changes in scope, the staffing on the engagement or client participation. This review requires us to make judgments and estimates regarding the overall profitability and stage of project completion, which, in turn, affects how we recognize revenue. To the extent that our estimates change for a particular engagement, we record the cumulative effect of the change in the period in which it becomes known. The Company recognizes a loss on an engagement when estimated revenue to be received for that engagement is less than total estimated direct and indirect costs associated with the engagement. Losses are recognized in the period in which the loss becomes probable and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable.

Valuation of Billed and Unbilled Receivables from Clients. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts to reflect estimated losses resulting from our clients' failure to pay for our services after the services have been rendered. Our allowance policy is based on the aging of our billed and unbilled client receivables and has been developed based on our write-off history. Facts and circumstances may change that would require us to alter our estimates of the collectibility of specific billed and unbilled client receivables.

Discretionary Compensation. The Company's compensation program includes a discretionary component in the form of an annual bonus that is determined by management and paid once per fiscal year after the Company's annual operating results are finalized. The amount of expense for discretionary compensation recognized at interim reporting dates involves judgment and is dependent upon management forecasts of pre-bonus profitability and competitive employment market conditions.

Annual bonuses are discretionary and are based on Company performance and competitive employment market conditions. Estimated annual pre-bonus profitability is reviewed quarterly by the Company and discretionary annual bonus amounts are then determined by management. After determining the estimated annual bonus amount, the bonus is then distributed to interim or quarterly reporting periods as a constant percentage of pre-bonus income. Annual bonus levels may vary from current expectations as a result of changes in the factors above. In those quarters where the estimated annual bonus level changes, the remaining estimated annual bonus is accrued over the remaining quarters as a constant percentage of estimated future pre-bonus income.

Income Taxes. Determining the consolidated provision for income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities and related valuation allowance involves judgment. As a global company with offices in 18 countries, we are required to calculate and provide for estimated income tax liabilities for each of the tax jurisdictions where we operate. This process involves estimating current tax obligations and exposures in each jurisdiction as well as making judgments regarding the future recoverability of deferred tax assets. Tax costs can involve complex issues and may require an extended period to resolve. Changes in the geographic mix or estimated level of annual pre-tax income, revisions to tax positions taken as a result of further analysis and consultation, changes in tax laws and changes resulting from tax audits can all affect the overall effective income tax rate, which, in turn, impacts the overall level of income tax expense and net income.

Pension Assumptions. We sponsor both qualified and non-qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of our associates. Under our principal plans (U.S., Canada, and Hong Kong), benefits are based on our associates' years of service and compensation during the three highest paid consecutive years of service.

Determination of our obligations and annual expense under the plans are based on a number of assumptions that, given the longevity of the plans, are long-term in their focus. A change in one or a combination of these assumptions could have a material impact on our pension benefit obligation and related expense. For this reason, management employs a long-term view so that assumptions do not change frequently in response to short-term volatility in the economy. Any difference between actual and assumed results is amortized into our pension expense over the average remaining service period of participating employees, which is approximately 11 years. The Company recognizes that actual returns on investments in fiscal year 2002 are lower than our long-term expected rate of return of 10%. However, given our historical investment returns, which have approximated 14% over the past 20 years, and the long-term nature of the obligations covered by the plans, we anticipate the plans will realize the expected rate of return over the long-term.

17


We consider several factors prior to the start of each fiscal year when determining the appropriate level of each annual assumption, including economic forecasts, historical trends, portfolio composition and peer comparisons. We will evaluate these factors for the next valuation period at June 30, 2003, which will determine our fiscal year 2004 pension expense.

The following assumptions were used over the past three fiscal years in the valuation of our U.S. plan, which comprises the majority of the principal defined benefit pension plans:

Year Ended June 30,

 

2002

2001

2000




Discount rate, projected benefit obligation

7.25%

7.25%

7.25%

Discount rate, net periodic pension cost

7.25%

7.25%

7.00%

Expected long-term rate of return on assets

10.00%

 

10.00%

 

10.00%

Rate of increase in compensation levels

4.34%

5.34%

5.34%

Incurred But Not Reported Claims. The Company uses actuarial assumptions to estimate and record a liability for incurred but not reported (IBNR) professional liability claims and has engaged an external actuarial firm to assist in the calculation of these estimates. Our estimated IBNR liability is based on a number of factors, including changes in claim reporting patterns, claim settlement patterns, judicial decisions, legislation and economic decisions, but excludes the effect of claims data for large cases due to the insufficiency of actual experience with such cases. Management does not currently expect significant fluctuations in the IBNR liability, based on the actuarial methodology utilized to calculate the liability. However, our estimated IBNR liability will fluctuate if the Company experiences significant change over multiple years in the factors described above.

18


Results of Operations. The table below sets forth Consolidated Statements of Operations data as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated:

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

Six Months Ended December 31,

 
 
 
 
 

2002

 

2001

 

2002

 

2001

 
 
 
 
 
 
                         

Revenue

 

100.0

%

 

100.0

%

 

100.0

%

 

100.0

%

   
   
   
   
 

Costs of providing services:

                       

   Salaries and employee benefits

 

56.0

   

57.4

   

56.5

   

56.2

 

   Professional and subcontracted services

 

7.5

   

8.3

   

6.7

   

7.1

 

   Occupancy, communications and other

 

14.6

   

14.6

   

14.7

   

15.6

 

   General and administrative expenses

 

8.5

   

8.0

   

8.3

   

7.8

 

   Depreciation and amortization

 

3.0

   

3.0

   

2.9

   

3.1

 
   
   
   
   
 
   

89.6

   

91.3

   

89.1

   

89.8

 
   
   
   
   
 
                         

Income from operations

 

10.4

   

8.7

   

10.9

   

10.2

 
                         

Interest income, net

 

0.1

   

0.1

   

0.1

   

0.2

 

Other non-operating income

 

0.1

   

--

   

0.2

   

0.3

 

Income from affiliates

 

1.2

   

0.9

   

0.9

   

0.6

 
   
   
   
   
 
                         

Income before income taxes

 

11.8

   

9.7

   

12.1

   

11.3

 
                         

Provision for income taxes

 

4.8

   

3.9

   

5.0

   

4.5

 
   
   
   
   
 
                         

Net income

 

7.0

%

 

5.8

%

 

7.1

%

 

6.8

%

   
   
   
   
 

 

19


Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to the Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2001

Revenue. Revenue from operations for the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 was $174.6 million, compared to $174.9 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2002, a decrease of $0.3 million. The revenue decrease was comprised of a $0.3 million decrease in our Benefits Group, a $1.2 million, or 4% decrease in our Technology Solutions Group, a $0.4 million, or 3% decrease in our Human Capital Group and a $2.1 million, or 15% decrease in Other practice areas in North America, partially offset by a $2.3 million, or 14% increase in International and a $2.0 million increase in reimbursable expenses billed to clients. Revenue from operations was $353.6 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2003, compared to $347.4 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2002, an increase of $6.2 million, or 2%. This revenue growth was comprised of an $8.8 million, or 5% increase in our Benefits Group, a $3.5 million, or 10% increase in International and a $2.8 million increase in reimbursable expenses billed to clients, partially offset by a $2.5 million, or 5% decrease in our Technology Solutions Group, a $0.9 million, or 4% decrease in our Human Capital Group and a $4.8 million, or 16% decrease in Other practice areas in North America.

Salaries and Employee Benefits. Salaries and employee benefit expenses for the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 were $97.8 million, compared to $100.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2002, a decrease of $2.7 million, or 3%. Salaries and employee benefit expenses for the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 include severance charges of $1.8 million related to the Company's targeted job reductions, mainly in our Human Capital and Technology Solutions Groups. Of this amount, $0.8 million has been paid to associates under severance agreements through the second quarter of fiscal year 2003. The decrease, exclusive of this charge, was due to a $4.0 million decrease in the accrual for discretionary compensation and a $2.2 million decrease in base salaries and benefits as a result of headcount reductions and attrition in North America, net of modest annual salary increases, partially offset by a $2.1 million increase in pension costs. As a percentage of revenue, salaries and employee benefits decreased from 57.4% to 56.0%. Excluding severance costs, salaries and employee benefit expenses would have been 55.0% of revenue. Salaries and employee benefit expenses for the first six months of fiscal year 2003 were $199.4 million, compared to $195.2 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2002, an increase of $4.2 million, or 2%, or an increase of $2.4 million excluding the $1.8 million severance charge mentioned above. The increase, exclusive of this charge, was due to a $3.6 million increase in pension costs and a $1.0 million increase in the accrual for discretionary compensation, partially offset by $2.5 million in net decreases in base salaries and benefits realized through headcount reductions and attrition in North America, net of modest salary increases. As a percentage of revenue, salaries and employee benefits increased from 56.2% to 56.5%. Excluding severance costs, salaries and employee benefit expenses would have been 55.9% of revenue for the first six months of fiscal year 2003.

Professional and Subcontracted Services. Professional and subcontracted services used in consulting operations for the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 were $13.0 million, compared to $14.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2002, a decrease of $1.5 million, or 10%. As a percentage of revenue, professional and subcontracted services decreased from 8.3% to 7.5%. Professional and subcontracted services were $23.9 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2003, compared to $24.6 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2002, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 3%. As a percentage of revenue, professional and subcontracted services decreased from 7.1% to 6.7%. The decrease in both periods was due to lower costs associated with claims settlements. Professional and subcontracted services for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal year 2003 include severance charges of $0.2 million related to the Company's targeted job reductions mentioned above, of which $0.1 million has been paid as of December 31, 2002.

Occupancy, Communications and Other. Occupancy, communications and other expenses for the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 were $25.5 million, unchanged from the prior year. Expenses are unchanged from the prior year due to successful cost containment strategies that were initiated during the second quarter of fiscal year 2002 and which have continued through the current period. As a percentage of revenue, occupancy, communications and other remained at 14.6%. Occupancy, communications and other expenses were $52.1 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2003, compared to $54.2 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2002, a decrease of $2.1 million, or 4%. The decrease was mainly due to lower travel costs of $0.6 million, lower business taxes of $0.5 million and lower expenses in many areas including telephone, publications and dues and entertainment expenses. As a percentage of revenue, occupancy, communications and other decreased from 15.6% to 14.7% for the first six months of fiscal year 2003.

20


General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 were $14.8 million, compared to $14.0 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2002, an increase of $0.8 million, or 6%. The increase is mainly due to higher promotional and general office expenses of $1.1 million, attributable to the annual client conference held this fiscal year, but not last fiscal year, higher insurance expenses of $0.4 million and a $0.4 million increase in many areas including medical costs, pension and vacation, partially offset by a lower accrual for discretionary compensation of $0.9 million and decreased base salaries of $0.3 million. As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses increased from 8.0% to 8.5%. General and administrative expenses for the first six months of fiscal year 2003 were $29.2 million, compared to $27.2 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2002, an increase of $2.0 million, or 7%. The increase is mainly due to higher promotional and general office expenses of $1.5 million, higher insurance expenses of $0.8 million and increased legal expenses of $0.7 million, partially offset by a decrease in base salaries of $1.0 million and a lower accrual for discretionary compensation of $0.3 million. As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses increased from 7.8% to 8.3%.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization for the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 was $5.3 million, compared to $5.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2002, an increase of $0.1 million, or 2%. As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and amortization remained at 3.0%. Depreciation and amortization for the first six months of fiscal year 2003 was $10.3 million, compared to $10.6 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2002, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 3%. As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and amortization decreased from 3.1% to 2.9%.

Interest Income, Net. Interest income, net for the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 was $0.2 million, unchanged from the prior year. Interest income, net for the first six months of fiscal year 2003 was $0.5 million, compared to $0.7 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2002, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 29%. The decrease was attributable to lower interest rates earned on our cash and cash equivalents.

Other Non-Operating Income. Other non-operating income for the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 was $0.1 million. During the first six months of fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year 2002, the Company received cash payments of $0.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in connection with the sale of our U.S. based public retirement business. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about this transaction.

Income from Affiliates. Income from affiliates for the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 was $2.1 million, compared to $1.4 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2002, an increase of $0.7 million, or 50%. The increase was primarily due to improved operations of our affiliated captive insurance company, PCIC, partially offset by increased operating losses of our Continental European affiliate, Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe) Limited. Income from affiliates for the first six months of fiscal year 2003 was $2.9 million, compared to $2.1 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2002, an increase of $0.8 million, or 38%. The increase was due to improved operations of our affiliated captive insurance company, PCIC, and increased operating income of our United Kingdom based affiliate, WWLLP, partially offset by increased operating losses of our Continental European affiliate, Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe) Limited. We anticipate that going forward, PCIC will operate closer to a break-even basis.

Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes for the first six months of fiscal year 2003 was $17.5 million, compared to $15.7 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2002. Our effective tax rate was 41.0% for the first six months of fiscal year 2003, compared to 40.0% for the first six months of fiscal year 2002. The change in rate was due to an increase in the effective rate on foreign income and state income. We record a tax benefit on foreign net operating loss carryovers and foreign deferred expenses only if it is more likely than not that a benefit will be realized.

21


Net Income. Net income for the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 was $12.1 million, compared to $10.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2002, an increase of $2.0 million, or 20%. As a percentage of revenue, net income increased from 5.8% to 7.0%. Net income for the first six months of fiscal year 2003 was $25.2 million, compared to $23.6 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2002, an increase of $1.6 million, or 7%. As a percentage of revenue, net income increased from 6.8% to 7.1%.

Earnings Per Share. Diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 was $0.36, compared to $0.30 for the second quarter of fiscal year 2002. Diluted earnings per share for the first six months of fiscal year 2003 was $0.76, compared to $0.71 for the first six months of fiscal year 2002. Results for the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2002 include approximately $0.02 per share from Income from affiliates and $0.04 per share from Salaries and employee benefits and Professional and subcontracted services relative to the severance charge that are not expected to recur. Exclusive of non-operating income, the unexpected income from affiliates and the severance charge, diluted earnings per share would have been $0.77 for the first six months of fiscal year 2003 compared to $0.71 for the first six months of fiscal year 2002.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2002 totaled $91.3 million, compared to $96.0 million at June 30, 2002. The $4.7 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents from June 30, 2002 to December 31, 2002 follows a typical pattern of cash flows for the Company that is attributable to the payment of discretionary compensation in the first quarter of each fiscal year. During fiscal year 2003, we paid $45.2 million in previously accrued discretionary compensation, paid $13.6 million in corporate taxes and contributed $12.0 million to our U.S. defined benefit pension plan. These outflows of cash were offset by positive cash flow from consulting operations, particularly in the second quarter of fiscal year 2003.

Cash From (Used in) Operating Activities. Cash from operating activities for the first six months of fiscal year 2003 was $12.2 million, compared to cash used in operating activities of $3.8 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2002. The variance is mainly due to a smaller fiscal year end bonus payment of $12.8 million compared to the prior year and improved collections on receivables of $10.7 million, partially offset by the $12.0 million contribution the Company made to the U.S. defined benefit pension plan during the second quarter of fiscal year 2003, net of expense accruals. The allowance for doubtful accounts increased $1.2 million and the allowance for work in process increased $0.3 million from June 30, 2002 to December 31, 2002. The number of days of accounts receivable and work in process outstanding was 74 at December 31, 2002, down from 80 at September 30, 2002 and 83 at December 31, 2001.

Cash Used in Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities for the first six months of fiscal year 2003 was $11.6 million, compared to $13.4 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2002. The decrease can be attributed to lower acquisition related payments of $3.2 million, lower purchases of fixed assets of $0.9 million, partially offset by a $2.0 million investment in our affiliate, Watson Wyatt Holdings (Europe) Limited that we made in the first quarter of this fiscal year.

Cash (Used in) From Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities for the first six months of fiscal year 2003 consisted primarily of payments of $8.8 million for the repurchase of 423,366 shares of common stock, net of $3.1 million representing 189,260 shares that the Company re-issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Expenditures of capital funds were $12.6 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2003. Anticipated commitments of capital funds are estimated at $14.5 million for the remainder of fiscal year 2003, mainly for computer hardware purchases, office relocations and renovations, development and upgrade of financial and retirement systems and acquisition-related payments. We expect cash from operations to adequately provide for these cash needs.

22


Our non U.S. operations do not materially impact liquidity or capital resources. At December 31, 2002, $21.4 million of the total cash balance of $91.3 million was held outside of North America, which we have the ability to utilize, if necessary. There are no significant repatriation restrictions other than local or U.S. taxes associated with repatriation. Our non U.S. operations in total are substantially self-sufficient for their working capital needs.

We lease office space, furniture and selected computer equipment under operating lease agreements with terms ranging from one to ten years. Future expected payments are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal

Year

Lease

Commitments


 

2003

$

19,663

2004

36,935

2005

31,746

2006

27,021

2007

23,898

2008

22,669

Thereafter

56,148

   

$

218,080

   

Management has determined that there is not a large concentration of leases that will expire in any one fiscal year. Consequently, management anticipates that any increase in future expenses will be mainly market driven.

The Company continues to guarantee certain leases for office premises and equipment for Wellspring (see Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to Wellspring). At December 31, 2002, minimum remaining payments guaranteed under these leases, which expire at various dates through 2007, total $27.7 million, excluding sublease income. These leases are also jointly and severally guaranteed by the Company's former partner in Wellspring, State Street Bank and Trust Company. The estimated loss from the potential exercise of these guarantees was included in the fiscal year 1998 loss accrual recorded in connection with the disposal of the benefits administration outsourcing business. As a result of de minimis positive cash flows that began in the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 related to these leases, the Company will reevaluate its accrual related to Wellspring during the third quarter of fiscal year 2003. The evaluation will include an analysis of real estate market conditions in cities in which the leases exist, along with an assessment of probable future sublease income for these leases. If necessary, the accrual will be adjusted as a result of this analysis. Any adjustment would be recorded in discontinued operations and not significantly affect future cash flows. Management does not anticipate having to increase the accruals for these lease commitments.

In connection with the establishment of our alliance with Watson Wyatt LLP in 1995, the Company agreed to guarantee Watson Wyatt LLP's performance under a lease for office space in London that expires in 2015. Payments by Watson Wyatt LLP under the lease total £ 1.4 million, or approximately $2.3 million per year. We also granted Watson Wyatt LLP an option to return the leased space to our UK subsidiary in 2009. If Watson Wyatt LLP exercises this option, the Company would attempt to sublease the space at the then-current market rates.

23


The Company entered into a new credit agreement with a syndicate of banks effective June 25, 2002. As a result of this agreement, we have a $100.0 million revolving credit facility at an interest rate that varies with LIBOR and/or the Prime Rate, and is based on our leverage ratio, as defined by the agreement. We are charged a quarterly commitment fee, currently 0.25% of the facility, that varies with our financial leverage and is calculated on the unused portion of the credit facility. No amounts were outstanding under the Company's revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2002 or June 30, 2002. Credit under the facility is available upon demand, although the credit facility requires us to observe certain covenants (including requirements for minimum net worth, which act to restrict dividends, and other financial and restrictive covenants) and is collateralized with a pledge of stock of material subsidiaries. At December 31, 2002, we were in compliance with all covenants under the credit facility. A portion of the revolving facility is used to support required letters of credit issued under the credit line. As a result, $5.8 million of the facility is currently unavailable for operating needs. We are also charged a fee for outstanding letters of credit that also fluctuates based on our leverage ratio. The credit facility is scheduled to mature on June 25, 2005.

Additionally, the Company guarantees a credit facility which provides loans to associates for stock purchased under our former Stock Purchase Program. This program was discontinued in conjunction with our initial public offering in October 2000. As a result, the facility permanently decreases as the loans are repaid. The maximum available borrowings and aggregate outstanding balances under this facility were $1.2 million at December 31, 2002 and $2.9 million at June 30, 2002. A total of 1,213,000 and 2,731,000 Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings shares were pledged by stockholders to collateralize these loans at December 31, 2002, and June 30, 2002, respectively.

Disclaimer Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This filing contains certain statements that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to the following: Note 2 on pages 5 and 6; Note 6 on page 10; Notes 11 and 12 on pages 11 through 13; the fifth and ninth paragraph under Liquidity and Capital Resources on pages 22 through 24; and Part II, Item 1 "Legal Proceedings" on page 25. In some cases, you can identify these statements and other forward-looking statements in this filing by words such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "plan," "intend," "continue," or similar words. You should read these statements carefully because they contain projections of our future results of operations or financial condition, or state other "forward-looking" information. A number of risks and uncertainties exist which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results reflected in these forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to our continued ability to recruit and retain highly qualified associates, outcomes of litigation, a significant decrease in the demand for the consulting services we offer as a result of changing economic conditions or other factors, actions by competitors offering human resources consulting services, including public accounting and consulting firms, technology consulting firms and internet/intranet development firms, regulatory, legislative and technological developments that may affect the demand for or costs of our services and other factors discussed under "risk factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, which was filed with the SEC on September 25, 2002 and may be accessed via EDGAR on the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. These statements are based on assumptions that may not come true. All forward-looking disclosure is speculative by its nature. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information included in this report, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed expectations or otherwise.


Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of business. These risks include interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk. We have examined our exposure to these risks and concluded that none of our exposures in these areas are material to fair values, cash flows or earnings.

24


Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 and have concluded that such controls have been effectively designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed has been accumulated and communicated as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding such disclosure. There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to this review. Review and evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures is an ongoing process that we will continue to refine as we perform quarterly evaluations.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

Insurance Coverage

From time to time, we are a party to various lawsuits, arbitrations or mediations that arise in the ordinary course of business. These disputes typically involve claims relating to the rendering of professional services or employment matters. We carry claims-made professional liability insurance with a self-insured retention of $1 million per claim, which provides coverage for professional liability claims including the cost of defending such claims. Our primary insurance coverage beyond this retention is written by an affiliated captive insurance company owned by us and two other professional services firms. The first $5 million of coverage has a premium structure which provides for recovering from the firm defending the claim approximately 75% of any loss up to $5 million. This recovery occurs through increased insurance premiums over the following five years. The remaining 25% of any loss up to $5 million is a risk borne by the captive insurance company. The Company has provided for the self-insured retention and for the prospective premium increases where specific estimated losses for known claims in excess of $1 million are considered probable and reasonably estimable. The Company has also used actuarial assumptions to estimate and record a liability for incurred but not reported (IBNR) professional liability claims. This liability was equal to $12.3 million as of December 31, 2002. In addition to professional liability insurance, we also carry employment practices liability insurance. In the current insurance market environment, we have experienced increases in premium cost and reductions in aggregate excess coverages, trends which are anticipated to continue. Management believes, based on currently available information, that the results of all pending claims against us will not have a material adverse affect on the Company.

Toussaint, et al. v. James, et al. Union leaders, in their capacity as the trustees of a pension plan for the union leadership, brought suit in December 2001 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against the former union leaders and Watson Wyatt alleging damages suffered in reliance on our actuarial work and breaches of fiduciary duties owed by the former union leaders. The claim against Watson Wyatt is allegedly in the $4 million range. Mediation will continue if the claims are not resolved by motions pending before the court.

New Jersey Coalition of Auto Retailers Insurance Group Trust (NJCAR). Watson Wyatt and five other service providers of NJCAR, an insolvent group health insurance provider, are defending claims brought in April 2002 by NJCAR's receiver and its former trustees in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey alleging that any losses resulting from the insolvency are attributable to its former service providers. The court-mandated mediation process is continuing. The amount of alleged damages against all the defendants is unclear, but appears to be in the $20 million range in the aggregate against all defendants.

25


Item 2. #9; Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds.

Initial Public Offering

The Company had three classes of common stock outstanding after completion of our initial public offering ("IPO") in October 2000: Class A, B-1 and B-2. Class A shares are freely transferable. Class B-1 and B-2 shares had transfer restrictions which expired on October 16, 2001 and October 16, 2002, respectively. As a result, 9,956,140 shares of our Class B-1 common stock and 12,745,015 shares of our Class B-2 common stock automatically converted into Class A common stock on those respective dates.

In addition to these transfer restriction periods, we entered into agreements providing for additional transfer restrictions with major stockholders, executive officers and employee directors. As a result of these agreements, 4,268,475 Class A shares are currently restricted, of which 2,134,247 will become freely transferable in October 2003 and 2,134,228 will become freely transferable in October 2004.

Other Conversions

In August 2002, the Board authorized the conversion of 123,015 class B-2 shares for repurchase by the Company from shareholders in September 2002 at the then prevailing market price.


Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.


Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

Election of Class II Directors

Pursuant to the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the directorships are divided into three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III. The directorships in Class II will expire as of the annual stockholders' meeting in 2005 and every three years thereafter, the directorships in Class I will expire as of the annual stockholders' meeting in 2004 and every three years thereafter, and the directorships in Class III will expire as of the annual stockholders' meeting in 2003 and every three years thereafter. As the terms of each of the classes of directors expire, directors of the Company will be elected to serve for a three-year period and until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified.

26


At the third annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company, held on November 18, 2002, the stockholders voted for the election of five Class II members of the Board of Directors. Proxies representing 23,558,467 shares were received (total shares outstanding as of the record date were 32,896,510). Of the proxies received, the votes were as follows:

Nominees for Class II Directors

Term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2005

For

Against or Withheld

John J. Gabarro

22,572,527

985,940

John J. Haley

19,387,604

4,170,863

Linda D. Rabbitt

22,503,683

1,054,784

Gene H. Wickes

22,184,801

1,373,666

John C. Wright

22,777,409

781,058

 

The directors serving in Class I and Class III and their remaining terms are as follows:                                 

Class I Directors

Term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2004

Maureen E. Cotter

R. Michael McCullough

Sylvester J. Schieber

Edward Manno Shumsky

Paul N. Thornton

 

 

Class III Directors

Term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2003

Elizabeth M. Caflisch

David P. Marini

J.P. Orbeta

Gilbert T. Ray

John B. Shoven (Appointed)*

* Dr. Shoven was appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company to fill the vacancy in Class III that resulted from Ms. Franklin's departure from the Board in November 2002.

27



Item 5. Other Information.

None.


Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

a.

Exhibits

   3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings1

   3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings2

   4

Form of Certificate Representing Common Stock1

   10.1

Amended Credit Agreement Among Bank of America, N.A. and Others dated June 25, 20023

   10.2

Consent of Bank of America, N.A. 4

   10.3

Agreement with David B. Friend, M.D. dated October 22, 19991

   10.4

Senior Officer Deferred Compensation Plan4

   10.5

Form of agreement among Watson Wyatt & Company, Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings and employee directors, executive officers and significant stockholders restricting the transfer of shares5

   22

Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed on October 18, 20026

b.

Reports on Form 8-K

None.

 

 

 

___________________________

1Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Form S-3/A, Amendment No. 1 (File No. 33-394973), filed on March 17, 2000

2Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Form 10-Q, filed on May 2, 2001

3Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Form 10-K, filed on September 25, 2002

4Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Form 10-K, filed on August 20, 2001

5Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Form S-3/A, Amendment No. 5 (File No. 33-394973), filed on September 14, 2000

6Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Form DEF14A, filed on October 18, 2002

 

28


Signatures

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

Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings
(Registrant)

/S/ John J. Haley              

 

February 13, 2003

Name:

John J. Haley

Date

Title:

President and Chief

 

 

Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

/S/ Carl D. Mautz             

 

February 13, 2003

Name:

Carl D. Mautz

Date

Title:

Vice President and Chief

 

 

Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

/S/ Peter L. Childs            

 

February 13, 2003

Name:

Peter L. Childs

Date

Title:

Controller

 

 

29


 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, John J. Haley, certify that:

  1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings;

  2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report.

  4. Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings' other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings and we have:

    1. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to us, including our consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

    1. Evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report ("Evaluation Date"); and

    2. Presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

  1. Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings' other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to our auditors and the audit committee of the Board of Directors:

  1. All significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect our ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for our auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

  1. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in our internal controls; and

  1. Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings' other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: February 13, 2003

/S/ John J. Haley


John J. Haley

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

30


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Carl D. Mautz, certify that:

  1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings;

  2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report.

  4. Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings' other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings and we have:

  1. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to us, including our consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

  2. Evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report ("Evaluation Date"); and

  3. Presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

  1. Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings' other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to our auditors and the audit committee of the Board of Directors:

  1. All significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect our ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for our auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

  2. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in our internal controls; and

  1. Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings' other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: February 13, 2003

/S/ Carl D. Mautz


Carl D. Mautz

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

31