WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PLC

Previous wording

Within our insurance and brokerage business, due to the cyclical nature of the insurance market and the impact of other market conditions on insurance premiums, commission revenue may vary widely between accounting periods. A period of low or declining premium rates, generally known as a ‘soft’ or ‘softening’ market, generally leads to downward pressure on commission revenue and can have a material adverse impact on our revenue and operating margin. A ‘hard’ or ‘firming’ market, during which premium rates rise, generally has a favorable impact on our revenue and operating margin. Rates, however, vary by geography, industry and client segment. As a result, and due to the global and diverse nature of our business, we view rates in the aggregate. Overall, we are currently seeing a stabilizing to softening market.

Current wording

Within our insurance and brokerage business, due to the cyclical nature of the insurance market and the impact of other market conditions on insurance premiums, commission revenue may vary widely between accounting periods. A period of low or declining premium rates, generally known as a ‘soft’ or ‘softening’ market, generally leads to downward pressure on commission revenue and can have a material adverse impact on our revenue and operating margin. A ‘hard’ or ‘firming’ market, during which premium rates rise, generally has a favorable impact on our revenue and operating margin. Rates, however, vary by geography, industry and client segment. As a result, and due to the global and diverse nature of our business, we view rates in the aggregate. Overall, at the time of filing this Annual Report, we are seeing a softening market.

Previous wording

Market conditions in the broking industry in which we operate are generally defined by factors such as the strength of the economies in the various geographic regions in which we serve around the world, insurance rate movements, and insurance and reinsurance buying patterns of our clients.

Current wording

Market conditions in the broking industry in which we operate are generally defined by factors such as the strength of the various geographical economies which we serve around the world, insurance rate movements, and insurance and reinsurance buying patterns of our clients.

Previous wording

The markets for our consulting, technology and solutions, and marketplace services are affected by economic, regulatory and legislative changes, technological developments, and increased competition from established and new competitors. We believe that the primary factors in selecting a human resources or risk management consulting company include reputation, the ability to provide measurable increases to shareholder value and return on investment, global scale, quality of service and the ability to tailor services to clients’ unique needs. In that regard, we are focused on developing and implementing technology, data and analytic solutions for both internal operations and for maintaining industry standards and meeting client preferences. We have made such investments from time to time and may decide, based on perceived business needs, to make investments in the future that may be different from past practice or what we currently anticipate.

Current wording

The markets for our consulting, technology and solutions, and marketplace services are affected by economic, regulatory and legislative changes, technological developments, and increased competition from established and new competitors. We believe that the primary factors in selecting a human resources or risk management consulting company include reputation, the ability to provide measurable increases to shareholder value and return on investment, global scale, quality of service and the ability to tailor services to clients’ unique needs. In that regard, we are focused on developing and implementing technology, data and analytic solutions for both internal operations and for maintaining industry standards and meeting client preferences. We have made such investments from time to time and may decide, based on perceived business needs, to make investments in the future that may be different from past practice or our current expectations.

Previous wording

U.S. and global markets are continuing to experience volatility and disruption as a result of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts. Although the length and impact of these situations are highly unpredictable, the conflicts have contributed to negative impacts on and volatility of the global economy and capital markets, resulting in significant inflation and fluctuating interest rates in many of the markets in which we operate, and could continue to lead to further market disruptions. This impacts not only the cost of and access to liquidity, but also other costs to run and invest in our business.

Current wording

U.S. and global markets are continuing to experience uncertainty, volatility and disruption as a result of uncertain macroeconomic conditions including tariff actions and uncertainties relating to global trade, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, volatility in debt and equity markets, uncertainty around interest rates, softening consumer confidence and labor markets, changes in U.S. policies across a broad range of subjects and the speed with which such changes are or may be implemented, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and other geopolitical conflicts and tensions. Although the length and impact of these situations are highly unpredictable, the ongoing uncertainty and volatility of the global economy and capital markets, which has resulted in persistent inflation and fluctuating interest rates in many of the markets in which we operate, could accelerate recessionary pressures and continue to lead to further market disruptions. Further, in addition to the direct impact of the continuing dynamic tariff environment on our business (which we do not expect to be significant, so long as retaliatory actions do not extend to services), recent U.S. legislation and other U.S. federal government actions continue to create uncertainty for the business as well as accounting and tax matters. Other indirect impacts from changes in tariffs or from legislative or regulatory developments, such as changes in consumer sentiment, trade relations, economic activity, disruption of U.S. federal government operations, willingness to do business with U.S.-listed firms, inflationary pressures and employee distraction, among others, could negatively affect our business, operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

Other global economic events, such as accommodative monetary and fiscal policy, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions beyond the aforementioned ongoing wars, contributed to significant inflation across the globe. In particular, inflation in the United States, Europe and other geographies has risen to levels not experienced in recent decades, and while this has eased somewhat in the last year, we are seeing its impact on various aspects of our business. Moreover, U.S. and global economic conditions have created market uncertainty and volatility. Such general economic conditions, including inflation, stagflation, political volatility, costs of labor, cost of capital, interest rates, bank stability, credit availability and tax rates, affect our cost of doing business, including our operating and general and administrative expenses, and we have no control or limited ability to control such factors. These general economic conditions impact revenue, including revenue from customers as well as income from funds we hold on behalf of customers and pension-related income.

Current wording

These general economic conditions, including inflation, stagflation, political volatility, costs of labor, cost of capital, interest rates, bank stability, credit availability and tax rates, affect not only the cost of and access to liquidity, but also our costs to run and invest in our business, including our operating and general and administrative expenses, and we have no control or limited ability to control such factors. These general economic conditions impact revenue from customers, as well as income from funds we hold on behalf of customers and pension-related income. While parts of our business could benefit from uncertainty or regulatory change, we may see increased caution in spending on services we provide that are more discretionary in nature or where there are alternatives, such as self-insurance. Other parts of our business, such as M&A-related services, may be adversely impacted when there is lower economic activity or transaction volumes.

Previous wording

For the year ended December 31, 2024, Impairment and Other (loss)/income, net include goodwill-related impairment expense and loss on disposal, respectively, associated with the sale of our TRANZACT business (see Note 3 — Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Current wording

For the year ended December 31, 2024, Impairment and Other loss, net include goodwill-related impairment expense and loss on disposal, respectively, associated with the sale of our TRANZACT business (see Note 3 — Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Previous wording

The table below details the approximate percentage of our revenue and expenses from continuing operations by transactional currency for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Current wording

The table below details the approximate percentage of our revenue and expenses by transactional currency for the year ended December 31, 2025.

Previous wording

Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $9.9 billion, compared to $9.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $447 million, or 5%, on an as-reported basis. Adjusting for the impact of foreign currency and acquisitions and disposals, our organic revenue growth was 5% for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increases in both as-reported and organic revenue were driven by strong performances in both segments.

Current wording

Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $9.7 billion, compared to $9.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $222 million, or 2%, on an as-reported basis. Adjusting for the impact of foreign currency and acquisitions and disposals, our organic revenue growth was 5% for the year ended December 31, 2025. The decrease in as-reported revenue was due primarily to the sale of our TRANZACT business on December 31, 2024. The increase in organic revenue was driven by strong performances in both segments. For additional information, please see the section entitled ‘Segment Revenue and Segment Operating Income’ elsewhere within this Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous wording

Our revenue can be materially impacted by changes in currency conversions, which can fluctuate significantly over the course of a calendar year. For the year ended December 31, 2024, currency translation decreased our consolidated revenue by $19 million. The primary currency driving this change was the Argentine Peso.

Current wording

Our revenue can be materially impacted by changes in currency conversions, which can fluctuate significantly over the course of a calendar year. For the year ended December 31, 2025, currency translation increased our consolidated revenue by $89 million. The primary currencies driving this change were the Euro and Pound Sterling.

Previous wording

Definitions of Constant Currency Change and Organic Change are included in the section entitled ‘Non-GAAP Financial Measures’ elsewhere within this Form 10-K.

Current wording

Definitions of Constant Currency Change and Organic Change are included in the section entitled ‘Non-GAAP Financial Measures’ elsewhere within this Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous wording

The Health, Wealth & Career (‘HWC’) segment provides an array of advice, broking, solutions and technology for employee benefit plans, institutional investors, compensation and career programs, and the employee experience overall.

Current wording

The Health, Wealth & Career (‘HWC’) segment provides an array of advice, broking, solutions and technology for employee benefit plans, institutional investors, compensation and career programs, and the employee experience overall. Our portfolio of services supports the interrelated challenges that the management teams of our clients face across human resources and finance.

Previous wording

HWC is the larger of the two segments of the Company, generating approximately 59% of our segment revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024. Addressing four key areas, Health, Wealth, Career and Benefits Delivery & Outsourcing, the segment is focused on addressing our clients’ people and risk needs to help them succeed in a global marketplace.

Current wording

HWC is the larger of the two segments of the Company, generating approximately 55% of our segment revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025. Addressing four key areas, Health, Wealth, Career and Benefits Delivery & Outsourcing (‘BDO’), the segment is focused on addressing our clients’ people and risk needs to help them succeed in a global marketplace.

Previous wording

R&B generated approximately 41% of our segment revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024. The segment comprises two primary businesses - Corporate Risk & Broking and Insurance Consulting and Technology.

Current wording

R&B generated approximately 45% of our segment revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025. The segment comprises two primary businesses - Corporate Risk & Broking and Insurance Consulting and Technology.

Previous wording

R&B segment revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $4.0 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively. Corporate Risk & Broking had organic revenue growth primarily driven by higher levels of new business activity and strong client retention and renewal increases across all geographies. Insurance Consulting and Technology organic revenue growth was driven by strong software sales in Technology, which was partially offset by a decline in demand for discretionary services.

Current wording

R&B segment revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $4.3 billion and $4.0 billion, respectively. Corporate Risk & Broking had organic revenue growth largely driven by the success of our global specialties model, with higher levels of new business activity along with strong client retention across all regions. Insurance Consulting and Technology had modest organic revenue growth driven primarily by the Technology practice.

Previous wording

R&B segment operating income for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $958 million and $813 million, respectively. R&B segment operating income increased due primarily to operating leverage driven by organic revenue growth and disciplined expense management, as well as transformation savings.

Current wording

R&B segment operating income for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $1.1 billion and $958 million, respectively. R&B segment operating income increased due primarily to operating leverage driven by strong organic revenue growth.

Previous wording

Total costs of providing services for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $9.3 billion, compared to $8.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $1.2 billion, or 15%. This increase resulted from the impairment expense associated with the sale of our TRANZACT business in the current year (see Note 3 — Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). See the following discussion for further details.

Current wording

Total costs of providing services for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $7.5 billion, compared to $9.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $1.8 billion, or 20%. See the following discussion for further details.

Previous wording

Salaries and benefits for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $5.5 billion, compared to $5.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $158 million, or 3%. The increase in the current year is primarily due to higher salary expense, driven by increased colleague headcount and cost-of-living compensation adjustments, and higher incentive and benefit costs for the year.

Current wording

Salaries and benefits for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $5.6 billion, compared to $5.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $123 million, or 2%. The increase in the current year is primarily due to higher salary expense, driven by increased cost-of-living compensation adjustments, and higher share-based compensation costs.

Previous wording

Salaries and benefits, as a percentage of revenue, represented 55% and 56% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Current wording

Salaries and benefits, as a percentage of revenue, represented 58% and 55% for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Previous wording

Other operating expenses include occupancy, legal, marketing, licenses, royalties, supplies, technology, printing and telephone costs, as well as insurance, including premiums on excess insurance and losses on professional liability claims, travel by colleagues, publications, professional subscriptions and development, recruitment, other professional fees and irrecoverable value-added and sales taxes. Additionally, other operating expenses included costs historically allocated to our Willis Re business which are partially offset by fees under a cost reimbursement Transition Services Agreement (‘TSA’; see Note 3 — Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K) with Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (‘Gallagher’).

Current wording

Other operating expenses include occupancy, legal, marketing, licenses, royalties, supplies, technology, printing and telephone costs, as well as insurance, including premiums on excess insurance and losses on professional liability claims, travel by colleagues, publications, professional subscriptions and development, recruitment, other professional fees and irrecoverable value-added and sales taxes.

Previous wording

Other operating expenses for both years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $1.8 billion, an increase of $18 million, or 1%. The increase was primarily due to higher non-income-related tax expense and higher travel and entertainment costs, partially offset by lower occupancy costs, primarily attributable to our Transformation program, and lower professional service expenses for the current year as compared to the prior year.

Current wording

Other operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $1.4 billion, compared to $1.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $425 million, or 23%. The decrease was primarily due to lower marketing expenses attributable to the sale of our TRANZACT business on December 31, 2024, decreased office expenses, and lower professional services and occupancy costs, partially offset by higher non-income-related tax expense for the current year as compared to the prior year.

Previous wording

Impairment for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $1.0 billion. Impairment is attributable to the goodwill impairment associated with our Benefits, Delivery and Administration (‘BDA’) reporting unit related to the sale of our TRANZACT business (see Note 3 — Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Current wording

Impairment for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $1.0 billion. Impairment was attributable to the goodwill impairment associated with our Benefits Delivery & Outsourcing (‘BDO’) reporting unit related to the sale of our TRANZACT business (see Note 3 — Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Previous wording

Depreciation represents the expense incurred over the useful lives of our tangible fixed assets and internally-developed software. Depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $230 million, compared to $242 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $12 million, or 5%. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to a lower depreciable base of assets resulting from disposals associated with our Transformation program and a lower dollar value of assets placed in service during the past few years.

Current wording

Depreciation represents the expense incurred over the useful lives of our tangible fixed assets and internally-developed software. Depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $226 million, compared to $230 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $4 million, or 2%. The decrease was primarily due to a lower depreciable base of assets resulting from disposals associated with the Company’s Transformation program that concluded in the fourth quarter of 2024 and a lower dollar value of assets placed in service during the past few years.

Previous wording

Amortization represents the amortization of acquired intangible assets, including acquired internally-developed software. Amortization for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $226 million, compared to $263 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $37 million, or 14%. Our intangible amortization is generally more heavily weighted to the initial years of the useful lives of the related intangibles, and therefore amortization related to intangible assets will continue to decrease over time.

Current wording

Amortization represents the amortization of acquired intangible assets, including customer relationships, trade names and internally-developed software. Amortization for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $192 million, compared to $226 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $34 million, or 15%. Our intangible amortization is generally more heavily weighted to the initial years of the useful lives of the related intangibles, and therefore amortization related to intangible assets has decreased and will continue to decrease over time.

Previous wording

Restructuring costs for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $61 million and $68 million, respectively. Restructuring costs in both the current year and prior year primarily related to the real estate rationalization component of the Transformation program commenced by the Company during the fourth quarter of 2021 and completed as of December 31, 2024 (see Transformation Program within this section and Note 6 — Restructuring Costs within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Current wording

Restructuring costs for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $61 million and primarily related to the real estate rationalization component of our completed Transformation program (see Note 6 — Restructuring Costs within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Previous wording

Transaction and transformation costs for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $409 million, compared to $386 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $23 million. Transaction and transformation costs for the current year were higher primarily due to increased lease termination and compensation costs related to our Transformation program (see ‘Transformation Program’ elsewhere within this Item 7) incurred in the current year as compared to the prior year.

Current wording

Transaction and transformation costs for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $23 million, compared to $409 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $386 million. Transaction and transformation costs in the current year were comprised of transaction-related costs, and costs incurred in the prior year primarily included consulting and compensation costs related to our completed Transformation program.

Previous wording

Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $263 million and $235 million, respectively. Interest expense, which is attributable primarily to our senior notes, increased by $28 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was primarily the result of a greater level of indebtedness in the current year and the higher interest rate-bearing senior notes issued by the Company during the last two years.

Current wording

Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $260 million and $263 million, respectively. Interest expense, which is attributable primarily to our senior notes, decreased by $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, which was primarily due to a lower average level of indebtedness in the current year.

Previous wording

Other (loss)/income, net for the year ended December 31, 2024 was a loss of $260 million, compared to income of $149 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $409 million. This decrease was mostly due to the net loss on disposal in the current year, which is primarily attributable to the sale of our TRANZACT business (see Note 3 — Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K), partially offset by the recognition of a $750 million earnout related to the 2021 divestiture of our Willis Re business which is expected to be received during the first half of 2025 (see Note 3 — Acquisitions and Divestitures within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Current wording

Other (loss)/income, net for the year ended December 31, 2025 was a loss of $21 million, compared to a loss of $262 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decreased loss of $241 million. The decreased 2025 loss was primarily due to gains on disposals of operations in the current year, as compared to the significant loss on disposal in the prior year, which was attributable to the sale of our TRANZACT business, partially offset by lower pension income, which was a result of a significant pension settlement in the current year, and the recognition of a $750 million earnout related to the 2021 sale of our Willis Re business which was received during the first half of 2025 (see Note 3 — Acquisitions and Divestitures and Note 13 — Retirement Benefits within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Previous wording

Provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $192 million, compared to $215 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were 184.7% and 16.8%, respectively. These effective tax rates are calculated using extended values from our consolidated statements of comprehensive income and are therefore more precise tax rates than can be calculated from rounded values. The current-year effective tax rate includes a $137 million tax benefit recognized on the sale of our TRANZACT business, partially offset with a $55 million provision for tax expense on the accrual for the Willis Re earnout and a $34 million provision for changes in uncertain tax positions. The prior-year effective tax rate includes a $20 million tax benefit related to changes in state apportionment and a $10 million deferred tax benefit related to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities associated with the enactment of the Bermuda corporate income tax law.

Current wording

Provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $318 million, compared to $192 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were 16.3% and 188.8%, respectively. These effective tax rates are calculated using extended values from our consolidated statements of comprehensive income and are therefore more precise tax rates than can be calculated from rounded values. The current-year effective tax rate includes a $79 million tax benefit adjustment related to both the final allocation of the Willis Re earnout received and a change in uncertain tax positions. The prior-year effective tax rate includes a $137 million tax benefit recognized on the sale of our TRANZACT business, partially offset with a $55 million provision for tax expense on the accrual for the Willis Re earnout and a $34 million provision for changes in uncertain tax positions.

Previous wording

Our principal sources of liquidity are funds generated by operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents and amounts available under our revolving credit facility and any new debt offerings. These sources of liquidity will fund our short-term and long-term obligations at December 31, 2024. Our most significant long-term obligations include mandatory debt and related interest, operating leases and pension obligations and contributions to our qualified pension plans.

Current wording

Our principal sources of liquidity funding our short-term and long-term obligations at December 31, 2025 are funds generated by operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents and amounts available under our revolving credit facility and any new debt offerings. Our most significant long-term obligations include mandatory debt and related interest, operating leases and pension obligations and contributions to our qualified pension plans.

Previous wording

Based on our current balance sheet and cash flows, current market conditions and information available to us at this time, we believe that WTW has access to sufficient liquidity to meet our cash needs for the next twelve months. Including our cash generated from operations, our liquidity also includes all of the borrowing capacity available to draw against our $1.5 billion revolving credit facility and the receipt of the $750 million earnout related to the 2021 divestiture of Willis Re, which is expected to be collected during the first half of 2025. The use of these funds includes investments in the business for growth, scheduled debt repayments, share repurchases and dividend payments. During the fourth quarter of 2024, we re-entered the reinsurance broking space by making an initial investment in a reinsurance joint venture with Bain Capital. We hold a minority ownership interest in the joint venture and have an option to acquire a controlling interest in the future. Given the initial funding needs of a start-up venture, we expect that the investment will be a headwind for earnings until such time as the joint venture generates sufficient revenue to be profitable.

Current wording

Additionally, under our minority ownership interest in a joint venture with Bain Capital, in connection with which we re-entered the reinsurance broking space during the fourth quarter of 2024, we have an option to acquire a controlling interest in the joint venture in the future. Given the initial funding needs of a start-up venture, we expect to make certain capital contributions from time to time resulting in a reduction to earnings until such time as the joint venture generates sufficient revenue to be profitable.

Previous wording

We consider many factors, including market and economic conditions, applicable legal requirements and other business considerations, when considering whether to repurchase shares. Our share repurchase program (as further described below under ‘Share Repurchase Program’) has no termination date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

Current wording

During the year ended December 31, 2025, we repurchased $1.6 billion of our outstanding shares and have authorization to repurchase an additional $1.3 billion under our share repurchase program (as further described below under ‘Share Repurchase Program’). We consider many factors, including market and economic conditions, applicable legal requirements and other business considerations, when considering whether to repurchase shares. Our Share Repurchase Program has no termination date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

Previous wording

Events that could change the historical cash flow dynamics discussed above include significant changes in operating results, the receipt of significant earnout payments related to past divestitures, potential future acquisitions or divestitures, material changes in geographic sources of cash, unexpected adverse impacts from litigation or tax or regulatory matters, or future pension funding during periods of severe downturn in the capital markets.

Current wording

Events that could change the historical cash flow dynamics discussed above include significant changes in operating results, potential future acquisitions or divestitures, material changes in geographic sources of cash, unexpected adverse impacts from litigation or tax or regulatory matters, or future pension funding during periods of severe downturn in the capital markets.

Previous wording

We are required under Irish law to have available ‘distributable profits’ to make share repurchases or pay dividends to shareholders. Distributable profits are created through the earnings of the Irish parent company and, among other methods, through intercompany dividends or a reduction in share capital approved by the High Court of Ireland. Distributable profits are not linked to a U.S. GAAP reported amount (e.g. retained earnings). At WTW's Annual General Meeting on June 8, 2022, its shareholders voted in favor of a proposed capital reduction. In accordance with Part 3 of the Irish Companies Act 2014 the Parent Company submitted an application to the High Court of Ireland to reduce its share premium account. On July 19, 2022, the High Court of Ireland approved a reduction of the share premium account of the Parent Company of approximately $9.5 billion, with the resulting balance being treated as realized profits of the Parent Company. The High Court of Ireland's order was registered with the Irish Companies Registration Office and became effective on July 21, 2022. We believe that we will have sufficient distributable profits for the foreseeable future.

Current wording

We are required under Irish law to have available ‘distributable profits’ to make share repurchases or pay dividends to shareholders. Distributable profits are created through the earnings of the Irish parent company and, among other methods, through intercompany dividends or a reduction in share capital approved by the High Court of Ireland. Distributable profits are not linked to a U.S. GAAP reported amount (e.g. retained earnings). We believe that we will have sufficient distributable profits for the foreseeable future.

Previous wording

The Company recognizes deferred tax balances related to the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries when it expects that it will recover those undistributed earnings in a taxable manner, such as through receipt of dividends or sale of the investments. We continue to have certain subsidiaries whose earnings have not been deemed permanently reinvested, for which we have been accruing estimates of the tax effects of such repatriation. Excluding these certain subsidiaries, we continue to assert that the historical cumulative earnings for the remainder of our subsidiaries have been reinvested indefinitely and therefore do not provide deferred taxes on these amounts. If future events, including material changes in estimates of cash, working capital, long-term investment requirements or additional legislation, necessitate that these earnings be distributed, an additional provision for income and foreign withholding taxes, net of credits, may be necessary. Other potential sources of cash may be through the settlement of intercompany loans or return of capital distributions in a tax-efficient manner.

Current wording

The Company recognizes deferred tax balances related to the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries when it expects that it will recover those undistributed earnings in a taxable manner, such as through the receipt of dividends or sale of investments. We continue to have certain subsidiaries whose earnings have not been deemed permanently reinvested, for which we have been accruing estimates of the tax effects of such repatriation. Excluding these certain subsidiaries, the Company has not provided for deferred taxes on outside basis differences in our investments, as these outside basis differences can either be repatriated in a nontaxable manner or are considered permanently reinvested. If future events, including material changes in estimates of cash, working capital, long-term investment requirements or additional legislation, necessitate that these earnings be distributed, an additional provision for income and foreign withholding taxes, net of credits, may be necessary. Other potential sources of cash may be through the settlement of intercompany loans or return of capital distributions in a tax-efficient manner.

Previous wording

Our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2024 and 2023 totaled $1.9 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively. The increase of $466 million in cash from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024 was due primarily to $1.5 billion of cash inflows from operating activities and proceeds of $619 million, primarily from the sale of TRANZACT, partially offset by $901 million of share repurchases, $354 million of dividend payments, $245 million of capital expenditures and capitalized software additions and net cash paid for acquisitions of $107 million.

Current wording

Our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2025 and 2024 totaled $3.1 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively. The significant changes in cash from December 31, 2024 to December 31, 2025 were due primarily to $1.8 billion of net cash from operations, $1.0 billion issuance of senior notes, receipt of the $750 million earnout related to the 2021 sale of our Willis Re business and $62 million associated with the settlement of a note receivable related to the sale of our Max Matthiessen subsidiary in 2020, partially offset by cash outflows of $1.6 billion of share repurchases, $358 million of dividend payments, $229 million of capital expenditures and capitalized software additions and $194 million of other investing outflows.

Previous wording

Additionally, we had all of the borrowing capacity available to draw against our $1.5 billion revolving credit facility at December 31, 2024.

Current wording

Additionally, at December 31, 2025 we had all of the borrowing capacity available to draw against our $1.5 billion revolving credit facility, which was amended and restated on October 17, 2025 (see Note 11 — Debt within Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Previous wording

Included within cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are amounts held for regulatory capital adequacy requirements, including $104 million and $105 million, respectively, within our regulated U.K. entities.

Current wording

Included within cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2025 and 2024 are amounts held for regulatory capital adequacy requirements, including $105 million and $104 million, respectively, within our regulated U.K. entities.

Previous wording

Cash flows from operating activities were $1.5 billion for 2024, compared to $1.3 billion for 2023. The $1.5 billion net cash from operating activities for 2024 included a net loss of $88 million and $1.9 billion of favorable non-cash adjustments, partially offset by unfavorable changes in operating assets and liabilities of $326 million. The $1.9 billion of favorable non-cash adjustments primarily includes impairment, depreciation, amortization and non-cash lease expense. This increase in cash flows from operations as compared to the prior year was primarily driven by operating margin expansion, partially offset by increased cash outflows related to transformation and discretionary compensation payments in the current year as compared to the prior year.

Current wording

Cash flows from operating activities were $1.8 billion for 2025, compared to $1.5 billion for 2024. The $1.8 billion net cash from operating activities for 2025 included net income of $1.6 billion and $873 million of favorable non-cash adjustments, partially offset by unfavorable changes in operating assets and liabilities of $711 million. The $873 million of favorable non-cash adjustments primarily includes impairment, depreciation, amortization and non-cash lease expense. This increase in cash flows from operations as compared to the prior year was primarily driven by operating margin expansion and lower Transformation program residual cash outflows.

Previous wording

Cash flows from operating activities of $1.3 billion for 2023 included net income of $1.1 billion and $652 million of favorable non-cash adjustments, partially offset by unfavorable changes in operating assets and liabilities of $371 million. The $652 million of favorable non-cash adjustments primarily includes depreciation, amortization and non-cash lease expense.

Current wording

Cash flows from operating activities of $1.5 billion for 2024 included a net loss of $88 million and $1.9 billion of favorable non-cash adjustments, partially offset by unfavorable changes in operating assets and liabilities of $326 million. The $1.9 billion of favorable non-cash adjustments primarily included impairment, depreciation, amortization and non-cash lease expense.

Previous wording

Cash flows from investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $250 million compared to cash flows used in investing activities of $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023. The cash flows from investing activities in the current year consisted of proceeds of $619 million primarily from the sale of TRANZACT, partially offset by capital expenditures and capitalized software additions of $245 million and net cash paid for acquisitions of $107 million.

Current wording

Cash flows from investing activities of $250 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 consisted of proceeds of $619 million primarily from the sale of TRANZACT, partially offset by capital expenditures and capitalized software additions of $245 million and net cash paid for acquisitions of $104 million.