Willis Towers Stock Price, News & Analysis

On June 16, 2022, One Concern announced a strategic alliance with WTW (NASDAQ: WTW) to enhance the U.S. insurance market's understanding of dependency risk. Through the integration of the One Concern Resilience Score (1CRX™), both companies aim to accelerate the adoption of parametric insurance. The 1CRX™ evaluates a business's vulnerability to downtime resulting from infrastructure fragility and property damage. This partnership is intended to improve WTW's analytical capabilities, allowing clients to make better-informed decisions regarding climate-related risks and insurance coverage.

On June 14, 2022, WTW sponsored the Thinking Ahead Institute (TAI) unveiled open-source code aimed at revolutionizing performance reporting for institutional investors. This code implements TAI's Fundamental Return Attribution (FRA) framework, enhancing how returns are assessed by separating them into components: market sentiment, portfolio fundamentals, and holdings changes. TAI's research indicates a potential long-term investment premium of up to 1.5% annually. The initiative, supported by notable institutions like Baillie Gifford and S&P Dow Jones Indices, seeks to shift focus from short-term metrics to sustainable, long-term investment strategies.

WTW's analysis reveals that total CEO compensation in the U.S. rose by 15.7% in 2021, marking the most significant increase since 2014. Key factors included a 39.3% surge in annual bonuses and a 9.1% uptick in long-term incentives. 82% of companies met or exceeded their annual bonus targets. Additionally, 92 S&P 500 companies integrated ESG measures into incentive plans, reflecting a growing trend toward accountability in executive compensation. Overall shareholder support for pay proposals averaged 90%, maintaining prior year levels.

WTW (NASDAQ: WTW) has announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.82 per common share for Q1 2022. This dividend is set to be paid on or around July 15, 2022 to shareholders recorded by the close of business on June 30, 2022. The decision to issue this dividend reflects WTW's commitment to return value to its shareholders while emphasizing its strong performance in providing advisory, broking, and solutions across 140 global markets.

WTW has announced a $1 billion increase to its existing share repurchase authority, complementing the $1.3 billion already available. This move reflects the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder value while considering market and economic conditions. The share repurchase strategy is aimed at optimizing capital structure and potentially boosting earnings per share (EPS) over time. The share buyback program enables WTW to acquire shares at its discretion, supporting long-term financial goals.

WTW has introduced CyNav for Ports and Terminals, a specialized cyber insurance solution aimed at port and terminal owners. This new offering addresses increasing reliance on technology and rising cyber threats, covering business interruption losses, property damage, regulatory actions, and crisis management expenses. The initiative reflects WTW's commitment to tailoring solutions for specific industry needs, enhancing resilience against cyber risks. The development aligns with current technological and regulatory changes in the maritime sector, ensuring support for global trade.

WTW's Global Food and Beverage Survey Report highlights the rising significance of ESG risks in the food and beverage sector, particularly due to environmental impact and supply chain disruptions. Conducted with 250 senior executives, the survey revealed that 46% view brand reputation linked to sustainability as a major risk, with 55% lacking reputational coverage. Additionally, 73% reported no insurance for environmental risks. Despite challenges, 70% of respondents are optimistic about profitability, with organic food identified as a key growth area.

Pacific Life has partnered with Wespath Benefits and Investments and WTW to introduce a qualifying longevity annuity contract (QLAC) as part of Wespath's LifeStage Retirement Income program. This new program offers participants an interactive retirement income modeling tool and an optional social security bridge alongside the QLAC, which guarantees income starting at age 80. This initiative aims to enhance lifetime income security for retirees and include tax planning options through reduced minimum distributions.

Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WTW) announced a registered offering of $750 million in 4.650% senior unsecured notes due 2027. The offering is conducted by its subsidiary, Willis North America, with the company guaranteeing payments. The proceeds will be used primarily to repay about €540 million of 2.125% senior notes due 2022 and for general corporate purposes. The offering is expected to close on May 19, 2022, pending customary conditions.