Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.: Form 10-K for the period ended Dec 31, 2024

References in this report to "we", "us" and "our" are to Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (the "Company" or "Marsh McLennan"), unless the context otherwise requires.

GENERAL

Marsh McLennan is the world's leading professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy and people. We help clients build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective of our four market-leading businesses. With annual revenue of over $24 billion, we have more than 90,000 colleagues advising clients in over 130 countries.

Marsh provides data-driven risk advisory services and insurance solutions to commercial and consumer clients. Guy Carpenter develops advanced risk, reinsurance and capital strategies that help clients grow profitably and pursue emerging opportunities. Mercer delivers advice and technology-driven solutions that help organizations redefine the world of work, reshape retirement and investment outcomes, and unlock health and well-being for a changing workforce. Oliver Wyman Group serves as a critical strategic, economic and brand advisor to private sector and governmental clients. Our four businesses also collaborate together to deliver new solutions to help clients manage complex and interconnected risks.

The Company conducts business through two segments:

• Risk and Insurance Services includes risk management activities (risk advice, risk transfer and risk control and mitigation solutions) as well as insurance and reinsurance broking and services. The Company conducts business in this segment through Marsh and Guy Carpenter.
• Consulting includes health, wealth and career advice, solutions and products, and specialized management, strategic, economic and brand consulting services. The Company conducts business in this segment through Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group.

We describe our current segments in further detail below. We provide financial information about our segments in our consolidated financial statements included under Part II, Item 8 of this report.

OUR BUSINESSES

RISK AND INSURANCE SERVICES

The Risk and Insurance Services segment generated approximately 63% of the Company's total revenue in 2024 and employs approximately 52,400 colleagues worldwide. The Company conducts business in this segment through Marsh and Guy Carpenter.

MARSH

Marsh is the world's leading insurance broker and risk advisor, serving companies, institutions and individuals. From its founding in 1871 to the present day, Marsh has demonstrated a commitment to thought leadership, innovation and insurance expertise to meet its clients’ needs. Marsh’s pioneering contributions include introducing the practice of client representation through brokerage, the discipline of risk management, the globalization of risk management services and the development of service platforms that identify, quantify, mitigate and transfer risk.

Currently, approximately 48,800 Marsh colleagues provide risk management, insurance broking, insurance program management, risk consulting, analytical modeling and alternative risk financing services to a wide range of businesses, government entities, professional service organizations and individuals in over 130 countries. Marsh generated approximately 53% of the Company's total revenue in 2024.

Insurance Broking and Risk Advisory

In its core insurance broking and risk advisory business, Marsh employs a team approach to identify, quantify and address clients' risk management and insurance needs. Marsh’s product and service offerings include risk analysis, insurance program design and placement, insurance program support and administration, claims support and advocacy, alternative risk strategies and a wide array of risk analysis and risk management consulting services. Clients benefit from Marsh’s advanced analytics, deep technical expertise, specialty and industry knowledge, collaborative global culture and the ability to develop innovative solutions and products.

The firm’s resources also include nearly three dozen specialty and industry practices, including cyber, construction, renewable energy, healthcare, and financial and professional service practices.

Marsh provides services to clients of all sizes, including large multinational companies ("Risk Management"), high growth middle-market businesses ("Corporate"), small commercial enterprises and high net-worth private clients, and affinity group members ("Commercial & Consumer"). Marsh's segments are designed to build stronger value propositions and operating models to optimize solutions and services for clients depending on their needs.

Risk Management. Marsh has an extensive global footprint and market-leading advisory and placement services that benefit large domestic and international companies and institutions facing complex risk exposures. These clients are also supported by Marsh’s robust analytics and a growing digital experience.

In addition, Marsh’s largest global clients are serviced by Marsh Multinational, a dedicated team of colleagues from around the world focused on delivering service excellence and insurance solutions to clients wherever they are located. Marsh is digitizing the client experience through tools such as LINQ, Marsh’s account and service application; Blue[i], a suite of analytics tools for clients; and Bluestream, a digital brokerage platform that enables clients to provide insurance to their customers or suppliers in a B2B2C distribution model. Marsh provides global expertise and an intimate knowledge of local markets, helping clients navigate local regulatory environments to address the worldwide risk issues that confront them.

• Marsh Specialty is an integrated and globally coordinated team of experts who provides clients in highly specialized industry and product areas with data driven insights, service, advice and access to global insurance markets. These specialists support clients who require advice and support across aviation & space, credit specialties, construction, energy & power, financial & professional services (FINPRO), marine & cargo, and private equity, mergers & acquisitions (PEMA).

Corporate. Middle market clients are served by Marsh’s brokerage operations globally; this segment is also serviced by Marsh & McLennan Agency (MMA) in the United States (U.S.).

• Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) provides business insurance, employee health and benefits, retirement and wealth management, and private client insurance solutions to individuals and mid-market organizations. MMA advises on insurance program structure and market dynamics, along with industry expertise and transactional capability. Since its first acquisition in 2009, MMA has acquired more than 125 agencies.

Commercial & Consumer. Clients in this market segment typically face less complex risks and are served by Marsh’s innovative product and placement offerings and growing capabilities in digitally enabled distribution and administration.

• Victor Insurance Managers (Victor) is one of the largest underwriting managers of professional liability, catastrophe, and other specialty insurance programs worldwide. In the U.S., Victor Insurance Managers (US) and ICAT Managers underwrite, solicit, sell and service coverages through a national third-party distribution network of licensed brokers and agents. Through its Victor Small Business platform, Victor deploys cloud-based technology to enable independent insurance agents, on behalf of their small business clients, to obtain online quotes from multiple insurance providers and bind property and casualty and workers compensation insurance policies in real time. Victor also manages Torrent Technologies, the nation’s largest service provider to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Victor Insurance Managers (Canada), a leading managing general agent in Canada, delivers professional liability and construction insurance and other property and casualty programs and administers group and retiree benefits programs and claims handling operations for individuals, organizations and businesses. Victor also has a business in the U.K., the Netherlands, Italy, Germany and Australia.
• Marsh Affinity focuses on insurance programs sold to insureds or vendors through a corporate sponsor using an affinity distribution model.
• High Net Worth (HNW). Individual high net worth clients and family offices are serviced by MMA in the U.S. and other Marsh personal lines businesses globally. These businesses provide a single-source solution for high net worth clients and are dedicated to sourcing protections across a broad spectrum of risk. Using a consultative approach, Marsh's HNW practices analyze exposures and customize programs to cover individual clients with complex asset portfolios.

Additional Services and Adjacent Businesses

In addition to insurance broking, Marsh provides certain other specialist advisory or placement services:

Marsh Advisory is a global practice comprising specialists who use data and analytics, including through Marsh’s Blue[i] digital analytics platform. Marsh Advisory’s three main service areas (Consulting, Claims, and Analytics) advise clients on existing and emerging risk exposures, protecting critical business activities and developing strategies to optimize total cost of risk.

Marsh Captive Solutions, a prominent part of the Marsh Specialty and Global Placement practice, helps organizations of all sizes retain risks through comprehensive and innovative captive solutions. This team is comprised of captive consultants, actuaries and captive management professionals which offer complete, end-to-end captive management services.

Bowring Marsh is an international placement broker. This unit’s core strategy is to modernize risk transfer advice and solutions for clients. This is executed through a combination of data solutions, capacity creation vehicles, segmentation, placement platforms (on-shoring solutions within the network), and improved operational efficiency – all designed to yield a better client outcome and experience. The products Bowring Marsh places include property, casualty, terrorism, product recall, and special risks.

Mercer Marsh Benefits provides health benefits brokerage and consulting services to clients of all sizes in numerous countries across the globe, outside of the U.S. As described below, Mercer and Marsh go to market together to provide strategic advice and services to help clients minimize risk, optimize benefits structure, drive efficiencies and maximize employee engagement.

Services for Insurers

Marsh's Insurer Consulting Group (ICG) provides services to insurance carriers. Through Marsh's patented electronic platform, MarketConnect, and sophisticated data analysis, ICG provides insurers with individualized preference setting and risk identification capabilities, as well as detailed performance data and metrics. Insurer consulting teams review performance metrics and preferences with insurers and provide customized consulting services to insurers designed to improve business planning and strategy implementation. ICG services are designed to improve the product offerings available to clients, assist insurers in identifying new opportunities and enhance insurers’ operational efficiency. The scope and nature of the services vary by insurer and by geography.

GUY CARPENTER

Guy Carpenter, the Company’s reinsurance intermediary and advisor, generated approximately 10% of the Company's total revenue in 2024. Currently, approximately 3,600 Guy Carpenter colleagues provide clients with a combination of specialized reinsurance broking expertise, strategic advisory services and analytics solutions. Guy Carpenter creates and executes reinsurance and risk management solutions for clients worldwide through risk assessment analytics, actuarial services, highly-specialized product knowledge and trading relationships with reinsurance markets. Client services also include contract and claims management, reinsurance accounting and fiduciary services.

Acting as a broker or intermediary on all classes of reinsurance, Guy Carpenter places two main types of property casualty and life / health reinsurance: treaty reinsurance, which involves the transfer of a portfolio of risks; and facultative reinsurance, which involves the transfer of part or all of the coverage provided by a single insurance policy.

Guy Carpenter provides reinsurance services in a broad range of centers of excellence, segments and specialties including: Automobile / Motor, Aviation, Captives, Crop/Agriculture, Cyber, Engineering / Construction, Financial Lines, InsurTech, Life / Accident / Health, Marine and Energy, Medical Professional, Personal Lines, Mortgage, Political Risk & Trade Credit, Primary & Excess Casualty, Managing General Agents and Program Manager Solutions, Property, Public Sector, Regional / Mutual, Retrocessional Reinsurance, Surety, Terror, and Workers Compensation / Employer Liability.

Guy Carpenter also offers clients alternatives to traditional reinsurance, including industry loss warranties and, through its licensed affiliates, capital markets alternatives such as transferring catastrophe risk through the issuance of insurance-linked securities. GC Securities, the Guy Carpenter division of MMC Securities LLC and MMC Securities (Europe) Limited, offers corporate finance solutions, including mergers & acquisitions advice and private debt and equity capital raising, and capital markets-based risk transfer solutions that complement Guy Carpenter's strong industry relationships, analytical capabilities and reinsurance expertise.

Guy Carpenter also provides its clients with reinsurance-related services, including actuarial, enterprise risk management, financial and regulatory consulting, portfolio analysis and advice on the efficient use of capital. Guy Carpenter's Global Analytics & Advisory ("GAA") unit helps clients better understand and quantify the uncertainties inherent in their businesses. Working in close partnership with Guy Carpenter account executives, GAA specialists help support clients' critical decisions in numerous areas, including reinsurance utilization, catastrophe exposure portfolio management, new product and market development, rating agency, regulatory and account impacts, loss reserve risk, capital adequacy and return on capital.

Compensation for Services in Risk and Insurance Services

Marsh and Guy Carpenter are compensated for brokerage and consulting services through commissions and fees. Commission rates and fees vary in amount and can depend on a number of factors, including the type of insurance or reinsurance coverage provided, the particular insurer or reinsurer selected, and the capacity in which the broker acts and negotiates with clients. In addition to compensation from its clients, Marsh also receives other compensation, separate from retail fees and commissions, from insurance companies. This other compensation includes, among other things, payments for consulting and analytics services provided to insurers; compensation for administrative and other services (including fees for underwriting services and services provided to or on behalf of insurers relating to the administration and management of quota shares, panels and other facilities in which insurers participate); and contingent commissions, which are paid by insurers based on factors such as volume or profitability of Marsh's placements, primarily driven by MMA and parts of Marsh's international operations.

Marsh and Guy Carpenter receive interest income on certain funds (such as premiums and claims proceeds) held in a fiduciary capacity for others. For a more detailed discussion of revenue sources and factors affecting revenue in our Risk and Insurance Services segment, refer to Part II, Item 7 ("Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations") of this report.

CONSULTING

The Company's Consulting segment generated approximately 37% of the Company's total revenue in 2024 and employs approximately 30,500 colleagues worldwide. The Company conducts business in this segment through Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group.

MERCER

Mercer is a leading provider in delivering advice, solutions and products that help organizations meet the health, wealth and career needs of a changing workforce. Mercer has approximately 23,300 colleagues based in 48 countries. Clients include a majority of the companies in the Fortune 1000 and FTSE 100, as well as medium- and small-market organizations, public sector entities and individual customers. Mercer generated approximately 23% of the Company's total revenue in 2024.

Mercer operates in the following areas:

Health. Mercer helps public and private sector employers design and manage employee health and welfare programs; administer health benefits and flexible benefits programs, including benefits outsourcing; engage employees with their health benefits through a digital experience; and comply with local benefits-related regulations. Mercer provides a range of advice and solutions to clients, which, depending on the engagement, may include: total health and wellness management strategies; global health brokerage solutions; vendor performance and audit; life and disability management; and measurement of healthcare provider performance. These services are provided through fee-based consulting as well as commission-based brokerage services in connection with the selection of insurance companies and healthcare providers.

Mercer also provides consulting and actuarial services to U.S. state governments to support the purchase of healthcare through state Medicaid programs. Mercer offers clients tools to enhance employee engagement with their health benefits through its DarwinSM platform.

Outside of the U.S., Mercer and Marsh go to market together for Health benefits brokerage and consulting under the Mercer Marsh BenefitsSM (MMB) brand, as described above.

Wealth. Through its Wealth business, Mercer assists clients worldwide in the design, governance and risk management of defined benefit, defined contribution, hybrid retirement plans and other pools of assets, and with investment of those assets.

Mercer provides actuarial consulting, investment consulting, investment management and related services to the sponsors and trustees of pension plans and master trusts. Mercer also provides investment consulting and investment management services to foundations, endowments, sovereign wealth funds, U.S. public sector clients, insurance companies, financial intermediaries, family offices and individuals. Mercer provides retirement plan outsourcing, including administration and delivery of defined benefit and defined contribution retirement benefits.

The investment consulting and investment management services provided by Mercer and its affiliates (investment management services may also be referred to as "investment solutions," "delegated solutions," "fiduciary management" or "outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) services") cover a range of stages of the investment process, from investment research (through its Mercer-Insight service), asset allocation and implementation of investment strategies to ongoing portfolio management services. Mercer provides these services primarily to institutional and other sophisticated investors including retirement plans (e.g., defined benefit and defined contribution), master trusts, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds, U.S. public sector clients, insurance companies and family offices, as well as wealth managers and other financial intermediaries, primarily through manager of manager strategies and funds sponsored and managed by Mercer. Mercer’s clients invest in both traditional asset classes (e.g., equities, fixed income and cash equivalents) and alternative or private market strategies (e.g., private equity, private debt, real estate, other real assets and hedge funds). As of December 31, 2024, Mercer and its global affiliates had assets under management of approximately $617 billion worldwide.

Mercer also provides services to individual retail clients, including financial planning, high net worth risk solutions and other discretionary investment services.

Career. Mercer advises organizations on the engagement, skill assessment, management and reward of employees; the design of executive remuneration programs; people and workforce strategies during business transformation; improvement of human resource (HR) effectiveness; and the implementation of digital and cloud-based Human Resource Information Systems. In addition, through proprietary survey data and decision support tools, Mercer provides clients with human capital information and analytical capabilities to improve strategic human capital decision making. Mercer’s Career products include solutions relating to rewards, mobility, engagement, workforce analytics and assessments. Mercer helps clients plan and implement HR programs and other organizational changes designed to maximize employee engagement.

Mercer also provides advice relating to people and benefits-related issues to buyers and sellers in a variety of types of M&A transactions.

OLIVER WYMAN GROUP

With more than 7,200 professionals and offices in over 34 countries, Oliver Wyman Group delivers advisory services to clients through three operating units, each of which is a leader in its field: Oliver Wyman, Lippincott and NERA Economic Consulting. Oliver Wyman Group generated approximately 14% of the Company's total revenue in 2024. Oliver Wyman is a global leader in management consulting and combines deep industry knowledge with specialized expertise in strategy, operations, risk management and organization transformation. The firm works with clients around the world to help optimize their business, improve their operations and risk profile, and accelerate their organizational performance to seize opportunities. Industry groups include:

• Consumer, Telecommunications, and Technology
• Energy and Natural Resources
• Financial Services (including corporate and institutional banking, public policy, and retail and business banking)
• Government and Public Institutions
• Healthcare and Life Sciences
• Insurance and Asset Management
• Private Capital
• Transportation and Advanced Industrials: (including aviation; aerospace and defense; rail; express, postal and third-party logistics; services, including travel and leisure, environmental and facility management, and business and tech services; and CAVOK, which provides technical consulting and market forecasting services)

Oliver Wyman overlays its industry knowledge with expertise in the following specializations:

• Actuarial. Oliver Wyman’s Actuarial Practice uses mathematical and statistical modeling skills and qualitative assessment methodologies to assist clients in evaluating and addressing risk.
• AI Transformation: Quotient is Oliver Wyman’s global AI offering, bringing specialized experience to help clients harness the value of AI.
• Climate and Sustainability. Oliver Wyman assists clients in cutting through complex climate systems and solving for operational efficiencies. Oliver Wyman helps clients discover new business opportunities, create new pathways, and respond to climate risk, to make needed changes commercially compelling.
• Finance and Risk. Oliver Wyman provides leading financial institutions with custom solutions and insights covering all aspects of risk and finance functions, including credit risk, market risks, asset and liability management and liquidity risks, and non-financial risks, together with integrated risk management topics, such as aggregated risk analyses, business applications and culture and organization.
• Restructuring. Oliver Wyman offers a complete management solution and "one-stop-shop" approach to turning around companies, providing strategic, operational, and financial restructuring advice.
• Digital. Oliver Wyman partners with clients to address their digital challenges, blending the power of digital with deep industry expertise. By building strong capabilities and culture, Oliver Wyman accelerates and embeds digital transformation, working collaboratively with clients’ leaders, employees, stakeholders, and customers to jointly define, design, and achieve lasting results.
• Operations. Oliver Wyman helps organizations leverage their operations for a competitive advantage using a comprehensive set of capabilities, including performance improvement, digital operations strategy, and risk management.
• People and Organizational Performance. Oliver Wyman's People and Organizational Performance capability brings together deep expertise and industry knowledge to enable organizations to work in service of its strategic vision and to address the most pressing organizational, people, and change issues.
• Payments. Oliver Wyman draws on years of industry-shaping work in the Financial Services and Retail industries using deep digital expertise to help clients - from banks/issuers, to payments providers, to retailers - to build growth strategies, form effective partnerships, optimize costs, and manage risk.
• Pricing, Sales, and Marketing. Oliver Wyman helps organizations drive top-line and margin growth through outstanding strategy and decision making on pricing, marketing optimization, and best practices on sales effectiveness.
• Customer First. Oliver Wyman helps bring together capabilities required to identify customer and business growth, conduct detailed business design, build and launch a business, and maintain a focus on realizing growth while de-risking delivery.
• Performance Transformation. Oliver Wyman helps clients to design, realize and sustain value growth via large-scale transformations.

Lippincott is a creative consultancy specializing in brand and innovation that shapes recognized brands and experiences for clients globally. Lippincott's strategy and design experts have helped create some of the world's most recognized brands.

NERA Economic Consulting provides economic analysis and advice to public and private entities to achieve practical solutions to highly complex business and legal issues arising from competition, regulation, public policy, strategy, finance and litigation. NERA professionals operate worldwide assisting clients including corporations, governments, law firms, regulatory agencies, trade associations, and international agencies. NERA's specialized practice areas include: antitrust, securities, complex commercial litigation, energy, environmental economics, network industries, intellectual property, product liability and mass torts and transfer pricing.

Compensation for Services in Consulting

Oliver Wyman Group is compensated for advice and services primarily through fees paid by clients. Mercer is compensated for advice and services through fees paid by clients, commissions and fees based on assets or members. In the majority of cases, Mercer's Health business is compensated through commissions for the placement of insurance contracts and supplemental compensation from insurers based on such factors as volume, growth of accounts, and total retention of accounts placed by Mercer. Mercer may receive commissions in other parts of its business, such as its Private Client Services business and certain financial advice businesses. Mercer's investments business and certain of Mercer's administration services are compensated typically through fees based on assets under administration or management or fee per member. For a majority of the Mercer-managed investment funds, revenue received from Mercer's investment management clients as sub-advisor fees is reported on a gross basis rather than a net basis. For a more detailed discussion of revenue sources and factors affecting revenue in the Consulting segment, refer to Part II, Item 7 ("Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations") of this report.

REGULATION

The Company's activities are subject to licensing requirements and extensive regulation under U.S. federal and state laws, as well as laws of other countries in which the Company operates. Across most jurisdictions, we are also subject to various data privacy and data protection laws and regulations that apply to personal information, as well as, in certain jurisdictions, cybersecurity laws and regulations and emerging laws and regulations related to artificial intelligence ("AI"). In addition, we are subject to various financial crime laws and regulations through our activities, activities of associated persons, the products and services we provide and our business and client relationships. Such laws and regulations relate to, among other areas, sanctions and export control, anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist financing. In certain circumstances, we are also required to maintain operating funds primarily related to regulatory requirements outside the U.S. See Part I, Item 1A ("Risk Factors") below for a discussion of how actions by regulatory authorities or changes in legislation and regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate may have an adverse effect on our businesses and for more information about the laws and regulations related to data privacy, data protection, cybersecurity and AI and the associated risks to our businesses.

Risk and Insurance Services. While laws and regulations vary from location to location, every state of the U.S. and most foreign jurisdictions require insurance market intermediaries and related service providers (such as insurance brokers, agents and consultants, reinsurance brokers and managing general agents) to hold an individual or company license from a government agency or self-regulatory organization. Some jurisdictions issue licenses only to individual residents or locally-owned business entities; in those instances, if the Company has no licensed subsidiary, it may maintain arrangements with residents or business entities licensed to act in such jurisdiction. Such arrangements are subject to an internal review and approval process. Licensing of reinsurance intermediaries is generally less rigorous compared to that of insurance brokers, and most jurisdictions require only corporate reinsurance intermediary licenses.

In the United Kingdom, our business is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"). The FCA’s responsibilities and powers include licensing of insurance and reinsurance intermediaries and related criteria such as professional competence, financial capacity and the requirement to hold professional indemnity insurance, the broking of premium finance to consumers, and competition powers that enable it to enforce prohibitions on anti-competitive behavior in relation to financial services.

Insurance authorities in the U.S. and certain other jurisdictions in which the Company's subsidiaries do business, including the FCA in the United Kingdom, also have enacted laws and regulations governing the investment of funds, such as premiums and claims proceeds, held in a fiduciary capacity for others. These laws and regulations typically provide for segregation of these fiduciary funds and limit the types of investments that may be made with them, and generally apply to both the insurance and reinsurance business.

Certain of the Company's Risk and Insurance Services activities are governed by other regulatory bodies, such as investment, securities and futures licensing authorities. In the U.S., Marsh and Guy Carpenter use the services of MMC Securities LLC, a SEC registered broker-dealer and introducing broker in the U.S. MMC Securities LLC is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"), the National Futures Association and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation ("SIPC"), primarily in connection with capital markets and other investment banking-related services relating to insurance-linked and alternative risk financing transactions. Also in the U.S., Marsh uses the services of MMA Securities LLC, a SEC registered broker-dealer, investment adviser and member of FINRA, SIPC and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board ("MSRB"), and MMA Asset Management LLC, a SEC registered investment adviser, primarily in connection with retirement, executive compensation and benefits consulting and advisory services to qualified and non-qualified benefits plans, companies and executives and personal wealth management. In the United Kingdom, Marsh and Guy Carpenter use the expertise of MMC Securities Limited, which is authorized and regulated by the FCA to provide advice on securities and investments, including mergers & acquisitions in the United Kingdom. In the European Union, Guy Carpenter uses MMC Securities (Ireland) Limited, which is authorized and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland to place certain securities and investments in the European Union. MMC Securities LLC, MMC Securities Limited, MMC Securities (Ireland) Limited, MMA Securities LLC, and MMA Asset Management LLC are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Consulting. Mercer's retirement-related consulting and investment services are subject to pension law and financial regulation in many countries. Depending on the country, Mercer may rely on licensed colleagues or registered legal entities to engage in these services, or may utilize other Marsh McLennan entities or third parties. In addition, trustee services, investment services (including advice to persons, institutions and other entities on the investment of pension assets and assumption of discretionary investment management responsibilities) and retirement and employee benefit program administrative services provided by Mercer and its subsidiaries and affiliates may also be subject to investment and securities regulations in various jurisdictions, including (but not limited to) regulations imposed or enforced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Labor in the U.S., the Ontario Securities Commission in Canada, the FCA in the United Kingdom, the Central Bank of Ireland and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. In the U.S., Mercer provides investment services through Mercer Investments LLC, (formerly Mercer Investment Management, Inc.), an SEC-registered investment adviser, which consolidated the activities of each of Mercer’s affiliated investment adviser entities in the U.S. (including Mercer Investment Consulting LLC and Pavilion Advisory Group) in 2019. Mercer Trust Company, a limited purpose New Hampshire chartered trust bank, may also provide services for certain clients of Mercer’s investment management business in the U.S. The benefits insurance consulting and brokerage services provided by Mercer and its subsidiaries and affiliates are subject to the same licensing requirements and regulatory oversight as the insurance market intermediaries described above regarding our Risk and Insurance Services businesses. Depending on the nature of the client and services performed, Mercer may also be subject to direct oversight by the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies in the U.S. Mercer provides annuity buy-out advice that is subject to regulations (for example, in the U.S., state insurance licensing regulations and ERISA). Mercer uses the services of MMC Securities LLC to provide certain services, including executive benefit and compensation services and securities dealing services.

FATCA. Regulations promulgated by the U.S. Treasury Department pursuant to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act and related legislation (FATCA) require the Company to take various measures relating to non-U.S. funds, transactions and accounts. The regulations impose on Mercer and MMA certain client financial account obligations relating to non-U.S. financial institution and insurance clients.

COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS

The Company faces significant competition in all of its businesses from providers of similar products and services, including competition with regard to identifying and pursuing acquisition candidates. The Company also encounters strong competition throughout its businesses from both public corporations and private firms in attracting and retaining qualified employees. As the Company has clients across various geographies, industries and sizes, the competitive landscape is complex and varies across numerous markets. In addition to the discussion below, refer to "Risks Relating to the Company Generally — Competitive Risks," in Part I, Item 1A of this report.

Risk and Insurance Services. The Company's combined insurance and reinsurance services businesses are global in scope. Our insurance and reinsurance businesses compete principally on the sophistication, range, quality and cost of the services and products they offer to clients. The Company encounters strong competition from other insurance and reinsurance brokerage firms that operate on a global, regional, national or local scale in every geography in which it operates, from insurance and reinsurance companies that market, distribute and service their insurance and reinsurance products without the assistance of brokers and from other businesses, including commercial and investment banks, accounting firms, consultants and online platforms, that provide risk-related services and products or alternatives to traditional insurance brokerage services. In addition, third party capital providers have entered the insurance and reinsurance risk transfer market offering products and capital directly to the Company’s clients. Their presence in the market increases the competitive pressures that the Company faces.

Certain insureds and groups of insureds have established programs of self-insurance as a supplement or alternative to purchasing traditional third-party insurance, thereby reducing in some cases their need for third-party insurance placements. Certain insureds also obtain coverage directly from insurance providers. There are also many other providers of managing general agents, affinity programs and private client services that compete with the Company's offerings.

Consulting. The Company's consulting businesses face strong competition from other privately and publicly held worldwide and national companies, as well as regional and local firms. These businesses generally compete on the basis of the range, quality and cost of the services and products they provide to clients. Competitors include independent consulting, broking and outsourcing firms, as well as consulting, broking and outsourcing operations affiliated with larger accounting, information systems, technology and financial services firms. Mercer’s Health business faces additional competition from insurers and from non-traditional competitors seeking to enter or expand in the health benefits space (for example, payroll firms, large consumer businesses, and digitally oriented consultancies). Mercer's investments business faces competition from many sources, including investment consulting firms (many of which offer delegated services), investment management firms and other financial institutions. In some cases, clients have the option of handling the services provided by Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group internally, without assistance from outside advisors.

Segmentation of Activity by Type of Service and Geographic Area of Operation.

Financial information relating to the types of services provided by the Company and the geographic areas of its operations is incorporated herein by reference to Note 17, Segment Information, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included under Part II, Item 8 of this report.

HUMAN CAPITAL

As a professional services firm, we believe the health of our business relies on the strength of our workforce.

Our People. As of December 31, 2024, the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries employed more than 90,000 colleagues worldwide, including approximately 52,400 in Risk and Insurance Services and 30,500 in Consulting.

People Leadership and Governance. The Chief People Officer is responsible for leading the development and execution of our enterprise people strategy. This includes the attraction, recruitment, hiring, development and engagement of talent to deliver on our strategy and the design of colleague total rewards programs. The Chief People Officer is also responsible for leading the development and integration of our inclusion approach into our strategy.

Our ESG Committee and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors have oversight responsibility for various aspects of the Company’s human capital management and are regularly updated by the Chief People Officer.

Colleague Value Proposition and Engagement. In 2024, we introduced our shared Colleague Value Proposition (CVP), an articulation of why colleagues choose to work and invest their talents at Marsh McLennan. You can be your best here captures the unique experience offered to current and prospective colleagues at Marsh McLennan, and it’s inspired by our own colleagues’ voices. In 2024, we introduced our shared Colleague Value Proposition (CVP), an articulation of why colleagues choose to work and invest their talents at Marsh McLennan. You can be your best here captures the unique experience offered to current and prospective colleagues at Marsh McLennan, and it’s inspired by our own colleagues’ voices. It is embodied in our key pillars: Impact, Leadership, Culture, Career, and Rewards, all of which support our shared purpose: “We build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective.”

Each year since 2011, we have asked our colleagues to share their views on working at Marsh McLennan through a company-wide engagement survey that is administered by a third party. In 2024, we expanded the survey with questions on technology and the Company's strategy. The survey enables us to understand the evolution of our culture and identify opportunities to build on strengths and address challenges, all with the intention of furthering our productivity through an engaged workforce that can adapt to changing work environments and business needs.

Talent & Inclusion. Our Company’s greatest strength is the collective talent of our people. We provide resources to support colleagues to be their best at Marsh McLennan. We are committed to helping colleagues perform at their best by encouraging regular discussions about their goals, performance, career aspirations and development opportunities. We enable all colleagues to advance their skills through professional development, learning from talented colleagues, and support in taking on new challenges. We deliver professional development via a multi-lingual, digital-first learning strategy, supplemented by formal programs for key groups. In 2024, we offered 520 developmental workshops comprising of professional skills, people management and leadership development. Additionally, we launched our AI Academy to promote development of essential new skills. In the six months since launch, nearly 35,000 colleagues have received their AI Academy credentials.

Health and Well-being. We are committed to enhancing the well-being of our colleagues through a comprehensive value proposition that prioritizes health, wellness and work-life balance. We offer comprehensive health insurance, including medical coverage and other core health benefits that are competitive in the market. Recognizing the importance of mental wellness, we provide personalized tools and support, along with 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programs for confidential counselling. Our critical incident support ensures that colleagues receive the help they need in times of crisis, particularly in countries affected by disasters.

In addition to these health benefits, we offer competitive time-off policies, including a paid day off each year to volunteer, reflecting our commitment to community engagement and personal fulfillment. We understand that life can bring changing circumstances and we are here to support our colleagues through milestone life events, health and economic challenges, and the integration of new technologies.

Total Rewards. We offer our colleagues rewards that are designed to be competitive in the market, attract and retain highly talented individuals and recognize their performance and contributions. Base pay is one component. We further encourage performance that aligns with the Company’s interests by awarding eligible colleagues with discretionary incentives. These incentives, such as annual bonuses, sales incentives and long-term incentives are awarded to colleagues in roles that have a significant impact on our short and long-term success. In addition to health benefits, our total rewards also include retirement benefits, savings and stock investment plans in most jurisdictions so that our colleagues can experience a full range of rewards that work for them.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

The executive officers and executive officer appointees of the Company are appointed annually by the Company’s Board of Directors. The following individuals are the executive officers of the Company as of February 10, 2025:

Paul Beswick, age 50, is Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information and Operations Officer (CIOO) of Marsh McLennan. As CIOO, Mr. Beswick leads the Business and Client Services team and oversees Marsh McLennan's Operations and Technology teams in support of the Company's global businesses. Prior to assuming this expanded role in January 2025, Mr. Beswick served as Chief Information Officer from 2021 to 2025. He was previously a Partner and Global Head of Oliver Wyman Labs and the Digital Practice at Oliver Wyman where he worked in various sectors, including financial services, retail, transportation, telecoms, and consumer goods. Before this, Mr. Beswick headed Oliver Wyman's North American Retail Practice.

Katherine J. Brennan, age 46, is Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Marsh McLennan. In this role, she leads Marsh McLennan’s global legal, compliance and public affairs function, which supports the Company’s four businesses, Marsh, Guy Carpenter, Mercer and Oliver Wyman. She also leads the Company’s sustainability efforts. Ms. Brennan has held several legal and compliance leadership roles at Marsh McLennan, serving most recently as General Counsel, Marsh LLC. She also served as Deputy General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer for Marsh McLennan from 2017 to 2021, and prior to that, as General Counsel of Guy Carpenter. Ms. Brennan currently serves on the Board of the Red Cross of Greater New York.

John Q. Doyle, age 61, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Marsh McLennan. Previously, from 2021 to 2022 he served as Group President and Chief Operating Officer, responsible for the strategy and operational objectives of Marsh McLennan’s four global businesses. He joined the firm in 2016 as President of Marsh, then led Marsh as President and CEO from 2017 to 2021. An industry veteran with more than 35 years of management experience, Mr. Doyle began his career at AIG, where he held several executive positions. He is a member of the Board of the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund, a Trustee of the Inner-City Scholarship Fund, a member of the Board of Overseers of the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science at St. John’s University and a director of Catalyst Inc. Mr. Doyle serves as the Chairman of the U.S. Federal Advisory Committee on Insurance.

Carmen Fernandez, age 51, is Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer for Marsh McLennan. Prior to her appointment as Chief People Officer in January 2021, Ms. Fernandez held positions within Marsh McLennan for 15 years, most recently Deputy CHRO, CHRO of Guy Carpenter, and HR leadership roles at Mercer, including North America HR Leader, Global HR Leader for the Career business and Chief of Staff in the Office of the CEO. Before joining Marsh McLennan, Ms. Fernandez worked in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and Bank of America. She began her career as a consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers.

John Jones, age 53, is Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Marsh McLennan. Previously, he served as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Marsh from 2018 to 2022. Mr. Jones joined Marsh in 2016 as Senior Vice President of Business Planning, leading strategic planning and global growth initiatives. Prior to that, Mr. Jones was senior vice president of commercial marketing and strategy for AIG and has more than 25 years of marketing, communications and strategy experience.

Dean Klisura, age 61, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Guy Carpenter and serves as Vice Chair of Marsh McLennan. Prior to assuming this role in January 2022, he was President of Guy Carpenter, overseeing the North America, International, Specialty and Global Analytics & Advisory business units. Prior to joining Guy Carpenter, Mr. Klisura was President of Marsh Global Placement and Advisory Services, leading property and casualty placement activities globally, as well as leading Bowring Marsh, the Insurer Consulting Group, and Marsh Advisory. He joined Marsh in 1993 and held several key global leadership roles including President of Global Specialties.

Mark McGivney, age 57, is Chief Financial Officer of Marsh McLennan. Prior to assuming this role in January 2016, Mr. McGivney held a number of senior financial management positions since joining the Company in 2007. Most recently he was Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance of Marsh McLennan, and was responsible for leading and directing the Company’s Corporate Development, Treasury and Investor Relations functions from 2014 until 2016. Prior to that, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Marsh, and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Mercer. His prior experience includes senior positions at The Hanover Insurance Group, including serving as Senior Vice President of Finance, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer of the Property & Casualty business, and investment banking positions at Merrill Lynch and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Martin South, age 60, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Marsh, a position he assumed in January 2022, and oversees all of Marsh’s businesses and operations globally. He also serves as Vice Chair of Marsh McLennan. With more than 30 years in the insurance industry, Mr. South joined Marsh for the first time in 1985 with Bowring Marsh, a Marsh McLennan broking unit. His industry experience includes senior leadership roles at Zurich Financial Services, where he was a member of the Group Management Board, responsible for all of Zurich’s operations outside of North America and Europe, and CEO of Zurich’s London operations. Since rejoining Marsh in 2007, Mr. South has served as CEO of Marsh’s Asia-Pacific region, CEO of Marsh U.K. and Ireland, CEO of Marsh Europe and CEO of Marsh U.S. and Canada.

Nicholas Studer, age 51, is Chief Executive Officer of Oliver Wyman Group, a role he assumed in July of 2021. He also serves as Vice Chair of Marsh McLennan. From 2017 to 2021, Mr. Studer was the Managing Partner of the Consumer, Industrial and Services Practice Group, before becoming Managing Partner of Oliver Wyman in 2021. He has held many senior positions at Oliver Wyman including Managing Partner of the Financial Services Practice Group, Head of the European Finance and Risk Practice and Global head of the Corporate and Institutional Banking practice. He has over 25 years of experience consulting in the U.K., Continental Europe, and North America. Mr. Studer was a founding Director of TheCityUK, a founding advisory board member of the FICC Markets Standards Board and is a member of the Sustainable Markets Initiative.

Pat Tomlinson, age 54, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercer and Vice Chair of Marsh McLennan, a position he assumed in April of 2024. He also serves as CEO of Marsh McLennan US and Canada, with responsibility for leading across businesses to address clients’ increasingly interconnected risk, strategy and people challenges. From 2020 to 2024, Mr. Tomlinson served as Mercer's President of U.S. and Canada. Prior to that, he served as a U.S. and Canada business leader, leading the U.S. East Market, where he guided Mercer's Health, Wealth, and Career businesses to meet ever-changing client needs. Prior to joining Mercer in 2014, he spent 17 years with Aon and served as an officer in the U.S. Army.

The Company is subject to the information reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In accordance with the Exchange Act, the Company files with, or furnishes to, the SEC its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and proxy statement for its annual shareholders' meeting. The Company makes these reports and any amendments to these reports available free of charge through its website, www.marshmclennan.com (http://www.marshmclennan.com), as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. The SEC also maintains a website at www.sec.gov (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers, like the Company, that file electronically with the SEC.

The Company also posts on its website certain governance and other information for investors.

The Company encourages investors to visit these websites from time to time, as information is updated and new information is posted. Website references in this report are provided as a convenience and do not constitute, and should not be viewed as, incorporation by reference of the information contained on, or available through, the websites. Therefore, such information should not be considered part of this report.

You should consider the risks described below in conjunction with the other information presented in this report. These risks have the potential to materially adversely affect the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.

SUMMARY RISK FACTORS

Some of the factors that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects, include the following:

• Our results of operations and investments could be adversely affected by geopolitical or macroeconomic conditions;
• We are subject to significant uninsured exposures arising from errors and omissions, breach of fiduciary duty and other claims;
• We cannot guarantee that we are or will be in compliance with all current and potentially applicable U.S. federal and state or foreign laws and regulations, and actions by regulatory authorities or changes in legislation and regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate could have a material adverse effect on our business;
• Our business or reputation could be harmed by our reliance on third-party providers or introducers;
• We may not be able to effectively identify and manage actual and apparent conflicts of interest;
• We could incur significant liability or our reputation could be damaged if our information systems are breached or we otherwise fail to protect client or Company data or information systems;
• The costs to comply with, or our failure to comply with, U.S. and foreign laws related to privacy, data security and data protection, such as the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act, (CCPA), Australia's CPS 234, as well as emerging AI-related laws such as the EU's AI Act, could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and our reputation;
• Our business performance and growth plans could be negatively affected if we are not able to develop and implement improvements in technology or respond effectively to the threat of digital disruption and other technological change such as AI;
• The loss of members of our senior management team or other key colleagues, or if we are unsuccessful in our efforts to attract, retain and develop talent, could have a material adverse effect on our business;
• Failure to maintain our corporate culture could adversely affect our business and reputation;
• Increasing scrutiny and changing laws and expectations from regulators, investors, clients and our colleagues with respect to our environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices and disclosure may impose additional costs on us or expose us to new or additional risks;
• We face significant competitive pressures in each of our businesses, including from disintermediation, as our competitive landscape continues to evolve;
• We rely on a large number of vendors and other third parties to perform key functions of our business operations and to provide services to our clients. These vendors and third parties may act or fail to act in ways that could harm our business;
• Our inability to successfully recover should we experience a disaster or other business continuity or data recovery problem could cause material financial loss, loss of human capital, regulatory actions, reputational harm or legal liability;
• We face risks when we acquire or dispose of businesses;
• If we are unable to collect our receivables, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected;
• We may not be able to obtain sufficient financing on favorable terms;
• Our defined benefit pension plan obligations could cause the Company's financial position, earnings and cash flows to fluctuate;
• Our significant non-U.S. operations expose us to exchange rate fluctuations and various risks that could impact our business;
• Our quarterly revenues and profitability may fluctuate significantly;
• Credit rating downgrades would increase our financing costs and could subject us to operational risk;
• Our current debt level could adversely affect our financial flexibility;
• The current U.S. tax regime has provisions which have unintended consequences and may also impact our tax rate in varying degrees based on where our global income is earned;
• We are exposed to multiple risks associated with the global nature of our operations;
• Results in our Risk and Insurance Services segment may be adversely affected by a general decline in economic activity;
• Volatility or declines in premiums and other market trends may significantly impede our ability to grow revenues and profitability;
• Adverse legal developments and future regulations concerning how intermediaries are compensated by insurers or clients, as well as allegations of anti-competitive behavior or conflicts of interest, could have a material adverse effect on Marsh’s business, results of operations and financial condition;
• Mercer’s Wealth business is subject to a number of risks, including risks related to public and private capital market fluctuations, third-party asset managers and custodians, operations and technology risks, trading and execution risks, conflicts of interest, ESG and greenwashing, asset performance and regulatory compliance, that, if realized, could result in significant damage to our business;
• Our businesses are subject to a number of risks related to the U.S. healthcare industry, including risks related to healthcare regulation and reputational damage from negative publicity;
• Revenues for the services provided by our Consulting segment may decline for various reasons, including as a result of changes in economic conditions, the value of equity, debt and other asset classes, our clients’ or an industry's financial condition or government regulation or an accelerated trend away from actively managed investments to passively managed investments;
• Factors affecting defined benefit pension plans and the services we provide relating to those plans could adversely affect Mercer; and
• The profitability of our Consulting segment may decline if we are unable to achieve or maintain adequate utilization and pricing rates for our consultants.

RISKS RELATING TO THE COMPANY GENERALLY

Macroeconomic Risks

Our results of operations and investments could be adversely affected by geopolitical or macroeconomic conditions.

Geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions, including from multiple major wars and global conflicts, slower GDP growth or recession, lower interest rates, capital markets volatility, inflation and changes in insurance premium rates affect our clients' businesses and the markets they serve. These conditions, including inflationary expense pressure with our clients, may reduce demand for our services or depress pricing for those services, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

For example, the war in Ukraine and the conflict throughout the Middle East have resulted in worldwide geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty and may negatively impact other regional and global economic markets (including Europe, the Middle East and the U.S.), companies in other countries (particularly those that have done business with Russia or have substantial exposure to, or operations in, impacted countries) and various sectors, industries and markets for securities and commodities globally, such as oil and natural gas, and may increase financial market volatility and adversely impact regional and global economic markets, industries and companies.

Changes in macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions could also shift demand to services for which we do not have a competitive advantage, and this could negatively affect the amount of business that we are able to obtain.

More generally, our investments, including our minority investments in other companies as well as our cash investments and those held in a fiduciary capacity, are subject to general credit, liquidity, counterparty, foreign exchange, market and interest rate risks. For example, fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies may adversely affect our results of operations. Lower interest rates may lead to a decline in our fiduciary income.

These risks may be exacerbated by global macroeconomic conditions, market volatility and regulatory, financial and other difficulties affecting the companies in which we have invested or that may be faced by financial institution counterparties. During times of stress in the banking industry, counterparty risk can quickly escalate, potentially resulting in substantial trading and investment losses for corporate and other investors. In addition, we may incur investment losses as a result of unusual and unpredictable market developments, and we may experience lower earnings if the yields on investments begin to decline. If the banking system or the fixed income, interest rate, credit or equity markets deteriorate, the value and liquidity of our investments could be adversely affected. Finally, the value of the Company's assets held in other jurisdictions, including cash holdings, may decline due to foreign exchange fluctuations.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

We are subject to significant uninsured exposures arising from errors and omissions, breach of fiduciary duty and other claims.

Our businesses provide numerous professional services, including the placement of insurance and the provision of consulting, investment advisory, investment management and actuarial services, to clients around the world. As a result, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to a significant number of errors and omissions, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract and similar claims, which we refer to collectively as "E&O claims." In our Risk and Insurance Services segment, such claims include allegations of damages arising from our failure to assess clients’ risks, advise clients, place coverage, or notify insurers of potential claims on behalf of clients in accordance with our obligations to them. For example, these claims could include allegations related to losses from cyberattacks associated with policies where cyber risk was not specifically included or excluded in policies, commonly referred to as “silent cyber.” In our Consulting segment, where we may act in a fiduciary capacity through our investments business, such claims could include allegations of damages arising from the provision of consulting, investment management (including, for example, from trading execution or other operational errors), actuarial, pension administration and other services. We may also be exposed to claims related to services or solutions offered by the Consulting segment in addition to consulting services. These Consulting segment services frequently involve complex calculations and services, including (i) making assumptions about, and preparing estimates concerning, contingent future events, (ii) drafting and interpreting complex documentation governing pension plans, (iii) calculating benefits within complex pension structures, (iv) providing individual financial planning advice including investment advice and advice relating to cashing out of defined benefit pension plans, (v) providing investment advice, including guidance on asset allocation and investment strategy, and (vi) managing client assets, including the selection of investment managers and implementation of a client’s investment policy and strategies. We provide these services to a broad client base, including clients in the public sector. Matters may relate to services provided by the Company dating back many years. Such claims may subject us to significant liability for monetary damages, including punitive and treble damages, negative publicity and reputational harm, and may divert personnel and management resources. We may be unable to effectively limit our potential liability in certain jurisdictions, including through insurance, or in connection with certain types of claims, particularly those concerning claims of a breach of fiduciary duty.

In establishing liabilities for E&O claims in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"), the Company uses case level reviews by inside and outside counsel, actuarial analysis by Oliver Wyman, a subsidiary of the Company, and other methods to estimate potential losses. A liability is established when a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable. The liability is assessed quarterly and adjusted as developments warrant. In many cases, the Company has not recorded a liability, other than for legal fees to defend a claim, because we are unable, at the present time, to make a determination that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable. Given the judgment involved in estimating and establishing such liabilities, as well as the unpredictability of E&O claims and the litigation that can flow from them, it is possible that an adverse outcome in a particular matter could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.

We cannot guarantee that we are or will be in compliance with all current and potentially applicable U.S. federal and state or foreign laws and regulations, and actions by regulatory authorities or changes in legislation and regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our activities are subject to extensive regulation under the laws of the U.S. and its various states, the United Kingdom, the European Union and its member states, Australia and the other jurisdictions in which we operate. We are also subject to trade sanctions laws relating to countries such as Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, Ukraine (Russia-controlled territories) and Venezuela, and anti-corruption laws such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act. We are subject to numerous other laws on matters as diverse as internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, securities regulation, data privacy and protection, cybersecurity, taxation, anti-trust and competition, immigration, wage-and-hour standards and employment and labor relations.

The U.S. and foreign laws and regulations that apply to our operations are complex and may change rapidly, and our efforts to comply and keep up with them require significant resources. In some cases, these laws and regulations may decrease the need for our services, increase our costs, negatively impact our revenues or impose operational limitations on our business, including on the products and services we may offer or on the amount or type of compensation we may collect. In particular, the financial and operational impact of complying with laws and regulations has increased in the current global environment of increased regulatory activity and enforcement. In addition, in the United States, shifts in regulatory priorities, policy approaches or interpretations of existing laws by federal, state or local governments occur following changes in U.S. presidential administrations, which often leads to changes involving the level of regulatory oversight and focus on businesses and certain industries, particularly financial services. Changes or uncertainty with respect to the applicable laws and regulations may impose additional and unforeseen costs on us or pose new or previously immaterial risks to us. There can be no assurance that current and future government regulations will not adversely affect our business, and we cannot predict new regulatory priorities, the form, content or timing of regulatory actions, and their impact on our business and operations. In addition, geopolitical conflict, such as the war in Ukraine and the conflict throughout the Middle East, has resulted in, and may continue to result in, new and rapidly evolving trade sanctions, which may increase our costs, negatively impact our revenues or impose additional operational limitations on our businesses. Changes to tax laws, trade agreements, tariffs, labor policies, or environmental standards could also result in increased costs or operational changes.

While we attempt to comply with applicable laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that we, our colleagues, our consultants and our contractors and other agents are in full compliance with such laws and regulations or interpretations at all times, or that we will be able to comply with any future laws or regulations. If we fail to comply or are accused of failing to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including those referred to above, or new and evolving regulations regarding cybersecurity, AI or sustainability matters, we may become subject to investigations, criminal penalties, civil remedies or other consequences, including fines, injunctions, loss of an operating license or approval, increased scrutiny or oversight by regulatory authorities, the suspension of individual employees, limitations on engaging in a particular business or redress to clients or other parties, and we may become exposed to negative publicity or reputational damage. Moreover, our failure to comply with laws or regulations in one jurisdiction may result in increased regulatory scrutiny by other regulatory agencies in that jurisdiction or regulatory agencies in other jurisdictions. These inquiries consume significant management attention, and the cost of compliance and the consequences of failing to be in compliance could therefore have a material adverse effect on our business.

In most jurisdictions, government regulatory authorities have the power to interpret and amend or repeal applicable laws and regulations, and have discretion to grant, renew and revoke the various licenses and approvals we need to conduct our activities. Such authorities may require the Company to incur substantial costs in order to comply with such laws and regulations. In some areas of our businesses, we act on the basis of our own or the industry's interpretations of applicable laws or regulations, which may conflict from state to state or country to country. In the event those interpretations eventually prove different from the interpretations of regulatory authorities, we may be penalized or precluded from carrying on our previous activities. Moreover, the laws and regulations to which we are subject may conflict among the various jurisdictions and countries in which we operate, which increases the likelihood of our businesses being non-compliant in one or more jurisdictions.

In addition, we may be responsible for the legal and regulatory liabilities of companies that we acquire.

Additional information regarding certain ongoing investigations and certain other legal and regulatory proceedings is set forth in Note 16, Claims, Lawsuits and Other Contingencies, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included under Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Our business or reputation could be harmed by our reliance on third-party providers or introducers.

We currently utilize the services of hundreds of third-party providers to meet the needs of our clients around the world.

There is a risk that our third-party providers or introducers engage in business practices that are prohibited by our internal policies or violate applicable laws and regulations, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Anti-Bribery Act.

We may not be able to effectively identify and manage actual and apparent conflicts of interest.

Given the significant volume of our engagements, potential conflicts of interest may arise across our businesses. There is a risk that we may not effectively identify and manage potential conflicts of interest, including but not limited to where our services to a client conflict, or are perceived to conflict, with the interests of another client or our own interests, where we receive revenue or benefits from third-parties with whom we conduct business (including but not limited to insurers, investment managers and vendors) and where our colleagues have personal interests.

Cybersecurity, Data Protection and Technology Risks

We could incur significant liability or our reputation could be damaged if our information systems are breached or we otherwise fail to protect client or Company data or information systems.

In operating our business and providing services and solutions to clients, we collect, use, store, transmit and otherwise process certain electronic information, including personal, confidential, proprietary and sensitive data such as financial records, health care, mergers and acquisitions and personal data of our clients, colleagues and vendors. We rely on the efficient, uninterrupted and secure operation of complex information technology systems and networks to operate our business and securely process, transmit and store electronic information. In the normal course of business, we also share electronic information with our vendors and other third parties, which in some cases is critical to our ability to deliver services to our clients. This electronic information comprises sensitive and confidential data, including information related to financial records, health care, mergers and acquisitions and clients’ personal data. Our information technology systems and information security control systems, and those of our numerous third-party providers, as well as the control systems of critical infrastructure they rely on, such as power grids, and undersea cables, are potentially vulnerable to unauthorized access, damage or interruption from a variety of external threats, including software bugs, physical attack, cyberattacks, computer viruses and other malware, malicious or destructive code, ransomware, social engineering attacks (including phishing, business e-mail compromise and digital or telephonic impersonation), hacking theft, denial-of-service attacks and other types of data and systems-related modes of attack. The techniques used to achieve such unauthorized access, damage or interruption change frequently and new techniques may not be identified until they are launched against a target, and we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative or remedial measures, resulting in potential data loss, data unavailability, data corruption or other damage to information technology systems. In addition, remote and hybrid work arrangements have increased the risk of phishing and other cybersecurity attacks, unauthorized dissemination of personal, confidential, proprietary or sensitive data, and unauthorized access to company computing assets. Further, a disruption of physical infrastructure could impact our ability to conduct business and service clients. This may include deliberate or unintentional disruption of service to electrical systems, satellite communications, undersea or terrestrial cable systems, Internet services, or other systems our colleagues or third parties rely on us to conduct business in a multitude of jurisdictions across the globe. Disruptions may be the result of weather, natural disaster, war, terrorism, pandemic, or other natural or geopolitical events. Our systems are also subject to compromise from internal threats such as fraud, mistakes, misconduct or other improper action by employees, vendors and other third parties with otherwise legitimate access to our systems. Moreover, we face the ongoing challenge of managing access controls in a complex environment. The latency of a compromise is often measured in months but could be years, and we may not be able to detect a compromise in a timely manner, and even if detected, there can be no assurance that we can mitigate or remediate such compromise in an adequate or timely manner. We could experience significant financial and reputational harm if our information systems are breached, sensitive client or Company data are compromised, surreptitiously modified, rendered inaccessible for any period of time or maliciously made public, or if we fail to make adequate or timely disclosures to the public, law enforcement agencies or regulators following any such event, whether due to delayed discovery or a failure to follow existing protocols.

Cyberattacks are increasing in frequency and evolving in nature. We are at risk of attack by a variety of adversaries, including nation states, state-sponsored organizations, opportunistic attacks, and organized crime and hackers, through use of increasingly sophisticated methods of attack, including the deployment of AI to find and exploit vulnerabilities, "deep fakes", long-term, persistent attacks (referred to as advanced persistent threats) and the use of the IT supply chain to introduce malware through software updates or compromised suppliers accounts or hardware. In particular, the advance of AI and large language models has given rise to additional vulnerabilities and potential entry points for cyber threats. With generative AI tools, threat actors may have additional tools to automate breaches or persistent attacks, evade detection, or generate sophisticated phishing emails or other forms of digital impersonation, doing so quickly and without requiring deep technical understanding of potential exploits. In addition, increasing use of generative AI models in our internal systems may create new attack methods for adversaries. Because generative AI is a new field, understanding of cybersecurity risks and protection methods continues to develop, and features that rely on generative AI, including in services provided to us by third parties, may be susceptible to unanticipated cybersecurity threats from sophisticated adversaries and other cybersecurity incidents. Further, we are at increased risk of a cyberattack during periods of heightened geopolitical conflict, such as the war in Ukraine and the conflict throughout the Middle East, as diplomatic events and economic policies may trigger espionage or retaliatory cyber incidents. Additionally, nation states may deploy threat actors masquerading as potential candidates for hire at target companies to perform corporate espionage or execute internal cyber threat activities. Despite our efforts to comply with applicable cybersecurity requirements and mitigate risks of cybersecurity threats, we cannot be certain that our security measures will definitively prevent, contain, detect, or remediate all cybersecurity threats or incidents or other instructions from malware currently in existence or developed in the future.

As the breadth and complexity of the technologies we use and the software and platforms we develop continue to grow, including as a result of the use of mobile devices, cloud services, "open source" software, social media tools and the increased reliance on devices connected to the Internet (known as the "Internet of Things"), the potential risk of security breaches and cyber-attacks also increases. Despite ongoing efforts to improve our ability to protect data from compromise, we may not be able to protect all of our data across our diverse systems. Our efforts to improve and protect data from compromise may also identify previously undiscovered instances of security breaches or other cyber incidents. Our policies, employee training (including phishing prevention training), procedures and technical safeguards may also be insufficient to prevent, detect or remediate improper access to confidential, personal or proprietary information. In addition, the competition for talent in the data privacy and cybersecurity space is intense, and we may also be unable to hire, develop or retain suitable talent capable of adequately detecting, mitigating or remediating these risks.

Should an attacker gain access to our network using compromised credentials of an authorized user, we are at risk that the attacker might successfully leverage that access to compromise additional systems and data. Certain measures that could increase the security of our systems, such as data encryption (including encryption of data at rest), heightened monitoring and logging, scanning for source code errors or deployment of multi-factor authentication, take significant time and resources to deploy broadly, and such measures may not be deployed in a timely manner or be effective against an attack. The inability to implement, maintain and upgrade adequate safeguards could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our information systems must be continually updated, patched, and upgraded to protect against known vulnerabilities. The volume of new software and infrastructure vulnerabilities continues to increase markedly, as has the criticality of patches and other mitigation and remedial measures. In addition to mitigating and remediating newly identified vulnerabilities, previously identified vulnerabilities must also be continuously addressed. Accordingly, we are at risk that cyberattackers exploit these vulnerabilities before they have been communicated by vendors or addressed. Due to the large number and age of the systems and platforms that we operate, the increased frequency at which vendors are issuing security patches to their products, the need to test patches and, in some cases, coordinate with clients and vendors, before they can be deployed, we perpetually face the substantial risk that we cannot deploy patches in a timely manner. Some security patches may not be compatible with other software running on our systems and therefore may not be able to be deployed. We are also dependent on third party vendors to keep their systems patched and secure in order to protect our data. Any failure related to these activities could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We have numerous vendors and other third parties who receive personal information from us in connection with the services we offer our clients and our employees. We also use hundreds of IT vendors and software providers to maintain and secure our global information systems infrastructure. In addition, we have migrated certain data, and may increasingly migrate data, to the cloud where it is hosted by third-party providers. Some of these vendors and third parties also have direct access to our systems or data. We are at risk of a cyberattack involving a vendor or other third parties, which could result in a breakdown of such third party’s data protection processes or the cyberattackers gaining access to our infrastructure or data through a supply chain attack. Highly publicized data security breaches, such as the October 2023 attack on Okta, may embolden malicious actors to target the IT supply chain and providers of business software. In addition, we depend on our third-party vendors to keep software current. Our systems’ availability could be impacted by poor or improperly tested software code and updates deployed to our environment by a third-party through normal and expected processes, which occurred with the CrowdStrike event in July 2024. Our control over and ability to monitor the cybersecurity practices of our third-party vendors and service providers, and other third parties with whom we do business, remains limited, and there can be no assurance that we can prevent, mitigate, or remediate the risk of any compromise or failure in the development processes or cybersecurity infrastructure or IT controls owned or controlled by such third parties. Additionally, any contractual protections with such third parties, including our right to indemnification, if any, may be limited or insufficient to prevent a negative impact on our business from such compromise or failure.

We have a history of making acquisitions and investments. The process of integrating the information systems of any businesses we acquire is complex and exposes us to additional risk. For instance, we may not adequately identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in an acquired entity’s information systems, either before or after the acquisition, which could affect the value we are able to derive from the acquisition, expose us to unexpected liabilities or make our own systems more vulnerable to a cyberattack. In addition, if we discover a historical compromise, security breach or other cyber incident related to the target’s information systems following the close of the acquisition, we may be liable and exposed to significant costs and other unforeseen liabilities. We may also be unable to integrate the systems of the businesses we acquire into our environment in a timely manner, which could further increase these risks until such integration takes place.

We have experienced data incidents and cybersecurity breaches, such as malware incursions (including computer viruses and ransomware), vulnerabilities in the software on which we rely, users exceeding their data access authorization, employee misconduct and incidents resulting from human error, such as emails sent to the wrong recipient, loss of portable and other data storage devices or misconfiguration of software or hardware resulting in inadvertent exposure of personal, sensitive, confidential or proprietary information or reduction of system availability. Like many companies, we are also subject to social engineering attacks such as WhatsApp scams and regular phishing email campaigns directed at our employees that can result in malware infections, fraud and data loss. Although these incidents have resulted in data loss and other damages, to date, they have not had a material adverse effect on our business or operations. In the future, these types of incidents could result in personal, sensitive, confidential or proprietary information, including client, employee or Company data, being lost or stolen, surreptitiously modified, rendered inaccessible for any period of time, or maliciously made public, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. In the event of a cyberattack, we might have to take our systems offline, which could interfere with services to our clients or damage our reputation. A cyberattack may also result in systems or data being encrypted or otherwise unavailable due to ransomware or other malware. We also may be unable to detect an incident, assess its severity or impact, or appropriately respond in a timely or adequate manner. In addition, our liability insurance, which includes cyber insurance, may not be sufficient in type or amount to cover us against claims related to security breaches, cyberattacks and other related data and system incidents. Further, we cannot be sure that our existing coverage will continue to be available on acceptable terms or at all or that our insurers will not deny coverage as to any future claim.

The costs to comply with, or our failure to comply with, U.S. and foreign laws related to privacy, data security and data protection, such as the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act, (CCPA), Australia's CPS 234, as well as emerging AI-related laws such as the EU's AI Act, could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and our reputation.

Improper collection, use, disclosure, cross border transfer, retention and other processing of confidential, personal, or proprietary data could result in regulatory scrutiny, legal and financial liability, or harm to our reputation. In operating our business and providing services and solutions to clients, we store and transfer sensitive employee and client data, including personal data, in and across multiple jurisdictions.

We collect data from clients and individuals located all over the world and leverage systems and teams to process it. As a result, we are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the U.S., Europe and around the world regarding privacy, data protection, data security and cyber security. These laws and regulations are continuously evolving and developing. Some of these laws and regulations are increasing the level of data handling restrictions, including rules on data localization, all of which could affect our operations and result in regulatory liability and high fines. In particular, high-profile data breaches at major companies continue to be disclosed regularly, which is leading to even greater regulatory scrutiny and significant fines, which are not limited to data breaches as regulators increasingly focus on other data processing activities, including those related to ad-tech and “data subject” rights. The number of laws that apply to us keeps increasing and the interpretation of such laws is often uncertain and may be conflicting.

At the international level, we are subject to an increasing number of comprehensive privacy laws including, for example, those passed in Indonesia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India and Australia. Many of these laws, which are modeled after the GDPR, have greatly increased the jurisdictional reach of privacy laws and added a broad array of requirements for handling personal data, such as the public disclosure of data breaches, data protection impact assessments, data portability and the appointment of data protection officers in some cases. Given the breadth and depth of changes in data protection obligations, including classifying data and committing to a range of administrative, technical and physical controls to protect data and enable data transfers across borders, our compliance with such laws will continue to require time, resources and review of the technology and systems we use. Despite a proliferation of regulatory guidance papers, there remains uncertainty in key areas related to these laws, and that uncertainty could result in potential liability for our failure to meet our obligations, including the possibility of significant fines some of which can amount to 4% or more of our global revenue. Further, despite developments such as the U.S.- EU Data Privacy Framework and the U.S.- U.K. Data Bridge, there remains a high level of uncertainty concerning the flow of personal information between the U.S. and EU, between the U.S. and the U.K. and between the U.K. and the EU. This uncertainty may impair our ability to offer our existing and planned products and services or increase our cost of doing business. Some of the global laws enacted in recent years, including those in China and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, also include data localization elements that will require that certain personal data stay within their borders. These requirements are complex and our efforts to comply with them require significant resources, and we cannot guarantee we are or will be in full compliance with such laws at all times.

At the U.S. federal level, we are subject to various privacy laws and regulations, including those promulgated under the authority of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, which has the authority to regulate and enforce against unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce, including with respect to data privacy and cybersecurity. At the U.S. state level, we are subject to laws and regulations related to privacy, such as the CCPA, which introduced concepts such as transparency and rights like access and deletion, that have been enacted by over twenty states with more such laws expected to pass in future years. These laws establish a privacy framework for covered businesses, including various obligations imposed on them related to the personal information they collect and use, and offer various rights for their state residents. Some of these laws provide a private right of action for violations and in some cases damages may be significant. Many of these laws diverge from the CCPA and create their own set of rules, and this proliferation of inconsistent state level privacy laws will add operational complexity and increased risk of noncompliance or violations which could trigger enforcement action or litigation.

In addition to data protection and data privacy laws, foreign countries and U.S. states are enacting cybersecurity laws and regulations. For example, in late 2023 the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) issued amendments to its previous cybersecurity regulations which imposed obligations on companies such as Marsh McLennan, including for example, requiring companies to provide evidence of how they are implementing their data retention, data governance and data classifications policies and procedures. A number of states have also adopted laws covering data collected by insurance licensees that include security and breach notification requirements. All of these evolving compliance and operational requirements impose significant costs that are likely to increase over time, may divert resources from other initiatives and projects and could restrict the way services involving data are offered, all of which may adversely affect our results of operations. Failure to comply with some of these obligations, especially those related to data retention requirements, could expose us to regulatory fines and other penalties.

Many statutory requirements, both in the U.S. and abroad, include obligations for companies to notify individuals of security breaches involving certain personal information, which could result from breaches experienced by us or our vendors. For example, laws in all 50 U.S. states generally require businesses to provide notice under certain circumstances to consumers whose personal information has been disclosed as a result of a breach. In addition to government regulation, our agreements with certain third parties may require us to notify them in the event of a security breach. Further, privacy advocates and industry groups have and may in the future propose self-regulatory standards. These laws, rules and industry standards may legally or contractually apply to us, or we may elect to comply with them. We expect that there will continue to be new proposed laws and regulations concerning data privacy and security, and we cannot yet determine the impact such future laws, regulations and standards may have on our business. Many of these laws and rules also include strict notification requirements for organizations related to confirmed or suspected breaches. This narrow notification window is often too short to fully validate the facts, and there is an increased risk of reporting a false alarm or immaterial breach, which may lead to reputational damage despite there not being an actual data breach.

We post public privacy notices and other documentation regarding our collection, use, disclosure, cross-border transfer, retention, and other processing of personal information. Although we endeavor to comply with our published notices and other documentation, we may at times fail to do so or may be perceived to have failed to do so. Moreover, despite our efforts, we may not be successful in achieving compliance if our employees, contractors, service providers, vendors or other third parties with whom we do business fail to comply with our published notices and documentation. Such failures could carry similar consequences or subject us to potential enforcement actions or investigations if they are found to be deceptive, unfair or misrepresentative of our actual practices.

Furthermore, U.S. and global regulators continue to focus their enforcement actions and investigations on website-related practices, including the proper use of "cookies", pixels and other online trackers, as well as the use of online session recording tools. As we use such tools in our website environment, we are at risk of being impacted by such activity, including fines and cease and desist orders.

Additionally, certain foreign, U.S. federal and U.S. state governments are increasingly enacting, or are considering enacting, AI-related laws and regulations, such as the EU's AI Act, the AI Transparency Act of California and the AI Act of Colorado, which impose complex new obligations on developers and providers of AI systems. Given the emerging nature of AI technology, the lack of legal or regulatory precedent, and the ambiguity surrounding key definitions, complying with these evolving legal and regulatory frameworks is likely to be both challenging and costly. There is a risk that we may not fully meet the requirements set forth by these laws and regulations, potentially exposing us to legal, regulatory or financial penalties. Furthermore, as new and divergent AI laws and regulations continue to emerge globally, they could significantly increase our risk of liability and fines, impact our ability to deploy and utilize AI tools across different jurisdictions, disrupt operations and prospective business and increase our compliance burdens.

Privacy or AI-related legal or regulatory violations, including unauthorized use disclosure or transfer of sensitive, personal or confidential client or Company data, whether through systems failure, employee negligence, fraud or misappropriation, by the Company, our vendors or other parties with whom we do business (if they fail to meet the standards we impose) could damage our reputation and subject us to significant litigation, monetary damages, regulatory enforcement actions, fines and criminal prosecution in one or more jurisdictions where we operate. Given the complexity of operationalizing the various privacy, data security, data protection and AI laws and regulations mentioned above, the complexity of proposed compliance frameworks and the continued lack of certainty on how to implement their requirements, we and our clients are at risk of enforcement actions taken by applicable regulators or authorities around the world or litigation from third parties, including consumer advocacy groups acting on behalf of data subjects. Additionally, due to the ongoing fast pace of legislative and regulatory activity, we may not be able to respond quickly or effectively to new legislative, regulatory and other developments. These changes may also impair our ability to offer our existing or planned products and services and increase our cost of doing business in various countries.

Our business performance and growth plans could be negatively affected if we are not able to develop and implement improvements in technology or respond effectively to the threat of digital disruption and other technological change such as AI.

We depend in large part on our technology systems for conducting business, as well as for providing the data and analytics we use to manage our business. As a result, our business success is dependent on maintaining the effectiveness of existing technology systems and on continuing to develop and enhance technology systems that support our business processes and strategic initiatives in a cost and resource efficient manner, particularly as our business processes become more digital. We have a number of strategic initiatives involving investments in or partnerships with technology companies as part of our growth strategy, as well as investments in technology, including generative AI, and infrastructure to support our own systems.

These investments may be costly and require significant capital expenditures, may not be profitable or may be less profitable than what we have experienced historically. In addition, investments in technology systems may not deliver the benefits or perform as expected, or may be replaced or become obsolete more quickly than expected, which could result in operational difficulties or additional costs. In some cases, we also depend on key vendors and partners to provide technology and other support for our strategic initiatives. If these vendors or partners fail to perform their obligations or otherwise cease to work with us, our ability to execute on our strategic initiatives could be adversely affected. If we do not keep up with technological changes or execute effectively on our strategic initiatives, our business and results of operations could be adversely impacted.

In addition, to remain competitive in many of our business areas, we must anticipate and respond effectively to the threat of digital disruption and other technological change such as generative AI. The threat comes from traditional players, such as insurers, through disintermediation as well as from new entrants, such as technology companies, "Insurtech" start-up companies and others. In the past few years, there has been a substantial increase in private equity investments into these Insurtech companies. These players are focused on using technology and innovation, including AI, digital platforms, data analytics, robotics and blockchain, to simplify and improve the client experience, increase efficiencies, alter business models and effect other potentially disruptive changes in the industries in which we operate.

We are actively investing in generative AI tools. While our internal generative AI tool, LenAI, was designed to meet our standards for data security and to address and mitigate the risks associated with this new technology, our use of generative AI in certain products, services and operations may present risks and challenges that remain uncertain due to the relative novelty of this technology. These risks may include operational disruptions or failures, reputational harm, enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, litigation or ethical concerns. The models underlying AI tools may be incorrectly or inadequately designed or implemented and trained on, or otherwise use, data or algorithms that are (and the output generated by such AI tools also may be) biased, unethical, discriminatory, incomplete, inaccurate, misleading or poor-quality, any of which may not be easily detectable. To the extent that we do not have sufficient rights to use the data used in or output generated by such AI tools, we may be subject to litigation by holders of third-party intellectual property, privacy, publicity, contractual or other rights. If any of our employees, contractors, consultants, vendors or service providers use any third-party AI powered software in connection with our business or the services they provide to us, it may lead to the inadvertent disclosure or incorporation of our confidential information into publicly available training sets, which may impact our ability to realize the benefit of, or adequately maintain, protect and enforce our intellectual property or confidential information, harming our competitive position and business. In addition, the use of AI by other companies has resulted in, and our use of AI may in the future result in, data incidents and cybersecurity breaches. While we have implemented certain mitigation measures and governance related to the proliferation of AI tools, these measures may be inadequate or may not satisfy a growing number of legal and regulatory requirements related to AI. Moreover, if we are perceived to exaggerate the effectiveness, safety or ethical design of AI systems, this could lead to regulatory enforcement, litigation or reputational harm. Any misrepresentation, intentional or unintentional, of our AI-related capabilities or initiatives could also erode trust among clients and regulators. There can be no assurance that our use of AI will enhance our products, services or operations or otherwise result in our intended outcomes.

Competitive Risks

The loss of members of our senior management team or other key colleagues, or if we are unsuccessful in our efforts to attract, retain and develop talent, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We rely upon the contributions of our senior management team to establish and implement our business strategy and to manage the future growth of our business. We may be unable to retain them, particularly if we do not offer employment terms that are competitive with the rest of the labor market. The loss of any of the senior management team could limit our ability to successfully execute our business strategy or adversely affect our ability to retain existing and attract new clients. Moreover, we could be adversely affected if we fail to adequately plan for the succession of members of our senior management team or if our succession plans do not operate effectively.

Across all of our businesses, our colleagues are critical to developing and retaining client relationships as well as performing the services on which our revenues are earned. It is therefore important for us to attract, incentivize and retain significant revenue-producing employees and the key managerial and other professionals who support them. We face numerous challenges in this regard, including the intense competition for talent, which has accelerated in recent years. Such challenges include the increased mobility of colleagues in light of more flexible working models, market dislocation resulting from proposed and actual combinations in the industry, raids by competitors, and fostering an inclusive workplace.

Losing colleagues who manage or support substantial client relationships or possess substantial experience or expertise could adversely affect our ability to secure and complete client engagements, which could adversely affect our results of operations. If a key employee were to join an existing competitor or form a competing company, some of our clients could choose to use the services of a competitor instead of our services. If a colleague joins us from a competitor and is subject to enforceable restrictive covenants, we may not be able to secure client engagements or maximize the colleague's potential. In addition, regulation or legislation impacting the workforce, such as the proposed U.S. Federal Trade Commission rule regarding noncompete clauses, may lead to increased uncertainty and competition for talent.

Failure to maintain our corporate culture could adversely affect our business and reputation.

We strive to foster a culture in which our colleagues act with integrity and feel comfortable speaking up about potential misconduct. We are a people business, and a well-defined and consistently reinforced corporate culture, starting with a strong “tone from the top,” is critical to ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, attracting and retaining top talent and maintaining the trust of our clients, business partners and other stakeholders. As a multinational company operating across many geographies, failure to effectively align our workforce with our core values and ethical principles may impair our ability to achieve our strategic objectives, particularly as we execute operational model changes and integrate acquisitions. If we fail to maintain our corporate culture, there is an increased risk of unethical behavior or regulatory violations, which could result in legal penalties, reputational damage and financial harm.

Increasing scrutiny and changing laws and expectations from regulators, investors, clients and our colleagues with respect to our environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices and disclosure may impose additional costs on us or expose us to new or additional risks.

There is continued focus, including from governmental organizations, regulators, investors, colleagues and clients, on ESG and sustainability issues. The regulatory landscape related to these issues continues to evolve, with new laws and reporting requirements introduced across various jurisdictions, including in the U.S., the U.K., the European Union (E.U.) and Australia. These laws and regulations may impose additional compliance or disclosure obligations on us. Inconsistent or even conflicting requirements across jurisdictions may also increase compliance challenges, add operational costs, or lead to stakeholder dissatisfaction.

As these ESG reporting requirements and standards evolve, we continue to evaluate and update our public disclosures in these areas, including refining our disclosure of metrics and sustainability goals in accordance with the guidance and our own ESG assessments and priorities. These disclosures, metrics and sustainability goals and any failure to accurately report or comply with federal, state or international ESG laws and regulations, or achieve progress on our metrics and sustainability goals on a timely basis, or at all, may result in legal and regulatory proceedings against us and negatively impact our reputation. Implementation of our ESG initiatives also depends in part on third-party performance or data that is outside the Company's control. In addition, heightened regulatory scrutiny of ESG and sustainability-related products, funds, investment strategies and advice has increased the risk that we could be perceived as, or accused of, making inaccurate or misleading statements, or that we have otherwise run afoul of regulation. Such perceptions or accusations could damage our reputation, result in litigation or regulatory enforcement actions, and adversely affect our business.

Organizations that provide information to investors on corporate governance and related matters have also developed ratings processes for evaluating companies on their approach to ESG matters, and unfavorable ratings of our company or our industries may lead to negative investor sentiment and the diversion of investment to other companies or industries, exclusion of our stock from ESG-oriented indices or investment funds or harm our relationships with regulators and the communities in which we operate.

Moreover, public opinion and potential legal actions regarding ESG-related initiatives remain highly dynamic and can vary across stakeholders and geographies. Balancing these competing expectations globally is complex.

The impact of new laws and regulations, negative public perception, adverse publicity or negative comments in social media could damage our reputation, and be costly to defend, if we do not, or are not perceived to, adequately address these issues. Any harm to our reputation could impact colleague engagement and retention and the willingness of clients and our partners to do business with us.

We face significant competitive pressures in each of our businesses, including from disintermediation, as our competitive landscape continues to evolve.

As a global professional services firm, the Company faces competition in each of its businesses, and the competitive landscape continues to change and evolve. Our ability to compete successfully depends on a variety of factors, including the quality and expertise of our colleagues, our geographic reach, the sophistication and quality of our services, our pricing relative to competitors, our clients’ ability to self-insure or use internal resources instead of consultants, and our ability to respond to changes in client demand and industry conditions. Any failure by us to design and execute operating model changes that capture opportunities and efficiencies at the intersections of our businesses and maximize the value we deliver to clients and stakeholders could have an adverse impact on our business. Additionally, some of our competitors may have greater financial resources, or may be better positioned to respond to technological and other changes in the industries we serve, and they may be able to compete more effectively. Furthermore, the competition for talent continues to accelerate.

Across our Risk and Insurance Services segment, we operate in a variety of markets and face different competitive landscapes. In addition to the challenges posed by capital market alternatives to traditional insurance and reinsurance, we compete against a wide range of other insurance and reinsurance brokerage and risk advisory firms that operate on a global, regional, national or local scale for both client business and employee talent. In recent years, private equity sponsors have invested tens of billions of dollars into the insurance brokerage sector, transforming existing players and creating new ones to compete with large brokers. We also compete with insurance companies that market and service their insurance products directly to consumers and reinsurance companies that market and service their products directly to insurance companies, in each case without the assistance of brokers or other market intermediaries, and with various other companies that provide risk-related services or alternatives to traditional brokerage services, including those that rely almost exclusively on technological solutions or platforms. This competition is intensified by an often "syndicated" or "distributed" approach to the purchase of insurance and reinsurance brokerage services, where a client engages multiple brokers to service different portions of the client's account. In addition, third party capital providers have entered the insurance and reinsurance risk transfer market offering products and capital directly to our clients that serve as substitutes for traditional insurance.

In our Consulting segment, we compete for business with numerous consulting firms and similar organizations, many of which also provide, or are affiliated with firms that provide, accounting, information systems, technology and financial services. Such competitors may be able to offer more comprehensive products and services to potential clients, which may give them a competitive advantage. Some of our competitors also may be able to invest more significant capital in technology and digital solutions. In certain sub-segments, we compete in highly fragmented markets or with start-ups that may be able to offer solutions at a lower price or on more favorable conditions.

In addition, companies in the industries that we serve may seek to achieve economies of scale and other synergies by combining with or acquiring other companies. If two or more of our current clients merge, or consolidate or combine their operations, it may decrease the amount of work that we perform for these clients.

We rely on a large number of vendors and other third parties to perform key functions of our business operations and to provide services to our clients. These vendors and third parties may act or fail to act in ways that could harm our business.

We rely on a large number of vendors and other third parties, and in some cases subcontractors, to provide services, data and information such as technology, information security, funds transfers, business process management, and administration and support functions that are critical to the operations of our business. These third parties include correspondents, agents and other brokers and intermediaries, insurance markets, data providers, plan trustees, payroll service providers, software and system vendors, health plan providers, investment managers, custodians, risk modeling providers, and providers of human resource functions, such as recruiters. Many of these providers are located outside the U.S., which exposes us to business disruptions and political risks inherent when conducting business outside of the U.S.

As we do not control many of the actions of these third parties, we are subject to the risk that their decisions or operations may adversely impact us and replacing these service providers could create significant delay in services or operations and additional expense.

A failure by the third parties to (i) comply with service level agreements in a high quality and timely manner, particularly during periods of our peak demand for their services, (ii) maintain adequate internal controls that may impact our own financial reporting, or (iii) adequately maintain the confidentiality of any of our data or trade secrets or adequately protect or properly use other intellectual property to which they may have access, could result in economic and reputational harm to us. These third parties also face their own technology, operating, business and economic risks, and any significant failures by them, including the improper use or disclosure of our confidential client, employee, or Company information or failure to comply with applicable law, could cause harm to our reputation or otherwise expose us to liability. An interruption in or the cessation of service by any service provider as a result of systems failures, capacity constraints, non-compliance with legal, regulatory or contractual obligations, financial difficulties or for any other reason could disrupt our operations, impact our ability to offer certain products and services, and result in contractual or regulatory penalties, liability claims from clients or employees, damage to our reputation and harm to our business.

Business Resiliency Risks

Our inability to successfully recover should we experience a disaster or other business continuity or data recovery problem could cause material financial loss, loss of human capital, regulatory actions, reputational harm or legal liability.

If we experience a local or regional disaster or other business continuity event, such as an earthquake, hurricane, flood, terrorist attack, pandemic, war or other geopolitical tensions, protests or riots, security breach, cyberattack (including manipulating the control systems of critical infrastructure), power loss or telecommunications failure, our ability to operate will depend, in part, on the continued availability of our personnel, our office facilities and the proper functioning of our computer, telecommunication and other related systems and operations. In such an event, we could experience operational challenges that could have a material adverse effect on our business. The risk of business disruption is more pronounced in certain geographic areas, including major metropolitan centers, like New York or London, where we have significant operations and approximately 3,900 and 5,800 colleagues in those respective locations, and in certain countries and regions, such as India, in which we operate or are investing additional capabilities that are subject to higher potential threat of terrorist attacks or military conflicts.

Our operations depend in particular upon our ability to protect our technology infrastructure against damage. If a business continuity event occurs, we could lose client or Company data or experience interruptions to our operations or delivery of services to our clients, which could have a material adverse effect. Such risks have increased significantly due to hybrid and remote work environments. A cyberattack or other business continuity event affecting us or a key vendor or other third party could result in a significant and extended disruption in the functioning of our information technology systems or operations or our ability to recover data, requiring us to incur significant expense to address and remediate or otherwise resolve such issues. For example, hackers have increasingly targeted companies by attacking internet-connected industrial control and safety control systems. An extended outage could result in the loss of clients and a decline in our revenues. In the worst case, any manipulation of the control systems of critical infrastructure may even result in the loss of life.

We regularly assess and take steps to improve our existing business continuity, disaster recovery and data recovery plans and key management succession. However, a disaster or other continuity event on a significant scale or affecting certain of our key operating areas within or across regions, or our inability to successfully recover from such an event, could materially interrupt our business operations and result in material financial loss, loss of human capital, regulatory actions, reputational harm, damaged client relationships and legal liability. Our business disruption insurance may also not fully cover, in type or amount, the cost of a successful recovery in the event of such a disruption.

Acquisitions and Dispositions Risks

We face risks when we acquire or dispose of businesses.

We have a history of making acquisitions and investments, including a total of 86 in the period from 2020 to 2024, including our recent acquisition of McGriff Insurance Services, LLC ("McGriff") and Gerolamo Holding S.À.R.L. ("Cardano"). We may not be able to successfully integrate the businesses that we acquire into our own business, or achieve any expected cost savings or synergies from the integration of such businesses, including McGriff and

Cardano. Subject to standard contractual protections, we may also be responsible for legacy liabilities of companies that we acquire. Moreover, if we acquire a business operating in regions or industries subject to heightened regulatory scrutiny, we may face significant costs or risks in bringing their operations into compliance with applicable laws and our internal policies. Failure to address these compliance risks could result in regulatory enforcement actions, fines or damage to our reputation.

In addition, if in the future the performance of our reporting units or an acquired business varies from our projections or assumptions, or estimates about future profitability of our reporting units or an acquired business change, the estimated fair value of our reporting units or an acquired business could change materially and could result in an impairment of goodwill and other acquisition-related intangible assets recorded on our balance sheet or in adjustments in contingent payment amounts. Given the significant size of the Company's goodwill and intangible assets, an impairment could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in any given period.

We expect that acquisitions will continue to be a key part of our business strategy. Our success in this regard will depend on our ability to identify and compete for appropriate acquisition candidates and to finance and complete the transactions we decide to pursue on favorable terms with positive results.

When we dispose of businesses, we may continue to be subject to certain liabilities of that business after its disposition relating to the prior period of our ownership and may not be able to negotiate for limitations on those liabilities. We are also subject to the risk that the sales price is less than the amount reflected on our balance sheet.

Financial Risks

If we are unable to collect our receivables, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.

Our business depends on our ability to obtain payment from our clients of the amounts they owe us for the work we perform. As of December 31, 2024, our receivables for our commissions and fees were approximately $6.5 billion, or approximately one-quarter of our total annual revenues, and portions of our receivables are increasingly concentrated in certain businesses and geographies.

Macroeconomic or geopolitical conditions, such as a slower economic growth or recession, the war in Ukraine and the conflict throughout the Middle East, inflationary pressures or supply chain challenges, could result in financial difficulties for our clients, which could cause clients to delay payments to us, request modifications to their payment arrangements that could increase our receivables balance or default on their payment obligations to us.

We may not be able to obtain sufficient financing on favorable terms.

The maintenance and growth of our business, including our ability to finance acquisitions, the payment of dividends and our ability to make share repurchases rely on our access to capital, which depends in large part on cash flow generated by our business and the availability of equity and debt financing. Certain of our businesses also rely on financings by the Company to fund the underwriting of their client's debt and equity capital raising transactions. There can be no assurance that our operations will generate sufficient positive cash flow to finance all of our capital needs or that we will be able to obtain equity or debt financing on favorable terms, particularly in an environment of rising interest rates. In addition, our ability to obtain financing will depend in part upon prevailing conditions in credit and capital markets, which are beyond our control.

Our defined benefit pension plan obligations could cause the Company's financial position, earnings and cash flows to fluctuate.

Our defined benefit pension obligations and the assets set aside to fund those obligations are sensitive to certain changes in the financial markets. Any such changes may result in increased pension expense or additional cash payments to fund these plans.

The Company has significant defined benefit pension obligations to its current and former employees, totaling approximately $11.4 billion, and related plan assets of approximately $12.6 billion, at December 31, 2024 in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company's policy for funding its defined benefit pension plans is to contribute amounts at least sufficient to meet the funding requirements set forth by law. In the U.S., contributions to these plans are based on ERISA guidelines. Outside the U.S., contributions are generally based on statutory requirements and local funding practices, which may differ from measurements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In the U.K., for example, the assumptions used to determine pension contributions are the result of legally- prescribed negotiations between the Company and the plan trustees. Currently, the use of these assumptions results in a lower funded status than determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may result in contributions irrespective of the U.S. GAAP funded status.

The financial calculations relating to our defined benefit pension plans are complex. Pension plan assets could decrease as the result of poor future asset performance. In addition, the estimated return on plan assets would likely be impacted by changes in the interest rate environment and other factors, including equity valuations, since these factors reflect the starting point used in the Company’s projection models. For example, a reduction in interest rates may result in a reduction in the estimated return on plan assets. Also, pension plan liabilities, periodic pension expense and future funding amounts could increase as a result of a decline in the interest rates we use to discount our pension liabilities, longer lifespans than those reflected in our mortality assumptions, changes in investment markets that result in lower expected returns on assets, actual investment return that is less than the expected return on assets, adverse changes in laws or regulations and other variables. Finally, changes in the aggregated, smoothed asset returns as future years replace prior years, has an impact on both the level and the volatility of pension expense.

While we have taken steps to mitigate the impact of pension volatility on our earnings and cash funding requirements, these strategies may not be successful. Accordingly, given the magnitude of our worldwide pension plans, variations in or reassessment of the preceding or other factors or potential miscalculations relating to our defined benefit pension plans could cause significant fluctuation from year to year in our earnings and cash flow, as well as our pension plan assets and liabilities, and may result in increased levels of contributions to our pension plans.

Our significant non-U.S. operations expose us to exchange rate fluctuations and various risks that could impact our business.

Approximately 52% of our total revenue reported in 2024 was from business outside of the U.S. We are subject to exchange rate movement because we must translate the financial results of our foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars and also because some of our subsidiaries receive revenue other than in their functional currencies. Exchange rate movements may change over time, and they could have a material adverse impact on our financial results and cash flows reported in U.S. dollars. For additional discussion, see "Market Risk and Credit Risk-Foreign Currency Risk" in Part II, Item 7A ("Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk") of this report.

Our quarterly revenues and profitability may fluctuate significantly.

Quarterly variations in revenues and operating results may occur due to several factors. These include:

• the number of client engagements during a quarter;
• the possibility that clients may decide to delay or terminate a current or anticipated project as a result of factors unrelated to our work product or progress;
• fluctuations in capacity and utilization rates and clients' ability to terminate engagements without penalty;
• our net colleague hires and related compensation and benefits expense;
• potential limitations on the clients or industries we serve resulting from increased regulation or changing stakeholder expectations on ESG issues;
• the impact of changes in accounting standards or in our accounting estimates or assumptions;
• the impact on us or our clients of changes in legislation, regulation and legal guidance or interpretations in the jurisdictions in which we operate, particularly in the U.S. as a result of the shift in the presidential administration;
• seasonality due to the impact of regulatory deadlines, policy renewals and other timing factors to which our clients are subject;
• the success of our acquisitions or investments;
• occurrence of any significant natural disaster or other insured events including any potential reputational harm to the insurance industry following such event;
• macroeconomic factors such as changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and global public and private capital markets, particularly in the case of Mercer, where fees in its investments business and

certain other business lines are derived from the value of assets under management, advisement or administration; and

• general economic conditions, including factors beyond our control affecting economic conditions such as global health crises or pandemics, severe weather, climate change, geopolitical unrest such as the war in Ukraine and the conflict throughout the Middle East, protests and riots or other catastrophic events, since our results of operations are directly affected by the levels of business activity of our clients, which in turn are affected by the level of economic activity in the industries and markets that they serve.

A significant portion of our total operating expenses is relatively fixed in the short term. Therefore, a variation in the number of client assignments or in the timing of the initiation or the completion of client assignments can cause significant variations in quarterly operating results for these businesses.

Credit rating downgrades would increase our financing costs and could subject us to operational risk.

Currently, the Company's senior debt is rated A- by S&P, A3 by Moody's and A- by Fitch. The Company's short-term debt is currently rated A-2 by S&P, P-2 by Moody's, and F-2 by Fitch.The Company carries a Stable outlook with S&P, Moody's and Fitch.

If we need to raise capital in the future (for example, in order to maintain adequate liquidity, fund maturing debt obligations or finance acquisitions or other initiatives), credit rating downgrades would increase our financing costs, and could limit our access to financing sources. A downgrade to a rating below investment-grade could result in greater operational risks through increased operating costs and increased competitive pressures.

Our current debt level could adversely affect our financial flexibility.

At December 31, 2024, we had total consolidated debt outstanding of approximately $19.9 billion.

The level of debt outstanding could adversely affect our financial flexibility by reducing our cash flows and our ability to use cash from operations for other purposes, including working capital, dividends to shareholders, share repurchases, acquisitions, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes. In addition, we are subject to risks that, at the time any of our outstanding debt matures, we will not be able to retire or refinance the debt on terms that are acceptable to us.

The current U.S. tax regime has provisions which have unintended consequences and may also impact our tax rate in varying degrees based on where our global income is earned.

Our effective tax rate may fluctuate in the future as a result of the current U.S. tax regime and the continuing issuance of interpretive guidance related to the operations of U.S.-based multinational corporations. These include significant provisions in U.S. income tax law that may have a meaningful impact on our income tax expense and require significant judgments and estimates in interpretation and calculations. Current tax legislation includes, among other provisions, limitations on the deductibility of net interest expense, a minimum tax on most non-U.S. income called Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI"), and the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax ("BEAT"). In addition, a recently enacted book minimum tax could increase the impact of these provisions on our income tax expense. Given the significant complexity of the rules, and the potential for additional guidance from the U.S. Treasury, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory authorities, recognized impacts in future periods could be significantly different from our current estimates. Such uncertainty may also result in increased scrutiny from, or disagreements with, tax authorities. As a U.S.-domiciled company, any such increases would likely have a disproportionate impact on us compared to our foreign-based competitors.

Global Operations

We are exposed to multiple risks associated with the global nature of our operations.

We conduct business globally. In 2024, approximately 52% of the Company's total revenue was generated from operations outside the U.S., and over one-half of our employees were located outside the U.S. In addition, we conduct our operations through four separate businesses. Potential conflicts of interest may arise across our businesses given the significant volume of our engagements.

The geographic breadth of our activities also subjects us to significant legal, economic, operational, market, compliance and reputational risks. These include, among others, risks relating to:

• economic and political conditions in the countries in which we operate;
• client concentration in certain high-growth countries in which we operate;
• the length of payment cycles and potential difficulties in collecting accounts receivable;
• unexpected increases in taxes or changes in U.S. or foreign tax laws, rulings, policies or related legal and regulatory interpretations, including recent changes to the U.K. statutory rate;
• the implementation of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) international tax framework, including the implementation of the Pillar 2 minimum tax regime and the Pillar 1 profit reallocation regime, potentially resulting in an adverse effect on our effective tax rate, tax payments and results of operations, particularly as key jurisdictions adopt these changes, either partially or in full, alongside potential shifts in tax laws in response to such implementation;
• international initiatives to require multinational enterprises, like ours, to calculate and report profitability on a country-by-country basis, which could increase scrutiny by, or cause disagreements with, foreign tax authorities;
• potential transfer pricing-related tax exposures that may result from the flow of funds among our subsidiaries and affiliates in the various jurisdictions in which we operate;
• unexpected reassessment by tax authorities of interpretations of existing rules which may require companies to defend previously accepted positions and may create both new and prior-year exposures;
• litigation arising from ongoing and future controversies with tax authorities;
• permanent establishments created due to colleagues traveling to and doing work in certain countries, or living in such countries and working remotely post-pandemic, which are not properly compensated through transfer pricing;
• our ability to obtain dividends or repatriate funds from our non-U.S. subsidiaries, including as a result of the imposition of currency controls and other government restrictions on repatriation in the jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries operate, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and the imposition of withholding and other taxes on such payments;
• geopolitical tensions, such as the war in Ukraine and the conflict throughout the Middle East, in countries where we operate, international hostilities, international trade disputes, terrorist activities, natural disasters, pandemics, and infrastructure disruptions;
• local investment or other financial restrictions that foreign governments may impose;
• potential lawsuits, investigations, market studies, reviews or other activity by foreign regulatory or law enforcement authorities or legislatively appointed commissions, which may result in potential modifications to our businesses, related private litigation or increased scrutiny from U.S. or other regulators;
• potential costs and difficulties in complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and regulations (including tax systems) administered by foreign government agencies, some of which may conflict with U.S. or other sources of law;
• potential costs and difficulties in complying, or monitoring compliance, with foreign and U.S. laws and regulations that are applicable to our operations abroad, including trade sanctions laws relating to countries such as Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, Ukraine (Russia-controlled territories) and Venezuela, anti-corruption laws such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act 2010;
• limitations or restrictions that foreign or U.S. governments and regulators may impose on the products or services we sell, the methods by which we sell our products and services and the manner in which and the amounts we are compensated;
• potential limitations or difficulties in protecting our intellectual property in various foreign jurisdictions;
• limitations that foreign governments may impose on the conversion of currency or the payment of dividends or other remittances to us from our non-U.S. subsidiaries;
• engaging and relying on third parties to perform services on behalf of the Company; and
• potential difficulties in monitoring employees in geographically dispersed locations.

RISKS RELATING TO OUR RISK AND INSURANCE SERVICES SEGMENT

Our Risk and Insurance Services segment, conducted through Marsh and Guy Carpenter, represented 63% of the Company's total revenue in 2024. Our business in this segment is subject to particular risks.

Results in our Risk and Insurance Services segment may be adversely affected by a general decline in economic activity.

Demand for many types of insurance and reinsurance generally rises or falls as economic growth expands or slows. This dynamic affects the level of commissions and fees generated by Marsh and Guy Carpenter. To the extent our clients become adversely affected by declining business conditions, they may choose to limit their purchases of risk services and insurance and reinsurance coverage, as applicable, which would adversely impact our commission revenue and other revenue based on premiums placed and services provided by us. Also, the insurance they seek to obtain through us may be impacted by changes in their assets, property values, sales or number of employees, which may reduce our commission revenue, and they may decide not to purchase our risk advisory or other services, which would inhibit our ability to generate fee revenue. Moreover, insolvencies and combinations associated with an economic downturn, especially insolvencies and combinations in the insurance industry, could adversely affect our brokerage business through the loss of clients or by limiting our ability to place insurance and reinsurance business, as well as our revenues from insurers. Guy Carpenter is especially susceptible to this risk given the limited number of insurance company clients and reinsurers in the marketplace.

Volatility or declines in premiums and other market trends may significantly impede our ability to grow revenues and profitability.

A significant portion of our Risk and Insurance Services revenue consists of commissions paid to us out of the premiums that insurers and reinsurers charge our clients for coverage. We do not determine the insurance premiums on which our commissions are generally based. Our revenues and profitability are subject to change to the extent that premium rates fluctuate or trend in a particular direction. The potential for changes in premium rates is significant, due to the normal cycles of pricing in the commercial insurance and reinsurance markets.

As traditional insurance companies continue to rely on non-affiliated brokers or agents to generate premium, those insurance companies may seek to reduce their expenses by lowering their commission rates. The reduction of these commission rates, along with general volatility or declines in premiums, may significantly affect our revenue and profitability. Because we do not determine the timing or extent of premium pricing changes, it is difficult to accurately forecast our commission revenues, including whether they will significantly decline. As a result, we may have to adjust our plans for future acquisitions, capital expenditures, dividend payments, loan repayments and other expenditures to account for unexpected changes in revenues, and any decreases in premium rates may adversely affect the results of our operations.

In addition to movements in premium rates, our (and Mercer's Health business's) ability to generate premium-based commission revenue may be challenged by disintermediation and the growing availability of alternative methods for clients to meet their risk-protection needs. This trend includes a greater willingness on the part of corporations to self-insure, the expanded use of captive insurers, and the presence of capital markets-based solutions for traditional insurance and reinsurance needs. Further, the profitability of our Risk and Insurance Services segment depends in part on our ability to be compensated for the analytical services and other advice that we provide, including the consulting and analytics services that we provide to insurers. If we are unable to achieve and maintain adequate billing rates for all of our services, our margins and profitability could decline.

Adverse legal developments and future regulations concerning how intermediaries are compensated by insurers or clients, as well as allegations of anti-competitive behavior or conflicts of interest, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The ways in which insurance intermediaries are compensated receive scrutiny from regulators in part because of the potential for anti-competitive behavior and conflicts of interest. The vast majority of the compensation that Marsh receives is in the form of retail fees and commissions that are paid by the client or paid from premium that is paid by the client. The amount of other compensation that we receive from insurance companies, separate from retail fees and commissions, has increased in the last several years, both on an underlying basis and through acquisition and represented approximately 6% of Marsh's revenue in 2024. This other compensation includes payment for (i) consulting and analytics services provided to insurers; (ii) administrative and other services provided to insurers (including underwriting services and services relating to the administration and management of quota shares, panels and other facilities); and (iii) contingent commissions, primarily at MMA and outside the

U.S., paid by insurers based on factors such as volume or profitability. These other revenue streams present potential regulatory, litigation and reputational risks that may arise from alleged anti-competitive behavior or conflicts of interest, (including those arising from Guy Carpenter’s role as intermediary and advisor for insurance companies), and future changes in the regulatory environment may impact our ability to collect such revenue. Adverse regulatory, legal or other developments could have a material adverse effect on our business and expose the Company to negative publicity and reputational harm.

RISKS RELATING TO OUR CONSULTING SEGMENT

Our Consulting segment, conducted through Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group, represented 37% of our total revenue in 2024. Our businesses in this segment are subject to particular risks.

Mercer’s Wealth business is subject to a number of risks, including risks related to public and private capital market fluctuations, third-party asset managers and custodians, operations and technology risks, trading and execution risks, conflicts of interest, ESG and greenwashing, asset performance and regulatory compliance, that, if realized, could result in significant damage to our business.

Mercer’s Investments business provides clients with digital tools, investment consulting and investment management services. Mercer’s Investments business is subject to a number of risks, including risks related to litigation (both by clients and by plan participants, particularly when we act in a fiduciary capacity), liquidity and market volatility, an inability to obtain contractual limitations of liability for errors & omissions in certain jurisdictions or parts of our business, third-parties, our operations and technology (including the use of AI), trading and execution errors, conflicts of interest, asset performance and regulatory compliance and scrutiny, which could arise in connection with these offerings. For example, Mercer’s manager research or due diligence on an asset manager may fail to uncover material deficiencies or fraud that could result in investment losses to a client. There is a risk that Mercer will fail to properly or timely implement or execute a client’s investment policy or strategy or instruction, which could cause an incorrect or untimely allocation of client assets among asset classes, asset managers, or strategies or result in a trading error. Mercer may also be perceived as making inaccurate or misleading statements regarding the investment strategies of our offerings or investments with respect to ESG or sustainability, commonly referred to as “greenwashing,” or recommending certain asset managers to clients or offering delegated solutions a potential or existing client, solely to enhance its own compensation or due to other conflicts of interest. Asset classes may perform poorly, or asset managers may underperform their benchmarks, due to poor market performance, a downturn in the global markets, negligence or other reasons, resulting in poor returns or loss of client assets. Changes in the value of equity, debt, currency, real estate, commodities, alternatives or other asset classes, in particular as a result of a downturn in the global markets, could cause the value of assets under management or advisement, and the fees earned by Mercer to decline. Mercer or its clients may be subject to claims or class action litigation relating to advice given or investment decisions made by plan sponsors and plan fiduciaries, particularly relating to 401(k) plans in the U.S. or pension schemes in the U.K. These risks, if realized, could result in significant liability and damage our business.

Our businesses are subject to a number of risks related to the U.S. healthcare industry, including risks related to healthcare regulation and reputational damage from negative publicity.

Mercer, MMA and MMB help public and private sector employers design and manage employee health and welfare programs. Their services include plan design, brokering of insurance programs, administration and other consulting and specialty services. The healthcare industry, inclusive of health insurance, is regulated by federal, state and local governments in the U.S., and by regulators and governments in other countries where we do business. The laws and rules governing the healthcare industry and interpretations of those laws and rules are subject to frequent and often unpredictable change. For example, legislation or regulatory action that has the impact of disincentivizing U.S. companies from offering employer-sponsored health insurance could ultimately reduce the revenue we receive when consulting on and broking these policies on behalf of our corporate clients. Legislation seeking to regulate pharmacy benefit management services introduced or enacted at the federal or state level could impact the compensation structure and how much we are paid where we advise clients on prescription drug coverage. Changes to U.S. government health programs, like Medicaid, could also impact our consulting and ancillary services for government clients that manage these programs. Moreover, the health care industry is regularly subject to negative publicity, including as a result of governmental investigations, adverse media coverage and political debate concerning industry regulation. Negative publicity may adversely affect our business and damage our reputation, and expose us to unexpected or unwarranted regulatory scrutiny, including as a result of the revenue our businesses receive from healthcare-related services including our consulting advice to clients from different areas of the healthcare industry.

Revenues for the services provided by our Consulting segment may decline for various reasons, including as a result of changes in economic conditions, the value of equity, debt and other asset classes, our clients’ or an industry's financial condition or government regulation or an accelerated trend away from actively managed investments to passively managed investments.

Global economic conditions, including slower GDP growth or recession, inflationary pressure and foreign exchange rate volatility, may negatively impact businesses and financial institutions. Many of our clients, including financial institutions, corporations, government entities and pension plans, have reduced expenses, including amounts spent on consulting services, and used internal resources instead of consultants during difficult economic periods. The evolving needs and financial circumstances of our clients may reduce demand for our consulting services and could adversely affect our revenues and profitability. If the economy or markets in which we operate experience weakness or deteriorate, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If our clients reduce their headcounts, they will have fewer employee lives covered under their health plans, which may reduce premiums and the commission or supplemental compensation Mercer may receive.

In addition, some of Mercer's Investments business generate fees based upon the value of the clients’ assets under management, advisement or administration. Changes in the value of equity, debt, currency, real estate, commodities, alternatives or other asset classes could cause the value of assets under management, advisement or administration, and the fees received by Mercer, to decline. Such changes could also cause clients to withdraw funds from Mercer’s Investments business in favor of other investment service providers. In either case, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Mercer’s Investments business also could be adversely affected by an accelerated shift away from actively managed investments to passively managed investments with associated lower fees, as well as fee compression from the competitive environment. Further, revenue received by Mercer as investment manager to the majority of the Mercer-managed investment funds is reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP on a gross basis rather than a net basis, with sub-advisor fees reflected as an expense. Therefore, the reported revenue for these offerings does not fully reflect the amount of net revenue ultimately attributable to Mercer.

Demand for many of Mercer's benefits services is affected by government regulation and tax laws, rulings, policies and interpretations, which drive our clients' needs for benefits-related services. Significant changes in government regulations affecting the value, use or delivery of benefits and human resources programs, including changes in regulations relating to health and welfare plans, defined contribution plans or defined benefit plans, may adversely affect the demand for or profitability of Mercer's services.

Factors affecting defined benefit pension plans and the services we provide relating to those plans could adversely affect Mercer.

Mercer currently provides plan sponsors, plan trustees, multi-employer and public entity clients with actuarial, consulting and administration services relating to defined benefit pension plans. The nature of our work is complex. Many clients, particularly in the public sector, have sizeable pension deficits and are subject to impact from volatility in the global markets and interest rate fluctuations. A number of Mercer's clients have frozen or curtailed their defined benefit plans and have moved to defined contribution plans resulting in reduced revenue for Mercer's retirement business. These developments, fee compression pressures, and a continued or accelerated rate of decline in revenues for our defined benefit pension plans business could adversely affect Mercer's business and operating results. In addition, our actuarial services involve numerous assumptions and estimates regarding future and contingent events, including interest rates used to discount future liabilities, estimated rates of return for a plan's assets, healthcare cost trends, salary projections and participants' life expectancies. Mercer's consulting services involve the drafting and interpretation of trust deeds and other complex documentation governing pension plans. Mercer's administration services include calculating benefits within complicated pension plan structures. Mercer's investments services include investment advice and management relating to defined benefit pension plan assets intended to fund present and future benefit obligations. Clients dissatisfied with our services have brought, and may bring, significant claims against us, particularly in the U.S. and the U.K.

Additionally, a rapid rise in interest rates could result in higher defined benefit pension plan funding levels. In some markets, this could accelerate clients’ desire to conduct a buyout or third-party risk transfer. Such a transaction could result in additional short-term revenue for Mercer to the extent we advise the client on the transaction, but a loss in longer term recurring revenue related to the plan.

The profitability of our Consulting segment may decline if we are unable to achieve or maintain adequate utilization and pricing rates for our consultants.

The profitability of our Consulting businesses depends in part on ensuring that our consultants maintain adequate utilization rates (i.e., the percentage of our consultants' working hours devoted to billable activities).

Our utilization rates are affected by a number of factors, including:

• general economic conditions;
• our ability to transition consultants promptly from completed projects to new assignments, and to engage newly-hired consultants quickly in revenue-generating activities;
• our ability to continually secure new business engagements, particularly because a portion of our work is project-based rather than recurring in nature;
• our ability to forecast demand for our services and thereby maintain appropriate headcount in each of our geographies and workforces;
• our ability to retain key colleagues and consulting professionals;
• unanticipated changes in the scope of client engagements;
• the potential for conflicts of interest that might require us to decline client engagements that we otherwise would have accepted;
• our need to devote time and resources to sales, training, professional development and other non-billable activities; and
• the potential disruptive impact of acquisitions and dispositions.

If the utilization rate for our consulting professionals declines, our revenues, profit margin and profitability could decline.

In addition, the profitability of our Consulting businesses depends in part on the prices we are able to charge for our services. The prices we charge are affected by a number of factors, including:

• general economic conditions;
• clients' perception of our ability to add value through our services;
• market demand for the services we provide;
• our ability to develop new services and the introduction of new services by competitors;
• the pricing policies of our competitors; and
• the extent to which our clients develop in-house or other capabilities to perform the services that they might otherwise purchase from us.

If we are unable to achieve and maintain adequate billing rates for our services, our profit margin and profitability could decline.

As a professional services firm that processes confidential and sensitive information, such as personal information, cybersecurity risk management is an integral part of our enterprise risk management strategy. Our cybersecurity risk management program has been designed based on industry standards, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework, and provides a framework for assessing cybersecurity risk and identifying and managing cybersecurity threats and incidents, including threats and incidents associated with our use of services, applications and products provided by third-party vendors and service providers.

Our cybersecurity risk management program is coordinated by cross-functional teams, including risk management, legal and compliance, business resiliency management and information security. These teams develop, implement and maintain our compliance policies, programs and training, business resiliency, disaster recovery and information security frameworks, solutions and procedures. They also work closely with our business, internal audit, finance and IT staff to identify, assess and mitigate risks, including those associated with our use of third-party vendors and service providers, and to monitor and take steps designed to prevent security incidents in our technology environment.

Our cybersecurity risk management framework includes (1) procedures designed to assess the data privacy and cybersecurity practices of third-party vendors and service providers (including risk assessments and contractual protections), (2) technical IT controls designed to manage risks associated with cybersecurity incidents (such as multi-factor authentication and requirements for VPN or private channel access to our systems), and (3) formal policies and procedures designed to address cybersecurity incidents. Our formal policies and procedures designed to address cybersecurity incidents include steps for verifying and assessing the severity of a cybersecurity incident, identifying the source of a cybersecurity incident (including whether it is associated with a third-party service provider) and implementing cybersecurity countermeasures and mitigation strategies. Additionally, we have procedures for informing senior management and our Board of Directors of potentially material cybersecurity incidents. We also periodically engage third-party security consultants to assess our cybersecurity program and to perform penetration testing on our security environment and controls. In addition, cybersecurity training is provided to all newly hired colleagues and then at least annually for all colleagues. We also conduct regular ongoing cybersecurity awareness campaigns and phishing tests and provide training in response to such tests as appropriate.

Our Board of Directors has overall oversight responsibility for the Company’s risk management and receives updates from management throughout the year on cybersecurity matters and other material risks facing the Company. Additionally, the Audit Committee regularly reviews the Company’s policies and practices with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including cybersecurity risks, and reports to the full Board of Directors on a regular basis. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Company’s enterprise risk management policies and processes, including discussing with management the Company’s major risk exposures and the steps that have been taken to monitor and control such exposures, including those arising from cybersecurity risks.

Management is responsible for identifying, assessing and managing material cybersecurity risks on an ongoing basis. Management’s efforts include establishing processes designed to ensure that potential cybersecurity risks are monitored, putting in place mitigation and remedial measures and implementing and maintaining cybersecurity programs. Our cybersecurity programs are under the direction of our Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), who reports to our Chief Information Officer (CIO). Our CIO has significant expertise and over a decade of experience working in technology. Our CISO has over twenty years of experience working in cybersecurity and maintains a Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification. Our CISO and CIO receive reports from our cybersecurity team and monitor the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents. Our cybersecurity team is comprised of experienced information systems security professionals and information security managers with many years of experience and various security certifications.

Management, including the CIO and CISO, regularly reviews with the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee the Company’s cybersecurity programs, material cybersecurity risks and mitigation strategies and provides updates on notable developments in the cybersecurity threat landscape. Additionally, management follows a risk-based escalation process to notify the Audit Committee outside of the cycle of regular updates when an emerging risk or material issue is identified, such as a potentially significant cybersecurity threat or incident.

In 2024, we did not identify any cybersecurity threats or incidents that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including with respect to our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. However, despite our efforts, we cannot eliminate all risks from cybersecurity threats or incidents, or provide assurances that we have not experienced an undetected cybersecurity threat or incident. For more information about these risks, please see “Risk Factors – Cybersecurity, Data Protection and Technology Risks” in this annual report on Form 10-K.

The Company maintains its corporate headquarters in New York City. We also maintain other offices around the world, primarily in leased space. In certain circumstances we may have space that we sublet to third parties, depending upon our needs in particular locations.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries own, directly and indirectly through special purpose subsidiaries, a 58% condominium interest covering approximately 900,000 square feet of office space in a 44 story condominium in New York City. This real estate serves as the Company's headquarters and is occupied primarily by the Company and its subsidiaries for general corporate use. The condominium interests are financed by a 30-year mortgage loan that is non-recourse to the Company unless the Company (i) is downgraded below B (stable outlook) by S&P or Fitch or B2 (stable outlook) by Moody's and such downgrade is continuing or (ii) an event of default under the mortgage loan has occurred. The mortgage is secured by a first priority assignment of leases and rents, including the leases which the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into with their affiliated special purpose subsidiaries which own the mortgaged condominium interests. The net rent due under those leases in effect services the mortgage debt.

We and our subsidiaries are party to a variety of other legal, administrative, regulatory and government proceedings, claims and inquiries arising in the normal course of business.

Additional information regarding certain legal proceedings and related matters is set forth in Note 16, Claims, Lawsuits and Other Contingencies, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements appearing under Part II, Item 8 ("Financial Statements and Supplementary Data") of this report.

General

Marsh McLennan Companies Inc., and its consolidated subsidiaries (Marsh McLennan or the "Company") a global professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy and people. The Company helps clients build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective of our four market-leading businesses. With annual revenue of over $24 billion, the Company has more than 90,000 colleagues advising clients in over 130 countries.

Marsh provides data-driven risk advisory services and insurance solutions to commercial and consumer clients. Guy Carpenter develops advanced risk, reinsurance and capital strategies that help clients grow profitably and pursue emerging opportunities. Mercer delivers advice and technology-driven solutions that help organizations redefine the world of work, reshape retirement and investment outcomes, and unlock health and well-being for a changing workforce. Oliver Wyman Group serves as a critical strategic, economic and brand advisor to private sector and governmental clients. The four businesses also collaborate together to deliver new solutions to help clients manage complex and interconnected risks.

The Company conducts business through two segments:

• Risk and Insurance Services includes risk management activities (risk advice, risk transfer and risk control and mitigation solutions) as well as insurance and reinsurance broking and services. The Company conducts business in this segment through Marsh and Guy Carpenter.
• Consulting includes health, wealth and career advice, solutions and products, and specialized management, strategic, economic and brand consulting services. The Company conducts business in this segment through Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group.

The results of operations in the Management Discussion & Analysis ("MD&A") include an overview of the Company’s consolidated results for fiscal year 2024, compared to the results for fiscal year 2023, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes. This section also includes a discussion of the key drivers impacting the Company’s financial results of operations both on a consolidated basis and by reportable segments.

We describe the primary sources of revenue and categories of expense for each reportable segment in the discussion of segment financial results. A reconciliation of segment operating income to total operating income is included in Note 17, Segment Information, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this report.

For information and comparability of the Company's results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for fiscal year 2022, refer to "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

This MD&A contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Refer to "Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" at the outset of this report.

Non-GAAP Measures

The Company reports its financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S.), referred to as in accordance with "GAAP" or "reported" results. The Company also refers to and presents a non-GAAP financial measure in non-GAAP revenue, within the meaning of Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company has included a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP as part of the consolidated revenue and expense discussion. Percentage changes, referred to as non-GAAP underlying revenue, are calculated by dividing the period over period change in non-GAAP revenue by the prior period non-GAAP revenue.

The Company believes this non-GAAP financial measure provides useful supplemental information that enables investors to better compare the Company’s performance across periods. Management also uses this measure internally to assess the operating performance of its businesses and to decide how to allocate resources. However, investors should not consider this non-GAAP measure in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the financial information that the Company reports in accordance with GAAP. The Company's non-GAAP measure includes adjustments that reflect how management views its businesses and may differ from similarly titled non-GAAP measures presented by other companies.

Financial Highlights

• Consolidated revenue in 2024 was $24.5 billion, an increase of 8%, or 7% on an underlying basis.
• Consolidated operating income increased $535 million, or 10% to $5.8 billion in 2024, compared to 2023. Net income attributable to the Company was $4.1 billion. Earnings per share on a diluted basis increased to $8.18 from $7.53, or 9%, compared with 2023.
• Risk and Insurance Services revenue in 2024 was $15.4 billion, an increase of 9%, or 8% on an underlying basis. Operating income was $4.4 billion and $3.9 billion in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
• Marsh's revenue in 2024 was $12.5 billion, an increase of 10%, or 7% on an underlying basis. Guy Carpenter's revenue in 2024 was $2.4 billion, an increase of 5%, or 8% on an underlying basis.
• Consulting revenue in 2024 was $9.1 billion, an increase of 5%, or 6% on an underlying basis. Operating income was $1.8 billion and $1.7 billion in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
• Mercer's revenue in 2024 was $5.7 billion, an increase of 3%, or 5% on an underlying basis. Oliver Wyman Group's revenue in 2024 was $3.4 billion, an increase of 9%, or 6% on an underlying basis.
• The Company's results of operations in 2024 included restructuring activities of $276 million, primarily related to severance and lease exit charges for activities focused on workforce actions, technology rationalization and reductions in real estate.
• The Company completed 17 acquisitions in 2024. On November 15, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of McGriff Insurance Services, LLC ("McGriff") for $7.75 billion in cash consideration.
• On January 1, 2024, the Company completed the sale of its Mercer U.K. pension administration and U.S. health and benefits administration businesses for approximately $120 million, and recorded a net gain of $35 million in the current year.
• In November 2024, the Company issued $7.25 billion of senior notes to fund the acquisition of McGriff and for general corporate purposes. In February 2024, the Company issued $500 million of 5.150% senior notes due 2034 and $500 million of 5.450% senior notes due 2054.
• In 2024, the Company repaid $1.6 billion of senior notes at maturity.
• In 2024, the Company repurchased 4.3 million shares for $900 million.

Acquisition of McGriff

On November 15, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of McGriff, an affiliate of TIH Insurance Holdings (the "McGriff Transaction") for $7.75 billion in cash consideration, subject to certain customary adjustments. McGriff is an insurance broking and risk management services provider in the United States (U.S.), with approximately $1.3 billion in annual revenue.

In connection with the McGriff Transaction, on September 29, 2024, the Company entered into a Bridge Loan Commitment Letter (the “Commitment Letter”) to provide the Company under a 364-day unsecured bridge term loan facility in an amount not to exceed $7.75 billion (the "Bridge Loan Facility"). The Company paid approximately $23 million for customary upfront fees related to the Commitment Letter, amortized as interest expense.

On November 8, 2024, the Company issued $7.25 billion of senior notes and terminated the Commitment Letter.

In connection with the acquisition of McGriff, the Company incurred approximately $63 million of acquisition and retention related costs in 2024. The Company expects to recognize costs of approximately $450 million to $500 million, primarily retention incentives over the next 3 years related to the McGriff acquisition. These costs include retention plans put in place by the seller and were funded through a purchase price adjustment for McGriff. The Company continues to refine its integration plans as it relates to the acquisition of McGriff, which may change the timing and estimates of expected costs and payments.

McGriff's results of operations for the period November 15, 2024 through December 31, 2024 were included in the Company’s results of operations for 2024, in Marsh, in the Risk and Insurance Services segment.

As of November 15, 2024, the Company assumed the assets and legal liabilities of McGriff. Please see the "Risk Factors" section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for risks associated with acquisitions and dispositions.

The macroeconomic and geopolitical environment including multiple major wars and global conflicts, slower GDP growth or recession, lower interest rates, capital markets volatility, inflation and changes in insurance premium rates could impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. For more information about these risks, please see “Risk Factors – Macroeconomic Risks” in this annual report on Form 10-K.

For additional details, refer to the Consolidated Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources sections in this MD&A.

Acquisitions and dispositions impacting the Risk and Insurance Services and Consulting segments are discussed in Note 5, Acquisitions and Dispositions, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Consolidated operating income increased $535 million, or 10% to $5.8 billion in 2024, compared to $5.3 billion in the prior year, reflecting an 8% increase in revenue and a 7% increase in expenses. Revenue growth was driven by increases in the Risk and Insurance Services and Consulting segments of 9% and 5%, respectively.

Diluted earnings per share increased to $8.18 from $7.53, or 9% from the prior year. The increase is primarily the result of higher operating income in 2024, compared to the prior year.

Consolidated Revenue and Expense

Revenue – Non-GAAP Revenue and Components of Change

The Company advises clients in 130 countries. As a result, foreign exchange rate movements may impact period over period comparisons of revenue. Similarly, certain other items such as acquisitions and dispositions, including transfers among businesses, may impact period over period comparisons of revenue. Non-GAAP revenue measures the change in revenue from one period to the next by isolating these impacts on an underlying revenue basis. Percentage changes, referred to as non-GAAP underlying revenue, are calculated by dividing the period over period change in non-GAAP revenue by the prior period non-GAAP revenue.

The non-GAAP revenue measure is presented on a constant currency basis excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. The Company isolates the impact of foreign exchange rate movements period over period, by translating the current period foreign currency GAAP revenue into U.S. Dollars based on the difference in the current and corresponding prior period exchange rates.

The percentage change for acquisitions, dispositions, and other includes the impact of current and prior year items excluded from the calculation of non-GAAP underlying revenue for comparability purposes. Details on these items are provided in the reconciliation of non-GAAP revenue to GAAP revenue tables.

The following tables present the Company's non-GAAP revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the related non-GAAP underlying revenue change:

The following table provides more detailed revenue information for certain of the components presented in the previous table:

(*) Rounded to whole percentages.

Revenue – Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

The following table provides the reconciliation of GAAP revenue to Non-GAAP revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:

The following table provides more detailed revenue information for certain of the components presented in the previous table:

Note: Amounts in the tables above are rounded to whole numbers.

Consolidated Revenue

Consolidated revenue increased $1.7 billion, or 8%, to $24.5 billion in 2024, compared to $22.7 billion in 2023. Consolidated revenue increased 7% on an underlying basis and 1% from acquisitions. On an underlying basis, revenue increased 8% and 6% in 2024, in the Risk and Insurance Services and Consulting segments, respectively.

Consolidated revenue growth in 2024 reflects the continued demand for our advice and solutions.

Consolidated Operating Expenses

Consolidated operating expenses increased $1.2 billion, or 7%, to $18.6 billion in 2024, compared to $17.5 billion in 2023. Expenses reflect a 2% increase from acquisitions.

Consolidated operating expenses in 2024 increased primarily due to compensation and benefits, driven by higher base salaries and incentive compensation.

Restructuring activities

The Company incurred a total of $276 million for restructuring activities in 2024, compared to $301 million in 2023.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company initiated activities focused on workforce actions, rationalization of technology and functional services, and reductions in real estate. These activities were completed at the end of 2024. The Company incurred approximately $660 million of these restructuring costs through December 31, 2024, primarily severance and lease exit charges, of which $221 million were incurred in 2024. Related estimated savings are expected to be over $500 million, with over $450 million realized through December 31, 2024. The remaining savings are expected to be realized in 2025.

Additional details are included in Note 14, Restructuring Costs, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Risk and Insurance Services

In the Risk and Insurance Services segment, the Company’s subsidiaries and other affiliated entities act as brokers, agents or consultants for insureds, insurance underwriters and other brokers in the areas of risk management, insurance broking, insurance program management, risk consulting, analytical modeling and alternative risk financing services, primarily under the brand of Marsh, and engage in specialized reinsurance broking expertise, strategic advisory services and analytics solutions, primarily under the brand of Guy Carpenter.

Marsh and Guy Carpenter are compensated for brokerage and consulting services through commissions and fees. Commission rates and fees vary in amount and can depend on a number of factors, including the type of insurance or reinsurance coverage provided, the particular insurer or reinsurer selected, and the capacity in which the broker acts and negotiates with clients. Revenues can be affected by premium rate levels in the insurance and reinsurance markets, the amount of risk retained by insurance and reinsurance clients, and by the value of the risks that have been insured since commission-based compensation is frequently related to the premiums paid by insureds and reinsureds. In many cases, fee compensation may be negotiated in advance, based on the type of risk, coverage required, and service provided by the Company and ultimately, the extent of the risk placed into the insurance market or retained by the client. The trends and comparisons of revenue from one period to the next can be affected by changes in premium rate levels, fluctuations in client risk retention and increases or decreases in the value of risks that have been insured, as well as new and lost business, and the volume of business from new and existing clients.

In addition to compensation from its clients, Marsh also receives other compensation, separate from retail fees and commissions, from insurance companies. This other compensation includes, among other things, payments for consulting and analytics services provided to insurers; compensation for administrative and other services (including fees for underwriting services and services provided to or on behalf of insurers relating to the administration and management of quota shares, panels and other facilities in which insurers participate); and contingent commissions, which are paid by insurers based on factors such as volume or profitability of Marsh's placements, primarily driven by Marsh McLennan Agency ("MMA") and parts of Marsh's international operations.

Marsh and Guy Carpenter receive interest income on certain funds (such as premiums and claims proceeds) held in a fiduciary capacity for others. The investment of fiduciary funds is regulated by state and other insurance authorities. These regulations typically require segregation of fiduciary funds and limit the types of investments that may be made. Interest income from these investments varies depending on the amount of funds invested and applicable interest rates, both of which vary from time to time. For presentation purposes, fiduciary interest income is segregated from the other revenues of Marsh and Guy Carpenter and separately presented within the segment, as shown in the previous revenue by segments tables.

The results of operations for the Risk and Insurance Services segment are as follows:

(In millions, except percentages)

Revenue

Revenue in the Risk and Insurance Services segment increased $1.3 billion, or 9%, to $15.4 billion in 2024, compared to $14.1 billion in 2023. Revenue increased 8% on an underlying basis and 2% from acquisitions, partially offset by a decrease of 1% from the impact of foreign currency translation. Interest earned on fiduciary funds increased $44 million to $497 million in 2024, compared to $453 million in 2023, due to higher average interest rates compared to the prior year.

In Risk and Insurance Services, underlying revenue growth in 2024 was driven by strong retention and new business growth at Marsh and Guy Carpenter. Results also benefited from continued economic growth in most major markets and inflation.

Marsh's revenue increased $1.2 billion, or 10%, to $12.5 billion in 2024, compared to $11.4 billion in 2023. This reflects an increase of 7% on an underlying basis and 3% from acquisitions, partially offset by a decrease of 1% from the impact of foreign currency translation. U.S./Canada rose 7% on an underlying basis. Total International produced underlying revenue growth of 8%, reflecting growth of 10% in Latin America, 8% in EMEA and 6% in Asia Pacific.

Guy Carpenter's revenue increased $104 million, or 5%, to $2.4 billion in 2024, compared to $2.3 billion in 2023. This reflects an increase of 8% on an underlying basis, partially offset by a decrease of 3% from acquisitions.

At Guy Carpenter, underlying revenue growth in 2024 was driven by growth across all regions and global specialties. Revenue in 2023 includes a gain from a legal settlement with a competitor for $58 million, excluding legal fees of approximately $10 million.

Risk and Insurance Services segment completed 10 acquisitions in 2024. Information regarding these acquisitions is included in Note 5, Acquisitions and Dispositions, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Operating Expenses

Expenses in the Risk and Insurance Services segment increased $886 million, or 9%, to $11.0 billion in 2024, compared to $10.1 billion in 2023. Expenses reflect a 3% increase from acquisitions, partially offset by a decrease of 1% from the impact of foreign currency translation.

Expenses in 2024 increased primarily due to compensation and benefits driven by higher base salaries and incentive compensation.

In 2024, the Company incurred a total of $148 million of restructuring costs in Risk and Insurance Services, compared to $177 million in 2023, primarily related to activities initiated in the fourth quarter of 2022, focused on workforce actions, rationalization of technology and functional services, and reductions in real estate.

Consulting

The Company conducts business in its Consulting segment through Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group. Mercer delivers advice and technology-driven solutions that help organizations redefine the world of work, reshape retirement and investment outcomes, and unlock health and well-being for a changing workforce. Oliver Wyman Group serves as critical strategic, economic and brand advisor to private sector and governmental clients.

The major component of revenue in the Consulting business is fees paid by clients for advice and services. Mercer, principally through its health line of business, also earns revenue in the form of commissions received from insurance companies for the placement of group (and occasionally individual) insurance contracts, primarily life, health and accident coverages. Revenue for Mercer’s investment management business and certain of Mercer’s defined benefit and contribution administration services consists principally of fees based on assets under management or administration. For a majority of the Mercer-managed investment funds, revenue is recorded on a gross basis with sub-advisor fees included in other operating expenses.

Revenue in the Consulting segment is affected by, among other things, global economic conditions, including changes in clients’ particular industries and markets. Revenue is also affected by competition due to the introduction of new products and services, broad trends in employee demographics, including levels of employment and the effect of government policies and regulations. Revenues from investment management services and retirement trust and administrative services are significantly affected by the level of assets under management or administration, which is impacted by securities market performance.

The results of operations for the Consulting segment are as follows:

(In millions, except percentages)

Revenue

Consulting revenue increased $424 million, or 5%, to $9.1 billion in 2024, compared to $8.7 billion in 2023. This reflects an increase of 6% on an underlying basis.

In Consulting, underlying revenue growth in 2024 was driven by both Mercer and Oliver Wyman Group.

Mercer's revenue increased $156 million, or 3%, to $5.7 billion in 2024, compared to $5.6 billion in 2023. This reflects an increase of 5% on an underlying basis, partially offset by a decrease of 2% from dispositions and 1% from the impact of foreign currency translation. On an underlying basis, revenue increased 8% for Health, and 4% for each of Career and Wealth, as compared to the prior year.

Underlying revenue growth at Mercer was driven by continued strong growth in Health and solid growth in Career and Wealth. Health reflected growth across all regions. Wealth growth was driven by both investment management and defined benefits consulting. The increase in investment management was driven by positive net flows and the impact of capital markets. Career revenue benefited from continued strong growth in talent and rewards surveys and products.

Revenue in 2024 includes a net gain of $35 million from the sale of the Mercer U.K. pension administration and U.S. health and benefits administration businesses.

Oliver Wyman Group's revenue increased $268 million, or 9%, to $3.4 billion in 2024, compared to $3.1 billion in 2023. This reflects an increase of 6% on an underlying basis and 3% from acquisitions.

The increase in underlying revenue growth at Oliver Wyman Group in 2024 was primarily driven by the Middle East and Asia. Revenue in 2024 includes a gain of $20 million from the sale of the Celent advisory business.

The Consulting segment completed 7 acquisitions in 2024. Information regarding these acquisitions is included in Note 5, Acquisitions and Dispositions, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Operating Expenses

In the Consulting segment, expenses increased $320 million, or 5%, to $7.4 billion in 2024, compared to $7.0 billion in 2023. Expenses reflect a decrease of 1% primarily from dispositions.

Expenses in 2024 increased primarily due to compensation and benefits driven by higher base salaries and incentive compensation, offset by a decrease from dispositions primarily related to the sale of the Mercer U.K. pension administration and U.S. health and benefits administration businesses. Expenses in 2023 included a benefit of $51 million of insurance and indemnity recoveries for a legacy JLT E&O matter relating to suitability of advice provided to individuals for defined benefit pension transfers in the U.K.

In 2024, the Company incurred $79 million of total restructuring costs in the Consulting segment, compared to $62 million in the prior year, primarily related to the Company's activities initiated in the fourth quarter of 2022, focused on workforce actions, rationalization of technology and functional services, and reductions in real estate.

Corporate and Other

Corporate expenses decreased $11 million, or 3%, to $318 million in 2024, compared to $329 million in 2023, reflecting primarily lower restructuring costs in the current year.

Interest Income

Interest income was $83 million in 2024, compared to $78 million in 2023. Interest income increased $5 million in 2024, due to higher average corporate funds compared to the prior year.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $700 million in 2024, compared to $578 million in 2023. Interest expense increased $122 million in 2024, reflecting higher levels of debt from new debt issuances and higher interest rates compared to the prior year. Interest expense in 2024 includes $26 million of financing costs, primarily related to customary upfront fees for the Commitment Letter.

Investment Income

The caption "Investment income" in the consolidated statements of income comprises realized and unrealized gains and losses from investments. It includes, when applicable, other than temporary declines in the value of securities, mark-to-market increases or decreases in equity investments with readily determinable fair values and equity method gains or losses on its investments in private equity funds. The Company's investments may include direct investments in insurance, consulting or other strategically linked companies and investments in private equity funds. The Company recorded net investment income of $12 million in 2024, compared to $5 million in 2023. The increase in 2024 is primarily driven by higher mark-to-market gains from the Company's investments compared to the prior year.

Income and Other Taxes

The Company's consolidated effective tax rate for 2024 and 2023 was 24.9% and 24.3%, respectively.

The tax rates in both years reflect the impact of discrete tax matters such as excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation, enacted tax legislation, changes in uncertain tax positions, deferred tax adjustments, non-taxable adjustments related to contingent consideration for acquisitions, return to provision adjustments, and valuation allowances for certain tax credits. The 2024 effective tax rate reflects the full impact of the previously enacted change in the U.K. corporate income tax rate from 19% to 25%, which was effective April 1, 2023. The blended U.K. statutory tax rate for 2023 was 23.5%.

In 2023, the Company released valuation allowances related to its non-U.S. operations. Management determined that there was sufficient positive evidence to conclude that it was more likely than not that deferred tax assets were realizable, primarily due to the sustained profitability of its operations. The release of valuation allowances resulted in a decrease to tax expense of $94 million in 2023.

The effective tax rate may vary significantly from period to period. The effective tax rate is sensitive to the geographic mix of earnings and the cost to repatriate the Company's earnings, which may result in higher or lower effective tax rates. Therefore, a shift in the mix of profits among jurisdictions, or changes in the Company's repatriation strategy to access offshore cash, can affect the effective tax rate. In 2024, pre-tax income in the U.K., Canada, Ireland, India, Bermuda, Germany, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Singapore accounted for approximately 65% of the Company's total non-U.S. pre-tax income, with effective rates in those countries of 25.0%, 28.0%, 16.3%, 27.9%, 0.0%, 30.9%, 36.7%, 17.6%, 38.2%, and 18.0%, respectively.

In addition, losses in certain jurisdictions cannot be offset by earnings from other operations and may require valuation allowances that affect the rate in a particular period, depending on estimates of the value of associated deferred tax assets which can be realized. A valuation allowance was recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that the Company believes is more likely than not to be realized. Details are provided in Note 7, Income Taxes, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The effective tax rate is also sensitive to changes in unrecognized tax benefits, including the impact of settled tax audits and expired statutes of limitations.

The Company has established liabilities for uncertain tax positions in relation to potential assessments in the jurisdictions in which it operates. In the third quarter of 2024, the Company received closure notices and assessments from the U.K. tax authority in relation to its 2016-2020 examinations which disallowed certain interest expense deductions. The Company has appealed the assessments and resolving this matter through litigation or alternative dispute resolution may take several years. The Company believes the resolution of tax matters will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company. However, an adverse resolution of tax matters from current or future audits or tax litigation could have a material impact on the Company's net income or cash flows and on its effective tax rate in a particular future period.

Changes in tax laws, rulings, policies, or related legal and regulatory interpretations occur frequently and may have significant favorable or adverse impacts on our effective tax rate. In 2021, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's ("OECD") released model rules for a 15% global minimum tax, known as Pillar Two. Pillar Two has now been enacted by most key non-U.S. jurisdictions where the Company operates, including the U.K. and Ireland. This minimum tax is treated as a period cost beginning in 2024 and does not have a material impact on the Company's financial results of operations for the current period. The Company continues to monitor legislative developments, as well as additional guidance from countries that have enacted Pillar Two legislation and will ensure it complies with any changes.

As a U.S.-domiciled parent holding company, the Company is the issuer of essentially all of the Company's external indebtedness, and incurs the related interest expense in the U.S. The Company’s interest expense deductions are not currently limited. Further, most senior executive and oversight functions are conducted in the U.S. and the associated costs are incurred primarily in the U.S. Some of these expenses may not be deductible in the U.S., which may impact the effective tax rate.

Changes to the U.S. tax law in recent years have allowed the Company to repatriate foreign earnings without incurring additional U.S. federal income tax costs as foreign income is generally already taxed in the U.S. However, permanent reinvestment continues to be a component of the Company's global capital strategy. The Company continues to evaluate its global investment and repatriation strategy considering its capital requirements and potential costs of repatriation, which are generally limited to local country withholding taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company is organized as a legal entity separate and distinct from its operating subsidiaries. As the Company does not have significant operations of its own, the Company is dependent upon dividends and other payments from its operating subsidiaries to pay principal and interest on its outstanding debt obligations, pay dividends to shareholders, repurchase its shares and pay corporate expenses. The Company can also provide financial support to its operating subsidiaries for acquisitions, investments and certain parts of their business that require liquidity, such as the capital markets business of Guy Carpenter. Other sources of liquidity include borrowing facilities discussed below in the Financing Cash Flows section.

The Company derives a significant portion of its revenue and operating profit from operating subsidiaries located outside of the U.S. Funds from those operating subsidiaries are regularly repatriated to the U.S. out of annual earnings. At December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $1.4 billion of cash and cash equivalents in its foreign operations, which includes $428 million of operating funds required to be maintained for regulatory requirements or as collateral under certain captive insurance arrangements. The Company expects to continue its practice of repatriating available funds from its non-U.S. operating subsidiaries out of current annual earnings. Where appropriate, a portion of the current year earnings will continue to be permanently reinvested.

In 2024, the Company recorded foreign currency translation adjustments which decreased net equity by $569 million. Continued strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies would further decrease the translated U.S. dollar value of the Company’s net investments in its non-U.S. subsidiaries, as well as the translated U.S. dollar value of cash repatriations from those subsidiaries.

Cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheets includes funds available for general corporate purposes. Fiduciary assets are shown separately in the consolidated balance sheets as cash and cash equivalents held in a fiduciary capacity, with a corresponding amount in current liabilities. Fiduciary assets cannot be used for general corporate purposes and should not be considered as a source of liquidity for the Company.

Operating Cash Flows

The Company provided $4.3 billion of cash from operations both in 2024 and in 2023. These amounts reflect the net income of the Company during those periods, excluding gains or losses from investments, adjusted for non-cash charges, and changes in working capital which relate primarily to the timing of payments of accrued liabilities, including incentive compensation, or receipts of receivables and pension contributions. The Company used cash of $270 million and $271 million related to its restructuring activities in 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Pension Related Items

Contributions

The Company's policy for funding its tax-qualified defined benefit plans is to contribute amounts at least sufficient to meet the funding requirements set forth in accordance with applicable law. In 2024, the Company contributed $34 million to its U.S. defined benefit pension plans and $59 million to its non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans. In 2023, the Company contributed $33 million to its U.S. defined benefit pension plans and $78 million to its non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans.

In the U.S., contributions to the tax-qualified defined benefit plans are based on Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA") guidelines and the Company generally expects to maintain a funded status of 80% or more of the liability determined in accordance with the ERISA guidelines. In 2024, the Company made contributions of $32 million to its non-qualified plans and expects to contribute approximately $35 million in 2025. The Company also made required contributions of $2 million to its U.S. qualified plans in 2024. In 2025, the Company is expected to be required to make contributions totaling $2 million to its U.S. qualified plans.

Outside the U.S., the Company has a large number of non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans, the largest of which are in the U.K., which comprise approximately 78% of non-U.S. plan assets at December 31, 2024. Contribution rates for non-U.S. plans are generally based on local funding practices and statutory requirements, which may differ significantly from measurements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

In the U.K., the assumptions used to determine pension contributions are the result of legally prescribed negotiations between the Company and the plans' trustee that typically occur every three years in conjunction with the actuarial valuation of the plans. Currently, this results in a lower funded status compared to U.S. GAAP and may result in contributions irrespective of the U.S. GAAP funded status.

In 2021, the JLT Pension Scheme was merged into the MMC U.K. Pension Fund with a new segregated JLT section created (referred to as the "JLT section").

The Company contributed $21 million to its U.K. plans, including the JLT section, in 2024. The Company's contributions to its U.K. plans, including the JLT section, for 2025 are expected to be approximately $1 million. The Company made deficit contributions of $20 million to the JLT section in 2024 and is not required to make any deficit contributions to the JLT section in 2025.

For the MMC U.K. Pension Fund, excluding the JLT section, an agreement was reached with the trustee in the fourth quarter of 2022, based on the surplus funding position at December 31, 2021. In accordance with the agreement, no deficit funding is at the earliest required until 2026. The funding level will be re-assessed during 2025 as part of the December 31, 2024 actuarial valuation to determine if contributions are required in 2026. In December 2022, the Company renewed its agreement to support annual deficit contributions that may be required by the U.K. operating companies under certain circumstances, up to £450 million (or $566 million) over a seven-year period. This is part of an agreement which gives the Company greater influence over asset allocation and overall investment decisions.

The Company expects to contribute approximately $43 million to its non-U.S. defined benefit plans in 2025, comprising approximately of $1 million to the U.K. plans and $42 million to plans outside of the U.K.

Changes in Funded Status and Expense

The year-over-year change in the funded status of the Company's pension plans is impacted by the difference between actual and assumed results, particularly with regard to return on assets, and changes in the discount rate, as well as the amount of Company contributions, if any. Unrecognized actuarial losses as of December 31, 2024, were approximately $1.4 billion and $3.5 billion for the U.S. plans and non-U.S. plans, respectively, compared with losses of $1.3 billion and $3.2 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase in the U.S. is primarily due to lower than expected returns on plan assets. The increase in the non-U.S. plans is primarily due to lower than expected returns on plan assets partly offset by increases in the discount rates used to measure plan liabilities and the impact of foreign exchange. In the past several years, the amount of unamortized losses has been significantly impacted, both positively and negatively, by actual asset performance and changes in discount rates. The discount rate used to measure plan liabilities for the Company's U.S. and U.K. plans increased in 2024, decreased in 2023 and increased in 2022. An increase in the discount rate decreases the measured plan benefit obligation, resulting in actuarial gains, while a decrease in the discount rate increases the measured plan obligation, resulting in actuarial losses. In 2024, the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets had gains of 2.2% and losses of 5.0% in the U.S. and U.K., respectively, as compared to gains of 9.3% and 4.1% in the U.S. and U.K., respectively, in 2023.

Overall, based on the measurement at December 31, 2024, net benefit credits related to the Company’s defined benefit pension plans are expected to be lower by $69 million in 2025, compared to 2024. The decrease is primarily due to lower expected return on assets and higher recognized actuarial loss.

The Company’s accounting policies for its defined benefit pension plans, including the selection of and sensitivity to assumptions, are discussed in Management’s Discussion of Critical Accounting Estimates. For additional information regarding the Company’s retirement plans, refer to Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 8, Retirement Benefits, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Financing Cash Flows

Net cash provided by financing activities was $4.5 billion in 2024, compared with $1.1 billion used by financing activities in 2023.

Credit Facilities

In October 2023, the Company increased its multi-currency unsecured five-year revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") capacity to $3.5 billion from $2.8 billion and extended the expiration to October 2028. The interest rate on the Credit Facility was initially based on LIBOR plus a fixed margin which varied with the Company's credit rating. In the second quarter of 2023, the Credit Facility was amended that borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal, at the Company's option, either at (a) Securities Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") benchmark rate for U.S. dollar borrowings, or (b) a currency specific benchmark rate, plus an applicable margin which varies with the Company's credit ratings. The Company is required to maintain certain coverage and leverage ratios for the Credit Facility, which are evaluated quarterly.

The Credit Facility includes provisions for determining a benchmark replacement rate in the event existing benchmark rates are no longer available or in certain other circumstances, in which an alternative rate may be required. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had no borrowings under this facility.

In October 2023, the Company terminated its one-year uncommitted revolving credit facility (the "Uncommitted Credit Facility"). There were no borrowings outstanding under the Uncommitted Credit Facility at December 31, 2023.

The Company also maintains other credit and overdraft facilities with various financial institutions aggregating $123 million at December 31, 2024, and $113 million at December 31, 2023. There were no outstanding borrowings under these facilities at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

The Company has outstanding guarantees and letters of credit with various banks aggregating $163 million and $139 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Debt

The Company has a short-term debt financing program through the issuance of commercial paper. The proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper are used for general corporate purposes. In November 2023, the Company increased its short-term commercial paper financing program (the "Program") to $3.5 billion from $2.8 billion. The Company did not have any commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

In November 2024, the Company issued $7.25 billion in senior notes as follows:

• $950 million 4.550% senior notes due 2027;
• $1 billion 4.650% senior notes due 2030;
• $1 billion 4.850% senior notes due 2031;
• $2 billion 5.000% senior notes due 2035;
• $500 million 5.350% senior notes due 2044;
• $1.5 billion 5.400% senior notes due 2055; and
• $300 million floating rate senior notes due 2027 (the "Floating Notes")

collectively referred to as the "November 2024 Notes".

For the Floating Notes, interest is calculated based on a compounded SOFR benchmark rate plus 0.700%.

The Company used the net proceeds from the November 2024 Notes offering to fund, in part, the McGriff Transaction, including the payment of related fees and expenses, as well as for general corporate purposes.

In June 2024, the Company repaid $600 million of 3.50% senior notes at maturity.

In March 2024, the Company repaid $1 billion of 3.875% senior notes at maturity.

In February 2024, the Company issued $500 million of 5.150% senior notes due 2034 and $500 million of 5.450% senior notes due 2054. The Company used the net proceeds from these issuances for general corporate purposes.

In October 2023, the Company repaid $250 million of 4.05% senior notes at maturity.

In September 2023, the Company issued $600 million of 5.400% senior notes due 2033 and $1 billion of 5.700% senior notes due 2053. In March 2023, the Company issued $600 million of 5.450% senior notes due 2053. The Company used the net proceeds from these issuances for general corporate purposes.

The Company's senior debt is currently rated A- by Standard & Poor's ("S&P"), A3 by Moody's, and A- by Fitch. The Company's short-term debt is currently rated A-2 by S&P, P-2 by Moody's, and F-2 by Fitch. The Company carries a Stable outlook with S&P, Moody's and Fitch.

Bridge Loan Commitment Letter

In connection with the McGriff Transaction, on September 29, 2024, the Company entered into a Commitment Letter to provide the Company with a Bridge Loan Facility. The Company paid approximately $23 million of customary upfront fees related to the Commitment Letter, amortized as interest expense. On November 8, 2024, the Company terminated the Commitment Letter. The Bridge Loan Facility agreement is discussed in more detail in Note 13, Debt, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Share Repurchases

In 2024, the Company repurchased 4.3 million shares of its common stock for $900 million. At December 31, 2024, the Company remained authorized by the Board of Directors to repurchase up to approximately $2.3 billion in shares of its common stock. There is no time limit on this authorization. In 2023, the Company repurchased 6.4 million shares of its common stock for $1.15 billion.

Dividends

The Company paid dividends on its common stock shares of $1.5 billion ($3.05 per share) in 2024, as compared with $1.3 billion ($2.60 per share) in 2023.

In January 2025, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.815 per share on outstanding common stock, payable in February 2025.

Contingent Payments Related To Acquisitions

The classification of contingent consideration in the consolidated statements of cash flows is dependent upon whether the receipt, payment or adjustment was part of the initial liability established on the acquisition date (financing) or an adjustment to the acquisition date liability (operating).

The following amounts are included in the consolidated statements of cash flows as operating and financing activities:

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions)

For acquisitions completed in 2024, and in prior years, remaining estimated future contingent payments of $161 million, and deferred consideration payments of $179 million, are recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities or other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2024.

Derivatives - Net Investment Hedge

The Company has investments in various subsidiaries with Euro functional currencies. As a result, the Company is exposed to the risk of fluctuations between the Euro and U.S. dollar exchange rates. As part of its risk management program, the Company designated its €1.1 billion senior note debt instruments ("Euro notes") as a net investment hedge (the "hedge") of its Euro denominated subsidiaries. The hedge effectiveness is re-assessed each quarter to confirm that the designated equity balance at the beginning of each period continues to equal or exceed 80% of the outstanding balance of the Euro debt instrument and that all the critical terms of the hedging instrument and the hedged net investment continue to match. If the hedge is highly effective, the change in the debt balance related to foreign exchange fluctuations is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheets.

The U.S. dollar value of the Euro notes decreased by $75 million in 2024 due to change in foreign exchange rates. The Company concluded that the hedge was highly effective and recorded a decrease to accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Purchase of remaining non-controlling interest

In the second quarter of 2023, the Company purchased the remaining interest in a subsidiary for $139 million.

Fiduciary Liabilities

Since fiduciary assets are not available for corporate use, fiduciary assets are shown separately in the consolidated balance sheets as cash and cash equivalents held in a fiduciary capacity, with a corresponding amount in current liabilities. Financing cash flows reflect an increase of $411 million in 2024 and a decrease of $255 million in 2023 related to fiduciary liabilities.

Investing Cash Flows

Net cash used for investing activities amounted to $8.8 billion in 2024, compared with $1.4 billion used for investing activities in 2023.

The Company paid $8.5 billion and $976 million, net of cash, cash equivalents and cash and cash equivalents held in a fiduciary capacity acquired, for acquisitions in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The outflow of funds in 2024 related primarily to the acquisition of McGriff, where the Company paid $7.0 billion in cash consideration. The remaining outflow of funds in 2024 related primarily to the acquisitions of Cardano, the Horton Group, and Fisher Brown Bottrell Insurance Inc., for $466 million, $384 million and $321 million, respectively. The outflow of funds in 2023 related primarily to the acquisitions of Honan Insurance Group, Graham Company and Westpac for $358 million, $307 million, and $232 million, respectively.

In 2024, the Company received cash proceeds from dispositions of $135 million, partially offset by $46 million primarily related to cash and cash equivalents held in fiduciary capacity in the disposed businesses. The Company sold its Mercer U.K. pension administration and U.S. health and benefits administration businesses on January 1, 2024, for approximately $120 million, comprised of cash proceeds of $30 million and deferred consideration of $90 million. The Company received $78 million of deferred consideration in 2024.

In connection with the disposition of Mercer's U.S. affinity business in 2022, the Company transferred to the buyer an additional $24 million of cash and cash equivalents held in a fiduciary capacity in 2023.

The Company’s additions to fixed assets and capitalized software, which amounted to $316 million in 2024 and $416 million in 2023, related primarily to software development costs, the refurbishing and modernizing of office facilities, and technology equipment purchases.

Cash used for long-term investments in 2024 is primarily due to an investment in a unit trust fund. At December 31, 2024, the Company has commitments for potential future investments of approximately $117 million in private equity funds that invest primarily in financial services companies.

Commitments and Obligations

The following sets forth the Company’s future contractual obligations by type at December 31, 2024:

(In millions)

(a) Primarily reflects future payments of deferred and contingent purchase consideration.

The table does not include the liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $112 million as the Company is unable to reasonably predict the timing of settlement of these liabilities, other than approximately $54 million that may become payable within one year. The table also does not include the remaining transitional tax payments related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") of $48 million, which will be paid in installments from 2025 through 2026.

Management’s Discussion of Critical Accounting Estimates

Management makes estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management considers the following policies to be critical to understanding the Company’s financial statements because their application places the most significant demands on management’s judgment and requires management to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

In the Risk and Insurance Services segment, management makes judgments related to the amount of variable revenue consideration to ultimately be received on placement of quota share reinsurance treaties and contingent commission from insurers. Management also makes judgments and estimates to measure the progress toward completing performance obligations and realization rates for consideration related to contracts as well as potential performance-based fees in the Consulting segment.

The Company capitalizes the incremental costs to obtain contracts primarily related to commissions or sales bonus payments. These deferred costs are amortized over the expected life of the underlying customer relationships. The Company also capitalizes certain pre-placement costs that are considered fulfillment costs that are amortized at a point in time when the associated revenue is recognized.

Refer to Note 2, Revenue, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Legal and Other Loss Contingencies

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to numerous claims, lawsuits and proceedings including claims for errors and omissions ("E&O"). The Company records a liability when a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable which requires significant management judgment. The Company utilizes case level reviews by inside and outside counsel, an internal actuarial analysis by Oliver Wyman Group, a subsidiary of the Company, and other methods to estimate potential losses. The liability is reviewed quarterly and adjusted based on claims developments. In many cases, the Company has not recorded a liability, other than for legal fees to defend the claim, because the Company is unable, at present time, to make a determination that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable. Given the unpredictability of E&O claims and of litigation that could arise from such claims, it is possible that an adverse outcome in a particular matter could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s businesses, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows in a given quarterly or annual period.

In addition, to the extent that insurance coverage is available, significant management judgment is required to determine the amount of recoveries that are probable of collection under the Company’s various insurance programs.

Retirement Benefits

The Company maintains qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and defined contribution plans for its eligible U.S. employees and a variety of defined benefit and defined contribution plans for its eligible non-U.S. employees. The Company’s policy for funding its tax-qualified defined benefit retirement plans is to contribute amounts at least sufficient to meet the funding requirements set forth in the U.S. and applicable foreign laws.

The Company recognizes the funded status of its over-funded defined benefit pension and retiree medical plans as a net benefit plan asset and its unfunded and underfunded plans as a net benefit plan liability. The gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that have not been recognized as components of net benefit (credit) cost are recorded as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI"), net of tax, in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The gains and losses that exceed specified corridors in accordance with accounting guidance, of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets, are amortized prospectively out of AOCI over a period that approximates the remaining life expectancy of participants in plans where substantially all participants are inactive or the average remaining service period of active participants for plans with active participants. The vast majority of unrecognized losses relate to inactive plans and are amortized over the remaining life expectancy of the participants.

The determination of net periodic benefit (credit) cost is based on a number of assumptions, including an expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate, mortality and assumed rate of salary increase. The assumptions used in the calculation of net periodic benefit (credit) cost and pension liabilities are disclosed in Note 8, Retirement Benefits, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

The long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption is determined for each plan based on the facts and circumstances that exist as of the measurement date, and the specific portfolio mix of each plan’s assets. The Company utilizes a model developed by Mercer, a subsidiary of the Company, to assist in the determination of this assumption. The model takes into account several factors, including: actual and target portfolio allocation, investment, administrative and trading expenses incurred directly by the plan trust, historical portfolio performance, relevant forward-looking economic analysis, and expected returns, variances and correlations for different asset classes. These measures are used to determine probabilities using standard statistical techniques to calculate a range of expected returns on the portfolio.

The target asset allocation for the U.S. plans is 50% equities and equity alternatives and 50% fixed income. At the end of 2024, the actual allocation for the U.S. plans was 51% equities and equity alternatives and 49% fixed income. The target asset allocation for the U.K. plans, which comprise approximately 78% of non-U.S. plan assets, is 12% equities and equity alternatives and 88% fixed income. At the end of 2024, the actual allocation for the U.K. plans was 12% equities and equity alternatives and 88% fixed income.

The discount rate selected for each U.S. plan is based on a model bond portfolio with coupons and redemptions that closely match the expected liability cash flows from the plan. Discount rates for non-U.S. plans are based on appropriate bond indices adjusted for duration. In the U.K., the plan duration is reflected using the Mercer yield curve.

The following table shows the weighted average assumed rate of return and the discount rate at the December 31, 2024 measurement date used to measure pension expense in 2025 for the total Company, the U.S. and the Rest of World ("ROW").

Holding all other assumptions constant, a 0.5 percentage point change in the rate of return on plan assets and discount rate assumptions would affect net periodic benefit (credit) cost for the U.S. and U.K. plans, which together comprise approximately 83% of total pension plan liabilities, as follows:

(In millions)

The impact of discount rate changes relates to the increase or decrease in actuarial gains or losses being amortized through net periodic benefit (credit) cost, as well as the increase or decrease in interest expense, with all other facts and assumptions held constant. It does not contemplate nor include potential future impacts a change in the interest rate environment and discount rates might cause, such as the impact on the market value of the plans’ assets. In addition, the assumed return on plan assets would likely be impacted by changes in the interest rate environment and other factors, including equity valuations, since these factors reflect the starting point used in the Company’s projection models. For example, a reduction in interest rates may result in a reduction in the assumed return on plan assets. Changing the discount rate and leaving the other assumptions constant, may also not be representative of the impact on expense, because the long-term rates of inflation and salary increases are often correlated with the discount rate. Changes in these assumptions will not necessarily have a linear impact on the net periodic benefit (credit) cost.

The Company contributes to certain health care and life insurance benefits provided to its retired employees. The cost of these post-retirement benefits for employees in the U.S. is accrued during the period up to the date employees are eligible to retire but is funded by the Company as incurred. The key assumptions and sensitivity to changes in the assumed health care cost trend rate are discussed in Note 8, Retirement Benefits, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes

Significant judgment is required in determining the annual effective tax rate and in evaluating uncertain tax positions. The Company reports a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process:

• First, the Company determines whether it is more-likely-than-not a tax position will be sustained upon tax examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based on only the technical merits of the position. If a tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the benefit of that position is not recognized in the financial statements.
• The second step is measurement. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate resolution with a taxing authority. Uncertain tax positions are evaluated based upon the facts and circumstances that exist at each reporting period and involve significant management judgment. Subsequent changes in judgment based upon new information may lead to changes in recognition, de-recognition, and measurement. Adjustments may result, for example, upon resolution of an issue with the taxing authorities, or expiration of a statute of limitations barring an assessment for an issue.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The Company’s accounting policy follows the portfolio approach that leaves stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Certain items are included in the Company's tax returns at different times than the items are reflected in the financial statements. As a result, the annual tax expense reflected in the consolidated statements of income is different than that reported in the tax returns. Some of these differences are permanent, such as non-deductible expenses, and some differences are temporary and reverse over time, such as depreciation expense.

Temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be settled or realized. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized in the financial statements for which cash tax payments have been deferred, or expense for which a deduction has been taken already in the tax return but the expense has not yet been recognized in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in tax returns in future years for which a benefit has already been recorded in the financial statements.

The Company evaluates all significant available positive and negative evidence, including the existence of losses in recent years and its forecast of future taxable income by jurisdiction, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. The Company also considers tax planning strategies that would result in realization of deferred tax assets, and the presence of taxable income in prior period tax filings in jurisdictions that allow for the carry back of tax attributes pursuant to the applicable tax law. The underlying assumptions the Company uses in forecasting future taxable income require significant judgment and take into account the Company's recent performance. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences or carry-forwards are deductible or creditable. Valuation allowances are established for deferred tax assets when it is estimated that it is more-likely-than-not that future taxable income will be insufficient to fully use a deduction or credit in that jurisdiction.

Fair Value Determinations

Goodwill Impairment Testing – The Company is required to assess goodwill and any indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. The Company performs the annual impairment assessment for each of its reporting units during the third quarter of each year. The reporting unit level is defined as the same level as the Company's operating segments. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, a company can assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. Alternatively, the Company may elect to proceed directly to the quantitative goodwill impairment test.

In 2024, the Company performed a qualitative impairment assessment. As part of its assessment, the Company considered numerous factors, including:

• that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeds its carrying value by a substantial margin based on its most recent quantitative assessment in 2023;
• whether significant acquisitions or dispositions occurred which might alter the fair value of its reporting units;
• macroeconomic conditions and their potential impact on reporting unit fair values;
• actual performance compared with budget and prior projections used in its estimation of reporting unit fair values;
• industry and market conditions; and
• the year-over-year change in the Company’s share price.

The Company completed its qualitative assessment in the third quarter of 2024, updated for significant considerations at year-end, and concluded that goodwill was not impaired.

Purchase Price Allocation

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including contingent consideration, as part of a business acquisition are generally recorded at their fair value at the date of acquisition. The excess of purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Determining fair value of identifiable assets, particularly intangibles, and liabilities acquired also requires management to make estimates, which are based on all available information and in some cases assumptions with respect to the timing and amount of future revenues and expenses associated with an asset. These estimates directly impact the amount of identified intangible assets recognized and the related amortization expense in future periods.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements contains a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies, including a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact or potential future impact on the Company’s financial results, if determinable, under the sub-heading "New Accounting Pronouncements."

Market Risk and Credit Risk

Certain of the Company’s revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and equity markets.

Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk

Interest income generated from the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and cash and cash equivalents held in a fiduciary capacity will vary with the general level of interest rates.

The Company had the following investments subject to variable interest rates:

(In millions)

Based on the above balances at December 31, 2024, if short-term interest rates increased or decreased by 10%, or 41 basis points for the year 2025, annual interest income, including interest earned on cash and cash equivalents held in a fiduciary capacity, would increase or decrease by approximately $56 million. At December 31, 2023, a change in short-term interest rates of 10%, or 47 basis points, would have increased or decreased interest income by approximately $66 million. The change in interest rate risk at December 31, 2024 is due to lower interest rates compared to the prior year.

Changes in interest rates can also affect the discount rate and assumed rate of return on plan assets, two of the assumptions among several others used to measure net periodic pension cost. The assumptions used to measure plan assets and liabilities are typically assessed at the end of each year, and determine the expense for the subsequent year. Assumptions used to determine net periodic cost for 2025 are discussed in Note 8, Retirement Benefits, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. For a discussion on pension expense sensitivity to changes in these rates, see the "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Management’s Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates - Retirement Benefits" section included in this report.

In addition to interest rate risk, our cash investments and fiduciary cash investments are subject to potential loss of value due to counter-party credit risk. To minimize this risk, the Company and its subsidiaries invest pursuant to a Board-approved investment policy. The policy mandates the preservation of principal and liquidity and requires broad diversification with counter-party limits assigned based primarily on credit rating and type of investment. The Company carefully monitors its cash, cash equivalents, and cash and cash equivalents held in a fiduciary capacity, and will further restrict the portfolio as appropriate to market conditions. The majority of cash, cash equivalents and cash and cash equivalents held in a fiduciary capacity are invested in short-term bank deposits and liquid money market funds.

Foreign Currency Risk

The translated values of revenue and expense from the Company’s international operations are subject to fluctuations due to changes in currency exchange rates. The non-U.S. based revenue that is exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations is approximately 52% of total revenue. We periodically use forward contracts and options to limit foreign currency exchange rate exposure on net income and cash flows for specific, clearly defined transactions arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the Company has significant revenue generated in foreign locations which is subject to foreign exchange rate fluctuations, in most cases both the foreign currency revenue and expense are in the functional currency of the foreign location. As such, under normal circumstances, the U.S. dollar translation of both the revenue and expense, as well as the potentially offsetting movements of various currencies against the U.S. dollar, generally tend to mitigate the impact on net operating income of foreign currency risk.

However, there have been periods where the impact was not mitigated due to external market factors, and external macroeconomic events may result in greater foreign exchange rate fluctuations in the future. If foreign exchange rates of major currencies (Euro, British Pound, Australian dollar and Canadian dollar) moved 10% in the same direction against the U.S. dollar compared with the foreign exchange rates in 2024, the Company estimates net operating income would increase or decrease by approximately $93 million. The corresponding increase or decrease in net operating income in 2023 was estimated at $80 million.

The Company has exposure to approximately 80 foreign currencies overall. In Continental Europe, the largest amount of revenue from renewals for the Risk and Insurance Services segment occurs in the first quarter.

Equity Price Risk

The Company holds investments in both public and private companies as well as private equity funds, including investments of approximately $19 million that are valued using readily determinable fair values and approximately $16 million of investments without readily determinable fair values. The Company also has investments of approximately $257 million that are accounted for using the equity method. The Company's investments are subject to risk of decline in market value, which, if determined to be other than temporary, could result in realized impairment losses. The Company periodically reviews the carrying value of such investments to determine if any valuation adjustments are appropriate under the applicable accounting pronouncements.

Other

A number of lawsuits and regulatory proceedings are pending. Refer to Note 16, Claims, Lawsuits and Other Contingencies, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Based on their evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

(a) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures relating to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; the recording of all necessary transactions to permit the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; the proper authorization of receipts and expenditures in accordance with authorizations of the Company’s management and directors; and the prevention or timely detection of the unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers. In making this evaluation, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued in 2013. Based on its evaluation, management determined that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024.

As allowed by SEC guidance, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting at McGriff, which was acquired on November 15, 2024. McGriff accounted for approximately 2% of the Company’s total assets as of December 31, 2024 and McGriff’s revenue from the acquisition date through December 31, 2024 comprised 0.6% of the Company’s consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm that audited and reported on the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K, also issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024.

(b) Audit Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024, of the Company and our report dated February 10, 2025, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

As described in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting at McGriff Insurance Services (“McGriff”), which was acquired on November 15, 2024, and whose financial statements constitute approximately 2% of total assets and 0.6% of total revenue of the Company’s consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at McGriff.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

New York, New York

February 10, 2025

(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rules 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.