Willis Group Holdings Limited (WSH) reported fourth quarter earnings of 47 cents per share. Results were just a cent short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 48 cents. Most of the items were in line with our expectations.   However, results were up compared with the prior-year period’s earnings of 37 cents (or 36 cents on an adjusted basis), primarily reflecting the growth in organic business, the merger synergies from the Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company acquisition and the benefits from the expense saving initiatives.   Net earnings for the reported quarter from continuing operations increased to $79 million from $61 million in the year-earlier quarter. For full year 2009, the company reported net earnings of $436 million or $2.58 per share from continuing operations, compared with $302 million or $2.04 per share in 2008.   For the reported quarter, revenues were up 4% year-over-year to $824 million.

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Willis Group Holdings Limited (WSH) reported third-quarter earnings of 46 cents per share. Excluding certain items, adjusted earnings were 53 cents. Results were significantly ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 38 cents. Results were also far ahead of the prior-year period’s earnings of 25 cents and adjusted earnings of 32 cents. Results reflected strong contribution from the Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company (HRH) acquisition. Also, on an organic basis, Willis reported decent growth in International and Global operations, though it was partly offset by a fall in organic commissions and fees in North America. The company continues to experience the benefits from its “Shaping Our Future" initiatives and strong client retention in the midst of a soft market. These positives offset the reduction in investment income and increased expenses. Net earnings from continuing operations increased to $78 million or 46 cents per share from ...

Willis North America Inc., a subsidiary of Willis Group Holdings Limited (WSH)  has priced its $300 million worth of senior unsecured notes due 2019 at 7.0%. The notes which are guaranteed by Willis Group Holdings carry ratings of Baa3 of Moody’s and BBB- of S&P.  Bank of America (BAC) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM) were the joint book running managers for the sale. Willis intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to purchase any and all of Willis North America's outstanding 5.125% senior notes due 2010 that are tendered and accepted in a separate offering. Any remaining proceeds will then be used for general corporate purposes.  Willis Group Holdings’ second-quarter profit of 52 cents per share was just a penny ahead of Zacks Consensus Estimate. Results reflected growth in Global operations (7% organic growth) and International (5%), partly offset by a fall in ...

Many investors use a trading technique called 'Buying Dividends,' which is the technique of buying stocks before the ex dividend date and selling the stock shortly after the ex date at approximately the same price, yet being entitled to the dividend. This generally works only in rising markets.If you are interested in buying dividends, there are several stocks in several different sectors and industries to choose from. Remember that, in order to be entitled to the dividend, you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date, and you can't sell the stock until after the ex date. The actual dividend may not be paid for another month.All of the following stocks have market caps over $500 million, PEs below 20, PEGs below 2, and yields over 3%. Regions Financial Corporation (RF) Ex-div date: 9/15/2008 Yield: 3.6% PE: 7 PEG 1.32 ....