- Total Revenue grew 7% to $1.9 billion with Organic Revenue growth of 2%
- EPS from Continuing Operations increased 10% to $0.56
Highlights
- EPS from continuing operations, excluding certain items, increased 25%
to $0.71
- Total pretax margin was 13.3% and the adjusted pretax margin, excluding
certain items, increased 180 basis points to 16.8%
- Brokerage pretax margin was 15.3% and the adjusted pretax margin,
excluding certain items, increased 100 basis points to 19.5%
- Consulting pretax margin was 18.4% and the adjusted pretax margin,
excluding certain items, increased 430 basis points to 19.2%
- Repurchased $860 million or 19.8 million shares of common stock
year-to-date
- Recently completed sales of Combined Insurance Company of America (CICA)
and Sterling Life Insurance, generating $2.7 billion of after-tax
proceeds
CHICAGO, May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC) today reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008.
Net income increased 2% to $218 million or $0.68 per share, compared to $213 million or $0.66 per share for the prior year quarter. Net income from continuing operations increased 8% to $179 million or $0.56 per share, compared to $165 million or $0.51 per share for the prior year quarter. Certain items that impacted first quarter results and comparisons with the prior year quarter are detailed in the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures on page 10 of this press release. Net income from continuing operations per share, excluding certain items, increased 25% to $0.71 compared to $0.57 for the prior year quarter.
"Our first quarter results demonstrate continued progress and momentum in each of our three key operating metrics despite soft market conditions globally. Organic revenue growth was two percent in our brokerage segment and four percent in consulting services, adjusted pretax margin increased 180 basis points with significant improvement in our consulting business, and adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations increased 25 percent," said Greg Case, president and chief executive officer, Aon Corporation. "We continue to take steps to solidify our position as the leading risk advice and human capital solutions provider. During the quarter, we continued to invest significantly in areas such as construction, environmental and integrated capital solutions in reinsurance. We recently completed the sales of our more capital-intensive insurance underwriting businesses. And, our balance sheet remains strong, even as we have repurchased $860 million of our common stock year-to-date. These actions demonstrate continued belief in the underlying strength of Aon and our ongoing commitment to creating long-term value for our shareholders."
FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Total revenue increased 7% to $1.9 billion with organic revenue growth of 2%. Total operating expenses increased 8% or $124 million to $1.6 billion, including an $82 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.
Restructuring expense was $60 million in the first quarter compared to $9 million in the prior year quarter. An analysis of restructuring-related expenses by segment and type for the 2007 restructuring program is detailed on page 11 of this release.
Restructuring savings in the first quarter related to the 2005 restructuring program are estimated at $67 million compared to $45 million in the prior year quarter. Of the estimated restructuring savings in the first quarter, $57 million were related to the Brokerage segment, primarily for workforce reduction. The 2005 restructuring program resulted in cumulative cost savings of approximately $225 million in 2007 and is on track to achieve $270 million of cumulative cost savings in 2008.
The Company did not recognize any material savings related to the 2007 restructuring program. Before any potential reinvestment of savings, the 2007 restructuring program is expected to result in cumulative cost savings of approximately $50-70 million in 2008, $175-200 million in 2009 and $240 million in 2010, consistent with previous estimates.
Foreign currency translation increased net income by approximately $0.08 per share compared to the prior year quarter due primarily to a weaker U.S. dollar versus the Euro.
Effective tax rate on continuing operations was 30.1% for the first quarter compared to 31.3% for the prior year quarter. The rate in both quarters was impacted favorably by the resolution of prior year tax issues. As a result of projected 2008 geographic distribution of income and the benefit of significant statutory rate reductions in key operating jurisdictions, the Company currently anticipates that the recurring tax rate on continuing operations will be approximately 30.5% for 2008.
Diluted average shares outstanding declined to 320 million in the first quarter compared to 324 million in the prior year quarter, due primarily to the Company's share repurchase program. During the first quarter, the Company repurchased 8.9 million shares of common stock for $375 million, at an average price of $42.19 per share. Subsequent to close of the quarter, the Company repurchased an additional 10.9 million shares, or $485 million, at an average price of $44.46 per share. As of May 1, the Company had approximately $1.9 billion of remaining share repurchase authorization.
Discontinued Operations after-tax income was $39 million or $0.12 per share compared to $48 million or $0.15 per share for the prior year quarter. Discontinued operations include the results of CICA and Sterling Life Insurance.
FIRST QUARTER SEGMENT REVIEW
Certain noteworthy items impacted revenue, pretax income and pretax margins in the first quarter of 2008 and 2007. The first quarter segment reviews provided below include supplemental information related to adjusted pretax income and pretax margin which is described in detail on the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures -- Segments and Diluted Earnings Per Share" on page 10 of this press release.
RISK AND INSURANCE BROKERAGE SERVICES
Less:
(millions) First Quarter Acquisi-
Ended tions,
-------------- Less: Divest-
Mar Mar Curr- itures, Less: Organic
31, 31, % ency Trans- All Revenue
Revenue 2008 2007 Change Impact fers Other Growth
--------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Americas $531 $519 2% 2% -% (1)% 1%
U.K. 161 156 3 3 2 (1) (1)
EMEA 525 434 21 13 1 2 5
Asia Pacific 110 100 10 11 (1) (3) 3
Reinsurance 264 247 7 6 - - 1
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total $1,591 $1,456 9% 7% -% -% 2%
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services revenue increased 9% compared to the prior year quarter with organic revenue growth of 2%. Americas organic revenue increased 1% reflecting strong growth in Latin America, partially offset by soft market conditions and a slowdown in private equity and commercial construction activity in U.S. retail. U.K. organic revenue declined 1% due primarily to soft market conditions. EMEA organic revenue increased 5% due to solid growth in continental Europe and strong growth in emerging markets. Asia Pacific organic revenue increased 3% reflecting solid growth in most Asian markets, partially offset by soft market conditions in Australia and the impact of certain regulatory changes in Japan. Reinsurance organic revenue increased 1% due primarily to growth in global facultative and treaty placements, partially offset by soft market conditions and higher cedent retentions.
First Quarter Ended
-------------------------
(millions) Mar 31, Mar 31, %
2008 2007 Change
---------- ---------- ----------
Revenue $1,591 $1,456 9%
Expenses
Compensation and benefits 951 840 13
Other expenses 400 374 7
---------- ---------- ----------
Total operating expenses 1,351 1,214 11
Operating income $240 $242 (1)%
Other (income) expense (4) - N/A
---------- ---------- ----------
Pretax income $244 $242 1%
========== ========== ==========
Pretax margin 15.3% 16.6%
Pretax income - adjusted $310 $270 15%
Pretax margin - adjusted 19.5% 18.5%
Compensation and benefits for the first quarter increased 13% or $111 million from the prior year quarter including a $49 million increase in restructuring costs, $48 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation and investments in key talent, partially offset by benefits related to the 2005 restructuring program. Other expenses increased 7% or $26 million compared to the prior year quarter including a $20 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation and $14 million for the previously disclosed reviews under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and similar laws in other countries, and for related compliance initiatives. The prior year quarter included an unfavorable impact of $21 million related to settlement of litigation in Reinsurance.
First quarter pretax income increased 1% to $244 million. Adjusting for certain items detailed on page 10 of this press release, pretax income increased 15% to $310 million and pretax margin increased 100 basis points to 19.5% versus the prior year quarter.
CONSULTING
Less:
(millions) First Quarter Acquisi-
Ended tions,
------------- Less: Divest-
Mar Mar Curr- itures, Less: Organic
31, 31, % ency Trans- All Revenue
Revenue 2008 2007 Change Impact fers Other Growth
--------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Services $289 $264 9% 5% -% -% 4%
Outsourcing 54 65 (17) 3 (2) (1) (17)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total $343 $329 4% 5% -% (1)% -%
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Consulting revenue increased 4% to $343 million compared to the prior year quarter. Organic revenue in Consulting Services increased 4% due primarily to growth in retirement and health and benefits consulting. Organic revenue in Outsourcing decreased 17% due primarily to the previously announced termination of a significant outsourcing contract.
First Quarter Ended
---------------------
(millions) Mar 31, Mar 31, %
2008 2007 Change
-------- -------- --------
Revenue $343 $329 4%
Expenses
Compensation and benefits 201 197 2
Other expenses 79 85 (7)
-------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses 280 282 (1)
Operating income $63 $47 34%
Other (income) expense - - -
-------- -------- --------
Pretax income $63 $47 34%
======== ======== ========
Pretax margin 18.4% 14.3%
Pretax income - adjusted $66 $49 35%
Pretax margin - adjusted 19.2% 14.9%
Total operating expenses declined 1% versus the prior year quarter as benefits related to the 2005 restructuring program and other operational improvements were primarily offset by a $12 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.
First quarter pretax income increased 34% to $63 million and the pretax margin increased 410 basis points to 18.4% versus the prior year quarter. Adjusting for certain items detailed on page 10, pretax income increased 35% to $66 million and the pretax margin increased 430 basis points to 19.2%.
UNALLOCATED INCOME AND EXPENSE
First Quarter Ended
---------------------
(millions) Mar 31, Mar 31, %
2008 2007 Change
-------- -------- --------
Operating segment income
before tax $307 $289 6%
Property & Casualty operations (2) (2) -
Unallocated investment income 5 22 (77)
Unallocated expenses (21) (34) (38)
Interest expense (33) (35) (6)
-------- -------- --------
Income from continuing
operations before tax $256 $240 7%
======== ======== ========
Property & Casualty loss was similar to the prior year at $2 million. All property & casualty business was placed into run-off in the fourth quarter 2006.
Unallocated investment income for the first quarter decreased $17 million to $5 million compared to the prior year quarter. Included in unallocated investment income was $2 million from holdings in certain private equity investments compared to $13 million in the prior year quarter. Unallocated expenses decreased $13 million to $21 million versus the prior year quarter. The prior year quarter included accounting and legal expenses related to the review of historical equity compensation practices. Interest expense decreased $2 million to $33 million.
Conference Call and Webcast Details
The Company will host a conference call on Friday, May 2, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. central time. Interested parties can listen to the conference call via a live audio webcast at http://www.aon.com.
About Aon
Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC) is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, human capital and management consulting. Through its 36,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon readily delivers distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Our industry-leading global resources, technical expertise and industry knowledge are delivered locally through more than 500 offices in more than 120 countries. Aon was named the world's "best broker" by Euromoney magazine's 2008 Insurance Survey. Aon also was ranked by A.M. Best as the number one global insurance brokerage in 2007 based on brokerage revenues, and voted best insurance intermediary, best reinsurance intermediary, and best employee benefits consulting firm in 2007 by the readers of Business Insurance. For more information on Aon, log onto http://www.aon.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains certain statements related to future results, or states our intentions, beliefs and expectations or predictions for the future which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from either historical or anticipated results depending on a variety of factors. Potential factors that could impact results include: general economic conditions in different countries in which we do business around the world, changes in global equity and fixed income markets that could affect the return on invested assets, fluctuations in exchange and interest rates that could influence revenue and expense, rating agency actions that could affect our ability to borrow funds, funding of our various pension plans, changes in the competitive environment, our ability to implement restructuring initiatives and other initiatives intended to yield cost savings, changes in commercial property and casualty markets and commercial premium rates that could impact revenues, the outcome of inquiries from regulators and investigations related to compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and non-U.S. anti-corruption laws, the impact of investigations brought by U.S. state attorneys general, U.S. state insurance regulators, U.S. federal prosecutors, U.S. federal regulators, and regulatory authorities in the U.K. and other countries, the impact of class actions and individual lawsuits including client class actions, securities class actions, derivative actions, ERISA class actions, and the cost of resolution of other contingent liabilities and loss contingencies. Further information concerning the Company and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect the Company's financial results, is contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Investor Contact:
Scott Malchow
Vice President, Investor Relations
312-381-3983
Media Contact:
David Prosperi
Vice President, Global Public Relations
312-381-2485
Aon Corporation
Consolidated Summary First Quarter Ended
of Operations (Unaudited) --------------------------------
Mar. 31, Mar. 31, Percent
(millions except per share data) 2008 2007 Change
--------- --------- ---------
Revenue
----------
Commissions, fees and other $1,873 $1,729 8 %
Investment income 59 69 (14)
--------- --------- ---------
Total revenue 1,932 1,798 7
--------- --------- ---------
Expenses
----------
Compensation and benefits 1,166 1,053 11
Other general expenses 431 423 2
Depreciation and amortization 50 47 6
--------- --------- ---------
Total operating expenses 1,647 1,523 8
--------- --------- ---------
Operating income 285 275 4
Interest expense 33 35 (6)
Other (income) and expense (4) - N/A
--------- --------- ---------
Income from continuing operations
before provision for income tax 256 240 7
Provision for income tax (1) 77 75 3
--------- --------- ---------
Income from continuing operations 179 165 8
Discontinued operations
Income from discontinued operations 63 73 (14)
Provision for income tax (2) 24 25 (4)
--------- --------- ---------
Income from discontinued operations 39 48 (19)
--------- --------- ---------
Net income $218 $213 2 %
========= ========= =========
Basic net income per share:
Continuing operations $0.59 $0.55 7 %
Discontinued operations 0.13 0.16 (19)
--------- --------- ---------
Net income $0.72 $0.71 1 %
========= ========= =========
Diluted net income per share:
Continuing operations $0.56 $0.51 10 %
Discontinued operations 0.12 0.15 (20)
--------- --------- ---------
Net income $0.68 $0.66 3 %
========= ========= =========
Diluted average common and common
equivalent shares outstanding 319.8 324.4 (1)%
========= ========= =========
(1) Tax rate from continuing operations is 30.1% and 31.3% for the first
quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(2) Tax rate from discontinued operations is 38.1% and 34.2% for the first
quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Aon Corporation
Revenue from Continuing
Operations (Unaudited)
First Quarter Ended
-------------------------------------------------------
Less:
Acquisi-
tions,
Divest-
Less: itures Less: Organic
Mar. Mar. Perc- Curr- & All Revenue
(millions) 31, 31, ent ency Trans- Other Growth
2008 2007 Change Impact fers (1) (2)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Revenue
-------
Risk and
Insurance
Brokerage
Services:
Americas $531 $519 2 % 2 % - % (1)% 1 %
United Kingdom 161 156 3 3 2 (1) (1)
Europe,
Middle East
& Africa 525 434 21 13 1 2 5
Asia Pacific 110 100 10 11 (1) (3) 3
Reinsurance
brokerage
and related
services 264 247 7 6 - - 1
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total Risk and
Insurance
Brokerage
Services 1,591 1,456 9 7 - - 2
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Consulting:
Consulting
services 289 264 9 5 - - 4
Outsourcing 54 65 (17) 3 (2) (1) (17)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total Consulting 343 329 4 5 - (1) -
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Unallocated
revenue 7 23 (70) N/A N/A N/A N/A
Intersegment
revenues (9) (10) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total $1,932 $1,798 7 % 6 % - % (1)% 2 %
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
(1) Includes the impact of investment income, reimbursable expenses and
unusual items.
(2) Organic revenue growth excludes the impact of foreign exchange,
acquisitions, divestitures, transfers and items described in (1).
Aon Corporation - Segments (Unaudited)
Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services - Continuing Operations
--------------------------------------------------------------
First Quarter Ended
------------------------------
Mar. 31, Mar. 31, Percent
(millions) 2008 2007 Change
-------- -------- --------
Revenue
---------
Commissions, fees and other $1,540 $1,411 9 %
Investment income 51 45 13
-------- -------- --------
Total revenue 1,591 1,456 9
-------- -------- --------
Expenses
---------
Compensation and benefits 951 840 13
Other general expenses 400 374 7
-------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses 1,351 1,214 11
-------- -------- --------
Operating income 240 242 (1)
Other (income) and expense (4) - N/A
-------- -------- --------
Income before provision for income
tax $244 $242 1 %
======== ======== ========
Pretax income margin 15.3% 16.6%
Consulting - Continuing Operations First Quarter Ended
---------------------------------- ------------------------------
Mar. 31, Mar. 31, Percent
(millions) 2008 2007 Change
-------- -------- --------
Revenue
---------
Commissions, fees and other $342 $328 4 %
Investment income 1 1 -
-------- -------- --------
Total revenue 343 329 4
-------- -------- --------
Expenses
---------
Compensation and benefits 201 197 2
Other general expenses 79 85 (7)
-------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses 280 282 (1)
-------- -------- --------
Operating income 63 47 34
Other (income) and expense - - -
-------- -------- --------
Income before provision for income
tax $63 $47 34 %
======== ======== ========
Pretax income margin 18.4% 14.3%
Reconciliation of segment income before
provision for income tax to income
from continuing operations before
provision for income tax:
First Quarter Ended
-------------------------------
Mar. 31, Mar. 31, Percent
(millions) 2008 2007 Change
-------- -------- --------
Segment pre-tax income
Risk and Insurance Brokerage
Services $244 $242 1 %
Consulting 63 47 34
-------- -------- --------
Total segment income
before provision for
income tax 307 289 6
Property & Casualty operations (2) (2) -
Unallocated investment income 5 22 (77)
Unallocated expenses (21) (34) (38)
Interest expense (33) (35) (6)
-------- -------- --------
Income from continuing operations
before provision for income tax $256 $240 7 %
======== ======== ========
Pretax income margin 13.3% 13.3%
Aon Corporation
Reconciliation of the Impact of Non-GAAP Measures on Segments and Diluted
Earnings Per Share
First Quarter Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 (1) (Unaudited)
First Quarter Ended March 31, 2008
------------------------------------
Risk
and
Insur-
ance
Broke- Unallocated
rage Income
(millions except per share data) Serv- Consu- &
ices lting Expense Total
-------- -------- -------- --------
Revenue as reported $1,591 $343 $(2) $1,932
======== ======== ======== ========
Income (loss) from continuing
operations - as reported $244 $63 $(51) $256
Restructuring charges 57 3 - 60
Anti-bribery and compliance
initiatives 14 - - 14
Gain on sale of land (5) - - (5)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before provision for
income tax - as adjusted $310 $66 $(51) 325
======== ======== ========
Provision for income taxes 98
--------
Income from continuing operations - as
adjusted $227
========
Diluted earnings per share from
continuing operations - as adjusted $0.71
========
Diluted average common and common
equivalent shares outstanding 319.8
========
Pretax income margins - as adjusted 19.5% 19.2% N/A 16.8%
======== ======== ======== ========
First Quarter Ended March 31, 2007
------------------------------------
Risk
and
Insur-
ance
Broke- Unallocated
rage Income
(millions except per share data) Serv- Consu- &
ices lting Expense Total
-------- -------- -------- --------
Revenue as reported $1,456 $329 $13 $1,798
======== ======== ======== ========
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before provision for
income tax - as reported $242 $47 $(49) $240
Restructuring charges 7 2 - 9
Reinsurance litigation 21 - - 21
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before provision for
income tax - as adjusted $270 $49 $(49) 270
======== ======== ========
Provision for income taxes 85
--------
Income from continuing operations - as
adjusted $185
========
Diluted earnings per share from
continuing operations - as adjusted $0.57
========
Diluted average common and common
equivalent shares outstanding 324.4
========
Pretax income margins - as adjusted 18.5% 14.9% N/A 15.0%
======== ======== ======== ========
(1) Certain noteworthy items impacting revenue and pretax income in 2008
and 2007 are described in this schedule. The revenue, income (loss)
from continuing operations before provision for income tax, diluted
earnings per share from continuing operations and related margins
shown with the caption "as adjusted" are non-GAAP measures.
Aon Corporation
2007 Restructuring Plan (Unaudited)
By Type: Actual Estimated
--------------------------- ---------
First Total
Full Year Quarter Incurred
(millions) 2007 2008 to Date Total
--------------------------- ---------
Workforce reduction (Compensation and
benefits) $17 $51 $68 $205
Lease consolidation (Other general
expenses) 22 5 27 89
Asset impairments (Depreciation and
amortization) 4 2 6 47
Other costs associated with
restructuring (Other general expenses) 3 2 5 19
--------------------------- ---------
Total restructuring and related
expenses $46 $60 $106 $360
=========================== =========
By Segment: Actual Estimated
--------------------------- ---------
First Total
Full Year Quarter Incurred
(millions) 2007 2008 to Date Total
--------------------------- ---------
Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services $41 $57 $98 $315
Consulting 5 3 8 45
--------------------------- ---------
Total restructuring and related
expenses $46 $60 $106 $360
=========================== =========
Aon Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
As of
-------------------------
(millions) Mar. 31, Dec. 31,
2008 2007 (2)
---------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash $452 $584
Short-term investments 771 1,209
Receivables 1,938 2,002
Net fiduciary assets (1) 11,189 9,498
Other current assets 223 292
Assets held for sale 4,446 4,388
----------- -----------
Total Current Assets 19,019 17,973
Goodwill 5,175 4,935
Other intangible assets 239 204
Fixed assets, net 507 498
Long-term investments 416 417
Other non-current assets 1,151 921
----------- -----------
TOTAL ASSETS $26,507 $24,948
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Net fiduciary liabilities $11,189 $9,498
Short-term debt 84 252
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,206 1,418
Other current liabilities 286 360
Liabilities held for sale 2,978 3,025
----------- -----------
Total Current Liabilities 15,743 14,553
Long-term debt 1,995 1,893
Pension, post employment and post
retirement liabilities 1,288 1,251
Other non-current liabilities 1,029 1,030
----------- -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 20,055 18,727
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 6,452 6,221
----------- -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $26,507 $24,948
=========== ===========
(1) Includes short-term investments: 2008 - $3,751; 2007 - $3,122.
(2) Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2008
presentation.
SOURCE
Aon Corporation
CONTACT:
Investors, Scott Malchow, Vice President, Investor Relations, +1-312-381-3983, or Media, David Prosperi, Vice President, Global Public Relations, +1-312-381-2485, both of Aon Corporation
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