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Aon Reports First Quarter 2019 Results

LONDON, April 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- 

First Quarter Key Metrics From Continuing Operations

  • Total revenue increased 2% to $3.1 billion, with organic revenue growth of 6%
  • Operating margin increased 180 basis points to 27.7%, and operating margin, adjusted for certain items, increased 190 basis points to 33.7%
  • EPS increased 15% to $2.70, and EPS, adjusted for certain items, increased 11% to $3.31
  • For the first three months of 2019, cash flow from operations decreased 47% to $74 million, and free cash flow decreased 82% to $17 million

First Quarter Highlights

  • Repurchased 0.6 million Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $100 million
  • Subsequent to the close of the quarter, announced a 10% increase to the quarterly cash dividend
  • Aon's New Ventures Group announced the formal sponsorship of the firm's Intellectual Property Solutions to accelerate industry-leading innovation and scale our internal capabilities with greater speed to market

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) today reported results for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Net income from continuing operations attributable to Aon shareholders was $659 million, or $2.70 per share, compared to $588 million, or $2.35 per share, in the prior year period. Net income per share from continuing operations attributable to Aon shareholders, adjusted for certain items, increased 11% to $3.31, including an unfavorable impact of $0.13 per share if the company were to translate prior year period results at current period foreign exchange rates ("foreign currency translation"), compared to $2.97 in the prior year period. Certain items that impacted first quarter results and comparisons with the prior year period are detailed in the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income from Continuing Operations and Diluted Earnings Per Share" on page 10 of this press release.

"Our results reflect increasing strength from our Aon United initiatives, as highlighted by strong organic revenue growth of 6%, substantial operating margin improvement of +190 basis points, and double-digit earnings per share growth for the first quarter," said Greg Case, Chief Executive Officer. "More important, we continue to strengthen our firm through investments in industry-defining content and capability, while increasing our relevance to clients, delivering strong financial results and unlocking significant shareholder value creation through double-digit free cash flow growth over the long-term."

FIRST QUARTER 2019 FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The first quarter 2019 financial results discussed herein represent performance from continuing operations unless otherwise noted.

Total revenue in the first quarter increased 2% to $3.1 billion compared to the prior year period driven by 6% organic revenue growth, partially offset by a 4% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Total operating expenses in the first quarter decreased 1% to $2.3 billion compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $93 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation, $45 million of incremental savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives, and a $21 million decrease in expenses related to divestitures, net of acquisitions, partially offset by a $17 million increase in restructuring charges and an increase in expenses associated with 6% organic revenue growth.

Restructuring expenses were $91 million in the first quarter, primarily driven by other costs associated with restructuring and separation initiatives and workforce reductions. As previously announced, the Company expects to invest $1,125 million in total cash over the three-year period, which will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2019. In addition, the Company expects to incur approximately $100 million of non-cash charges associated with the program. To date, the Company has incurred $1,073 million, or 88%, of the total estimated restructuring charges and $818 million, or 73% of the total estimated cash spend. In addition to the restructuring charges, the Company continues to estimate $200 million of incremental capital expenditures associated with the three-year program, of which $104 million, or 52%, has been incurred to date. An analysis of restructuring and related costs by type is detailed on page 15 of this press release.

Restructuring savings in the first quarter related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives are estimated at $108 million, before any potential reinvestment, an increase of $45 million compared to the prior year period. Before any potential reinvestment of savings, restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives are expected to deliver run-rate savings of $500 million annually by the end of 2019. To date, the Company has achieved $405 million, or 81%, of the total estimated annualized savings, before any potential reinvestment.

Foreign currency exchange rates in the first quarter had a $34 million, or $0.12 per share, unfavorable impact on U.S. GAAP net income, and a $32 million, or $0.13 per share, unfavorable impact on adjusted net income if the Company were to translate prior year quarter results at current quarter foreign exchange rates. The Company also incurred $6 million, or $0.02 per share, of net losses due to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies recorded in other expense. If currency were to remain stable at today's rates, we would expect an unfavorable impact of approximately $0.04 per share in the second quarter of 2019, an unfavorable impact of approximately $0.01 per share in the third quarter of 2019 and an immaterial impact in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Effective tax rate used in our U.S. GAAP financial statements in the first quarter was 15.7%, compared to 15.9% in the prior year period. After adjusting to exclude the applicable tax impact associated with certain non-GAAP adjustments, the adjusted effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2019 increased modestly to 16.9% compared to 16.5% in the prior year quarter. The adjusted effective tax rate in both periods includes a net favorable impact from certain discrete items. Certain items that impacted first quarter results and comparisons with the prior year period are detailed in the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income from Continuing Operations and Diluted Earnings Per Share" on page 10 of this press release.

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased to 243.7 million in the first quarter compared to 250.2 million in the prior year period. The Company repurchased 0.6 million Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $100 million in the quarter. As of March 31, 2019, the Company had $3.9 billion of remaining authorization under its share repurchase program.

FIRST QUARTER 2019 CASH FLOW SUMMARY
Cash flow from operations for the first three months of 2019 decreased 47%, or $66 million, to $74 million compared to the prior year period. Strong operational improvement and working capital improvements in payables were more than offset by approximately $85 million of net cash payments related to legacy litigation and $15 million of incremental cash restructuring charges.

Free cash flow, defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures, decreased 82%, or $78 million, to $17 million for the first three months of 2019 compared to the prior year period, reflecting a decrease in cash flow from operations and a $12 million increase in capital expenditures, including investments in our operating model.

FIRST QUARTER 2019 REVENUE REVIEW
The first quarter revenue reviews provided below include supplemental information related to organic revenue, which is a non-GAAP measure that is described in detail in "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Organic Revenue and Free Cash Flow" on page 9 of this press release.



Three Months Ended










(millions)


Mar 31,
2019


Mar 31,
2018


%
Change


Less:
Currency
Impact


Less:
Fiduciary
Investment
Income


Less:
Acquisitions,
Divestitures 
& Other


Organic
Revenue
Growth

Revenue















Commercial Risk Solutions


$

1,118


$

1,184


(6)%


(5)%


—%


(7)%


6%

Reinsurance Solutions


788


742


6


(3)




9

Retirement Solutions


420


424


(1)


(4)



1


2

Health Solutions


486


451


8


(5)



8


5

Data & Analytic Services


336


294


14


(4)



13


5

Elimination


(5)


(5)


N/A


N/A


N/A


N/A


N/A

Total revenue


$

3,143


$

3,090


2%


(4)%


—%


—%


6%

Total revenue increased $53 million, or 2%, to $3,143 million, compared to the prior year period, including organic revenue growth of 6% primarily driven by strong new business generation and retention globally across our core portfolio, as well as strong growth in specific areas of continued investment including transaction liability, cyber solutions, and delegated investment management.

Commercial Risk Solutions organic revenue growth increased 6% compared to the prior year period driven by growth across every major geography, highlighted by double-digit growth in Latin America and strong growth across North America and Asia. Results reflect strong global new business generation and management of the renewal book portfolio. In North America, double-digit new business generation was highlighted by strength in our transaction liability business in the U.S.

Reinsurance Solutions organic revenue growth increased 9% compared to the prior year period driven by strong net new business generation globally in treaty, as well as double-digit growth globally in facultative placements and in capital markets transactions. In addition, market impact was modestly positive on results in the first quarter.

Retirement Solutions organic revenue growth increased 2% compared to the prior year period driven by solid growth in investment consulting and solutions, including double-digit growth in delegated investment management. Results also reflect modest growth in our actuarial retirement businesses globally, and growth across Performance, Rewards, and Assessment.

Health Solutions organic revenue growth increased 5% compared to the prior year period driven by solid growth globally in health and benefits brokerage, highlighted by particular strength internationally, including double-digit growth in China.

Data & Analytic Services organic revenue growth increased 5% compared to the prior year period driven by growth globally across our Affinity business, with particular strength across both business and consumer solutions in the U.S. and EMEA.

 FIRST QUARTER 2019 EXPENSE REVIEW



Three Months Ended





(millions)


Mar 31, 2019


Mar 31, 2018


$
Change


%
Change

Expenses









Compensation and benefits


$

1,584



$

1,616



$

(32)



(2)%

Information technology


117



115



2



2

Premises


87



93



(6)



(6)

Depreciation of fixed assets


40



39



1



3

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets


97



110



(13)



(12)

Other general expenses


346



318



28



9

Total operating expenses


$

2,271



$

2,291



$

(20)



(1)%

Compensation and benefits expense decreased $32 million, or 2%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $69 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation and $48 million of incremental savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives, partially offset by an increase in expense associated with 6% organic revenue growth.

Information technology expense increased $2 million, or 2%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to an increase in investments supporting growth initiatives and an increase in expense associated with 6% organic revenue growth.

Premises expense decreased $6 million, or 6%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to $5 million of incremental savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives and a $4 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by a $7 million increase in restructuring costs.

Depreciation of fixed assets increased $1 million, or 3%, compared to the prior year period.

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets decreased $13 million, or 12%, compared to the prior year period primarily due to a $6 million decrease related to divestitures, net of acquisitions, and a favorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Other general expenses increased $28 million, or 9%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $19 million increase in restructuring costs, a $9 million decrease in savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives, and an increase in expense associated with 6% organic revenue growth, partially offset by a $14 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation.

FIRST QUARTER 2019 INCOME SUMMARY
The first quarter 2019 financial results discussed herein represent performance from continuing operations unless otherwise noted. In addition, certain noteworthy items impacted adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margins in the first quarters of 2019 and 2018, which are also described in detail in "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income from Continuing Operations and Diluted Earnings Per Share" on page 10 of this press release.



Three Months Ended



(millions)


Mar 31, 
 2019


Mar 31, 
 2018


%
 Change

Revenue


$

3,143


$

3,090


2%

Expenses


2,271


2,291


(1)

Operating income


$

872


$

799


9%

Operating margin


27.7%


25.9%



Operating income - as adjusted


$

1,060


$

983


8%

Operating margin - as adjusted


33.7%


31.8%



Operating income increased $73 million, or 9%, compared to the prior year period. Adjusting for certain items detailed on page 10 of this press release, operating income increased $77 million, or 8%, and operating margin increased +190 basis points to 33.7%, each compared to the prior year period. Adjusted operating income and margin primarily includes a favorable impact from strong organic revenue growth of 6% and incremental savings from restructuring and other operational improvements of $45 million, or +140 basis points, partially offset by an unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of $38 million. Operating income growth and operating margin expansion compared to the prior year period also reflects the absorption of near-term reinvestment of restructuring savings in client-facing colleagues and capabilities to support long-term Aon United growth initiatives.

Interest income decreased $2 million to $2 million. Interest expense increased $2 million to $72 million compared to the prior year period reflecting higher outstanding term debt and an increase in commercial paper borrowings. Other pension income decreased $5 million to $4 million. Other expense was a $4 million impact on the quarter as net losses of $6 million due to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies and $4 million of losses on certain company owned life insurance plans was partially offset by a gain on sale of certain businesses. The prior year period included net losses related to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies and losses related to certain long-term investments.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Net income from discontinued operations was $0 million, or an immaterial impact per share, compared to net income of $6 million, or $0.02 per share, in the prior year period.

Conference Call, Presentation Slides and Webcast Details
The Company will host a conference call on Friday, April 26, 2019 at 7:30 a.m., central time. Interested parties can listen to the conference call via a live audio webcast and view the presentation slides at www.aon.com.

About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE:AON) Aon is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement and health solutions. Our 50,000 colleagues in 120 countries empower results for clients by using proprietary data and analytics to deliver insights that reduce volatility and improve performance.

Safe Harbor Statement

This communication 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. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as our outlook, future capital expenditures, growth in commissions and fees, changes to the composition or level of our revenues, cash flow and liquidity, expected tax rates, business strategies, competitive strengths, goals, the benefits of new initiatives, growth of our business and operations, plans and references to future successes, are forward-looking statements. Also, when we use the words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", "probably", "potential", "looking forward", or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward looking statements: general economic and political conditions in different countries in which Aon does business around the world, including the U.K.'s expected withdrawal from the European Union; changes in the competitive environment; fluctuations in exchange and interest rates that could influence revenue and expense; changes in global equity and fixed income markets that could affect the return on invested assets; changes in the funding status of Aon's various defined benefit pension plans and the impact of any increased pension funding resulting from those changes; the level of Aon's debt limiting financial flexibility or increasing borrowing costs; rating agency actions that could affect Aon's ability to borrow funds;; volatility in our tax rate due to a variety of different factors, including U.S. tax reform; changes in estimates or assumptions on our financial statements; limits on Aon's subsidiaries to make dividend and other payments to Aon; the impact of lawsuits and other contingent liabilities and loss contingencies arising from errors and omissions and other claims against Aon; the impact of, and potential challenges in complying with, legislation and regulation in the jurisdictions in which Aon operates, particularly given the global scope of Aon's businesses and the possibility of conflicting regulatory requirements across jurisdictions in which Aon does business; the impact of any investigations brought by regulatory authorities in the U.S., U.K. and other countries; the impact of any inquiries relating to compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and non-U.S. anti-corruption laws and with U.S. and non-U.S. trade sanctions regimes; failure to protect intellectual property rights or allegations that we infringe on the intellectual property rights of others; the effects of English law on our operating flexibility and the enforcement of judgments against Aon; the failure to retain and attract qualified personnel; international risks associated with Aon's global operations; the effect or natural or man-made disasters; the potential of a system or network breach or disruption resulting in operational interruption or improper disclosure of personal data; Aon's ability to develop and implement new technology; the damage to our reputation among clients, markets or third parties; the actions taken by third parties that perform aspects of our business operations and client services;  the extent to which Aon manages certain risks created in connection with the various services, including fiduciary and investments and other advisory services and business process outsourcing services, among others, that Aon currently provides, or will provide in the future, to clients; Aon's ability to continue, and the costs and the costs and risks associated with, growing, developing and integrating companies that it acquires or new lines of business; changes in commercial property and casualty markets, commercial premium rates or methods of compensation; changes in the health care system or our relationships with insurance carriers; Aon's ability to implement initiatives intended to yield cost savings, and the ability to achieve those cost savings; risks and uncertainties in connection with the sale of our divested business; and our ability to realize the expected benefits from our restructuring plan.

Any or all of Aon's forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate, and there are no guarantees about Aon's performance. The factors identified above are not exhaustive. Aon and its subsidiaries operate in a dynamic business environment in which new risks may emerge frequently. Further information concerning Aon and its businesses, including factors that potentially could materially affect Aon's financial results, is contained in Aon's filings with the SEC. See Aon's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 for a further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties applicable to Aon's businesses. These factors may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports.  Aon is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statement that it may make from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Explanation of Non-GAAP Measures

This communication includes supplemental information related to organic revenue growth, free cash flow, adjusted operating margin, and adjusted earnings per share for continuing operations that exclude the effects of intangible asset amortization, restructuring, capital expenditures, and certain other noteworthy items that affected results for the comparable periods. Organic revenue growth includes the impact of intercompany activity and excludes foreign exchange rate changes, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between revenue lines, fiduciary investment income, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges. The impact of foreign exchange is determined by translating last year's revenue, expense or net income at this year's foreign exchange rates.  Reconciliations to the closest U.S. GAAP measure for each non-GAAP measure presented in this press release are provided in the attached appendices.  Supplemental organic revenue growth information and additional measures that exclude the effects of certain items noted above do not affect net income or any other U.S. GAAP reported amounts.  Free cash flow is cash flow from operating activity less capital expenditures. The effective tax rate, as adjusted, excludes the applicable tax impact associated with expenses for estimated intangible asset amortization, restructuring, and certain other noteworthy items. Management believes that these measures are important to make meaningful period-to-period comparisons and that this supplemental information is helpful to investors.  They should be viewed in addition to, not in lieu of, the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.  Industry peers provide similar supplemental information regarding their performance, although they may not make identical adjustments.

Investor Contact:


Media Contact:

Investor Relations


Ellen Barry

312-381-3310


Global Head of Communications

investor.relations@aon.com


312-381-2140

 

Aon plc

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)




Three Months Ended



(millions, except per share data)


Mar 31, 
 2019


Mar 31, 
 2018


%
Change

Revenue







Total revenue


$

3,143



$

3,090



2%


Expenses







Compensation and benefits


1,584



1,616



(2)%


Information technology


117



115



2%


Premises


87



93



(6)%


Depreciation of fixed assets


40



39



3%


Amortization and impairment of intangible assets


97



110



(12)%


Other general expenses


346



318



9%


Total operating expenses


2,271



2,291



(1)%


Operating income


872



799



9%


Interest income


2



4



(50)%


Interest expense


(72)



(70)



3%


Other income (expense)




(15)



(100)%


Income from continuing operations before income taxes


802



718



12%


Income taxes (1)


126



114



11%


Net income from continuing operations


676



604



12%


Net income from discontinued operations




6



(100)%


Net income


676



610



11%


Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests


17



16



6%


Net income attributable to Aon shareholders


$

659



$

594



11%









Basic net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders







Continuing operations


$

2.72



$

2.37



15%


Discontinued operations




0.02



(100)%


Net income


$

2.72



$

2.39



14%


Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders







Continuing operations


$

2.70



$

2.35



15%


Discontinued operations




0.02



(100)%


Net income


$

2.70



$

2.37



14%


Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic


242.2



248.5



(3)%


Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted


243.7



250.2



(3) %




(1)

The effective tax rate was 15.7% and 15.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Aon plc

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Organic Revenue Growth and Free Cash Flow (Unaudited)


Organic Revenue Growth From Continuing Operations (Unaudited)




Three Months Ended











(millions)


Mar 31,
2019


Mar 31,
2018


%
Change


Less:
Currency
Impact (1)


Less:
Fiduciary
Investment
Income (2)


Less:
Acquisitions,
Divestitures
 & Other


Organic
Revenue
Growth (3)

Revenue















Commercial Risk Solutions


$

1,118


$

1,184


(6)%


(5)


—%


(7)%


6%

Reinsurance Solutions


788


742


6


(3)




9

Retirement Solutions


420


424


(1)


(4)



1


2

Health Solutions


486


451


8


(5)



8


5

Data & Analytic Services


336


294


14


(4)



13


5

Elimination


(5)


(5)


N/A


N/A


N/A


N/A


N/A

Total revenue


$

3,143


$

3,090


2%


(4)


—%


—%


6%



(1)

Currency impact is determined by translating last year's revenue at this year's foreign exchange rates.

(2)

Fiduciary Investment Income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was $19 million and $10 million, respectively.

(3)

Organic revenue growth includes the impact of intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between revenue lines, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges.

 

Free Cash Flow from Operations (Unaudited)




Three Months Ended



(millions)


Mar 31, 2019


Mar 31, 2018


%
Change

Cash Provided by Operating Activities


$

74



$

140



(47)%

Capital Expenditures Used for Operations


(57)



(45)



27

Free Cash Flow Provided by Operations (1)


$

17



$

95



(82)%



(1)

Free cash flow is defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures. This non-GAAP measure does not imply or represent a precise calculation of residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures.

 

Aon plc

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income from Continuing Operations and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Unaudited) (1)




Three Months Ended



(millions, except percentages)


Mar 31,
2019


Mar 31,
2018


%
Change

Revenue from continuing operations


$

3,143


$

3,090


2%








Operating income from continuing operations


$

872


$

799


9%

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets


97


110



Restructuring


91


74



Operating income from continuing operations - as adjusted


$

1,060


$

983


8%

Operating margin from continuing operations


27.7%


25.9%



Operating margin from continuing operations - as adjusted


33.7%


31.8%





Three Months Ended



(millions, except percentages)


Mar 31,
2019


Mar 31,
2018


%
Change

Operating income from continuing operations - as adjusted


$

1,060


$

983


8%

Interest income


2


4


(50)%

Interest expense


(72)


(70)


3%

Other income (expense):







Other income (expense) - pensions - as adjusted (2)


4


9


(56)%

Other income (expense) - other


(4)


(17)


(76)%

Total Other income (expense) - as adjusted (2)



(8)


(100)%

Income before income taxes from continuing operations - as adjusted


990


909


9%

Income taxes expense (3)


167


150


11%

Net income from continuing operations - as adjusted


823


759


8%

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests


17


16


6%

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders from continuing operations - as adjusted


806


743


8%

Net income (loss) from discontinued operation - as adjusted (4)



(2)


(100)%

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax


$

806


$

741


9%

Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Aon shareholders







Continuing operations - as adjusted


$

3.31


$

2.97


11%

Discontinued operations - as adjusted



(0.01)


(100)%

Net income - as adjusted


$

3.31


$

2.96


12%

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted


243.7


250.2


(3)%

Effective Tax Rates







Continuing Operations - U.S. GAAP


15.7%


15.9%



Continuing Operations - Non-GAAP


16.9%


16.5%



Discontinued Operations - U.S. GAAP


—%


17.2%



Discontinued Operations - Non-GAAP (6)


—%


46.5%





(1)

Certain noteworthy items impacting operating income in 2019 and 2018 are described in this schedule. The items shown with the caption "as adjusted" are non-GAAP measures.

(2)

Adjusted Other income (expense) excludes Pension settlement charges of $7 million for three months ended March 31, 2018.

(3)

Adjusted items are generally taxed at the estimated annual effective tax rate, except for the applicable tax impact associated with estimated restructuring plan expenses, accelerated tradename amortization, and non-cash pension settlement charges, which are adjusted at the related jurisdictional rate. In addition, tax expense excludes the tax impacts of payment of certain legacy litigation and enactment date impacts of US Tax Reform.

(4)

Adjusted income from discontinued operations, net of tax, excludes the gain on sale of discontinued operations of $8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The effective tax rate was further adjusted for the applicable tax impact associated with the gain on sale, as applicable.

 

Aon plc

Pro Forma Historical Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income and Diluted Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations as Adjusted for Changes in Accounting Guidance (Unaudited) (1)(2)



Pro Forma Periods


Reported Periods


Three Months Ended (5)



Three Months Ended (6)


Three
Months
Ended (7)

(millions, except per share data)

Mar 31,
2017

Jun 30,
2017

Sep 30,
2017

Dec 31,
2017

Full Year

2017 (6)


Mar 31,
2018

Jun 30,
2018

Sep 30,
2018

Dec 31,
2018

Full Year

2018 (7)

Mar 31,
2019

Revenue













Commercial Risk Solutions

$

989

$

1,041

$

915

$

1,218

$

4,163


$

1,184

$

1,166

$

1,029

$

1,273

$

4,652

$

1,118

Reinsurance Solutions

671

345

257

153

1,426


742

380

279

162

1,563

788

Retirement Solutions

385

388

492

489

1,754


424

431

501

509

1,865

420

Health Solutions

428

281

277

526

1,512


451

309

278

558

1,596

486

Data & Analytic Services

273

281

287

299

1,140


294

277

263

271

1,105

336

Elimination

(4)

(5)

(1)

(10)


(5)

(2)

(1)

(3)

(11)

(5)

Total revenue

$

2,746

$

2,332

$

2,223

$

2,684

$

9,985


$

3,090

$

2,561

$

2,349

$

2,770

$10,770

$

3,143

Expenses













Compensation and benefits

1,548

1,471

1,420

1,568

6,007


1,616

1,494

1,392

1,601

6,103

1,584

Information technology

88

98

109

124

419


115

123

125

121

484

117

Premises

84

86

89

89

348


93

96

94

87

370

87

Depreciation of fixed assets

54

54

40

39

187


39

47

40

50

176

40

Amortization of intangible assets

43

460

101

100

704


110

282

100

101

593

97

Other general expenses

307

330

307

328

1,272


318

535

336

311

1,500

346

Total operating expenses

2,124

2,499

2,066

2,248

8,937


2,291

2,577

2,087

2,271

9,226

2,271

Operating income

622

(167)

157

436

1,048


799

(16)

262

499

1,544

872

Amortization of intangible assets

43

460

101

100

704


110

282

100

101

593

97

Restructuring

144

155

102

96

497


74

195

97

119

485

91

Legacy Litigation


103

(25)

(3)

75

Regulatory and compliance matters

34

8

(14)

28


Operating income - as adjusted

809

482

368

618

2,277


983

564

434

716

2,697

1,060

Operating margin from continuing operations - as adjusted

29.5%

20.7%

16.6%

23.0%

22.8%


31.8%

22.0%

18.5%

25.8%

25.0%

33.7%

Interest income

2

8

10

7

27


4

1

5

2

Interest expense

(70)

(71)

(70)

(71)

(282)


(70)

(69)

(69)

(70)

(278)

(72)

Other income (expense):













Other income (expense) - pensions - as adjusted (3)

8

9

9

16

42


9

9

9

11

38

4

Other income (expense) - other - as adjusted (4)

(10)

(5)

(5)

(19)

(39)


(17)

4

1

(14)

(26)

(4)

Total Other income (expense) - as adjusted (3)(4)

(2)

4

4

(3)

3


(8)

13

10

(3)

12

Income before income taxes from continuing operations - as adjusted

739

423

312

551

2,025


909

509

375

643

2,436

990

Income taxes

98

68

54

81

301


150

75

48

106

379

167

Income from continuing operations - as adjusted

641

355

258

470

1,724


759

434

327

537

2,057

823

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

14

9

7

7

37


16

10

6

8

40

17

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders from continuing operations - as adjusted

$

627

$

346

$

251

$

463

$

1,687


$

743

$

424

$

321

$

529

$

2,017

$

806

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations - as adjusted

$

2.35

$

1.31

$

0.98

$

1.82

$

6.47


$

2.97

$

1.71

$

1.31

$

2.16

$

8.16

$

3.31

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted

267.0

264.3

257.3

254.5

260.7


250.2

247.4

245.6

245.0

247.0

243.7


Notes

(1)

Certain noteworthy items impacting operating income in 2017, 2018, and 2019, are described in this schedule. The items shown with the caption "as adjusted" are non-GAAP measures.

(2)

The historical period presented above have been adjusted retrospectively to reflect Aon's adoption of new revenue recognition standard in the first quarter of 2018. For a complete reconciliation of prior period reported balances to the pro forma adjusted balances above, please refer to our press release issued on February 2, 2018.

(3)

Adjusted Other income (expense) excludes pension settlement charges taken within each respective period. Pension settlement charges were $128 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2017. Pension settlement charges were $7 million, $16 million, $9 million, and $5 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018, September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2018, and $37 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018.

(4)

For illustrative purposes, the impact of the total foreign currency related to the new revenue accounting guidance is excluded from the Pro Forma financial statements. The impact on Other income (expense) of foreign currency due to this new guidance was $(2) million, $(4) million, $(6) million, and $1 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017, June 30, 2017, September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2017, and $(11) million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

(5)

The non-GAAP effective tax rates reported were 11.1%, 15.6%, 17.5%, and 15.5%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017, June 30, 2017, September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2017, and 14.9% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. Adjusted items are generally taxed at the estimated annual effective tax rate, except for the applicable tax impact associated with estimated restructuring expenses, accelerated tradename amortization, impairment charges, regulatory and compliance provisions, and non-cash pension settlements, which are adjusted at the related jurisdictional rate. In addition, tax expense excludes the provisional estimates of the impact of U.S. Tax Reform recorded pursuant to SAB 118. The non-GAAP effective tax rates for continuing operations, adjusted for the change in accounting guidance were 13.3%, 16.1%, 17.3%, and 14.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2017, June 30, 2017, September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2017, and 14.9% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

(6)

The non-GAAP effective tax rates reported were 16.5%, 14.7%, 12.8%, and 16.5% respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018, September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2018 and 15.6% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018. Adjusted items are generally taxed at the estimated annual effective tax rate, except for the applicable tax impact associated with estimated restructuring expenses, legacy litigation, accelerated tradename amortization, impairment charges, and non-cash pension settlement charges, which are adjusted at the related jurisdictional rate. In addition, tax expense excludes the tax impacts of the sale of certain assets and liabilities previously classified as held for sale, as well as the tax adjustments to finalize the 2017 accounting for the impact of US Tax Reform recorded pursuant to SAB 118.

(7)

The non-GAAP effective tax rate reported was 16.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Adjusted items are generally taxed at the estimated annual effective tax rate, except for the applicable tax impact associated with estimated restructuring expenses and accelerated tradename amortization, which are adjusted at the related jurisdictional rate.

 

Aon plc

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)




As of

(millions)


March 31, 
 2019


December 31,
 2018

ASSETS





Current assets





Cash and cash equivalents


$

600



$

656


Short-term investments


134



172


Receivables, net


3,242



2,760


Fiduciary assets (1)


11,412



10,166


Other current assets


531



618


Total current assets


15,919



14,372


Goodwill


8,219



8,171


Intangible assets, net


1,077



1,149


Fixed assets, net


606



588


Operating lease right-of-use assets


993




Deferred tax assets


588



561


Prepaid pension


1,224



1,133


Other non-current assets


509



448


Total assets


$

29,135



$

26,422







Liabilities and equity





Liabilities





Current liabilities





Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


$

1,479



$

1,943


Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt


426



251


Fiduciary liabilities


11,412



10,166


Other current liabilities


1,220



936


Total current liabilities


14,537



13,296


Long-term debt


5,990



5,993


Non-current operating lease liabilities


978




Deferred tax liabilities


205



181


Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment liabilities


1,590



1,636


Other non-current liabilities


973



1,097


Total liabilities


24,273



22,203







Equity





Ordinary shares - $0.01 nominal value


2



2


Additional paid-in capital


5,958



5,965


Retained earnings


2,555



2,093


Accumulated other comprehensive loss


(3,740)



(3,909)


Total Aon shareholders' equity


4,775



4,151


Noncontrolling interests


87



68


Total equity


4,862



4,219


Total liabilities and equity


$

29,135



$

26,422




(1)

Includes cash and short-term investments of $4,464 million and $3,866 million for the periods ended March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

 

Aon plc

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)




Three Months Ended

(millions)


March 31,
2019


March 31,
2018

Cash flows from operating activities





Net income


$

676



$

610


Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes




6


Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:





Loss from sales of businesses, net


(4)



1


Depreciation of fixed assets


40



39


Amortization and impairment of intangible assets


97



110


Share-based compensation expense


89



77


Deferred income taxes


(25)



26


Change in assets and liabilities:





Fiduciary receivables


(609)



(605)


Short-term investments — funds held on behalf of clients


(541)



(195)


Fiduciary liabilities


1,150



800


Receivables, net


(458)



(269)


Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


(454)



(439)


Restructuring reserves


(25)



(24)


Current income taxes


118



30


Pension, other postretirement and postemployment liabilities


(54)



(53)


Other assets and liabilities


74



38


Cash provided by operating activities


74



140







Cash flows from investing activities





Proceeds from investments


12



17


Payments for investments


(14)



(11)


Net sales of short-term investments — non-fiduciary


41



415


Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired


(15)



(29)


Sale of businesses, net of cash sold


6



(1)


Capital expenditures


(57)



(45)


Cash provided (used for) by investing activities


(27)



346







Cash flows from financing activities





Share repurchase


(100)



(569)


Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans


(98)



(109)


Issuance of debt


871



808


Repayment of debt


(694)



(704)


Cash dividends to shareholders


(96)



(89)


Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities


(23)




Cash used for financing activities


(140)



(663)







Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents


37



18


Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents


(56)



(159)


Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period


656



756


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period


$

600



$

597


 

Aon plc

Restructuring Plan (Unaudited) (1)




Three Months
Ended March 31,
2019


Inception
to Date


Estimated
Remaining Costs


Estimated
Total Cost (2)

Workforce reduction


$

24



$

438



$

12



$

450


Technology rationalization


11



91



39



130


Lease consolidation


9



45



20



65


Asset impairments




39



11



50


Other costs associated with restructuring and separation (3)


47



460



70



530


Total restructuring and related expenses


$

91



1,073



$

152



$

1,225




(1)

In the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, workforce reductions are included in "Compensation and benefits," IT rationalization is included in "Information technology," lease consolidations are included in "Premises," asset impairments are included in "Depreciation of fixed assets," and other costs associated with restructuring are included in "Other general expenses" depending on the nature of the expense.

(2)

Actual costs, when incurred, may vary due to changes in the assumptions built into this plan. Significant assumptions that may change when plans are finalized and implemented include, but are not limited to, changes in severance calculations, changes in the assumptions underlying sublease loss calculations due to changing market conditions, and changes in the overall analysis that might cause the Company to add or cancel component initiatives. Estimated allocations between expense categories may be revised in future periods as these assumptions are updated.

(3)

Other costs associated with the Restructuring Plan include those to separate the Divested Business, as well as moving costs and consulting and legal fees. These costs are generally recognized when incurred.

 

SOURCE Aon plc

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