LONDON, July 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- 

Second Quarter Key Metrics From Continuing Operations

• Total revenue increased 2% to $2.6 billion, with organic revenue growth of 6%
• Operating margin increased from (0.6)% to 15.8%, and operating margin, adjusted for certain items, increased 240 basis points to 24.4%
• EPS increased from $0.19 to $1.14, and EPS, adjusted for certain items, increased 9% to $1.87
• For the first six months of 2019, cash flow from operations decreased 13% to $361 million, and free cash flow decreased 16% to $255 million

Second Quarter Highlights

• Repurchased 5.8 million Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $1.05 billion
• Announced a 10% increase to the quarterly cash dividend
• Aon's New Ventures Group announced the launch of its global Public Sector Partnership, which is accountable for taking an Aon United approach across solution lines and geographies to consistently bring the best of Aon to governments and leading social sector institutions as clients

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) today reported results for the three months ended June 30, 2019.

Net income from continuing operations attributable to Aon shareholders was $277 million, or $1.14 per share, compared to $47 million, or $0.19 per share, in the prior year period. Net income per share from continuing operations attributable to Aon shareholders, adjusted for certain items, increased 9% to $1.87, including an unfavorable impact of $0.05 per share if the company were to translate prior year period results at current period foreign exchange rates ("foreign currency translation"), compared to $1.71 in the prior year period. Certain items that impacted second 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 second quarter results reflect continued progress and momentum from our Aon United initiatives, highlighted by strong organic revenue growth of 6% for the fourth consecutive quarter and substantial operating margin improvement of 240 basis points," said Greg Case, Chief Executive Officer. "The steps we are taking to lead Aon United in response to increasing client demand combined with significant investment in content and capability, is not only amplifying our ability to serve clients, but also our ability to deliver improved operational and financial performance that we believe will unlock significant shareholder value creation over the long-term."

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

Total revenue in the second quarter increased 2% to $2.6 billion compared to the prior year period driven by 6% organic revenue growth, partially offset by a 3% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation and a 1% unfavorable impact from divestitures, net of acquisitions.

Total operating expenses in the second quarter decreased 15% to $2.2 billion compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $176 million decrease from a non-cash impairment charge related to certain assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale in the prior year period, a $103 million decrease in expense related to legacy litigation, a $74 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation, a $68 million decrease in restructuring charges, $38 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 an increase in expense associated with 6% organic revenue growth.

Restructuring expenses were $127 million in the second quarter, primarily driven by workforce reductions and other costs associated with restructuring and separation initiatives. Upon evaluating progress of the restructuring program and identifying additional opportunities in its final year, the Company has increased its total estimated costs of the program by $100 million from $1,425 million to $1,525 million. This includes an increase of $125 million of estimated restructuring charges, partially offset by a $25 million decrease in estimated capital expenditures. Restructuring charges are now expected to be $1,350 million, including $1,250 million of cash charges and $100 million of non-cash charges. All charges associated with the program will be completed by the fourth quarter of 2019. To date, the Company has incurred $1,200 million, or 89%, of the total estimated restructuring charges and $927 million, or 74% of the total estimated cash spend. In addition to the $1,350 million of total restructuring charges, the Company estimates $175 million of incremental capital expenditures associated with the three-year program, of which $116 million, or 66%, 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 second quarter related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives are estimated at $122 million, before any potential reinvestment, an increase of $38 million compared to the prior year period. Before any potential reinvestment of savings, restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives are now expected to deliver run-rate savings of $510 million annually in 2019 and run-rate savings of $535 million annually in 2020, a total increase of $35 million of estimated savings. To date, the Company has achieved $443 million, or 87%, of the total estimated annualized savings expected in 2019, before any potential reinvestment.

Foreign currency exchange rates in the second quarter had an $8 million, or $0.03 per share, unfavorable impact on U.S. GAAP net income, and a $12 million, or $0.05 per share, unfavorable impact on adjusted net income if the Company were to translate prior year quarter results at current quarter foreign exchange rates. If currency were to remain stable at today's rates, we would expect an unfavorable impact of approximately $0.02 per share, or approximately $6 million of operating income, in each of the third and fourth quarters of 2019.

Effective tax rate used in our U.S. GAAP financial statements in the second quarter was 16.3%, compared to 165.5% 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 second quarter of 2019 increased to 18.0% compared to 14.7% in the prior year quarter. The adjusted effective tax rate in the prior year period included a more significant net favorable impact from certain discrete items. Certain items that impacted second 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 242.8 million in the second quarter compared to 247.4 million in the prior year period. The Company repurchased 5.8 million Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $1.05 billion in the quarter. As of June 30, 2019, the Company had $2.8 billion of remaining authorization under its share repurchase program.

Year to Date 2019 CASH FLOW SUMMARY
Cash flow from operations for the first six months of 2019 decreased 13%, or $52 million, to $361 million compared to the prior year period. Approximately $85 million of net cash payments in the first quarter related to legacy litigation were partially offset by strong operational improvement and a $26 million decrease in restructuring cash outlays.

Free cash flow, defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures, decreased 16%, or $47 million, to $255 million for the first six months of 2019 compared to the prior year period, reflecting a decrease in cash flow from operations, partially offset by a $5 million decrease in capital expenditures.

SECOND QUARTER 2019 REVENUE REVIEW
The second 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.

Total revenue increased $45 million, or 2%, to $2,606 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 portfolio. Organic revenue growth of 6% reflects the fourth consecutive quarter of 6% organic growth, driven by consistent improvement in both portfolio mix and return on investment in high-growth areas of client demand.

Commercial Risk Solutions organic revenue growth increased 6% compared to the prior year period driven by solid growth globally, with particular strength in the U.S., EMEA and the Pacific, driven by strong new business generation and management of the renewal book portfolio.

Reinsurance Solutions organic revenue growth increased 12% compared to the prior year period driven by strong net new business generation globally in treaty, as well as strong growth globally in facultative placements and capital markets transactions. In addition, market impact was modestly positive on results in the second quarter.

Retirement Solutions organic revenue growth increased 1% compared to the prior year period driven by solid growth in delegated investment management and in our rewards and assessment businesses within the Human Capital practice. Results were partially offset by an unfavorable impact from certain businesses that were divested within the quarter, as well as the timing of certain revenue in the actuarial business and from performance fees in the delegated investment management business.

Health Solutions organic revenue growth increased 6% compared to the prior year period driven by solid growth globally in health and benefits brokerage, highlighted by particular strength internationally in Asia and continental Europe, as well as growth in the active healthcare exchange business for off-cycle enrollments.

Data & Analytic Services organic revenue growth increased 4% 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.

SECOND QUARTER 2019 EXPENSE REVIEW

Compensation and benefits expense increased $7 million compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $45 million increase in restructuring charges and an increase in expense associated with 6% organic revenue growth, partially offset by a $53 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation, $19 million of incremental savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives and an $11 million decrease in expenses related to divestitures, net of acquisitions.

Information technology expense increased $3 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, partially offset by a $4 million decrease in restructuring charges.

Premises expense decreased $11 million, or 11%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $6 million decrease in restructuring charges, $5 million of incremental savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives and a $4 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Depreciation of fixed assets decreased $7 million, or 15%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $6 million decrease in restructuring charges.

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets decreased $185 million, or 66%, compared to the prior year period. The prior year period included a $176 million non-cash impairment charge related to certain assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale.

Other general expenses decreased $191 million, or 36%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $103 million decrease in expense related to legacy litigation, a $97 million decrease in restructuring charges, $19 million of incremental savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives, and an $11 million favorable impact related to foreign currency translation, partially offset by an increase in expense associated with 6% organic revenue growth.

SECOND QUARTER 2019 INCOME SUMMARY
The second 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 second 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.

Operating income (loss) increased from $(16) million to $413 million, compared to the prior year period. Adjusting for certain items detailed on page 10 of this press release, operating income increased $73 million, or 13%, and operating margin increased +240 basis points to 24.4%, 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 $38 million, or +150 basis points, partially offset by an unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of $14 million. Operating income growth and operating margin expansion compared to the prior year period also reflect 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 was flat at $1 million. Interest expense increased $8 million to $77 million compared to the prior year period reflecting higher outstanding debt. The Company expects approximately $81 million of interest expense per quarter going forward, reflecting both the issuance of $750 million of term debt on May 2, 2019 and higher average debt balances compared to the second quarter.  Other pension income decreased $4 million to $5 million. Other income of $1 million primarily reflects net gains due to the favorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies and gains on the sale of a certain business, partially offset by losses primarily related to certain company-owned life insurance plans.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Net income from discontinued operations was $0 million compared to $1 million in the prior year period.

Conference Call, Presentation Slides and Webcast Details
The Company will host a conference call on Friday, July 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 of 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 Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and June 30, 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.