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Aon plc - Quarter Report: 2013 March (Form 10-Q)



UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
ý      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED March 31, 2013
 
OR
 
o         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission file number 1-7933
 
Aon plc
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
ENGLAND AND WALES
 
98-1030901
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)
 
Identification No.)
 
8 DEVONSHIRE SQUARE, LONDON, ENGLAND
 
EC2M 4PL
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
+44 20 7623 5500
(Registrant’s Telephone Number,
Including Area Code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES  ý  NO  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  YES  ý  NO  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  YES o NO ý
 
Number of Class A Ordinary Shares of Aon plc, $0.01 nominal value, outstanding as of March 31, 2013:  309,126,345




Part I Financial Information
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
(millions, except per share data)
 
March 31, 2013
 
March 31, 2012
Revenue
 
 

 
 

Commissions, fees and other
 
$
2,908

 
$
2,829

Fiduciary investment income
 
7

 
12

Total revenue
 
2,915

 
2,841

 
 
 
 
 
Expenses
 
 

 
 

Compensation and benefits
 
1,725

 
1,661

Other general expenses
 
780

 
778

Total operating expenses
 
2,505

 
2,439

Operating income
 
410

 
402

Interest income
 
1

 
3

Interest expense
 
(52
)
 
(59
)
Other income
 
9

 

Income before income taxes
 
368

 
346

Income taxes
 
96

 
97

Net income
 
272

 
249

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
11

 
11

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
261

 
$
238

 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
0.82

 
$
0.72

Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
0.82

 
$
0.71

Cash dividends per share paid on ordinary shares
 
$
0.16

 
$
0.15

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic
 
316.4

 
332.4

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted
 
320.0

 
336.6

 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

2



Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
(millions)
 
March 31, 2013
 
March 31, 2012
Net income
 
$
272

 
$
249

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
11

 
11

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
261

 
238

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
 
 

 
 

Change in fair value of derivatives
 
(14
)
 
7

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(174
)
 
104

Post-retirement benefit obligation
 
23

 
21

Total other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(165
)
 
132

Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 
1

Total other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
(165
)
 
131

Comprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
96

 
$
369

 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

3



Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 
(millions, except nominal value)
 
Mar 31, 2013
 
Dec 31, 2012
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
408

 
$
291

Short-term investments
 
352

 
346

Receivables, net
 
2,884

 
3,101

Fiduciary assets
 
12,224

 
12,214

Other current assets
 
389

 
430

Total Current Assets
 
16,257

 
16,382

Goodwill
 
8,786

 
8,943

Intangible assets, net
 
2,844

 
2,975

Fixed assets, net
 
816

 
820

Investments
 
152

 
165

Other non-current assets
 
1,174

 
1,201

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
30,029

 
$
30,486

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 

 
 

LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

Fiduciary liabilities
 
$
12,224

 
$
12,214

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
 
802

 
452

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
1,440

 
1,853

Other current liabilities
 
795

 
831

Total Current Liabilities
 
15,261

 
15,350

Long-term debt
 
3,770

 
3,713

Pension, other post-retirement and other post-employment liabilities
 
2,027

 
2,276

Other non-current liabilities
 
1,338

 
1,342

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
22,396

 
22,681

 
 
 
 
 
EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Ordinary shares - $0.01 nominal value
Authorized: 750 shares (issued: 2013 - 309.1; 2012 - 310.9)
 
3

 
3

Additional paid-in capital
 
4,507

 
4,436

Retained earnings
 
5,844

 
5,933

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(2,775
)
 
(2,610
)
TOTAL AON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
7,579

 
7,762

Noncontrolling interests
 
54

 
43

TOTAL EQUITY
 
7,633

 
7,805

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
30,029

 
$
30,486

 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

4



Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
 
(millions)
 
Shares
 
Ordinary
Shares and
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss, Net of Tax
 
Non-
controlling
Interests
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2012
 
310.9

 
$
4,439

 
$
5,933

 
$
(2,610
)
 
$
43

 
$
7,805

Net income
 

 

 
261

 

 
11

 
272

Shares issued - employee benefit plans
 
0.4

 
16

 

 

 

 
16

Shares issued - employee compensation
 
2.8

 
(36
)
 

 

 

 
(36
)
Shares purchased
 
(5.0
)
 

 
(300
)
 

 

 
(300
)
Tax benefit - employee benefit plans
 

 
21

 

 

 

 
21

Share-based compensation expense
 

 
69

 

 

 

 
69

Dividends to shareholders
 

 

 
(50
)
 

 

 
(50
)
Net change in fair value of derivatives
 

 

 

 
(14
)
 

 
(14
)
Net foreign currency translation adjustments
 

 

 

 
(174
)
 

 
(174
)
Net post-retirement benefit obligation
 

 

 

 
23

 

 
23

Purchase of subsidiary shares from non-controlling interests
 

 
1

 

 

 

 
1

Balance at March 31, 2013
 
309.1

 
$
4,510

 
$
5,844

 
$
(2,775
)
 
$
54

 
$
7,633

 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

5



Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
(millions)
 
March 31, 2013
 
March 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
272

 
$
249

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
 
 

 
 

Depreciation of fixed assets
 
59

 
55

Amortization of intangible assets
 
99

 
104

Share-based compensation expense
 
69

 
55

Deferred income taxes
 
13

 
16

Change in assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Fiduciary receivables
 
(42
)
 
(644
)
Short term investments - funds held on behalf of clients
 
(322
)
 
(62
)
Fiduciary liabilities
 
364

 
706

Receivables, net
 
174

 
61

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
(417
)
 
(451
)
Restructuring reserves
 
(16
)
 
(16
)
Current income taxes
 
(65
)
 
41

Pension, other post-retirement and other post-employment liabilities
 
(196
)
 
(110
)
Other assets and liabilities
 
62

 
(19
)
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATIONS
 
54

 
(15
)
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Sales of long-term investments
 
18

 
36

Purchases of long-term investments
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments - non-fiduciary
 
(16
)
 
283

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 
(2
)
 
(23
)
Proceeds from sale of businesses
 
1

 

Capital expenditures
 
(60
)
 
(71
)
CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
(62
)
 
222

 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Share repurchase
 
(300
)
 
(100
)
Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans
 
36

 
49

Issuance of debt
 
1,150

 
75

Repayment of debt
 
(715
)
 
(140
)
Cash dividends to shareholders
 
(50
)
 
(49
)
Purchase of shares from noncontrolling interests
 
(1
)
 

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests
 

 
(1
)
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
120

 
(166
)
 
 
 
 
 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
5

 
10

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
117

 
51

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
291

 
272

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
 
$
408

 
$
323

 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures:
 
 

 
 

Interest paid
 
$
32

 
$
75

Income taxes paid, net of refunds
 
$
148

 
$
40

 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

6



Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
1.  Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).  The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Aon plc and all controlled subsidiaries (“Aon” or the “Company”).  All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and reclassifications) necessary to present fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented.
 
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted.  These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.  The results for the three months ended March 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of operating results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2013.
 
Company Redomestication
 
On April 2, 2012, the Company completed the reorganization of the corporate structure of the group of companies controlled by its predecessor, Aon Corporation, as holding company of the Aon group, pursuant to which Aon Corporation merged with one of its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries and Aon plc became the publicly-held parent company of the Aon group.  This transaction is referred to as the Redomestication.  In the Redomestication, each issued and outstanding share of Aon Corporation common stock held by stockholders of Aon Corporation was converted into the right to receive one Class A Ordinary Share, nominal value $0.01 per share, of Aon plc.  Likewise, equity incentive and compensation plans were assumed by Aon plc and amended to provide that those plans will now provide for the award and issuance of Class A Ordinary Shares instead of shares of common stock of Aon Corporation on a one-for-one basis.  Shares of treasury stock of Aon Corporation were cancelled in the Redomestication.  Any references to “Aon”, “the Company”, “us”, or “we,” or any similar references relating to periods before the Redomestication shall be construed as references to Aon Corporation, being the previous parent company of the Aon group.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of reserves and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgments.  Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Aon adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate.  Illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, and foreign currency movements have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions.  As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.  Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.

7



2.  Accounting Principles and Practices
 
Changes in Accounting Principles

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance on the disclosure of amounts to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance requires that amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income be presented either on the face of the statement of operations or in the notes to the financial statements by component. The guidance is effective for Aon in the first quarter 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset Impairment
 
In July 2012, the FASB issued guidance on the testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment that gives an entity the option to perform a qualitative assessment that may eliminate the requirement to perform the annual quantitative test.  The guidance gives an entity the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount.  If an entity concludes that this is the case, it must perform the quantitative test.  The guidance is effective for Aon in the first quarter 2013.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Balance Sheet Offsetting
 
In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance on the disclosure of offsetting assets and liabilities to enable users of financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on an entity's financial position. The objective of this disclosure is to facilitate comparison between those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of U.S. GAAP and those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of IFRS. The guidance requires certain derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions to disclose both the gross and net position of these financial instruments. The guidance is effective for Aon in the first quarter 2013.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
3.  Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents include cash balances and all highly liquid investments with initial maturities of three months or less.  Short-term investments include certificates of deposit, money market funds and highly liquid debt instruments purchased with initial maturities in excess of three months but less than one year and are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
 
The Company is required to hold £77 million of operating funds in the U.K. as required by the Financial Conduct Authority, which were included in Short-term investments.  These operating funds, when translated to U.S. dollars, were $117 million and $124 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  Cash and cash equivalents included restricted balances of $153 million and $76 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 respectively. The increase in restricted balances is due to a short-term funding requirement for a catastrophe bond that was in place on March 31, 2013 and settled in early April 2013, after which the requirement was lifted.

8



4.  Other Income
 
Other income consists of the following (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Equity earnings
$
2

 
$
5

Realized gain on sale of investments
1

 
10

Foreign currency remeasurement gains (losses)
24

 
(18
)
Derivative (losses) gains
(18
)
 
2

Other

 
1

 
$
9

 
$

 
5.  Acquisitions and Dispositions
 
Acquisitions
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of one business in the HR Solutions segment.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of two businesses in the Risk Solutions segment.
 
The following table includes the aggregate consideration transferred and the preliminary value of intangible assets recorded as a result of the Company’s acquisitions.
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(millions)
 
2013
 
2012
Consideration
 
$
2

 
$
21

Intangible assets:
 
 

 
 

Goodwill
 
$
2

 
$
19

Other intangible assets
 
1

 
8

     Total
 
$
3

 
$
27

 
The results of operations of these acquisitions are included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of the acquisition date.  The results of operations of the Company would not have been materially different if these acquisitions had been reported from the beginning of the period.
 
Dispositions — Continuing Operations
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company completed the sale of three businesses in the Risk Solutions segment. No gain or loss was recognized on these sales. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company completed the sale of one business in the HR Solutions segment.  No gain or loss was recognized on this sale.


9



6.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
The change in the net carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 is as follows (in millions):
 
 
Risk
Solutions
 
HR
Solutions
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2012
$
5,982

 
$
2,961

 
$
8,943

Goodwill related to current year acquisitions

 
2

 
2

Goodwill related to prior year acquisitions
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Foreign currency translation
(136
)
 
(21
)
 
(157
)
Balance as of March 31, 2013
$
5,844

 
$
2,942

 
$
8,786


 Other intangible assets by asset class are as follows (in millions):
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Carrying
Amount
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tradenames
$
1,025

 
$

 
$
1,025

 
$
1,025

 
$

 
$
1,025

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets with finite lives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Customer related and contract based
2,670

 
1,037

 
1,633

 
2,714

 
969

 
1,745

Marketing, technology and other (1)
605

 
419

 
186

 
619

 
414

 
205

 
$
4,300

 
$
1,456

 
$
2,844

 
$
4,358

 
$
1,383

 
$
2,975

 ______________________________________________

(1) Tradenames with finite lives disclosed separately in prior years are now presented in Marketing, technology and other

Amortization expense from finite lived intangible assets was $99 million and $104 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The estimated future amortization for intangible assets as of March 31, 2013 is as follows (in millions):
 
 
HR Solutions
 
Risk Solutions
 
Total
Remainder of 2013
$
208

 
$
85

 
$
293

2014
243

 
96

 
339

2015
212

 
82

 
294

2016
177

 
69

 
246

2017
140

 
53

 
193

Thereafter
347

 
107

 
454

 
$
1,327

 
$
492

 
$
1,819

 
7.  Restructuring
 
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
 
On October 14, 2010, Aon announced a global restructuring plan (“Aon Hewitt Plan”) in connection with the acquisition of Hewitt Associates, Inc. ("Hewitt").  The Aon Hewitt Plan is intended to streamline operations across the combined Aon Hewitt organization and includes approximately 2,200 job eliminations. The Company expects these restructuring activities and related expenses to affect operations into 2013.  The Aon Hewitt Plan is expected to result in cumulative costs of approximately $325 million through the end of the plan, consisting of approximately $213 million in employee termination costs and approximately $112 million in real estate rationalization costs across the Company.

10



 
From the inception of the Aon Hewitt Plan through March 31, 2013, approximately 2,180 jobs have been eliminated and total expenses of $281 million have been incurred.  The Company recorded $26 million and $12 million of restructuring and related charges in the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Charges related to the restructuring are included in Compensation and benefits and Other general expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
The following table summarizes restructuring and related costs by type that have been incurred and are estimated to be incurred through the end of the restructuring initiative related to the Aon Hewitt Plan (in millions):
 
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
First Quarter
2013
 
Total
to Date
 
Estimated
Total Cost for
Restructuring
Plan (1)
Workforce reduction
$
49

 
$
64

 
$
74

 
$
24

 
$
211

 
$
213

Lease consolidation
3

 
32

 
18

 
2

 
55

 
86

Asset impairments

 
7

 
4

 

 
11

 
21

Other costs associated with restructuring (2)

 
2

 
2

 

 
4

 
5

Total restructuring and related expenses
$
52

 
$
105

 
$
98

 
$
26

 
$
281

 
$
325

 ______________________________________________

(1)
Actual costs, when incurred, will 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.
 
(2)
Other costs associated with restructuring initiatives, including moving costs and consulting and legal fees, are recognized when incurred.
 
The following table summarizes the restructuring and related expenses, by segment, that have been incurred and are estimated to be incurred through the end of the restructuring initiative related to the Aon Hewitt Plan (in millions):
 
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
First Quarter 2013
 
Total
to Date
 
Estimated
Total Cost for
Restructuring
Plan (1)
HR Solutions
$
52

 
$
49

 
$
66

 
$
15

 
$
182

 
$
213

Risk Solutions

 
56

 
32

 
11

 
99

 
112

Total restructuring and related expenses
$
52

 
$
105

 
$
98

 
$
26

 
$
281

 
$
325

 (1) Costs included in the Risk Solutions segment are associated with the transfer of the health and benefits consulting business from HR Solutions to Risk Solutions effective January 1, 2012. Costs incurred in 2011 in the HR Solutions segment of $41 million related to the health and benefits consulting business have been reclassified and presented in the Risk Solutions segment.
 
As of March 31, 2013, the Company’s liabilities for its restructuring plans are as follows (in millions):
 
 
Aon Hewitt
Plan
 
Aon Benfield
Plan
 
2007 Plan
 
Other
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
96

 
$
3

 
$
35

 
$
3

 
$
137

Expensed
26

 

 

 

 
26

Cash payments
(28
)
 
(1
)
 
(13
)
 

 
(42
)
Foreign exchange translation and other
1

 

 
2

 

 
3

Balance at March 31, 2013
$
95

 
$
2

 
$
24

 
$
3

 
$
124

 

11



8.  Investments
 
The Company earns income on cash balances and investments, as well as on premium trust balances that the Company maintains for premiums collected from insureds but not yet remitted to insurance companies, and funds held under the terms of certain outsourcing agreements to pay certain obligations on behalf of clients.  Premium trust balances and receivables, as well as a corresponding liability, are included in Fiduciary assets and Fiduciary liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
 
The Company’s interest-bearing assets and other investments are included in the following categories in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (in millions):
 
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Cash and cash equivalents
$
408

 
$
291

Short-term investments
352

 
346

Fiduciary assets (1)
4,253

 
4,029

Investments
152

 
165

 
$
5,165

 
$
4,831

  ______________________________________________

(1)
Fiduciary assets include funds held on behalf of clients but does not include fiduciary receivables.
 
The Company’s investments are as follows (in millions):
 
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Equity method investments (2)
$
93

 
$
102

Other investments, at cost
40

 
43

Fixed-maturity securities
19

 
20

 
$
152

 
$
165

  ______________________________________________

(2)
The reduction in equity method investments is primarily due to redemptions.
 
9.  Debt
 
The Company uses proceeds from the commercial paper market from time to time in order to meet short-term working capital needs.  At March 31, 2013, the Company had $383 million commercial paper outstanding as compared to $50 million of commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2012. The weighted average commercial paper outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $162 million. The weighted average interest rate of the commercial paper outstanding for the same period was 0.40%. In addition to commercial paper outstanding, the Company had £20 million ($30 million at March 31, 2013 exchange rates) outstanding on its five-year €650 million ($836 million at March 31, 2013 exchange rates) multi-currency foreign credit facility ("Euro Facility") as compared to no borrowings on its lines of credit at December 31, 2012.

On March 8, 2013, the Company issued $90 million aggregate principal amount of 4.250% Notes Due 2042. The 4.250% Notes Due 2042 constitute a further issuance of, and were consolidated to form a single series of debt securities with, the $166 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.250% Notes Due 2042 issued by Aon plc on December 12, 2012 (collectively, the "Original Notes"). The Original Notes were unconditionally guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest by Aon Corporation.

On April 15, 2013, an S-4 registration statement registering $256 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.250% Notes Due 2042 (the "Exchange Notes") under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the "Securities Act") was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Exchange Notes are to be exchanged for the Original Notes. The form and terms of the Exchange Notes are substantially identical in all material respects to those of the Original Notes except that the Exchange Notes are registered under the Securities Act and the transfer restrictions, registration rights and related additional interest provisions applicable to the Original Notes do not apply to the Exchange Notes. Like the Original Notes, the Exchange Notes will issued by Aon plc and will be unconditionally guaranteed by Aon Corporation.

12




On April 29, 2013, the Company amended its Euro Facility agreement to add Aon plc as an additional borrower.

10.  Shareholders’ Equity
 
Ordinary Shares
 
In April 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which up to $5.0 billion of Class A Ordinary Shares may be repurchased (“2012 Share Repurchase Program”). Under this program, shares may be repurchased through the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, based on prevailing market conditions, and will be funded from available capital.
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company repurchased 5.0 million shares at an average price per share of $59.82 for a total cost of $300 million under the 2012 Share Repurchase Program.  The remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under the 2012 Share Repurchase Program is $3.7 billion. Since the inception of the 2012 Share Repurchase Program, the Company repurchased a total of 24.5 million shares for an aggregate cost of $1.3 billion.
 
Participating Securities
 
Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are participating securities, as defined, and therefore, should be included in computing basic and diluted earnings per share using the two class method.  Certain of the Company’s restricted share awards allow the holder to receive a non-forfeitable dividend equivalent.
 
Net income attributable to participating securities was $3 million in the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Weighted average shares outstanding are as follows (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Shares for basic earnings per share (1) 
316.4

 
332.4

Common stock equivalents
3.6

 
4.2

Shares for diluted earnings per share
320.0

 
336.6

   ______________________________________________

(1)
Includes 4.2 million and 4.9 million of participating securities for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Certain ordinary share equivalents were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because their inclusion would have been antidilutive.  The number of shares excluded from the calculation was 0.2 million and 1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 

13



Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of related tax, are as follows (in millions):
 
 
Change in Fair Value of Derivatives (1)
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (2)
 
Post-Retirement Benefit Obligation (3)
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
(28
)
 
$
233

 
$
(2,815
)
 
$
(2,610
)
     Other comprehensive loss before
        reclassifications, net
(22
)
 
(174
)
 

 
(196
)
     Amounts reclassified from accumulated
        other comprehensive loss:


 


 


 


     Amounts reclassified from accumulated
        other comprehensive loss
13

 

 
33

 
46

     Tax benefit
(5
)
 

 
(10
)
 
(15
)
     Amounts reclassified from accumulated
        other comprehensive loss, net
8

 

 
23

 
31

Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
(14
)
 
(174
)
 
23

 
(165
)
Balance at March 31, 2013
$
(42
)
 
$
59

 
$
(2,792
)
 
$
(2,775
)
______________________________________________

(1) Reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded in Other general expense or Other income
(2) Reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded in Other income
(3) Reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded in Compensation and benefits

11.  Employee Benefits
 
The following table provides the components of the net periodic benefit cost for Aon’s U.S. pension plans, along with its most significant international pension plans, which are located in the U.K., the Netherlands and Canada (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
U.K. and Non-U.S.
 
U.S.
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Service cost
$
5

 
$
4

 
$

 
$

Interest cost
64

 
66

 
28

 
30

Expected return on plan assets
(90
)
 
(80
)
 
(34
)
 
(32
)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
18

 
14

 
13

 
11

Net periodic benefit cost
$
(3
)
 
$
4

 
$
7

 
$
9

 
Based on current assumptions, in 2013, Aon plans to contribute $167 million and $381 million to its U.S. and most significant international defined benefit pension plans, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, contributions of $33 million were made to the Company’s U.S. pension plans and $167 million were made to its most significant international pension plans.
 

14



12.  Share-Based Compensation Plans
 
The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in Compensation and benefits (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Restricted stock units (“RSUs”)
$
55

 
$
49

Performance share awards (“PSAs”)
11

 
2

Stock options
1

 
2

Employee stock purchase plans
2

 
2

Total stock-based compensation expense
$
69

 
$
55

 
Share Awards
 
A summary of the status of the Company’s RSUs is as follows (shares in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Shares
 
Fair
Value (1)
 
Shares
 
Fair
Value (1)
Non-vested at beginning of period
10,432

 
$
44

 
9,916

 
$
42

Granted
1,764

 
60

 
2,278

 
47

Vested
(2,080
)
 
46

 
(2,022
)
 
43

Forfeited
(128
)
 
44

 
(179
)
 
44

Non-vested at end of period
9,988

 
47

 
9,993

 
43

 ______________________________________________

(1)
Represents per share weighted average fair value of award at date of grant

The vesting of PSAs is contingent upon meeting various individual, divisional or company wide performance conditions, including revenue generation, or growth in revenue, pretax income or earnings per share over a one to five-year period. The performance conditions are not considered in the determination of the grant date fair value for these awards. The fair value of PSAs is based upon the market price of the Aon ordinary share at the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized over the performance period, and in certain cases an additional vesting period, based on management's estimate of the number of units expected to vest. Compensation expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of shares issued at the end of the programs. The actual issue of shares may range from 0-200% of the target number of PSAs granted, based on the plan. Dividend equivalents are not paid on PSAs.

Information as of March 31, 2013 regarding the Company’s target PSAs granted and shares that would be issued at current performance levels for PSAs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, is as follows (shares in thousands, dollars in millions, except fair value):
 
 
As of March 31, 2013
 
As of December
31, 2012

 
As of December
31, 2011

Target PSAs granted
1,135

 
1,369

 
1,715

Fair value (1)
$
58

 
$
47

 
$
50

Number of shares that would be issued based on current performance levels
1,135

 
1,720

 
1,118

Unamortized expense, based on current performance levels
$
65

 
$
51

 
$
15

 ______________________________________________

(1)
Represents per share weighted average fair value of award at date of grant.
 

15



Share Options
 
The Company did not grant any share options in the three months ended March 31, 2013.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company did not grant any share options.
 
A summary of the status of the Company’s share options and related information is as follows (shares in thousands):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Shares
 
Weighted- Average
Exercise Price
 
Shares
 
Weighted- Average
Exercise Price
Beginning outstanding
5,611

 
$
32

 
9,116

 
$
32

Granted

 

 

 

Exercised
(610
)
 
31

 
(1,032
)
 
35

Forfeited and expired
(10
)
 
33

 
(12
)
 
40

Outstanding at end of period
4,991

 
32

 
8,072

 
31

Exercisable at end of period
4,579

 
32

 
7,173

 
30

 
The weighted average remaining contractual life, in years, of outstanding options was 2.5 years and 3.1 years at March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on options with an exercise price less than the Company’s closing stock price of $61.50 as of March 31, 2013, which would have been received by the option holders had those option holders exercised their options as of that date.  At March 31, 2013, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding was $145 million, of which $137 million was exercisable.
 
Other information related to the Company’s share options is as follows (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised
$
17

 
$
13

Cash received from the exercise of stock options
20

 
37

Tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options
3

 
1

 
Unamortized deferred compensation expense, which includes both options and awards, amounted to $345 million as of March 31, 2013, with a remaining weighted-average amortization period of approximately 2.0 years.

13.  Derivatives and Hedging
 
The Company is exposed to market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.  To manage the risk related to these exposures, the Company enters into various derivative instruments that reduce these risks by creating offsetting exposures.  The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for trading or speculative purposes.
 
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
 
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk when it receives revenues, pays expenses, or enters into intercompany loans denominated in a currency that differs from its functional currency, or other transactions that are denominated in a currency other than its functional currency.  The Company uses foreign exchange derivatives, typically forward contracts, options and cross currency swaps, to reduce its overall exposure to the effects of currency fluctuations on cash flows.  These exposures are hedged, on average, for less than two years; however, in limited instances, the Company has hedged certain exposures up to five years in the future.
 
The Company also uses foreign exchange derivatives, typically forward contracts and options, to hedge its net investments in foreign operations for up to two years in the future.
 

16



The Company also uses foreign exchange derivatives, typically forward contracts and options, to manage the currency exposure of the Company’s global liquidity profile, including monetary assets or liabilities that are denominated in a non-functional currency of an entity, for up to one year in the future. These derivatives are not accounted for as hedges, and changes in fair value are recorded each period in Other income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
Interest Rate Risk Management
 
The Company holds variable-rate short-term brokerage and other operating deposits. The Company uses interest rate derivatives, typically swaps, to reduce its exposure to the effects of interest rate fluctuations on the forecasted interest receipts from these deposits for up to two years in the future.
 
Certain derivatives also give rise to credit risks from the possible non-performance by counterparties.  The credit risk is generally limited to the fair value of those contracts that are favorable to the Company.  The Company has limited its credit risk by using International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) master agreements, collateral and credit support arrangements, entering into non-exchange-traded derivatives with highly-rated major financial institutions and by using exchange-traded instruments.  The Company monitors the creditworthiness of, and exposure to, its counterparties.  As of March 31, 2013, all net derivative positions were free of credit risk contingent features.  The Company has not received or pledged any collateral as of March 31, 2013.
 
The notional and fair values of derivative instruments are as follows (in millions):
 
 
Notional Amount
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Derivatives accounted for as hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts
$
322

 
$
336

 
$
16

 
$
17

 
$

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts
1,098

 
1,208

 
50

 
191

 
131

 
250

Total
1,420

 
1,544

 
66

 
208

 
131

 
250

Derivatives not accounted for as hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
253

 
305

 
2

 
2

 
1

 
1

   Total
$
1,673

 
$
1,849

 
$
68

 
$
210

 
$
132

 
$
251

 
Offsetting of financial assets and derivatives assets are as follows (in millions):
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position (1)
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Derivatives accounted for as hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts
$
16

 
$
17

 
$

 
$

 
$
16

 
$
17

Foreign exchange contracts
50

 
191

 
(32
)
 
(160
)
 
18

 
31

Total
66

 
208

 
(32
)
 
(160
)
 
34

 
48

Derivatives not accounted for as hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
2

 
2

 
(1
)
 

 
1

 
2

   Total
$
68

 
$
210

 
$
(33
)
 
$
(160
)
 
$
35

 
$
50

______________________________________________

(1) Included within Other current assets or Other non-current assets

Offsetting of financial liabilities and derivative liabilities are as follows (in millions):


17



 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position (2)
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Derivatives accounted for as hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts
(131
)
 
(250
)
 
32

 
160

 
(99
)
 
(90
)
Total
(131
)
 
(250
)
 
32

 
160

 
(99
)
 
(90
)
Derivatives not accounted for as hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
1

 

 

 
(1
)
   Total
$
(132
)
 
$
(251
)
 
$
33

 
$
160

 
$
(99
)
 
$
(91
)
______________________________________________

(2) Included within Other current liabilities or Other non-current liabilities

The amounts of derivative gains (losses) recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Gain (Loss) recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:
 

 
 

Cash Flow Hedges:
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts
$

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts
(29
)
 
2

Total
$
(29
)
 
$
2

Foreign Net Investment Hedges:
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
$

 
$
(10
)
Gain (Loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive
    Loss into Income (Effective Portion):
 
 
 
Cash Flow Hedges:
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts (1)
$

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts (2)
(11
)
 
(8
)
Total
(11
)
 
(8
)
Foreign Net Investment Hedges:
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
$

 
$

  ______________________________________________

(1) Included within Fiduciary investment income and Interest expense
(2) Included within Other income and Interest expense
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Derivative (1) (2)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Related Hedge Item (2)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Fair value hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts
(1
)
 
2

 
1

 
(2
)
  ______________________________________________

(1) Relates to fixed rate debt
(2) Included in Interest expense

18



 
The Company estimates that approximately $28 million of pretax losses currently included within Accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified into earnings in the next twelve months.
 
The amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on the ineffective portion of derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was not material.
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded a loss of $9 million and a gain of $5 million, respectively, in Other income for foreign exchange derivatives not designated or qualifying as hedges. 
 
14.  Fair Value and Financial Instruments
 
Accounting standards establish a three tier fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair values as follows:
 
Level 1 — observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets in active markets;
Level 2 — inputs other than quoted prices for identical assets in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 — unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data which requires the use of valuation techniques and the development of assumptions.

The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments:
 
Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities are carried at cost and amortized cost, respectively, as an approximation of fair value. Based on market convention, the Company considers cost a practical and expedient measure of fair value.
 
Cash, cash equivalents, and highly liquid debt instruments consist of cash and institutional short-term investment funds. The Company independently reviews the short-term investment funds to obtain reasonable assurance the fund net asset value is $1 per share.
 
Equity investments consist of domestic and international equity securities and exchange traded equity derivatives valued using the closing stock price on a national securities exchange. Over the counter equity derivatives are valued using observable inputs such as underlying prices of the equity security and volatility. The Company independently reviews the listing of Level 1 equity securities in the portfolio and agrees the closing stock prices to a national securities exchange, and on a sample basis, independently verifies the observable inputs for Level 2 equity derivatives and securities.
 
Fixed income investments consist of certain categories of bonds and derivatives. Corporate, government, and agency bonds are valued by pricing vendors who estimate fair value using recently executed transactions and proprietary models based on observable inputs, such as interest rate spreads, yield curves and credit risk. Asset-backed securities are valued by pricing vendors who estimate fair value using discounted cash flow models utilizing observable inputs based on trade and quote activity of securities with similar features. Fixed income derivatives are valued by pricing vendors using observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves. The Company obtains a detailed understanding of the models, inputs, and assumptions used in developing prices provided by its vendors. This understanding includes discussions with valuation resources at the vendor. During these discussions, the Company uses a fair value measurement questionnaire, which is part of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, to obtain the information necessary to assert the model, inputs and assumptions used comply with U.S. GAAP, including disclosure requirements. The Company also obtains observable inputs from the pricing vendor and independently verifies the observable inputs, as well as assesses assumptions used for reasonableness based on relevant market conditions and internal Company guidelines. If an assumption is deemed unreasonable, based on the Company’s guidelines, it is then reviewed by a member of management and the fair value estimate provided by the vendor is adjusted, if deemed appropriate. These adjustments do not occur frequently and have not historically been material to the fair value estimates used in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Pooled funds consist of various equity, fixed income, commodity, and real estate mutual fund type investment vehicles. Pooled investment funds fair value is estimated based on the proportionate share ownership in the underlying net assets of the investment, which is based on the fair value of the underlying securities that trade on a national securities exchange. Where possible, the Company independently reviews the listing securities in the portfolio and agrees the closing stock prices to a national securities exchange. The Company gains an understanding of the investment guidelines and valuation policies of the fund and discusses fund performance with pooled fund managers. The Company obtains audited fund manager financial

19



statements, when available. If the pooled fund is designed to replicate a publicly traded index, the Company compares the performance of the fund to the index to assess the reasonableness of the fair value measurement.
 
Alternative investments consist of limited partnerships, private equity and hedge funds. Alternative investment fair value is generally estimated based on the proportionate share ownership in the underlying net assets of the investment as determined by the general partner or investment manager. The valuations are based on various factors depending on investment strategy, proprietary models, and specific financial data or projections. The Company obtains audited fund manager financial statements, when available. The Company obtains a detailed understanding of the models, inputs and assumptions used in developing prices provided by the investment managers (or appropriate party) through regular discussions. During these discussions with the investment managers, the Company uses a fair value measurement questionnaire, which is part of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, to obtain the information necessary to assert the model, inputs and assumptions used comply with U.S. GAAP, including disclosure requirements. The Company also obtains observable inputs from the investment manager and independently verifies the observable inputs, as well as assesses assumptions used for reasonableness based on relevant market conditions and internal Company guidelines. If an assumption is deemed unreasonable, based on the Company’s guidelines, it is then reviewed by a member of management and the fair value estimate provided by the vendor is adjusted, if deemed appropriate. These adjustments do not occur frequently and have not historically been material to the fair value estimates in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Derivatives are carried at fair value, based upon industry standard valuation techniques that use, where possible, current market-based or independently sourced pricing inputs, such as interest rates, currency exchange rates, or implied volatilities.
 
Annuity contracts consist of insurance group annuity contracts purchased to match the pension benefit payment stream owed to certain selected plan participant demographics within a few major United Kingdom defined benefit plans. Annuity contracts are valued using a discounted cash flow model utilizing assumptions such as discount rate, mortality, and inflation. The Company independently verifies the observable inputs.
 
Real estate and REITs consist of publicly traded REITs and direct real estate investments. Level 1 REITs are valued using the closing stock price on a national securities exchange. The Level 3 values are based on the proportionate share of ownership in the underlying net asset value as determined by the investment manager. The Company independently reviews the listing of Level 1 REIT securities in the portfolio and agrees the closing stock prices to a national securities exchange. The Company gains an understanding of the investment guidelines and valuation policies of the Level 3 real estate funds and discusses performance with the fund managers. The Company obtains audited fund manager financial statements, when available. See the description of “Alternative Investments” for further detail on valuation procedures surrounding Level 3 REITs.
 
Guarantees are carried at fair value, which is based on discounted estimated cash flows using published historical cumulative default rates and discount rates commensurate with the underlying exposure.
 
Debt is carried at outstanding principal balance, less any unamortized discount or premium. Fair value is based on quoted market prices or estimates using discounted cash flow analyses based on current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
 

20



The following tables present the categorization of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in millions):
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Balance at March 31, 2013
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities (1)
$
2,118

 
$
2,093

 
$
25

 
$

Other investments
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
12

 

 

 
12

Government bonds
7

 

 
7

 

Equity Securities
4

 
4

 

 

Derivatives
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts
16

 

 
16

 

Foreign exchange contracts
52

 

 
52

 

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivatives
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
132

 

 
132

 

  ______________________________________________

(1) Includes $2,093 million of money market funds and $25 million of highly liquid debt securities that are classified as Fiduciary assets, Short-term investments or Cash and cash equivalents in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, depending on their nature and initial maturity.  See Note 8 “Investments” for additional information regarding the Company’s investments.
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
 
Quoted Prices in
 
Significant
 
Significant
 
Balance at December 31, 2012
 
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Money market funds and highly liquid debt securities (1)
$
2,133

 
$
2,108

 
$
25

 
$

Other investments
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed maturity securities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
12

 

 

 
12

Government Bonds
8

 

 
8

 

Equity Securities
5

 
5

 

 

Derivatives
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts
17

 

 
17

 

Foreign exchange contracts
193

 

 
193

 

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivatives
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
251

 

 
251

 

  ______________________________________________

(1)  Includes $2,108 million of money market funds and $25 million of highly liquid debt securities that are classified as Fiduciary assets, Short-term investments or Cash and cash equivalents in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, depending on their nature and initial maturity.  See Note 8 “Investments” for additional information regarding the Company’s investments.
 

21



There were no transfers of assets or liabilities between fair value hierarchy levels during either the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. There were no realized or unrealized gains or losses recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during either the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, related to assets and liabilities measured at fair value using unobservable inputs.
 
The fair value of all long-term debt instruments is classified as Level 2. The following table discloses the Company’s financial instruments where the carrying amounts and fair values differ (in millions):
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
Long-term debt
$
3,770

 
$
4,218

 
$
3,713

 
$
4,162


15.  Commitments and Contingencies
 
Legal
 
Aon and its subsidiaries are subject to numerous claims, tax assessments, lawsuits and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, which frequently include errors and omissions (“E&O”) claims. The damages claimed in these matters are or may be substantial, including, in many instances, claims for punitive, treble or extraordinary damages. Aon has historically purchased E&O insurance and other insurance to provide protection against certain losses that arise in such matters. Aon has exhausted or materially depleted its coverage under some of the policies that protect the Company and, consequently, is self-insured or materially self-insured for some historical claims. Accruals for these exposures, and related insurance receivables, when applicable, have been provided to the extent that losses are deemed probable and are reasonably estimable. These amounts are adjusted from time to time as developments warrant. Amounts related to settlement provisions are recorded in Other general expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
A retail insurance brokerage subsidiary of Aon provides insurance brokerage services to Northrop Grumman Corporation (“Northrop”). This Aon subsidiary placed Northrop’s excess property insurance program for the period covering 2005. Northrop suffered a substantial loss in August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina damaged Northrop’s facilities in the Gulf states. Northrop’s excess insurance carrier, Factory Mutual Insurance Company (“Factory Mutual”), denied coverage for the claim pursuant to a flood exclusion. Northrop sued Factory Mutual in the United States District Court for the Central District of California and later sought to add this Aon subsidiary as a defendant, asserting that if Northrop’s policy with Factory Mutual does not cover the losses suffered by Northrop stemming from Hurricane Katrina, then this Aon subsidiary will be responsible for Northrop’s losses. On August 26, 2010, the court granted in large part Factory Mutual’s motion for partial summary judgment regarding the applicability of the flood exclusion and denied Northrop’s motion to add this Aon subsidiary as a defendant in the federal lawsuit. On January 27, 2011, Northrop filed suit against this Aon subsidiary in state court in Los Angeles, California, pleading claims for negligence, breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation. Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims. The outcome of this lawsuit, and the amount of any losses or other payments that may result, cannot be estimated at this time.
 
Another retail insurance brokerage subsidiary of Aon has been sued in Tennessee state court by a client, Opry Mills Mall Limited Partnership (“Opry Mills”) that sustained flood damage to its property in May 2010. The lawsuit seeks $200 million from numerous insurers with whom this Aon subsidiary placed the client’s property insurance coverage. The insurers contend that only $50 million in coverage is available for the loss because the flood event occurred on property in a high hazard flood zone. Opry Mills is seeking full coverage from the insurers for the loss and has sued this Aon subsidiary in the alternative for the same $150 million difference on various theories of professional liability if the court determines there is not full coverage. In addition, Opry Mills seeks prejudgment interest, attorneys' fees and enhanced damages which could substantially increase Aon's exposure. Aon believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims. The outcome of this lawsuit, and the amount of any losses or other payments that may result, cannot be estimated at this time.
 
A pensions consulting and administration subsidiary of Hewitt prior to its acquisition by Aon provided advisory services to the Trustees of the Philips UK pension fund and the relevant employer of fund beneficiaries (together, “Philips”). In December 2011, the Aon subsidiary received notice of a potential claim alleging negligence and breach of duty. The notice asserts Philips’ right to claim damages related to Philips’ use of a credit default swap hedging strategy pursuant to the supply of the advisory services, which is said to have resulted in substantial damages to Philips. No lawsuit has yet been filed. Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these allegations. The outcome of this circumstance, and the amount of any losses or other payments that may result, cannot be estimated at this time.

22



 
Mazeikiu Nafta ("MN"), which operates an oil refinery in Lithuania, has sued an insurance brokerage subsidiary of Aon in London. Aon placed property damage and business interruption coverage for MN. There was a fire at the refinery in 2006. MN settled with insurers in November 2011 and claimed against Aon in December 2012. The claim is for $125 million, which is the shortfall alleged by MN to have been caused by Aon's failure to obtain appropriate business interruption coverage. Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these allegations. The outcome of this lawsuit, and the amount of any losses or other payments that may result, cannot be estimated at this time.
 
From time to time, Aon’s clients may bring claims and take legal action pertaining to the performance of fiduciary responsibilities. Whether client claims and legal action related to the Company’s performance of fiduciary responsibilities are founded or unfounded, if such claims and legal actions are resolved in a manner unfavorable to the Company, they may adversely affect Aon’s financial results and materially impair the market perception of the Company and that of its products and services.
 
Although the ultimate outcome of all matters referred to above cannot be ascertained, and liabilities in indeterminate amounts may be imposed on Aon or its subsidiaries, on the basis of present information, amounts already provided, availability of insurance coverages and legal advice received, it is the opinion of management that the disposition or ultimate determination of such claims will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of Aon. However, it is possible that future results of operations or cash flows for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by an unfavorable resolution of these matters.
 
Guarantees and Indemnifications
 
In connection with the Redomestication, the Company on April 2, 2012 entered various agreements pursuant to which it agreed to guarantee the obligations of its subsidiaries arising under issued and outstanding debt securities. Those agreements included the (1) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon plc, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”) (amending and restating the Indenture, dated as of September 10, 2010, between Aon Corporation and the Trustee), (2) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated as of December 16, 2002, between Aon Corporation and the Trustee), (3) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated as of January 13, 1997, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 13, 1997) (4) First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2012, among Aon Finance N.S. 1, ULC, as issuer, Aon Corporation, as guarantor, Aon plc, as guarantor, and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as trustee, and (5) Amended and Restated Trust Deed, among Aon Corporation, Aon plc, Aon Services Luxembourg & Co S.C.A. (formerly known as Aon Financial Services Luxembourg S.A.) (“Aon Luxembourg”) and BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Services Limited, as trustee (the “Luxembourg Trustee”) (amending and restating the Trust Deed, dated as of July 1, 2009, as amended and restated on January 12, 2011, among Aon Delaware, Aon Luxembourg and the Luxembourg Trustee).
 
Effective as of the same date, the Company also entered into agreements pursuant to which it agreed to guarantee the obligations of its subsidiaries arising under the (1)$450,000,000 Term Credit Agreement dated June 15, 2011, among Aon Corporation, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and the other agents and lenders party thereto, (2)$400,000,000 Five-Year Agreement dated March 20, 2012, among Aon Corporation, as borrower, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent and the other agents and lenders party thereto and (3)€650,000,000 Facility Agreement, dated October 15, 2010, among Aon Corporation, the subsidiaries of Aon Corporation party thereto as borrowers, Citibank International plc, as agent, and the other agents and lenders party thereto, as amended on July 18, 2011.
 
The Company provides a variety of guarantees and indemnifications to its customers and others. The maximum potential amount of future payments represents the notional amounts that could become payable under the guarantees and indemnifications if there were a total default by the guaranteed parties, without consideration of possible recoveries under recourse provisions or other methods. These amounts may bear no relationship to the expected future payments, if any, for these guarantees and indemnifications. Any anticipated amounts payable that are deemed to be probable and reasonably estimable are included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company expects that, as prudent business interests dictate, additional guarantees and indemnifications may be issued from time to time.

Letters of Credit
 

23



The Company had total letters of credit (“LOCs”) outstanding for approximately $71 million at March 31, 2013, as compared to $74 million at December 31, 2012. These letters of credit cover the beneficiaries related to certain of Aon’s U.S. and Canadian non-qualified pension plan schemes and secure deductible retentions for Aon’s own workers compensation program. The Company has also has issued LOCs to cover contingent payments for taxes and other business obligations to third parties, and other guarantees for miscellaneous purposes at its international subsidiaries. Amounts are accrued in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements to the extent the guarantees are probable and estimable.
 
Commitments

The Company has provided commitments to fund certain limited partnerships in which it has an interest in the event that the general partners request funding. Some of these commitments have specific expiration dates and the maximum potential funding under these commitments was $45 million at March 31, 2013. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company funded $3 million of these commitments.
 
Premium Payments

The Company has certain contractual contingent guarantees for premium payments owed by clients to certain insurance companies. Costs associated with these guarantees, to the extent estimable and probable, are provided in Aon’s allowance for doubtful accounts. The maximum exposure with respect to such contractual contingent guarantees was approximately $71 million at March 31, 2013 as compared to $104 million at December 31, 2012.

 
16. Segment Information
 
The Company has two reportable segments:  Risk Solutions and HR Solutions.  Unallocated income and expenses, when combined with the operating segments and after the elimination of intersegment revenues and expenses, total to the amounts in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Reportable operating segments have been determined using a management approach, which is consistent with the basis and manner in which Aon’s chief operating decision-maker (“CODM”) uses financial information for the purposes of allocating resources and evaluating performance.  The CODM assesses performance based on operating income and generally accounts for inter-segment revenue as if the revenue were from third parties and at what management believes are current market prices.  The Company does not present net assets by segment as this information is not reviewed by the CODM.
 
Risk Solutions acts as an advisor and insurance and reinsurance broker, helping clients manage their risks, via consultation, as well as negotiation and placement of insurance risk with insurance carriers through Aon’s global distribution network.
 
HR Solutions partners with organizations to solve their most complex benefits, talent and related financial challenges, and improve business performance by designing, implementing, communicating and administering a wide range of human capital, retirement, investment management, health care, compensation and talent management strategies.
  
Aon’s total revenue is as follows (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2013

2012
Risk Solutions
$
1,971


$
1,905

HR Solutions
954


945

Intersegment elimination
(10
)

(9
)
Total revenue
$
2,915


$
2,841



24



Commissions, fees and other revenues by product are as follows (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Retail brokerage
$
1,562

 
$
1,494

Reinsurance brokerage
402

 
399

Total Risk Solutions Segment
1,964

 
1,893

Consulting services
382

 
380

Outsourcing
581

 
568

Intrasegment
(9
)
 
(3
)
Total HR Solutions Segment
954

 
945

Intersegment
(10
)
 
(9
)
Total commissions, fees and other revenue
$
2,908

 
$
2,829

 
Fiduciary investment income by segment is as follows (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Risk Solutions
$
7

 
$
12

HR Solutions

 

Total fiduciary investment income
$
7

 
$
12

 
A reconciliation of segment operating income before tax to income before income taxes is as follows (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Risk Solutions
$
403

 
$
366

HR Solutions
51

 
73

Segment income before income taxes
454

 
439

Unallocated expenses
(44
)
 
(37
)
Interest income
1

 
3

Interest expense
(52
)
 
(59
)
Other income
9

 

Income before income taxes
$
368

 
$
346

 
Unallocated expenses include administrative or other costs not attributable to the operating segments, such as corporate governance costs. Interest income represents income earned primarily on operating cash balances and certain income producing securities. Interest expense represents the cost of worldwide debt obligations.
 
Other income consists of equity earnings, realized gains or losses on the sale of investments, gains or losses on the disposal of businesses, gains or losses on hedging activities, and gains or losses on foreign currency transactions.
 
17.  Guarantee of Registered Securities
 
As described in Note 15, in connection with the Redomestication, Aon plc entered into various agreements pursuant to which it agreed to guarantee the obligations of Aon Corporation arising under issued and outstanding debt securities. Aon Corporation is a 100% indirectly owned subsidiary of Aon plc. The debt securities that are subject to Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X are the 3.50% senior notes due September 2015, the 3.125% senior notes due May 2016, the 5.00% senior notes due September 2020, the 8.205% junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures due January 2027 and the 6.25% senior notes due September 2040. All guarantees of Aon plc are full and unconditional. There are no subsidiaries of Aon plc that are guarantors of the debt.


25



Aon Corporation entered into an agreement pursuant to which it agreed to guarantee the obligations of Aon plc arising under the 4.250% Notes Due 2042 exchanged for Aon Corporation's outstanding 8.205% junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures due January 2027 in both Original Notes and Exchange Notes form as described in Note 9. Those notes are subject to Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. The guarantee of Aon Corporation is full and unconditional. There are no subsidiaries of Aon plc, other than Aon Corporation, that are guarantors of this debt security.
 
The following tables set forth condensed consolidating statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, condensed consolidating statements of financial position as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 in accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. The condensed consolidating financial information includes the accounts of Aon plc, the accounts of Aon Corporation, and the combined accounts of the non-guarantor subsidiaries. The condensed consolidating financial statements are presented in all periods as a merger under common control, with Aon plc presented as the parent company in all periods prior and subsequent to the Redomestication. The principal consolidating adjustments are to eliminate the investment in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Revenue
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commissions, fees and other
 
$
1

 
$
2

 
$
2,907

 
$
(2
)
 
$
2,908

Fiduciary investment income
 

 

 
7

 

 
7

Total revenue
 
1

 
2

 
2,914

 
(2
)
 
2,915

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Compensation and benefits
 
11

 
15

 
1,699

 

 
1,725

Other general expenses
 
7

 
8

 
767

 
(2
)
 
780

Total operating expenses
 
18

 
23

 
2,466

 
(2
)
 
2,505

Operating (loss) income
 
(17
)
 
(21
)
 
448

 

 
410

Interest income
 

 
1

 

 

 
1

Interest expense
 
(2
)
 
(34
)
 
(16
)
 

 
(52
)
Intercompany interest (expense) income
 
(7
)
 
43

 
(36
)
 

 

Other (expense) income
 

 
(1
)
 
10

 

 
9

(Loss) income before taxes
 
(26
)
 
(12
)
 
406

 

 
368

Income tax (benefit) expense
 
(5
)
 
(5
)
 
106

 

 
96

(Loss) income after taxes
 
(21
)
 
(7
)
 
300

 

 
272

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
282

 
262

 
255

 
(799
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
261

 
255

 
555

 
(799
)
 
272

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
11

 

 
11

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
261

 
$
255

 
$
544

 
$
(799
)
 
$
261




26



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Revenue
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commissions, fees and other
 
$

 
$

 
$
2,829

 
$

 
$
2,829

Fiduciary investment income
 

 
1

 
11

 

 
12

Total revenue
 

 
1

 
2,840

 

 
2,841

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Compensation and benefits
 

 
69

 
1,592

 

 
1,661

Other general expenses
 

 
8

 
770

 

 
778

Total operating expenses
 

 
77

 
2,362

 

 
2,439

Operating (loss) income
 

 
(76
)
 
478

 

 
402

Interest income
 

 

 
3

 

 
3

Interest expense
 

 
(40
)
 
(19
)
 

 
(59
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
 

 
46

 
(46
)
 

 

Other income (expense)
 

 
8

 
(8
)
 

 

(Loss) income before taxes
 

 
(62
)
 
408

 

 
346

Income tax (benefit) expense
 

 
(24
)
 
121

 

 
97

(Loss) income after taxes
 

 
(38
)
 
287

 

 
249

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
238

 
247

 
209

 
(694
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
238

 
209

 
496

 
(694
)
 
249

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
11

 

 
11

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
238

 
$
209

 
$
485

 
$
(694
)
 
$
238







27



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Net income
 
$
261

 
$
255

 
$
555

 
$
(799
)
 
$
272

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
11

 

 
11

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
261

 
$
255

 
$
544

 
$
(799
)
 
$
261

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Change in fair value of derivatives
 

 
1

 
(15
)
 

 
(14
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 

 
(8
)
 
(166
)
 

 
(174
)
Post-retirement benefit obligation
 

 
7

 
16

 

 
23

Total other comprehensive loss
 

 

 
(165
)
 

 
(165
)
Equity in other comprehensive loss of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
(165
)
 
(169
)
 
(169
)
 
503

 

Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive loss attributable to Aon shareholders
 
(165
)
 
(169
)
 
(334
)
 
503

 
(165
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
96

 
$
86

 
$
210

 
$
(296
)
 
$
96

 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Net income
 
$
238

 
$
209

 
$
496

 
$
(694
)
 
$
249

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
11

 

 
11

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
238

 
$
209

 
$
485

 
$
(694
)
 
$
238

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Change in fair value of derivatives
 

 

 
7

 

 
7

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 

 
4

 
100

 

 
104

Post-retirement benefit obligation
 

 
6

 
15

 

 
21

Total other comprehensive income
 

 
10

 
122

 

 
132

Equity in other comprehensive income of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
131

 
117

 
127

 
(375
)
 

Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Total other comprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
131

 
127

 
248

 
(375
)
 
131

Comprehensive income attributable to Aon Shareholders
 
$
369

 
$
336

 
$
733

 
$
(1,069
)
 
$
369





28



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
 
 
 
As of March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
5

 
$
251

 
$
152

 
$

 
$
408

Short-term investments
 

 
128

 
224

 

 
352

Receivables, net
 
2

 
2

 
2,880

 

 
2,884

Fiduciary assets
 

 

 
12,224

 

 
12,224

Intercompany receivables
 
23

 
2,499

 
4,145

 
(6,667
)
 

Other current assets
 
11

 
41

 
340

 
(3
)
 
389

Total Current Assets
 
41

 
2,921

 
19,965

 
(6,670
)
 
16,257

Goodwill
 

 

 
8,786

 

 
8,786

Intangible assets, net
 

 

 
2,844

 

 
2,844

Fixed assets, net
 

 

 
816

 

 
816

Investments
 

 
52

 
100

 

 
152

Intercompany receivables
 
166

 
2,193

 
2,108

 
(4,467
)
 

Other non-current assets
 
118

 
731

 
430

 
(105
)
 
1,174

Investment in subsidiary
 
10,591

 
10,759

 
8,464

 
(29,814
)
 

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
10,916

 
$
16,656

 
$
43,513

 
$
(41,056
)
 
$
30,029

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiduciary liabilities
 
$

 
$

 
$
12,224

 
$

 
$
12,224

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

 
748

 
54

 

 
802

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
15

 
76

 
1,349

 

 
1,440

Intercompany payables
 
32

 
3,123

 
2,531

 
(5,686
)
 

Other current liabilities
 

 
47

 
748

 

 
795

Total Current Liabilities
 
47

 
3,994

 
16,906

 
(5,686
)
 
15,261

Long-term debt
 
194

 
2,515

 
1,061

 

 
3,770

Pension, other post-retirement and other post-employment liabilities
 

 
1,262

 
765

 

 
2,027

Intercompany payables
 
3,090

 
166

 
2,195

 
(5,451
)
 

Other non-current liabilities
 
6

 
255

 
1,182

 
(105
)
 
1,338

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
3,337

 
8,192

 
22,109

 
(11,242
)
 
22,396

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL AON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
7,579

 
8,464

 
21,350

 
(29,814
)
 
7,579

Noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
54

 

 
54

TOTAL EQUITY
 
7,579

 
8,464

 
21,404

 
(29,814
)
 
7,633

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
10,916

 
$
16,656

 
$
43,513

 
$
(41,056
)
 
$
30,029



29



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
131

 
$
199

 
$
(39
)
 
$

 
$
291

Short-term investments
 

 
89

 
257

 

 
346

Receivables, net
 
5

 
1

 
3,095

 

 
3,101

Fiduciary assets
 

 

 
12,214

 

 
12,214

Intercompany receivables
 

 
2,092

 
3,545

 
(5,637
)
 

Other current assets
 
7

 
53

 
370

 

 
430

Total Current Assets
 
143

 
2,434

 
19,442

 
(5,637
)
 
16,382

Goodwill
 

 

 
8,943

 

 
8,943

Intangible assets, net
 

 

 
2,975

 

 
2,975

Fixed assets, net
 

 

 
820

 

 
820

Investments
 

 
49

 
116

 

 
165

Intercompany receivables
 
166

 
1,997

 
2,350

 
(4,513
)
 

Other non-current assets
 
117

 
735

 
1,174

 
(825
)
 
1,201

Investment in subsidiary
 
10,398

 
10,522

 
8,322

 
(29,242
)
 

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
10,824

 
$
15,737

 
$
44,142

 
$
(40,217
)
 
$
30,486

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiduciary liabilities
 
$

 
$

 
$
12,214

 
$

 
$
12,214

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

 
429

 
23

 

 
452

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
10

 
71

 
1,772

 

 
1,853

Intercompany payables
 
51

 
2,637

 
2,162

 
(4,850
)
 

Other current liabilities
 

 
49

 
779

 
3

 
831

Total Current Liabilities
 
61

 
3,186

 
16,950

 
(4,847
)
 
15,350

Long-term debt
 
107

 
2,515

 
1,091

 

 
3,713

Pension, other post-retirement and other post-employment liabilities
 

 
1,294

 
982

 

 
2,276

Intercompany payables
 
2,890

 
166

 
2,247

 
(5,303
)
 

Other non-current liabilities
 
4

 
254

 
1,909

 
(825
)
 
1,342

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
3,062

 
7,415

 
23,179

 
(10,975
)
 
22,681

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL AON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
7,762

 
8,322

 
20,920

 
(29,242
)
 
7,762

Noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
43

 

 
43

TOTAL EQUITY
 
7,762

 
8,322

 
20,963

 
(29,242
)
 
7,805

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
10,824

 
$
15,737

 
$
44,142

 
$
(40,217
)
 
$
30,486



30



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2013
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Other
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
5

 
$
(23
)
 
$
72

 
$

 
$
54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales of long-term investments
 

 
1

 
17

 

 
18

Purchase of long-term investments
 

 
(3
)
 

 

 
(3
)
Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments - non-fiduciary
 

 
(39
)
 
23

 

 
(16
)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Proceeds from sale of businesses
 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Capital expenditures
 

 

 
(60
)
 

 
(60
)
CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 

 
(41
)
 
(21
)
 

 
(62
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Share repurchase
 
(300
)
 

 

 

 
(300
)
Advances from (to) affiliates
 
96

 
(206
)
 
110

 

 

Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans
 
36

 

 

 

 
36

Issuance of debt
 
87

 
833

 
230

 

 
1,150

Repayment of debt
 

 
(511
)
 
(204
)
 

 
(715
)
Cash dividends to shareholders
 
(50
)
 

 

 

 
(50
)
Purchase of shares from noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
(131
)
 
116

 
135

 

 
120

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 

 
5

 

 
5

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
(126
)
 
52

 
191

 

 
117

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
 
131

 
199

 
(39
)
 

 
291

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
 
$
5

 
$
251

 
$
152

 
$

 
$
408



31



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions) 
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$

 
$
(66
)
 
$
51

 
$

 
$
(15
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales of long-term investments
 

 

 
36

 

 
36

Purchase of long-term investments
 

 
(3
)
 

 

 
(3
)
Net sales of short-term investments - non-fiduciary
 

 
236

 
47

 

 
283

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 

 

 
(23
)
 

 
(23
)
Capital expenditures
 

 

 
(71
)
 

 
(71
)
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 

 
233

 
(11
)
 

 
222

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Share repurchase
 

 
(100
)
 

 

 
(100
)
Advances from (to) affiliates
 
17

 
(14
)
 
(3
)
 

 

Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans
 

 
49

 

 

 
49

Issuance of debt
 

 
75

 

 

 
75

Repayment of debt
 

 
(137
)
 
(3
)
 

 
(140
)
Cash dividends to shareholders
 

 
(49
)
 

 

 
(49
)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
17

 
(176
)
 
(7
)
 

 
(166
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 

 
10

 

 
10

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
17

 
(9
)
 
43

 

 
51

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
 

 
(21
)
 
293

 

 
272

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
 
$
17

 
$
(30
)
 
$
336

 
$

 
$
323


 


32



Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF FIRST QUARTER 2013 FINANCIAL RESULTS
 
On April 2, 2012, we completed the Redomestication, moving our corporate headquarters to London. In the Redomestication, each issued and outstanding share of Aon Corporation common stock held by stockholders of Aon Corporation was converted into the right to receive one Class A Ordinary Share, nominal value $0.01 per share, of Aon plc. In connection with the Redomestication, we have incurred costs related to the headquarters relocation of $3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013. We anticipate that we will incur an additional $1 million of costs, which are expected to be incurred in 2013, related to the headquarters relocation. We believe the Redomestication will strengthen our long term strategy by:
 
Enabling Risk Solutions to deliver superior value to our clients by executing our Aon Broking strategy;
Expanding the HR Solutions portfolio penetration, especially within consulting, which already has a significant presence in the UK and EMEA;
Enhancing our Risk Solutions’ relationship with, and integration into, London markets;
Increasing our connection to emerging markets, accelerating our ability to grow there, and further aligning our strategy with underwriters and carriers who are also targeting these high growth markets;
Strengthening our international brand awareness and positioning as a global firm;
Advancing our talent strategy through better development, retention and acquisition of professional talent, with a special focus on London’s insurance talent;
Optimizing our fiscal planning and capital allocation and reducing our global tax rate in a manner that provides us with the increased financial flexibility to properly invest in our growth.
 
During the first three months of 2013, we continued to face certain headwinds impacting our business. In our Risk Solutions segment, these included economic weakness in continental Europe. In our HR Solutions segment, these included price compression in our benefits administration business and a decline in discretionary demand for retirement consulting services internationally.
 
The following is a summary of our first quarter 2013 financial results:
 
For the quarter, revenue increased $74 million, or 3%, to $2.9 billion when compared to the prior year quarter of $2.8 billion. This was the result of 2% organic revenue growth and a 1% increase in commissions and fees resulting from acquisitions, net of divestitures, partially offset by a $5 million, or 42%, decline in investment income due to lower average interest rates globally. Organic revenue grew 3% in the Risk Solutions segment and 1% in the HR Solutions segment during the quarter.
 
Operating expenses for the quarter were $2.5 billion, an increase of $66 million, or 3%, when compared to the prior year quarter of $2.4 billion. The increase is primarily the result of a 2% organic revenue growth, the inclusion of $10 million of expenses from acquisitions, and a $6 million increase in restructuring costs, partially offset by an $18 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation, a $5 million decrease in intangible asset amortization expense, and savings related to the formal restructuring programs.
 
Operating margin was flat in the first quarter 2013 at 14.1% as compared to the prior year quarter. 
 
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders increased $23 million, or 10%, to $261 million for the first quarter 2013 as compared to the first quarter 2012

Cash flow provided by operating activities was $54 million for the first quarter 2013, an improvement of $69 million from a use of cash of $15 million in the first quarter 2012.

We focus on four key metrics each quarter that we communicate to shareholders: grow organically, expand margins, increase earnings per share, and increase free cash flow.  The following is our measure of performance against these four metrics for the first quarter of 2013:
 
Organic revenue growth, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — General” below, was 2% in the first quarter 2013 as compared to the prior year first quarter organic revenue growth of 4%. Organic revenue growth was primarily driven by strong management of the renewal book portfolio across all regions and solid new business growth across Asia, the Americas, and emerging markets. Modest growth across our reinsurance business and our HR Solutions segment also contributed to organic growth.

33



 
Adjusted operating margin, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — General” below, for the first quarter 2013 was 18.5% for Aon overall, 22.5% for the Risk Solutions segment, and 14.3% for the HR Solutions segment.  Adjusted operating margin was 18.6% for Aon overall, 21.4% for the Risk Solutions segment, and 16.5% for the HR Solutions segment for the first quarter 2012.  The increase in adjusted operating margin for the Risk Solutions segment reflects strong organic revenue growth and restructuring savings, partially offset by lower investment income. The decrease in adjusted operating margin for the HR Solutions segment reflects a $10 million unfavorable impact from expenses related to legacy litigation and timing of certain expenses as well as an investment in long-term growth opportunities and an unfavorable revenue mix shift in our benefits administration business.
 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to Aon’s shareholders, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — General” below, was $1.11 per share in the first quarter of 2013 as compared to $0.98 per share in the first quarter 2012.

Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the "Review of Consolidated Results - General" below, was a use of cash of $6 million in the first quarter of 2013, an improvement of $80 million from a use of cash of $86 million in the first quarter 2012. The increase in free cash flow from the prior year was driven by improved cash flow from operations and a decrease of $11 million, or 15%, in capital expenditures from the prior year period.

REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
 
General
 
In our discussion of operating results, we sometimes refer to supplemental information derived from consolidated financial information specifically related to organic revenue growth, adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, free cash flow, and the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on operating results.
 
Organic Revenue
 
We use supplemental information related to organic revenue to help us and our investors evaluate business growth from existing operations.  Organic revenue excludes the impact of foreign exchange rate changes, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between business units, fiduciary investment income, reimbursable expenses, and certain unusual items.  Supplemental information related to organic revenue growth represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.  Industry peers provide similar supplemental information about their revenue performance, although they may not make identical adjustments.  Reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure, organic revenue growth percentages, to the reported Commissions, fees and other revenue growth percentages, has been provided in the “Review by Segment” caption, below.
 
Adjusted Operating Margins
 
We use adjusted operating margin as a measure of core operating performance of our Risk Solutions and HR Solutions segments.  Adjusted operating margin excludes the impact of certain items, including restructuring charges, intangible asset amortization and headquarters relocation costs. This supplemental information related to adjusted operating margin represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.
 

34



A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported operating margin is as follows (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2013
 
Total Aon (1)
 
Risk Solutions
 
HR Solutions
Revenue — U.S. GAAP
$
2,915

 
$
1,971

 
$
954

Operating income — U.S. GAAP
410

 
403

 
$
51

Restructuring charges
26

 
11

 
15

Intangible asset amortization
99

 
29

 
70

Headquarters relocation costs
3

 

 

Operating income — as adjusted
$
538

 
$
443

 
$
136

Operating margins — U.S. GAAP
14.1
%
 
20.4
%
 
5.3
%
Operating margins — as adjusted
18.5
%
 
22.5
%
 
14.3
%
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2012
 
Total Aon (1)
 
Risk Solutions
 
HR Solutions
Revenue — U.S. GAAP
$
2,841

 
$
1,905

 
$
945

Operating income — U.S. GAAP
402

 
366

 
73

Restructuring charges
20

 
11

 
9

Intangible asset amortization
104

 
30

 
74

Headquarters relocation costs
3

 

 

Operating income — as adjusted
$
529

 
$
407

 
$
156

Operating margins — U.S. GAAP
14.1
%
 
19.2
%
 
7.7
%
Operating margins — as adjusted
18.6
%
 
21.4
%
 
16.5
%
  ______________________________________________

(1) Includes unallocated expenses and the elimination of inter-segment revenue.

Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share
 
We also use adjusted diluted earnings per share as a non-GAAP measure of our core operating performance. Adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of restructuring charges, intangible asset amortization, and headquarters relocation costs, along with related income taxes. This supplemental information related to adjusted diluted earnings per share represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto. Reconciliations of this non-GAAP measure to the reported diluted earnings per share are as follows (in millions except per share data):
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2013
 
U.S. GAAP
 
Adjustments
 
As Adjusted
Operating Income
410

 
128

 
538

Interest income
1

 

 
1

Interest expense
(52
)
 

 
(52
)
Other income
9

 

 
9

Income before income taxes
368

 
128

 
496

Income taxes
96

 
33

 
129

Net income
272

 
95

 
367

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
11

 

 
11

Income attributable to Aon stockholders
$
261

 
$
95

 
$
356

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.82

 
$
0.29

 
$
1.11

Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted
320.0

 
320.0

 
320.0



35



 
Three months ended March 31, 2012
 
U.S. GAAP
 
Adjustments
 
As Adjusted
Operating Income
$
402

 
$
127

 
$
529

Interest income
3

 

 
3

Interest expense
(59
)
 

 
(59
)
Other (expense) income

 

 

Income before income taxes
346

 
127

 
473

Income taxes
97

 
35

 
132

Net income
249

 
92

 
341

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
11

 

 
11

Income attributable to Aon stockholders
$
238

 
$
92

 
$
330

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.71

 
$
0.27

 
$
0.98

Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted
336.6

 
336.6

 
336.6

 
Free Cash Flow

We use free cash flow, defined as cash flow provided by operations minus capital expenditures, as a measure of our core operating performance. This supplemental information related to free cash flow represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto. The use of this non-GAAP measure does not imply or represent the residual cash flow for discretionary expenditures.

 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Cash flow provided by (used for) operations - U.S. GAAP
$
54

 
$
(15
)
Less: Capital expenditures
(60
)
 
(71
)
Free cash flow
$
(6
)
 
$
(86
)


Impact of Foreign Exchange Rate Fluctuations
 
Because we conduct business in more than 120 countries, foreign exchange rate fluctuations have a significant impact on our business.  In comparison to the U.S. dollar, foreign exchange rate movements may be significant and may distort true period-to-period comparisons of changes in revenue or pretax income.  Therefore, to give financial statement users more meaningful information about our operations, we have provided a discussion of the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on our financial results.  The methodology used to calculate this impact isolates the impact of the change in currencies between periods by translating last year’s revenue, expenses and net income at this year’s foreign exchange rates.  Currency fluctuations had a favorable impact of $0.02 during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and no impact during the three months ended March 31, 2012, on adjusted net income per diluted share when we translate prior year quarter results at current quarter foreign exchange rates.
 

36



Summary of Results
 
Our consolidated results of operations follow (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Revenue:
 

 
 

Commissions, fees and other
$
2,908

 
$
2,829

Fiduciary investment income
7

 
12

Total revenue
2,915

 
2,841

Expenses:
 

 
 

Compensation and benefits
1,725

 
1,661

Other general expenses
780

 
778

Total operating expenses
2,505

 
2,439

Operating income
410

 
402

Interest income
1

 
3

Interest expense
(52
)
 
(59
)
Other (expense) income
9

 

Income before income taxes
368

 
346

Income taxes
96

 
97

Net income
272

 
249

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
11

 
11

Net income attributable to Aon stockholders
$
261

 
$
238

 
Revenue
 
Revenue increased by $74 million, or 3%, in the first quarter 2013 when compared to the first quarter 2012.  This increase consists of a $9 million, or 1%, increase in the HR Solutions segment and a $66 million, or 3%, increase in the Risk Solutions segment. Organic revenue growth in the HR Solutions segment for the quarter was 1%.  The increase in the HR Solutions segment compared to the prior year quarter was primarily driven by new client wins and demand for discretionary services in HR BPO and healthcare exchanges and modest growth in certain consulting businesses.  The results of the Risk Solutions segment reflect 3% organic revenue growth, and a 1% increase in commissions and fees resulting from acquisitions, net of divestitures, partially offset by a decline in Fiduciary investment income. The increase in the Risk Solutions segment compared to the prior year quarter was primarily driven by improved growth across Americas, including strong new business generation and management of the renewal book portfolio in U.S. Retail and Latin America and strong growth across Asia, New Zealand and emerging markets, as well as strong management of the renewal book portfolio in Europe.

Compensation and Benefits
 
Compensation and benefits increased $64 million, or 4%, in the first quarter 2013 when compared to first quarter 2012.  The increase in Compensation and benefits was primarily driven by organic revenue growth, an $8 million increase in formal restructuring costs, investments in key talent and additional costs related to acquisitions, partially offset by $11 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation and restructuring savings.
 
Other General Expenses
 
Other general expenses increased $2 million in the first quarter 2013 when compared to first quarter 2012. The increase was due to organic revenue growth of 2% partially offset by a $7 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation, intangible amortization expense decrease of $5 million, decreased restructuring charges of $2 million, and savings from formal restructuring plans.


37



Interest income
 
Interest income represents income earned on operating cash balances and other income-producing investments.  It does not include interest earned on funds held on behalf of clients, which is included in Fiduciary investment income. For the first quarter 2013, Interest income decreased $2 million from the first quarter 2012 due to lower average interest rates globally.
 
Interest expense
 
Interest expense, which represents the cost of our worldwide debt obligations, decreased $7 million from the first quarter 2012. The decrease in interest expense reflects a decline in the average rate on total debt outstanding.
 
Other income
 
Other income was $9 million for the first quarter 2013, as compared to no Other income for the first quarter 2012.  The first quarter 2013 includes a $24 million gain on foreign currency remeasurement and additional income from equity method investments of $2 million, partially offset by an $18 million loss from derivatives. The first quarter 2012 includes an $18 million loss on foreign currency remeasurement, offset by by $10 million gain on sale of investments, additional income from equity method investments of $5 million, and derivative gains of $2 million.
 
Income before Income Taxes
 
Income before income taxes for the first quarter was $368 million, a 6% increase from $346 million in 2012.  The increase in income was driven by the 2% increase in organic growth, expense discipline, and increased benefits from restructuring initiatives.
 
Income Taxes
 
The effective tax rate on income was 26.1% and 28.0% for the first quarter 2013 and 2012, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate is due primarily to changes in the geographical distribution of income. The estimated tax rate for operations for 2013 is expected to be approximately 26.0%.

Income Attributable to Aon Shareholders
 
Income attributable to Aon shareholders for the first quarter increased to $261 million, or $0.82 diluted net income per share, from $238 million, or $0.71 diluted net income per share, in 2012

Restructuring Initiatives
 
Aon Hewitt Restructuring Plan
 
On October 14, 2010, we announced a global restructuring plan in connection with the acquisition of Hewitt.  The Aon Hewitt Plan is intended to streamline operations across the combined Aon Hewitt organization and includes approximately 2,200 job eliminations. We expect these restructuring activities and related expenses to affect operations into 2013.  The Aon Hewitt Plan is expected to result in cumulative costs of approximately $325 million through the end of the plan, consisting of approximately $213 million in employee termination costs and approximately $112 million in real estate rationalization across the Company.
 
From the inception of the Aon Hewitt Plan through March 31, 2013, approximately 2,180 jobs have been eliminated and total expenses of $281 million have been incurred.  We recorded $26 million and $12 million of restructuring and related charges in the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Charges related to the restructuring are included in Compensation and benefits and Other general expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
 

38



The following summarizes the restructuring and related costs, by type, that have been incurred and are estimated to be incurred through the end of the restructuring initiative related to the Aon Hewitt Plan (in millions):
 
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
First Quarter 2013
 
Total
Inception to
Date
 
Estimated
Total Cost for
Restructuring
Plan (1)
Workforce reduction
$
49

 
$
64

 
$
74

 
$
24

 
$
211

 
$
213

Lease consolidation
3

 
32

 
18

 
2

 
55

 
86

Asset impairments

 
7

 
4

 

 
11

 
21

Other costs associated with restructuring (2)

 
2

 
2

 

 
4

 
5

Total restructuring and related expenses
$
52

 
$
105

 
$
98

 
$
26

 
$
281

 
$
325

 ______________________________________________

(1) Actual costs, when incurred, will vary due to changes in the assumptions built into this plan.  Significant assumptions likely to 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 us to add or cancel component initiatives.
 
(2) Other costs associated with restructuring initiatives, including moving costs and consulting and legal fees, are recognized when incurred.
 
The following summarizes the restructuring and related expenses, by segment, that have been incurred and are estimated to be incurred through the end of the restructuring initiative related to the Aon Hewitt Plan (in millions):
 
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
First Quarter
2013
 
Total
Inception to
Date
 
Estimated
Total Cost for
Restructuring
Plan (1)
HR Solutions
$
52

 
$
49

 
$
66

 
$
15

 
$
182

 
$
213

Risk Solutions

 
56

 
32

 
11

 
99

 
112

Total restructuring and related expenses
$
52

 
$
105

 
$
98

 
$
26

 
$
281

 
$
325

 
(1) Costs included in the Risk Solutions segment are associated with the transfer of the the health and benefits consulting business from HR Solutions to Risk Solutions effective January 1, 2012. Costs incurred in 2011 in the HR Solutions segment of $41 million related to the health and benefits consulting business have been reclassified and presented in the Risk Solutions segment.

The restructuring plan, before any potential reinvestment of savings, is expected to deliver approximately $280 million of annual savings in 2013.  The HR Solutions segment is expected to deliver $228 million of annual savings, with the remaining $52 million to be delivered by the Risk Solutions segment. We estimate that we realized approximately $69 million in restructuring cost savings in the first quarter of 2013.  With other integration savings, we expect to achieve approximately $355 million in annual cost savings in 2013, which includes the approximately $280 million of annual savings related to the restructuring plan, and additional savings in areas such as information technology, procurement and public company costs.  All of the components of the restructuring and integration plan are not finalized and actual total savings, costs and timing may vary from those estimated due to changes in the scope or assumptions underlying the plan.
 
LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
Liquidity
 
Executive Summary
 
We believe that our balance sheet and strong cash flow provide us with financial flexibility to create long-term value for our shareholders.  Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flow from operations, available cash reserves and debt capacity available under various credit facilities.  Our primary uses of liquidity are operating expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, share repurchases, restructuring initiatives, funding pension obligations and shareholder dividends.

39



 
Cash on our balance sheet includes funds available for general corporate purposes.  Funds held on behalf of clients in a fiduciary capacity are segregated and shown together with uncollected insurance premiums in Fiduciary assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, with a corresponding amount in Fiduciary liabilities. Fiduciary funds cannot be used for general corporate purposes, and should not be considered as a source of liquidity for us.
 
Operating Activities
 
Net cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $54 million as compared to net cash used for operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2012 of $15 million, an increase of $69 million. The primary driver of the cash provided by operating activities was net income, adjusted for non-cash expenses, of $512 million and a decrease in accounts receivable of $174 million, partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $417 million, and pension contributions of $196 million. Pension contributions were $196 million and $110 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the remainder of 2013, we expect to contribute approximately $348 million to our pension plans, with the majority attributable to non-U.S. pension plans, which are subject to changes in foreign exchange rates.
 
During the first quarter 2013, we continued to progress with elevated levels of invoicing and cash collections related to a delay in invoicing HR Solutions’ customers. We expect to reduce the level of unbilled receivables and accounts receivable to a normalized level in 2013, which may differ from historical levels.
 
We expect cash generated by operations for 2013 to be sufficient to service our debt and contractual obligations, fund the cash requirements of our restructuring programs, finance capital expenditures, continue acquisitions of shares under our share repurchase program, and continue to pay dividends to our shareholders.  Although cash from operations is expected to be sufficient to service these obligations, we have the ability to borrow under our credit facilities to accommodate any timing differences in cash flows.  We have committed credit facilities of approximately $1.2 billion, of which all but $30 million was available at March 31, 2013.  We can access these facilities on a same day or next day basis.  Additionally, we believe that we could access capital markets to obtain debt financing for longer-term funding, under current market conditions, if needed.
 
Investing Activities
 
Cash flow used for investing activities was $62 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The primary drivers of the cash flow used for investing activities were $60 million for capital expenditures, $16 million for net purchases of short term investments, and $3 million for purchases of long-term investments, partially offset by $18 million for sales of long term investments.
 
Cash flow provided by investing activities was $222 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012. The primary drivers of the cash flow provided by investing activities were $283 million in net sales of short-term investments and $36 million in net sales of long-term investment, partially offset by $71 million for capital expenditures and $23 million for acquisitions.
 
Financing Activities
 
Cash flow provided by financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $120 million. The primary drivers of cash flow provided by financing activities were issuances of debt, net of repayments, of $435 million and proceeds from the exercise of share options and issuance of shares purchased through the employee stock purchase plan of $36 million, partially offset by share repurchases of $300 million and dividends paid to shareholders of $50 million.
 
Cash flow used for financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $166 million. The primary drivers of cash flow used for financing activities were share repurchases of $100 million, dividends paid to shareholders of $49 million, and repayment of debt, net of issuances of $65 million, partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of share options and issuance of shares purchased through the employee stock purchase plan of $49 million.
 
As of March 31, 2013, we had distributable reserves in excess of $6.6 billion. We believe that we will have sufficient distributable reserves to fund shareholder dividends for the foreseeable future.
 

40



Cash and Investments
 
At March 31, 2013, our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were $760 million, an increase of $123 million from December 31, 2012.  Of the total balance as of March 31, 2013, $270 million was restricted as to its use, which was comprised of $117 million of operating funds in the U.K. as required by the Financial Conduct Authority and $153 million held as collateral for various business purposes.  At March 31, 2013, $636 million of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were held in the U.S. and $124 million was held in other countries. Of the total balance as of December 31, 2012, $200 million was restricted as to its use, which was comprised of $124 million of operating funds in the U.K. as required by the Financial Services Authority and $76 million held as collateral for various business purposes. At December 31, 2012, $138 million of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were held in the U.S. and $499 million was held in other countries.
 
In our capacity as an insurance broker or agent, we collect premiums from insureds and, after deducting our commission, remit the premiums to the respective insurance underwriter.  We also collect claims or refunds from underwriters on behalf of insureds, which are then returned to the insureds.  Unremitted insurance premiums and claims are held by us in a fiduciary capacity.  In addition, some of our outsourcing agreements require us to hold funds on behalf of clients to pay obligations on their behalf.  The levels of fiduciary assets and liabilities can fluctuate significantly, depending on when we collect the premiums, claims and refunds, make payments to underwriters and insureds, collect funds from clients and make payments on their behalf, and foreign currency movements.  Fiduciary assets, because of their nature, are required to be invested in very liquid securities with highly-rated, credit-worthy financial institutions.  In our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, the amount we report for Fiduciary assets and Fiduciary liabilities are equal.  Our Fiduciary assets included cash and investments of $4.3 billion and $4.0 billion and fiduciary receivables of $8.0 billion and $8.2 billion at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  While we earn investment income on the fiduciary assets held in cash and investments, the cash and investments are not owned by us, and cannot be used for general corporate purposes.
 
As disclosed in Note 14 “Fair Value and Financial Instruments,” of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the majority of our investments carried at fair value are money market funds.  Money market funds are carried at cost as an approximation of fair value.  Consistent with market convention, we consider cost a practical and expedient measure of fair value.  These money market funds are held throughout the world with various financial institutions.  We do not believe that there are any market liquidity issues that would materially impact the fair value of these investments.
 
As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our investments in money market funds and highly liquid debt instruments had a fair value of $2.1 billion and are reported as Short-term investments or Fiduciary assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position depending on their nature and initial maturity.

The following table summarizes our Fiduciary assets and non-fiduciary Cash and cash equivalents, and Short-term investments as of March 31, 2013 (in millions):
 
 
 
Statement of Financial Position Classification
 
 
Asset Type
 
Cash and Cash
Equivalents
 
Short-term
Investments
 
Fiduciary
Assets
 
Total
Certificates of deposit, bank deposits or time deposits
 
$
408

 
$

 
$
2,486

 
$
2,894

Money market funds
 

 
351

 
1,742

 
2,093

Highly liquid debt instruments
 

 

 
25

 
25

Other investments due within one year
 

 
1

 

 
1

Cash and investments
 
408

 
352

 
4,253

 
5,013

Fiduciary receivables
 

 

 
7,971

 
7,971

Total
 
$
408

 
$
352

 
$
12,224

 
$
12,984

 
Share Repurchase Program
 
In April 2012, our Board of Directors therefore authorized a share repurchase program under which up to $5 billion of Class A Ordinary Shares may be repurchased. Under this program, shares may be repurchased through the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, based on prevailing market conditions, and will be funded from available capital.

During the first quarter of 2013, we repurchased 5.0 million shares at an average price per share of $59.82 for a total cost of $300 million under the 2012 Share Repurchase Program. During the first quarter 2012, we repurchased 2.1 million shares at an

41



average price per share of $48.32 for a total cost of $100 million under the 2010 Share Repurchase Program. Since the inception of the 2012 Share Repurchase Program, we repurchased a total of 24.5 million shares for an aggregate cost of $1.3 billion. The remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under the 2012 Share Repurchase Program is approximately $3.7 billion.
 
For information regarding share repurchases made during the first quarter of 2013, see Part II, Item 2 — “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds” below.

Borrowings
 
Total debt at March 31, 2013 was $4.6 billion, which represents an increase of $407 million when compared to December 31, 2012. This increase is primarily due to an increase in commercial paper outstanding of $333 million when compared to December 31, 2012, and the issuance of $90 million aggregate principal amount of 4.250% Notes Due 2042. Additionally, during the quarter ended March 31, 2013, we had borrowings on our Euro Facility of $230 million with partial repayment resulting in outstanding borrowings of $30 million as of March 31, 2013.

During the quarter, our level of debt returned to a more historical level of $4.6 billion following a temporary reduction in the level of debt at December 31, 2012. We have increased levels of commercial paper activity during the quarter ended March 31, 2013 with total issuances of $883 million as compared to $75 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

We currently expect that for the remainder of 2013, debt will continue to remain at historical and current levels. We also expect to continue to access the commercial paper markets at levels similar to those in the quarter ended March 31, 2013.
 
Our total debt as a percentage of total capital attributable to Aon shareholders was 37.6% and 34.9% at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
 
Credit Facilities
 
At March 31, 2013, we have a five-year $400 million unsecured revolving credit facility in the U.S. (“U.S. Facility”) that expires in 2017. The U.S. facility is for general corporate purposes, including commercial paper support.  Additionally, we have the five-year €650 million ($836 million at March 31, 2013 exchange rates) Euro Facility available, which expires in October 2015.  At March 31, 2013, we had $30 million in borrowings on these credit facilities as compared to no borrowings as of December 31, 2012.

On April 29, 2013, we amended our Euro Facility agreement to add Aon plc as an additional borrower.
 
For both our U.S. Facility and Euro Facility, the two most significant covenants require us to maintain a ratio of consolidated EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), adjusted for Hewitt related transaction costs and up to $50 million in non-recurring cash charges (“Adjusted EBITDA”) to consolidated interest expense and a ratio of consolidated debt to Adjusted EBITDA. For both facilities, the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to consolidated interest expense must be at least 4 to 1.  For the Euro Facility, the ratio of consolidated debt to Adjusted EBITDA must not exceed 3 to 1.  For the U.S. Facility, the ratio of consolidated debt to Adjusted EBITDA must not exceed the lower of (a) 3.25 to 1.00 or (b) the greater of (i) 3.00 to 1.00 or (ii) the lowest ratio of consolidated debt to Adjusted EBITDA then set forth in the Euro Facility or Aon’s $450,000,000 Term Loan Facility. We were in compliance with these and all other covenants during the three months ended March 31, 2013

Shelf Registration Statement
 
On August 31, 2012, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC, registering the offer and sale from time to time of an indeterminate amount of, among other securities, debt, securities, preference shares, Class A Ordinary Shares and convertible securities. The availability of any potential liquidity for these types of securities is dependent on investor demand, market conditions and other factors.


42



Rating Agency Ratings
 
The major rating agencies’ ratings of our debt at May 1, 2013 appear in the table below.
 
 
Ratings
 
 
 
Senior Long-
 
Commercial
 
 
 
term Debt
 
Paper
 
Outlook
Standard & Poor’s
BBB+
 
A-2
 
Stable
Moody’s Investor Services
Baa2
 
P-2
 
Stable
Fitch, Inc.
BBB+
 
F-2
 
Stable
 
A downgrade in the credit ratings of our senior debt and commercial paper would increase our borrowing costs, reduce or eliminate our access to capital, reduce our financial flexibility, increase our commercial paper interest rates or possibly restrict our access to the commercial paper market altogether, or may impact future pension contribution requirements.
 
Letters of Credit and Other Guarantees
 
We had total letters of credit ("LOCs") outstanding for approximately $71 million at March 31, 2013, as compared to $74 million at December 31, 2012. These letters of credit cover the beneficiaries related to certain of our U.S. and Canadian non-qualified pension plan schemes and secure deductible retentions for our own workers compensation program. We also have issued LOCs to cover contingent payments for taxes and other business obligations to third parties, and other guarantees for miscellaneous purposes at our international subsidiaries.
 
We have certain contractual contingent guarantees for premium payments owed by clients to certain insurance companies.  Costs associated with these guarantees, to the extent estimable and probable, are provided in our allowance for doubtful accounts.  The maximum exposure with respect to such contractual contingent guarantees was approximately $71 million at March 31, 2013 as compared to $104 million at December 31, 2012.
 
We have provided commitments to fund certain limited partnerships in which we have an interest in the event that the general partners request funding.  Some of these commitments have specific expiration dates and the maximum potential funding under these commitments was $45 million and $51 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we funded $3 million of these commitments.

Adequacy of Liquidity Sources
 
We believe that cash flows from operations and available credit facilities will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including principal and interest payments on debt obligations, capital expenditures, pension contributions, cash restructuring costs, and anticipated working capital requirements, for the foreseeable future. Our cash flows from operations, borrowing availability and overall liquidity are subject to risks and uncertainties. See “Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” below.
 
Financial Condition
 
At March 31, 2013, our net assets of $7.6 billion, representing total assets minus total liabilities, decreased from $7.8 billion at December 31, 2012. The decrease was due primarily an increase in Accumulated other comprehensive loss of $165 million related primarily to foreign currency translation adjustment, dividends of $50 million and share repurchases of $300 million, partially offset by to Net income of $272 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.  Working capital decreased by $36 million to $1.0 billion from December 31, 2012.
 
Equity
 
Equity at March 31, 2013 was $7.6 billion, a decrease of $172 million from December 31, 2012.  The decrease resulted primarily from an increase in Accumulated other comprehensive loss of $165 million, share repurchases of $300 million and $50 million of dividends to shareholders, partially offset by Net income of $272 million.
  
The $165 million decrease in Accumulated other comprehensive loss from December 31, 2012, primarily reflects the following:

43



 
negative net foreign currency translation adjustments of $174 million, which are attributable to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies,
a decrease of $23 million in net post-retirement benefit obligations, and
net derivative losses of $14 million.

REVIEW BY SEGMENT
 
General
 
We serve clients through the following segments:
 
Risk Solutions acts as an advisor and insurance and reinsurance broker, helping clients manage their risks, via consultation, as well as negotiation and placement of insurance risk with insurance carriers through our global distribution network.
 
HR Solutions partners with organizations to solve their most complex benefits, talent and related financial challenges, and improve business performance by designing, implementing, communicating and administering a wide range of human capital, retirement, investment management, health care, compensation and talent management strategies.
 
Risk Solutions
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Revenue
$
1,971

 
$
1,905

Operating income
403

 
366

Operating margin
20.4
%
 
19.2
%
 
The demand for property and casualty insurance generally rises as the overall level of economic activity increases and generally falls as such activity decreases, affecting both the commissions and fees generated by our brokerage business. The economic activity that impacts property and casualty insurance is described as exposure units, and is most closely correlated with employment levels, corporate revenue and asset values.  During the first three months of 2013, we began to see improvement in pricing on average globally; however, we would still consider this to be a “soft market”, which began in 2007.  In a soft market, premium rates flatten or decrease, along with commission revenues, due to increased competition for market share among insurance carriers or increased underwriting capacity.  Changes in premiums have a direct and potentially material impact on the insurance brokerage industry, as commission revenues are generally based on a percentage of the premiums paid by insureds. In the first three months of 2013, pricing showed signs of stabilization and improvement in our retail brokerage product lines.
 
Additionally, beginning in late 2008 and continuing into first quarter 2013, we faced difficult conditions as a result of unprecedented disruptions in the global economy, the repricing of credit risk and the deterioration of the financial markets.  Weak global economic conditions have reduced our customers’ demand for our retail brokerage and reinsurance brokerage products, which have had a negative impact on our operational results.
 
Risk Solutions generated approximately 68% of our consolidated total revenues in the first quarter of 2013.  Revenues are generated primarily through fees paid by clients, commissions and fees paid by insurance and reinsurance companies, and investment income on funds held on behalf of clients.  Our revenues vary from quarter to quarter throughout the year as a result of the timing of our clients’ policy renewals, the net effect of new and lost business, the timing of services provided to our clients, and the income we earn on investments, which is heavily influenced by short-term interest rates.
 
We operate in a highly competitive industry and compete with many retail insurance brokerage and agency firms, as well as with individual brokers, agents, and direct writers of insurance coverage.  Specifically, we address the highly specialized product development and risk management needs of commercial enterprises, professional groups, insurance companies, governments, health care providers, and non-profit groups, among others; provide affinity products for professional liability, life, disability income, and personal lines for individuals, associations, and businesses; provide products and services via GRIP Solutions; provide reinsurance services to insurance and reinsurance companies and other risk assumption entities by acting as

44



brokers or intermediaries on all classes of reinsurance; provide capital management transaction and advisory products and services, including mergers and acquisitions and other financial advisory services, capital raising, contingent capital financing, insurance-linked securitizations and derivative applications; provide managing underwriting to independent agents and brokers as well as corporate clients; provide risk consulting, actuarial, loss prevention, and administrative services to businesses and consumers; and manage captive insurance companies.

Revenue
 
Commissions, fees and other revenue for Risk Solutions were as follows (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Retail brokerage:
 

 
 

Americas
$
686

 
$
651

International (1)
876

 
843

Total retail brokerage
1,562

 
1,494

Reinsurance brokerage
402

 
399

Total
$
1,964

 
$
1,893

  ______________________________________________
 
(1) Includes the U.K., Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
 
In the first quarter 2013, commissions, fees and other revenue increased $71 million, or 4%, versus the first quarter of 2012, due to 3% organic revenue growth and 1% growth related to acquisitions, partially offset by a decline in investment income. 
 
Reconciliation of organic revenue growth to reported commissions, fees and other revenue growth for 2013 versus 2012 is as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31, 2013
 
Percent
Change
 
Less: Currency
Impact
 
Less: Acquisitions,
Divestitures &
Other
 
Organic
Revenue
Retail brokerage:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Americas
 
5
%
 
(1
)%
 
%
 
6
%
International (1)
 
4

 

 
1

 
3

Total retail brokerage
 
5

 

 
1

 
4

Reinsurance brokerage
 
1

 

 

 
1

Total
 
4
%
 
 %
 
1
%
 
3
%
  ______________________________________________

(1) Includes the U.K., Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
 
Retail brokerage Commissions, fees and other revenue increased 5% in the first quarter driven by a 6% and 3% growth related to organic revenue in the Americas and International operations, respectively, and a 1% increase related to acquisitions, net of dispositions in the International operations, partially offset by a decline in investment income.
 
Americas Commissions, fees and other revenue increased 5% in the first quarter reflecting 6% growth in organic revenue due to improved growth across all regions, including strong new business generation and management of the renewal book portfolio in U.S. Retail and Latin America, partially offset by a 1% unfavorable impact from foreign currency.
 
International Commissions, fees and other revenue increased 4% in the first quarter driven by a 3% increase in organic revenue growth and 1% impact from acquisitions, net of divestitures. Strong growth across Asia, New Zealand and emerging markets, as well as strong management of the renewal book portfolio in Europe contributed to organic growth.
 
Reinsurance brokerage Commissions, fees and other revenue increased 1% in the first quarter driven by a 1% increase in organic revenue growth. The increase in organic revenue growth is due primarily to growth in capital market transactions and advisory business and modest growth in global facultative placements.

45



 
Operating Income
 
Operating income for the first quarter 2013 increased $37 million, or 10%, from 2012 to $403 million in 2013, and operating income margins increased to 20.4% from 19.2% in 2012.  Operating margin improvement was driven by revenue growth, reduced costs of restructuring initiatives and realization of the benefits of those restructuring plans, which was partially offset by the negative impact of expense increase related to investment in the business and a decline in fiduciary investment income.
 
HR Solutions
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Revenue
$
954

 
$
945

Operating income
51

 
73

Operating margin
5.3
%
 
7.7
%
 
Our HR Solutions segment generated approximately 33% of our consolidated total revenues in the first quarter 2013, and provides a broad range of human capital services, as follows:
 
·
Retirement specializes in global actuarial services, defined contribution consulting, investment consulting, tax and ERISA consulting, and pension administration.
·
Compensation focuses on compensatory advisory/counsel including: compensation planning design, executive reward strategies, salary survey and benchmarking, market share studies and sales force effectiveness, with special expertise in the financial services and technology industries.
·
Strategic Human Capital delivers advice to complex global organizations on talent, change and organizational effectiveness issues, including talent strategy and acquisition, executive on-boarding, performance management, leadership assessment and development, communication strategy, workforce training and change management.
·
Benefits Administration applies our HR expertise primarily through defined benefit (pension), defined contribution (401(k)), and health and welfare administrative services. Our model replaces the resource-intensive processes once required to administer benefit plans with more efficient, effective, and less costly solutions.
·
Human Resource Business Processing Outsourcing (“HR BPO”) provides market-leading solutions to manage employee data; administer benefits, payroll and other human resources processes; and record and manage talent, workforce and other core HR process transactions as well as other complementary services such as flexible spending, dependent audit and participant advocacy.
 
Beginning in late 2008, the disruption in the global credit markets and the deterioration of the financial markets created significant uncertainty in the marketplace.  Weak economic conditions globally continued into first quarter 2013.  The prolonged economic downturn is adversely impacting our clients’ financial condition and therefore the levels of business activities in the industries and geographies where we operate.  While we believe that the majority of our practices are well positioned to manage through this time, these challenges are reducing demand for some of our services and putting continued pressure on the pricing of those services, which is having an adverse effect on our new business and results of operations.
 
Revenue
 
Commissions, fees and other revenue for HR Solutions increased $9 million, or 1%, in the first quarter 2013 from 2012. The increase in revenue was driven by 1% organic growth in commissions and fees.
 
Commissions, fees and other revenue were as follows (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Consulting services
$
382

 
$
380

Outsourcing
581

 
568

Intrasegment
(9
)
 
(3
)
Total
$
954

 
$
945

 

46



Organic revenue growth for the first quarter 2013 is detailed in the following reconciliation:
 
Three months ended March 31, 2013
 
Percent
Change
 
Less: Currency
Impact
 
Less:
Acquisitions,
Divestitures &
Other
 
Organic
Revenue
Consulting services
 
1
%
 
%
 
%
 
1
%
Outsourcing
 
2

 

 
1

 
1

Intrasegment
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

Total
 
1
%
 
%
 
%
 
1
%
 
Consulting services revenue increased $2 million, or 1% for the first quarter due primarily to 1% organic revenue growth driven by modest growth in communications and investment consulting, partially offset by a decline in continental Europe.
 
Outsourcing revenue increased $13 million, or 2%, for the first quarter due to organic revenue growth of 1% due primarily to solid growth in net new client wins and demand for discretionary services in HR BPO and healthcare exchanges, partially offset by a modest decline in benefits administration.

Operating Income
 
Operating income was $51 million, a decrease of $22 million, or 30%, from first quarter 2012 primarily due to an unfavorable impact from expenses related to legacy litigation and timing of certain expenses, as well as an unfavorable reveue mix shift, and investments in long-term growth opportunities that more than offset the savings related to the Aon Hewitt restructuring program in the quarter. Operating margin for this segment was 5.3% in the first quarter, which is a decrease from 7.7% in 2012
 
Unallocated Income and Expense
 
A reconciliation of our operating income to income before income taxes is as follows (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Operating income (loss):
 

 
 

Risk Solutions
$
403

 
$
366

HR Solutions
51

 
73

Unallocated
(44
)
 
(37
)
Operating income
410

 
402

Interest income
1

 
3

Interest expense
(52
)
 
(59
)
Other (expense) income
9

 

Income before income taxes
$
368

 
$
346

 
Unallocated operating expense
 
Unallocated operating expense includes corporate governance costs not allocated to the operating segments.  Net unallocated expenses increased $7 million to $44 million in the first quarter 2013 due primarily to an increase in run-rate expenses related to the Company's redomicile to the U.K.  
 
Interest income
 
Interest income represents income earned on operating cash balances and other income-producing investments.  It does not include interest earned on funds held on behalf of clients.  For the first quarter 2013, Interest income decreased $2 million from the first quarter 2012, due to lower average interest rates globally.
 

47



Interest expense
 
Interest expense, which represents the cost of our worldwide debt obligations, decreased $7 million from the first quarter 2012. The decrease in interest expense reflects a decline in the average rate on total debt outstanding.
 
Other income
 
Other income was $9 million for the first quarter 2013, as compared to no Other income for the first quarter 2012.  The first quarter 2013 includes an $24 million gain on foreign currency remeasurement and additional income from equity method investments of $2 million, partially offset by an $18 million loss on derivatives. The first quarter 2012 includes an $18 million loss on foreign currency remeasurement, offset by by $10 million gain on sale of investments, additional income from equity method investments of $5 million, and derivative gains of $2 million.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
 
There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies, which include revenue recognition, restructuring, pensions, goodwill and other intangible assets, contingencies, share-based payments, and income taxes, as discussed in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
Note 2 “Accounting Principles and Practices” of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contains a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact or future potential impact on our financial results, if determinable.
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This report 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.  Forward-looking statements relate to expectations or forecasts of future events.  They use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “potential,” and other similar terms, and future or conditional tense verbs like “could,” “may,” “might,” “should,” “will” and “would.”  You can also identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts.  For example, we may use forward-looking statements when addressing topics such as:  market and industry conditions, including competitive and pricing trends; changes in our business strategies and methods of generating revenue; the development and performance of our services and products; changes in the composition or level of our revenues; our cost structure and the outcome of cost-saving or restructuring initiatives; the outcome of contingencies; dividend policy; the expected impact of acquisitions and dispositions; pension obligations; cash flow and liquidity; future actions by regulators; and the impact of changes in accounting rules.  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 Aon does business around the world, including conditions in the European Union relating to sovereign debt and the continued viability of the Euro;
·
changes in the competitive environment;
·
changes in global equity and fixed income markets that could influence the return on invested assets;
·
changes in the funding status of our various defined benefit pension plans and the impact of any increased pension funding resulting from those changes;
·
rating agency actions that could affect our ability to borrow funds;
·
fluctuations in exchange and interest rates that could impact revenue and expense;
·
the impact of class actions and individual lawsuits including client class actions, securities class actions, derivative actions and ERISA class actions;
·
the impact of any investigations brought by regulatory authorities in the U.S., U.K. and other countries;
·
the cost of resolution of other contingent liabilities and loss contingencies, including potential liabilities arising from errors and omission claims against us;
·
failure to retain and attract qualified personnel;
·
the impact of, and potential challenges in complying with, legislation and regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate, particularly given the global scope of our business and the possibility of conflicting regulatory requirements across jurisdictions in which we do business;

48



·
the effect of the Redomestication on our operations and financial results, including the reaction of our clients, employees and other constituents, the effect of compliance with applicable U.K. regulatory regimes or the failure to realize some or all of the anticipated benefits;
·
the extent to which we retain existing clients and attract new businesses and our ability to incentivize and retain key employees;
·
the extent to which we manage certain risks created in connection with the various services, including fiduciary and advisory services, among others, that we currently provide, or will provide in the future, to clients;
·
the possibility that the expected efficiencies and cost savings from the acquisition of Hewitt will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period;
·
the risk that the Hewitt businesses will not be integrated successfully;
·
our ability to implement restructuring initiatives and other initiatives intended to yield cost savings, and the ability to achieve those cost savings;
·
the potential of a system or network disruption resulting in operational interruption or improper disclosure of personal data;
·
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; and
·
our ability to grow and develop companies that we acquire or new lines of business.

Any or all of our forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate, and there are no guarantees about our 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.  Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made.  We are under no obligation (and expressly disclaim any obligation) to update or alter any forward-looking statement that we may make from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  Further information about factors that could materially affect Aon, including our results of operations and financial condition, is contained in the “Risk Factors” sections in each of Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and Part II Item 1A of this report below.
 
ITEM 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
We are exposed to potential fluctuations in earnings, cash flows and the fair value of certain of our assets and liabilities due to changes in interest and foreign exchange rates.  To manage the risk from these exposures, we enter into a variety of derivative instruments.  We do not enter into derivatives or financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
 
We are subject to foreign exchange rate risk. Our primary exposures include exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar and the British pound, the Euro, the Canadian dollar, and the Australian dollar.  We use over-the-counter (“OTC”) options and forward contracts to reduce the impact of foreign currency risk to our financial statements.
 
Additionally, some of our foreign brokerage subsidiaries receive revenues in currencies that differ from their functional currencies.  Our U.K. subsidiary earns a portion of its revenue in U.S. dollars and Euros, but the majority of its expenses are incurred in Pounds Sterling.  Our policy is to convert into Pounds Sterling sufficient U.S. dollar and Euro revenue to fund the subsidiary’s Pound Sterling expenses using OTC options and forward exchange contracts. At March 31, 2013, we have hedged approximately 81% of our U.K. subsidiaries’ expected U.S. dollar and Euro transaction exposures for the next twelve months, respectively.  We do not generally hedge these exposures beyond three years.

We also use forward contracts to economically hedge foreign exchange risk associated with monetary balance sheet exposures such as inter-company notes and short-term assets and liabilities which are subject to remeasurement.
 
The translated value of revenue and expense from our international brokerage operations are subject to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.  Diluted earnings per share were favorably impacted by approximately $0.02 during the first quarter 2013, related to net translation losses.  Adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results’, were favorably impacted by approximately $0.02 during the first quarter related to translation losses.
 
Our fiduciary investment income is affected by changes in international and domestic short-term interest rates.  We monitor our net exposure to short-term interest rates and, as appropriate, hedge our exposure with various derivative financial instruments.  This activity primarily relates to brokerage funds held on behalf of clients in the U.S. and continental Europe. A decrease in global short-term interest rates adversely affects our fiduciary investment income.
 

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ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.  We have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report of March 31, 2013.  Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded as of March 31, 2013 that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective such that the information relating to Aon, including our consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to Aon’s management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Changes in internal control over financial reporting.  During 2011, the Company upgraded its financial systems relating to the Order-To-Cash PeopleSoft platform used by the HR Solutions North America operations. In connection with this upgrade, the Company has implemented additional compensating controls to mitigate internal control risks and performed testing to ensure data integrity. Other than this change, no changes in Aon's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a - 15(f) of the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Aon's internal control over financial reporting.



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PART II
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.                             LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
See Note 15 "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1, which is incorporated by reference herein.
 
ITEM 1A.                    RISK FACTORS.
 
The risk factors set forth in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 reflect certain risks associated with existing and potential lines of business and contain “forward-looking statements” as discussed in Part I, Item 2 of this report.  Readers should consider them in addition to the other information contained in this report as our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected if any of these risks actually occur.

ITEM 2.                             UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
(a)  None.
(b)  None.
(c)  Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
 
The following information relates to the repurchase of equity securities by Aon or any affiliated purchaser during each month within the first quarter of 2013:
 
Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid
per Share (1)
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
 
Maximum Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
(1)  (2)
1/1/13 — 1/31/13
 

 
$

 

 
$
3,975,190,707

2/1/13 — 2/28/13
 
3,775,870

 
59.57

 
3,775,870

 
3,750,256,113

3/1/13 — 3/31/13
 
1,237,870

 
60.57

 
1,237,870

 
3,675,283,746

Total
 
5,013,740

 
$
59.82

 
5,013,740

 
3,675,283,746

  ______________________________________________
 

(1)         Does not include commissions paid to repurchase shares.
 
(2)   In April 2012, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which up to $5 billion of Class A Ordinary Shares were authorized to be repurchased from time to time depending on market conditions or other factors through open market or privately negotiated transactions, and will be funded from available capital. During the first quarter of 2013, we repurchased 5.0 million shares at an average price per share of $59.82 for a total cost of $300 million. The remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under the 2012 Share Repurchase Program is $3.7 billion.
 
ITEM 5.                             OTHER INFORMATION

Amendment of Euro Facility
On April 29, 2013, Aon amended the Euro Facility to add Aon plc as a borrower. A copy of the waiver and amendment request letter is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
ITRA Disclosure
Set forth below is a description of a matter reported pursuant to Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (the “ITRA”) and Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act.  Concurrently with this quarterly report, we are filing a notice pursuant to Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act that the matter has been disclosed in this quarterly report.
In January 2013, the reinsurance brokerage business of a U.K.-based Aon subsidiary handled payment transactions associated with a quota share treaty retrocession reinsurance policy covering the underwriting year of 2009 (the “Retrocession Policy”) for a multinational cedant (the “Cedant”). One of the risks that was ceded in the Retrocession Policy was for, or related to, a

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company that Aon has been advised is the Iranian Offshore Oil Company (“IOOC”), which is believed to be a subsidiary of the National Iranian Oil Company. The risk was originally insured by an Iranian insurance company. The Retrocession Policy containing the IOOC risk was placed by the Aon subsidiary in 2009. Aon does not believe that applicable laws prohibited the placement of the Retrocession Policy.
In late 2012, the Cedant requested that the reinsurers with whom the Aon subsidiary placed the Retrocession Policy return a balance of approximately $456,000, representing amounts owed by reinsurers to the Cedant (such as return premiums, claims payments and associated deductions) netted against amounts owed by the Cedant to the reinsurers (such as additional premiums) for the relevant policy year. This balance covered both Iranian and non-Iranian risks. In January 2013, two of the reinsurers paid the Aon subsidiary their share of the requested return payment- approximately $158,000 in total - and the Aon subsidiary remitted those funds net of approximately $1,500, which represented the net brokerage commission still owing to the Aon subsidiary on the associated premium.
Approximately $20,000 of the remitted $156,500 was returned premium and associated commission relating to the IOOC risk. The Aon subsidiary's handling of those payments was authorized pursuant to a general license for wind-down activities, issued by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control on December 26, 2012, but is subject to reporting under Section 13(r)(1)(D)(ii) of the Exchange Act due to the involvement of IOOC. The balance of requested return payment (approximately $300,000) has not been paid by the other reinsurers with whom the policies were placed but approximately $30,000 is believed to relate to the underlying IOOC risk and therefore subject to reporting under the ITRA and the Exchange Act. The Aon subsidiary intends to continue to hold any additional amounts currently unpaid by the reinsurers along with any associated commission in accordance with company policy and applicable laws.

ITEM 6.                             EXHIBITS
 
Exhibits — The exhibits filed with this report are listed on the attached Exhibit Index.


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SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
Aon plc
 
(Registrant)
 
 
May 1, 2013
By:
/s/ Laurel Meissner
 
LAUREL MEISSNER
 
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND
 
GLOBAL CONTROLLER
 
(Principal Accounting Officer and duly authorized officer of Registrant)


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Exhibit Index
 
Exhibit
 Number
 
Description of Exhibit
4.1
 
Indenture, dated as of December 12, 2012—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2012.
4.2
 
Form of 4.250% Rule 144A Global Note Due 2042—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2013.
4.3
 
Form of 4.250% Regulation S Global Note Due 2042—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2013.
4.4
 
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2013—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2013.
4.5
 
Form of 4.250% Senior Note Due 2042—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-187637) filed on March 29, 2013.
10.1
 
Letter of Amendment and Waiver between Aon plc and Citibank International PLC (as agent) dated April 29, 2013 amending €650,000,000 Facility Agreement dated October 15, 2010, as amended July 18, 2011 and as amended and restated March 30, 2012
10.2#
 
Employment Agreement, dated and effective as of March 29, 2013, between Aon Corporation and Michael J. O'Connor.
10.3#
 
Change in Control Agreement, entered into as of March 29, 2013, between Aon Corporation and Michael J. O'Connor.
10.4#
 
Aon plc Leadership Performance Program for 2013-2015.
10.5#
 
Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.
12.1
 
Statement regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
31.1
 
Certification of CEO.
31.2
 
Certification of CFO.
32.1
 
Certification of CEO Pursuant to section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
32.2
 
Certification of CFO Pursuant to section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
101
 
Interactive Data Files. The following materials are filed electronically with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
 
 
101.INS XBRL Report Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
______________________________
# Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.



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