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Aon plc - Quarter Report: 2015 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, 2015
 
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 the definitions 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, 2015281,733,504
 





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, 2015
 
March 31, 2014
Revenue
 
 
 
 
Commissions, fees and other
 
$
2,842

 
$
2,941

Fiduciary investment income
 
5

 
6

Total revenue
 
2,847

 
2,947

Expenses
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
1,683

 
1,751

Other general expenses
 
723

 
727

Total operating expenses
 
2,406

 
2,478

Operating income
 
441

 
469

Interest income
 
3

 
2

Interest expense
 
(65
)
 
(58
)
Other income
 
42

 
1

Income before income taxes
 
421

 
414

Income taxes
 
80

 
78

Net income
 
341

 
336

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
13

 
11

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
328

 
$
325

 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
1.15

 
$
1.07

Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
1.14

 
$
1.06

Cash dividends per share paid on ordinary shares
 
$
0.25

 
$
0.18

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic
 
284.2

 
303.5

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted
 
287.1

 
307.2

 
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, 2015
 
March 31, 2014
Net income
 
$
341

 
$
336

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
13

 
11

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
328

 
325

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
 
 

 
 

Change in fair value of investments
 
(1
)
 
1

Change in fair value of derivatives
 
6

 
9

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(322
)
 
16

Post-retirement benefit obligation
 
23

 
26

Total other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(294
)
 
52

Less: Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
(293
)
 
54

Comprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
35

 
$
379

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

3



Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 
(millions, except nominal value)
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

CURRENT ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
378

 
$
374

Short-term investments
 
343

 
394

Receivables, net
 
2,672

 
2,815

Fiduciary assets
 
10,894

 
11,638

Other current assets
 
712

 
602

Total Current Assets
 
14,999

 
15,823

Goodwill
 
8,548

 
8,860

Intangible assets, net
 
2,410

 
2,520

Fixed assets, net
 
754

 
765

Other non-current assets
 
1,678

 
1,804

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
28,389

 
$
29,772

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 

 
 

LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

Fiduciary liabilities
 
$
10,894

 
$
11,638

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
 
966

 
783

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
1,391

 
1,805

Other current liabilities
 
865

 
788

Total Current Liabilities
 
14,116

 
15,014

Long-term debt
 
4,710

 
4,799

Pension, other post-retirement and post-employment liabilities
 
2,001

 
2,141

Other non-current liabilities
 
1,131

 
1,187

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
21,958

 
23,141

 
 
 
 
 
EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Ordinary shares - $0.01 nominal value
Authorized: 750 shares (issued: 2015 - 281.7; 2014 - 280.0)
 
3

 
3

Additional paid-in capital
 
5,177

 
5,097

Retained earnings
 
4,612

 
4,605

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(3,427
)
 
(3,134
)
TOTAL AON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
6,365

 
6,571

Noncontrolling interests
 
66

 
60

TOTAL EQUITY
 
6,431

 
6,631

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
28,389

 
$
29,772

 
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) Income, Net of Tax
 
Non-
controlling
Interests
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2014
 
280.0

 
$
5,100

 
$
4,605

 
$
(3,134
)
 
$
60

 
$
6,631

Net income
 

 

 
328

 

 
13

 
341

Shares issued - employee benefit plans
 
0.2

 
15

 

 

 

 
15

Shares issued - employee compensation
 
4.0

 
(128
)
 

 

 

 
(128
)
Shares purchased
 
(2.5
)
 

 
(250
)
 

 

 
(250
)
Tax benefit - employee benefit plans
 

 
102

 

 

 

 
102

Share-based compensation expense
 

 
90

 

 

 

 
90

Dividends to shareholders
 

 

 
(71
)
 

 

 
(71
)
Net change in fair value of investments
 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Net change in fair value of derivatives
 

 

 

 
6

 

 
6

Net foreign currency translation adjustments
 

 

 

 
(321
)
 
(1
)
 
(322
)
Net post-retirement benefit obligation
 

 

 

 
23

 

 
23

Purchases of shares from noncontrolling interests
 

 
1

 

 

 
(5
)
 
(4
)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock
 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Balance at March 31, 2015
 
281.7

 
$
5,180

 
$
4,612

 
$
(3,427
)
 
$
66

 
$
6,431

 
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, 2015
 
March 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
341

 
$
336

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

 
 

Gain from sales of businesses and investments, net
 
(19
)
 
(5
)
Depreciation of fixed assets
 
56

 
60

Amortization of intangible assets
 
80

 
86

Share-based compensation expense
 
90

 
102

Deferred income taxes
 
7

 
10

Change in assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Fiduciary receivables
 
173

 
165

Short-term investments — funds held on behalf of clients
 
63

 
(271
)
Fiduciary liabilities
 
(236
)
 
106

Receivables, net
 
49

 
13

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
(466
)
 
(468
)
Restructuring reserves
 
(13
)
 
(40
)
Current income taxes
 
27

 
2

Pension, other post-retirement and other post-employment liabilities
 
(66
)
 
(128
)
Other assets and liabilities
 
50

 
21

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
136

 
(11
)
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Proceeds from sale of long-term investments
 
3

 
42

Purchases of long-term investments
 
(1
)
 
(10
)
Net sales of short-term investments — non-fiduciary
 
42

 
183

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 
(21
)
 
(5
)
Proceeds from sale of businesses
 
41

 
1

Capital expenditures
 
(62
)
 
(55
)
CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
2

 
156

 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Share repurchase
 
(250
)
 
(600
)
Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans
 
48

 
26

Issuance of debt
 
870

 
1,195

Repayment of debt
 
(686
)
 
(829
)
Cash dividends to shareholders
 
(71
)
 
(53
)
(Purchases) sales of shares (from) to noncontrolling interests
 
(5
)
 
1

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests
 
(1
)
 

CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
(95
)
 
(260
)
 
 
 
 
 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
(39
)
 
(24
)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
4

 
(139
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
374

 
477

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
 
$
378

 
$
338

 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures:
 
 

 
 

Interest paid
 
$
63

 
$
64

Income taxes paid, net of refunds
 
$
46

 
$
66

 
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 of its controlled subsidiaries ("Aon" or the "Company").  All 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, 2014.  The results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of operating results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2015.
 
Reclassification

Certain amounts in prior years' Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation. In prior periods, long-term investments were included in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. These amounts are now included in Other non-current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, as shown in Note 4 to these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Long-term investments were $143 million at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of the accompanying 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. Management believes its estimates to be reasonable given the current facts available.  Aon adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate.  Illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, and foreign currency movements 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.

2.  Accounting Principles and Practices
 
New Accounting Pronouncements

Debt Issuance Costs

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new accounting guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. The new guidance will be applied on a retrospective basis and is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidations

In February 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on consolidations, which eliminates the deferral granted to investment companies from applying the variable interest entities ("VIEs") guidance and makes targeted amendments to the current consolidation guidance. The new guidance applies to all entities involved with limited partnerships or similar entities and will require re-evaluation of these entities under the revised guidance, which could change previous consolidation conclusions. The guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2016. The impact from the adoption of this guidance on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements cannot be determined at this time.

7



 
Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on revenue from contracts with customers, which will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP.  The core principal of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The guidance is effective for Aon in the first quarter of 2017 and early adoption is not permitted. The guidance permits two methods of transition upon adoption; full retrospective and modified retrospective. Under the full retrospective method, prior periods would be restated under the new revenue standard, providing a comparable view across all periods presented. Under the modified retrospective method, prior periods would not be restated. Rather, revenues and other disclosures for pre-2017 periods would be provided in the notes to the financial statements as previously reported under the current revenue standard. The impact from the adoption of this guidance on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements cannot be determined at this time. The Company is also determining the appropriate method of transition to the guidance.

Discontinued Operations

In April 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that increased the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The guidance was effective for Aon in the first quarter of 2015. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3.  Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
 
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.
 
At March 31, 2015, Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments were $721 million compared to $768 million at December 31, 2014. Of the total balance, $127 million and $169 million was restricted as to its use at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Included within that amount, the Company is required to hold £40.5 million of operating funds in the U.K. by the Financial Conduct Authority, a U.K.-based regulator, which were included in Short-term investments.  These operating funds, when translated to U.S. dollars, were equal to $60 million and $63 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. In addition, Cash and cash equivalents included additional restricted balances of $67 million and $106 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The restricted balances primarily relate to cash required to be held as collateral.

4.  Other Financial Data
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Information

Other Income

Other income consists of the following (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Foreign currency remeasurement gain
$
24

 
$
19

Gain on disposal of business
19

 

Equity earnings
2

 
5

Loss on investments
(2
)
 
(1
)
Derivative loss
(1
)
 
(23
)
Other

 
1

Total
$
42

 
$
1


8




Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Information

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

An analysis of the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Balance at beginning of period
$
74

 
$
90

Provision charged to operations
8

 
4

Accounts written off, net of recoveries
(9
)
 
(5
)
Foreign currency translation
(3
)
 

Balance at end of period
$
70

 
$
89


Other Current Assets

The components of Other current assets are as follows (in millions):
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Taxes receivable
$
218

 
$
99

Deferred tax assets
206

 
212

Prepaid expenses
158

 
164

Deferred project costs
108

 
102

Other
22

 
25

Total
$
712

 
$
602


Other Non-Current Assets

The components of Other non-current assets are as follows (in millions):
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Prepaid pension
$
897

 
$
933

Deferred project costs
237

 
250

Deferred tax assets
146

 
144

Investments
143

 
143

Taxes receivable
57

 
101

Other
198

 
233

Total
$
1,678

 
$
1,804

 
Other Current Liabilities

The components of Other current liabilities are as follows (in millions):
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Deferred revenue
$
410

 
$
408

Taxes payable
89

 
64

Deferred tax liabilities
2

 
2

Other
364

 
314

Total
$
865

 
$
788


9




Other Non-Current Liabilities

The components of Other non-current liabilities are as follows (in millions):
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Deferred tax liabilities
$
307

 
$
313

Taxes payable
201

 
210

Deferred revenue
186

 
167

Leases
172

 
184

Compensation and benefits
55

 
57

Other
210

 
256

Total
$
1,131

 
$
1,187


5.  Acquisitions and Dispositions
 
Acquisitions
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of one business in the Risk Solutions segment and one business in the HR Solutions segment. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of one business in the Risk Solutions segment and one business in the HR 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 (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Consideration
 
$
21

 
$
5

Intangible assets:
 
 

 
 

Goodwill
 
$
16

 
$
4

Other intangible assets
 
1

 
4

     Total
 
$
17

 
$
8

 
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 in which they were acquired.

Dispositions
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company completed the disposition of one business in the Risk Solutions segment and one business in the HR Solutions segment. A pretax gain of $19 million was recognized on these dispositions in the three months ended March 31, 2015, which is included in Other income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company completed the disposition of one business in the Risk Solutions segment.  A pretax gain of $1 million was recognized on this disposition in the three months ended March 31, 2014, which is included in Other income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.


10



6.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are as follows (in millions):
 
Risk
Solutions
 
HR
Solutions
 
Total
Balance as of January 1, 2015
$
5,911

 
$
2,949

 
$
8,860

Goodwill related to current year acquisitions
1

 
15

 
16

Goodwill related to disposals

 
(13
)
 
(13
)
Foreign currency translation
(284
)
 
(31
)
 
(315
)
Balance as of March 31, 2015
$
5,628

 
$
2,920

 
$
8,548


Other intangible assets by asset class are as follows (in millions):
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tradenames
$
1,019

 
$

 
$
1,019

 
$
1,019

 
$

 
$
1,019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets with finite lives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Customer related and contract based
2,894

 
1,616

 
1,278

 
2,952

 
1,579

 
1,373

Technology and other
548

 
435

 
113

 
571

 
443

 
128

 Total
$
4,461

 
$
2,051

 
$
2,410

 
$
4,542

 
$
2,022

 
$
2,520


Amortization expense from finite lived intangible assets was $80 million and $86 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
The estimated future amortization for finite lived intangible assets as of March 31, 2015 is as follows (in millions):
 
Risk Solutions
 
HR Solutions
 
Total
Remainder of 2015
$
80

 
$
154

 
$
234

2016
99

 
172

 
271

2017
90

 
137

 
227

2018
78

 
91

 
169

2019
69

 
73

 
142

Thereafter
185

 
163

 
348

 Total
$
601

 
$
790

 
$
1,391

 
7.  Debt

Revolving Credit Facilities

As of December 31, 2014, Aon plc had two primary committed credit facilities outstanding: its $400 million U.S. credit facility expiring in March 2017 (the "2017 Facility") and its €650 million ($707 million based on exchange rates at March 31, 2015) European credit facility expiring in October 2015 (the "2015 Facility"). Aon Corporation entered into the 2015 Facility on October 15, 2010 (Aon plc became a borrower under such facility on April 29, 2013) and Aon plc entered into the 2017 Facility on March 20, 2012. On February 2, 2015, Aon plc replaced the 2015 Facility with a new $900 million multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in February 2020 (the "2020 Facility"). Each of these facilities included customary representations, warranties and covenants, including financial covenants that require Aon plc to maintain specified ratios of adjusted consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and consolidated debt to adjusted consolidated EBITDA, in each case, tested quarterly. At March 31, 2015, Aon plc had no borrowings under, and was in compliance with these financial covenants and all other covenants contained in, the 2017 Facility and 2020 Facility during the three months ended March 31, 2015.


11



Commercial Paper

Aon Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aon plc, has established a U.S. commercial paper program, which provides for commercial paper to be issued in an aggregate principal amount of up to $900 million, and Aon plc has established a European multi-currency commercial paper program that provides for commercial paper to be issued in an aggregate principal amount of up to €300 million. The U.S. commercial paper program is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Aon plc and the European commercial paper program is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Aon Corporation. In the aggregate, the Company had $355 million and $168 million of commercial paper outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which was included in Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The weighted average commercial paper outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $317 million. The weighted average interest rate of the commercial paper outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was 0.50%.

8.  Income Taxes
 
The effective tax rate on net income was 19.1% and 18.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2015 was unfavorably impacted by a change in the geographical distribution of income, partially offset by the impact of certain discrete items.

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company's uncertain tax positions decreased by $19 million, excluding interest and penalties, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in uncertain tax positions was primarily related to the settlement of certain issues related to the IRS audit for tax years 2008-2011. As of March 31, 2015, the Company's liability for uncertain tax positions was $186 million, which was included in Other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, including interest and penalties of $25 million and net of $11 million of tax attributes.

The Company's liability for uncertain tax positions as of March 31, 2015 includes $133 million related to amounts that would impact the effective tax rate if recognized.

9.  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"). In November 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a new $5.0 billion share repurchase program in addition to the existing program ("2014 Share Repurchase Program"). Under each 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.
 
In the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 2.5 million shares at an average price per share of $100.15 for a total cost of approximately $250 million under the 2012 Share Repurchase Program. In the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 7.2 million shares at an average price per share of $83.45 for a total cost of $600 million under the 2012 Share Repurchase Program. The remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under the 2012 Share Repurchase Program and 2014 Share Repurchase Program is $5.4 billion. Since the program's inception in 2012, the Company repurchased a total of 64.6 million shares for an aggregate cost of $4.6 billion.
 
Net Income Per Share
 
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.
 

12



Net income, attributable to participating securities was $2 million and $3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Weighted average shares outstanding are as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Shares for basic earnings per share (1) 
284.2

 
303.5

Common stock equivalents
2.9

 
3.7

Shares for diluted earnings per share
287.1

 
307.2

   ______________________________________________
(1) Includes 2.5 million and 3.4 million of participating securities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
Certain ordinary share equivalents may be excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share if their inclusion would be antidilutive. There were no shares excluded from the calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
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 Investments (1)
 
Change in Fair Value of Derivatives (1)
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Post-Retirement Benefit Obligation (2)
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2014
$

 
$
(17
)
 
$
(335
)
 
$
(2,782
)
 
$
(3,134
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(321
)
 
3

 
(320
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:
 
 


 


 


 


Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 
11

 

 
29

 
40

Tax benefit

 
(4
)
 

 
(9
)
 
(13
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net

 
7

 

 
20

 
27

Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
(1
)
 
6

 
(321
)
 
23

 
(293
)
Balance at March 31, 2015
$
(1
)
 
$
(11
)
 
$
(656
)
 
$
(2,759
)
 
$
(3,427
)
______________________________________________
(1) Reclassifications from this category included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded in Other income.
(2) Reclassifications from this category included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded in Compensation and benefits.


13



10.  Employee Benefits
 
The following table provides the components of the net periodic benefit cost recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in Compensation and benefits for Aon's material U.K., U.S., and other significant international pension plans located in the Netherlands and Canada (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
U.K.
 
U.S.
 
Other
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Service cost
$

 
$

 
$
1

 
$

 
$

 
$

Interest cost
49

 
58

 
33

 
32

 
8

 
12

Expected return on plan assets
(75
)
 
(82
)
 
(39
)
 
(39
)
 
(12
)
 
(15
)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
10

 
13

 
14

 
10

 
3

 
2

Net periodic (benefit) cost
(16
)
 
(11
)
 
9

 
3

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Curtailment loss (gain) and other

 

 
(1
)
 
1

 

 
(3
)
Total net periodic (benefit) cost
$
(16
)

$
(11
)

$
8


$
4


$
(1
)

$
(4
)

Based on current assumptions, in 2015, the Company expects to contribute approximately $65 million, $132 million, and $23 million to its U.K., U.S. and other significant international pension plans, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, contributions of $19 million, $34 million, and $4 million were made to the Company's U.K., U.S. and other significant international pension plans, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, contributions of $65 million, $40 million, and $12 million were made to the Company's U.K., U.S. and other significant international pension plans, respectively.
 
11.  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,
 
2015
 
2014
Restricted share units ("RSUs")
$
65

 
$
60

Performance share awards ("PSAs")
21

 
39

Share options

 

Employee share purchase plans
4

 
3

Total share-based compensation expense
$
90

 
$
102

 
Restricted Share Units
 
A summary of the status of the Company's RSUs is as follows (shares in thousands):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Shares
 
Fair Value (1)
 
Shares
 
Fair Value (1)
Non-vested at beginning of period
8,381

 
$
63

 
9,759

 
$
51

Granted
957

 
97

 
1,146

 
83

Vested
(1,714
)
 
59

 
(1,950
)
 
51

Forfeited
(49
)
 
64

 
(125
)
 
50

Non-vested at end of period
7,575

 
69

 
8,830

 
56

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

Performance Share Awards

The vesting of PSAs is contingent upon meeting a cumulative level of earnings per share performance over a three-year period. The performance conditions are not considered in the determination of the grant date fair value for these awards. The fair value

14



of PSAs is based upon the market price of an Aon ordinary share at the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized over the performance 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 terms of the plan and level of achievement of the related performance target. Dividend equivalents are not paid on PSAs.

Information as of March 31, 2015 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, 2015 and the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, is as follows (shares in thousands, dollars in millions, except fair value):
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Target PSAs granted during period
978

 
816

 
1,135

Weighted average fair value per share at date of grant
$
96

 
$
81

 
$
58

Number of shares that would be issued based on current performance levels
978

 
1,201

 
2,197

Unamortized expense, based on current performance levels
$
93

 
$
61

 
$
34

 
Share Options
 
The Company did not grant any share options during either the three months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014.
 
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,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Shares
 
Weighted- Average
Exercise Price
 
Shares
 
Weighted- Average
Exercise Price
Beginning outstanding
2,300

 
$
32

 
3,462

 
$
32

Granted

 

 

 

Exercised
(1,293
)
 
26

 
(416
)
 
33

Forfeited and expired
(9
)
 
36

 
(2
)
 
36

Outstanding at end of period
998

 
39

 
3,044

 
32

Exercisable at end of period
998

 
39

 
2,928

 
32

 
The weighted average remaining contractual life, in years, of outstanding options was 2.7 years and 2.0 years at March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on options with an exercise price less than the Company's closing share price of $96.12 as of March 31, 2015, which would have been received by the option holders had those option holders exercised their options as of that date.  At March 31, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding was $57 million, all of which were exercisable.
 
Other information related to the Company's share options is as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised
$
94

 
$
21

Cash received from the exercise of stock options
34

 
14

Tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options
34

 
6

 
Unamortized deferred compensation expense, which includes both options and awards, amounted to $267 million as of March 31, 2015, with a remaining weighted-average amortization period of approximately 1.8 years.

12.  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.
 

15



Foreign Exchange Risk Management
 
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk when it earns revenues, pays expenses, or enters into monetary intercompany transfers 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. These derivatives are accounted for as hedges, and changes in fair value are recorded each period in Other comprehensive income (loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
 
The Company also uses foreign exchange derivatives, typically forward contracts and options to economically hedge 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, typically in a rolling 30 day basis, but may be 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 at the balance sheet date is generally limited to the fair value of those contracts that are favorable to the Company.  The Company has reduced its credit risk by (1) using International Swaps and Derivatives Association master agreements, collateral and credit support arrangements, (2) entering into non-exchange-traded derivatives with highly-rated major financial institutions and (3) using exchange-traded instruments.  The Company monitors the creditworthiness of, and exposure to, its counterparties.  As of March 31, 2015, all net derivative positions were free of credit risk contingent features.  The Company had not received or pledged any collateral related to derivative arrangements as of March 31, 2015.
 
The notional and fair values of derivative instruments are as follows (in millions):
 
Notional Amount
 
Derivative Assets (1)
 
Derivative Liabilities (2)
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Derivatives accounted for as hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts
919

 
1,200

 
59

 
46

 
79

 
58

   Total
919

 
1,200

 
59

 
46

 
79

 
58

Derivatives not accounted for as hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts (3)
181

 
165

 

 

 

 

   Total
$
1,100

 
$
1,365

 
$
59

 
$
46

 
$
79

 
$
58

______________________________________________
(1)
Included within Other current assets ($38 million at March 31, 2015 and $24 million at December 31, 2014) or Other non-current assets ($21 million at March 31, 2015 and $22 million at December 31, 2014).
(2)
Included within Other current liabilities ($66 million at March 31, 2015 and $52 million at December 31, 2014) or Other non-current liabilities ($13 million at March 31, 2015 and $6 million at December 31, 2014).
(3)
These contracts typically are for 30 day durations and executed close to the last day of the most recent reporting month, thereby resulting in nominal fair values at the balance sheet date.

16




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,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Derivatives accounted for as hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts
59

 
46

 
(32
)
 
(14
)
 
27

 
32

   Total
59

 
46

 
(32
)
 
(14
)
 
27

 
32

Derivatives not accounted for as hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

 

 

 

 

   Total
$
59

 
$
46

 
$
(32
)
 
$
(14
)
 
$
27

 
$
32

______________________________________________
(1) Included within Other current assets ($15 million at March 31, 2015 and $12 million at December 31, 2014) or Other non-current assets ($12 million at March 31, 2015 and $20 million at December 31, 2014).

Offsetting of financial liabilities and derivative liabilities are as follows (in millions):
 
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 (1)
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Derivatives accounted for as hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts
79

 
58

 
(32
)
 
(14
)
 
47

 
44

   Total
79

 
58

 
(32
)
 
(14
)
 
47

 
44

Derivatives not accounted for as hedges:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

 

 

 

 

   Total
$
79

 
$
58

 
$
(32
)
 
$
(14
)
 
$
47

 
$
44

______________________________________________
(1) Included within Other current liabilities ($42 million at March 31, 2015 and $40 million at December 31, 2014) or Other non-current liabilities ($5 million at March 31, 2015 and $4 million at December 31, 2014).

The amounts of derivative gains (losses) recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in millions):
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location of future reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Gain (Loss) recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:


 
Compensation and Benefits
 
Other General Expenses
 
Interest Expense
 
Other Income (Expense)
 
Total
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts
 
5

 
(2
)
 

 
(4
)
 
(1
)
Total
 
$
5

 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
$
(4
)
 
$
(1
)

17



Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location of future reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Gain (Loss) recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:


 
Compensation and Benefits
 
Other General Expenses
 
Interest Expense
 
Other Income (Expense)
 
Total
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts
 
11

 

 

 
(19
)
 
(8
)
Total
 
$
11

 
$

 
$

 
$
(19
)
 
$
(8
)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
Gain (Loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (Effective Portion):
 
Compensation and Benefits
 
Other General Expenses
 
Interest Expense
 
Other Income (Expense)
 
Total
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
 
$

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$
(1
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 

 

 
(2
)
 
(8
)
 
(10
)
Total
 
$

 
$

 
$
(3
)
 
$
(8
)
 
$
(11
)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
 
Gain (Loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (Effective Portion):
 
Compensation and Benefits
 
Other General Expenses
 
Interest Expense
 
Other Income (Expense)
 
Total
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts
 
(3
)
 

 

 
(18
)
 
(21
)
Total
 
$
(3
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(18
)
 
$
(21
)

The Company estimates that approximately $4 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, 2015 and 2014 was not material.
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded a gain of $7 million and a loss of $5 million, respectively, in Other income for foreign exchange derivatives not designated or qualifying as hedges.
 
13.  Fair Value Measurements 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:
 

18



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.
 
Equity investments consist of domestic and international equity securities valued using the closing stock price on a national securities exchange. The Company 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 securities.
 
Fixed income investments consist of corporate and government bonds. Corporate and government 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. 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 to 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 management and the fair value estimate provided by the vendor is adjusted, if deemed appropriate. These adjustments do not occur frequently and have historically not been material to the fair value estimates used 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.
 
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.
 
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in millions):
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Balance at March 31, 2015
 
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)
$
1,787

 
$
1,787

 
$

 
$

Other investments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
1

 

 

 
1

Government bonds
6

 

 
6

 

Equity investments
10

 
6

 
4

 

Derivatives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts
59

 

 
59

 

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivatives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
79

 

 
79

 

  ______________________________________________
(1) Includes $1,787 million of money market funds 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. 

19



 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Balance at December 31, 2014
 
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)
$
1,850

 
$
1,850

 
$

 
$

Other investments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
1

 

 

 
1

Government bonds
6

 

 
6

 

Equity investments
11

 
6

 
5

 

Derivatives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rate contracts

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts
46

 

 
46

 

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivatives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
58

 

 
58

 

  ______________________________________________
(1)  Includes $1,850 million of money market funds 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. 
 
There were no transfers of assets or liabilities between fair value hierarchy levels in either the three months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014. The Company recognized no realized or unrealized gains or losses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during either the three months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014, related to assets and liabilities measured at fair value using unobservable inputs.
 
The fair value of Long-term debt is classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The following table discloses the Company's financial instruments where the carrying amounts and fair values differ (in millions):
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Long-term debt
$
4,710

 
$
5,259

 
$
4,799

 
$
5,268


14.  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 claims. Accruals for these exposures, and related insurance receivables, when applicable, are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and have been recognized in Other general expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income to the extent that losses are deemed probable and are reasonably estimable. These amounts are adjusted from time to time as developments warrant. Matters that are not probable and estimable are not accrued for in the financial statements. Included in the matters described below are matters in which (1) loss is probable (2) loss is reasonably possible; that is, more than remote but not probable or (3) there exists the reasonable possibility of loss greater than the accrued amount. The reasonably possible range of loss for the matters described below, in excess of amounts that are deemed probable and estimable and therefore already accrued, is estimated to be between $0 and $0.6 billion, exclusive of any insurance coverage. These estimates are based on currently available information. As available information changes, the matters for which Aon is able to estimate will change, and the estimates themselves will change. In addition, many estimates involve significant judgment and uncertainty. For example, at the time of making an estimate, Aon may only have limited information about the facts underlying the claim, and predictions and assumptions about future court rulings and outcomes may prove to be inaccurate.


20



Although management at present believes that the ultimate outcome of all matters described below, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of Aon, legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings or other events. Unfavorable resolutions could include substantial monetary or punitive damages imposed on Aon or its subsidiaries. If unfavorable outcomes of these matters were to occur, future results of operations or cash flows for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially adversely affected.
 
A predecessor of a retail insurance brokerage subsidiary of Aon provided insurance brokerage services to Northrop Grumman Corporation ("Northrop"). This subsidiary placed Northrop's property insurance program for the period covering 2005. Northrop suffered a substantial loss in August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina damaged Northrop's shipbuilding facilities in the Gulf States. Northrop's excess insurance carrier, Factory Mutual Insurance Company ("Factory Mutual"), denied coverage for storm surge damage pursuant to a flood exclusion in the excess policy. Northrop sued Factory Mutual in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The district court granted summary judgment in Northrop's favor in August 2007. In August 2008, the United State Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed the district court's ruling and held that the flood exclusion applied to storm surge damage. Northrop thereafter sought to join Aon's subsidiary as a defendant in the action against Factory Mutual, asserting that if Northrop's policy with Factory Mutual does not cover the Northrop storm surge losses, then the Aon subsidiary will be responsible for Northrop's losses. In August 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 the Aon subsidiary as a defendant in the federal lawsuit. On January 27, 2011, Northrop filed suit against the Aon subsidiary in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, asserting claims for negligence, breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation. Northrop later settled its claims with Factory Mutual. In January 2014, Northrop filed an amended complaint, adding additional claims against the Aon subsidiary for intentional misrepresentation and concealment. Northrop seeks compensatory damages of approximately $340 million, which includes prejudgment interest and attorneys' fees, and punitive damages that are a multiple of the compensatory damages sought. Aon asserts several defenses (which it believes to be meritorious), including, but not limited to, that it committed no error or omission in placing the Factory Mutual excess policy for Northrop and that Northrop did not suffer any damages as a result of Aon's conduct. Aon intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.

Another retail insurance brokerage subsidiary of Aon was sued on September 14, 2010 in the Chancery Court for Davidson County, Tennessee Twentieth Judicial District, at Nashville 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 in coverage from numerous insurers with whom this Aon subsidiary placed the client's property insurance coverage. The insurers contend that only $50 million in coverage (which has already been paid) 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. In March 2015, the trial court granted partial summary judgment in favor of plaintiffs
and against the insurers, holding generally that the plaintiffs are entitled to $200 million in coverage under the language of the policies. Aon understands that the insurers intend to appeal this trial court decision. Aon believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.
 
A pensions consulting and administration subsidiary of Hewitt before its acquisition by Aon provided advisory services to the Trustees of the Philips UK pension fund and the relevant employer of fund beneficiaries. On January 2, 2014, Philips Pension Trustees Limited and Philips Electronics UK Limited (together, "Philips") sued Aon in the High Court, Chancery Division, London alleging negligence and breach of duty. The proceedings assert 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. Philips is seeking approximately £189 million ($281 million at March 31, 2015 exchange rates), plus interest and costs. Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these allegations.

On June 1, 2007, the International Road Transport Union ("IRU") sued Aon in the Geneva Tribunal of First Instance in Switzerland. IRU alleges, among other things, that, between 1995 and 2004, a predecessor of Aon and, later, an Aon subsidiary (1) accepted commissions for certain insurance placements that violated a fee agreement entered between the parties and (2) negligently failed to ask certain insurance carriers to contribute to the IRU's risk management costs.  IRU seeks damages of approximately CHF 46 million ($48 million at March 31, 2015 exchange rates) and $3 million, plus legal fees and interest of approximately $30 million. On December 2, 2014, the Geneva Tribunal of First Instance entered a judgment that accepted some, and rejected other, of IRU's claims. The judgment awarded IRU CHF 16.8 million ($17 million at March 31, 2015 exchange rates) and $3.1 million, plus interest and adverse costs. The entire amount of the judgment, including interest through December 31, 2014, totals CHF 27.9 million ($29 million at March 31, 2015 exchange rates) and $5 million. On January 26, 2015, in return for IRU agreeing not to appeal the bulk of its dismissed claims, the Aon subsidiary agreed not to appeal a part of

21



the judgment and to pay IRU CHF 12.8 million ($13 million at March 31, 2015 exchange rates) and $4.7 million without Aon admitting liability. The Aon subsidiary appealed those aspects of the judgment it retained the right to appeal. IRU did not appeal. The Aon subsidiary's maximum liability on appeal is limited to CHF 8.7 million ($9 million at March 31, 2015 exchange rates) and $115,000 (plus interest and costs) beyond what the subsidiary has already paid.

On December 27, 2012, AXA Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft ("AXA") started arbitral proceedings in Hamburg, Germany against an insurance and reinsurance brokerage subsidiary of Aon in Germany.  Predecessors of AXA granted predecessors of the Aon subsidiary a mandate to underwrite non-proportional reinsurance business from 1975 through 1999. AXA alleges, among other things, that the Aon-related entities intentionally exceeded their mandate and that, if AXA had known of this intention, it would not have granted a mandate.  AXA seeks damages of approximately €183 million ($199 million at March 31, 2015 exchange rates). The arbitrators heard testimony over the course of four days in September and December 2014, and the evidentiary portion of the arbitration proceeding has now closed. The matter is now under submission. Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims. 

A pensions consulting and administration subsidiary of Aon provided advisory services to the Trustees of the Gleeds pension fund in the United Kingdom and, on occasion, to the relevant employer of the fund.  In April 2014, the High Court, Chancery Division, London found that certain governing documents of the fund that sought to alter the fund's benefit structure and that had been drafted by Aon were procedurally defective and therefore invalid.  No lawsuit naming Aon as a party has been filed, although a tolling agreement has been entered.  The High Court decision says that the additional liabilities in the pension fund resulting from the alleged defect in governing documents amount to approximately £45 million ($67 million at March 31, 2015 exchange rates). In December 2014, the Court of Appeal granted the employer leave to appeal the High Court decision. The Court of Appeal hearing is set for October 2015. Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against this potential claim.

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.
 
Guarantees and Indemnifications
 
In connection with the redomicile of Aon's headquarters (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), and (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.
 
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 are included in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and are recorded at fair value.

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

Letters of Credit
 
The Company had total letters of credit ("LOCs") outstanding of approximately $68 million at March 31, 2015, compared to $95 million at December 31, 2014. 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

22



Company has also 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.
 
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 $12 million at March 31, 2015 compared to $14 million at December 31, 2014. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company funded $2 million of these commitments.
 
Premium Payments

The Company has certain contractual contingent guarantees for premium payments owed by clients to certain insurance companies. The maximum exposure with respect to such contractual contingent guarantees was approximately $77 million at March 31, 2015 compared to $112 million at December 31, 2014.
 
15. 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, equal 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,
 
2015
 
2014
Risk Solutions
$
1,895

 
$
1,994

HR Solutions
970

 
965

Intersegment eliminations
(18
)
 
(12
)
Total revenue
$
2,847

 
$
2,947



23



Commissions, fees and other revenues by product are as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Retail brokerage
$
1,513

 
$
1,579

Reinsurance brokerage
377

 
409

Total Risk Solutions Segment
1,890

 
1,988

Consulting services
371

 
384

Outsourcing
604

 
589

Intrasegment
(5
)
 
(8
)
Total HR Solutions Segment
970

 
965

Intersegment
(18
)
 
(12
)
Total commissions, fees and other revenue
$
2,842

 
$
2,941

 
Fiduciary investment income by segment is as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Risk Solutions
$
5

 
$
6

HR Solutions

 

Total fiduciary investment income
$
5

 
$
6

 
A reconciliation of segment operating income before tax to income before income taxes is as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Risk Solutions
$
412

 
$
445

HR Solutions
76

 
67

Segment income before income taxes
488

 
512

Unallocated expenses
(47
)
 
(43
)
Interest income
3

 
2

Interest expense
(65
)
 
(58
)
Other income
42

 
1

Income before income taxes
$
421

 
$
414

 
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 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 derivatives, and gains or losses on foreign currency transactions.
 
16.  Guarantee of Registered Securities
 
As described in Note 14, 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% Notes due September 2015, the 3.125% Notes due May 2016, the 5.00% Notes due September 2020, the 8.205% Notes due January 2027 and the 6.25% Notes due September 2040. All guarantees of Aon plc are full and unconditional. There are no other subsidiaries of Aon plc that are guarantors of the debt.

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% Notes due January 2027. Those Notes are subject to Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. Aon Corporation also agreed to guarantee the obligations of Aon plc arising under the 4.45% Notes due 2043, the 4.00% Notes due November 2023, the 2.875% Notes due May 2026, the 3.50% Notes due June 2024, and the 4.60% Notes due June 2044. In each case, the guarantee of Aon Corporation is full and unconditional. There are

24



no subsidiaries of Aon plc, other than Aon Corporation, that are guarantors of the 4.250% Notes due 2042, the 4.45% Notes due 2043, the 4.00% Notes due 2023, the 2.875% Notes due 2026, the 3.50% Notes due 2024 or the 4.60% Notes due 2044.
 
The following tables set forth condensed consolidating statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, condensed consolidating statements of financial position as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 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.

In January 2015, Aon plc transferred its ownership of all of its directly held subsidiaries to Aon Global Holdings Limited, an intermediate holding company. The financial results of Aon Global Holdings Limited are included in the Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries column of the Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements. The Company has reflected the transfer of Aon Corporation from Aon plc to Aon Global Holdings Limited below for all periods presented.

Certain amounts in prior year's condensed consolidating statements of income have been reclassified and adjusted to conform to the 2015 presentation. In prior periods, other income (expense) from intercompany transactions were recognized in Compensation and benefits and Other general expenses. These amounts are now included in Intercompany other income (expense) in the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income. The Company believes this provides greater clarity into the income generated from operations and intercompany transactions.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commissions, fees and other
 
$

 
$

 
$
2,842

 
$

 
$
2,842

Fiduciary investment income
 

 

 
5

 

 
5

Total revenue
 

 

 
2,847

 

 
2,847

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
52

 
11

 
1,620

 

 
1,683

Other general expenses
 
13

 
2

 
708

 

 
723

Total operating expenses
 
65

 
13

 
2,328

 

 
2,406

Operating (loss) income
 
(65
)
 
(13
)
 
519

 

 
441

Interest income
 
(5
)
 
3

 
5

 

 
3

Interest expense
 
(25
)
 
(34
)
 
(6
)
 

 
(65
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
 
119

 
(105
)
 
(14
)
 

 

Intercompany other (expense) income
 
(50
)
 
(8
)
 
58

 

 

Other income
 
2

 
8

 
32

 

 
42

(Loss) income before taxes
 
(24
)
 
(149
)
 
594

 

 
421

Income tax (benefit) expense
 
(5
)
 
(50
)
 
135

 

 
80

(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
 
(19
)
 
(99
)
 
459

 

 
341

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
347

 
403

 
304

 
(1,054
)
 

Net income
 
328

 
304

 
763

 
(1,054
)
 
341

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
13

 

 
13

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
328

 
$
304

 
$
750

 
$
(1,054
)
 
$
328



25




Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commissions, fees and other
 
$
1

 
$

 
$
2,940

 
$

 
$
2,941

Fiduciary investment income
 

 

 
6

 

 
6

Total revenue
 
1

 

 
2,946

 

 
2,947

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
66

 
7

 
1,678

 

 
1,751

Other general expenses
 
4

 
3

 
720

 

 
727

Total operating expenses
 
70

 
10

 
2,398

 

 
2,478

Operating (loss) income
 
(69
)
 
(10
)
 
548

 

 
469

Interest income
 
(2
)
 

 
4

 

 
2

Interest expense
 
(9
)
 
(31
)
 
(18
)
 

 
(58
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
 
111

 
(74
)
 
(37
)
 

 

Intercompany other (expense) income
 
(19
)
 
(15
)
 
34

 

 

Other income
 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Income (loss) before taxes
 
12

 
(130
)
 
532

 

 
414

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
3

 
(50
)
 
125

 

 
78

Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
 
9

 
(80
)
 
407

 

 
336

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
316

 
333

 
253

 
(902
)
 

Net income
 
325

 
253

 
660

 
(902
)
 
336

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
11

 

 
11

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
325

 
$
253

 
$
649

 
$
(902
)
 
$
325





26



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Net income
 
$
328

 
$
304

 
$
763

 
$
(1,054
)
 
$
341

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
13

 

 
13

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
328

 
$
304

 
$
750

 
$
(1,054
)
 
$
328

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value of investments
 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Change in fair value of derivatives
 

 
(1
)
 
7

 

 
6

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 

 
(23
)
 
(299
)
 

 
(322
)
Post-retirement benefit obligation
 

 
8

 
15

 

 
23

Total other comprehensive loss
 

 
(16
)
 
(278
)
 

 
(294
)
Equity in other comprehensive loss of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
(293
)
 
(267
)
 
(283
)
 
843

 

Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Total other comprehensive loss attributable to Aon shareholders
 
(293
)
 
(283
)
 
(560
)
 
843

 
(293
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
35

 
$
21

 
$
190

 
$
(211
)
 
$
35

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Net income
 
$
325

 
$
253

 
$
660

 
$
(902
)
 
$
336

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
11

 

 
11

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
325

 
$
253

 
$
649

 
$
(902
)
 
$
325

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value of investments
 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Change in fair value of derivatives
 

 
1

 
8

 

 
9

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 

 
(17
)
 
33

 

 
16

Post-retirement benefit obligation
 

 
6

 
20

 

 
26

Total other comprehensive (loss) income
 

 
(10
)
 
62

 

 
52

Equity in other comprehensive income of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
54

 
69

 
59

 
(182
)
 

Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Total other comprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
54

 
59

 
123

 
(182
)
 
54

Comprehensive income attributable to Aon Shareholders
 
$
379

 
$
312

 
$
772

 
$
(1,084
)
 
$
379





27



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position 
 
 
As of March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$
2,230

 
$
650

 
$
(2,502
)
 
$
378

Short-term investments
 

 
166

 
177

 

 
343

Receivables, net
 

 

 
2,672

 

 
2,672

Fiduciary assets
 

 

 
10,894

 

 
10,894

Intercompany receivables
 
125

 
3,581

 
9,681

 
(13,387
)
 

Other current assets
 
2

 
207

 
536

 
(33
)
 
712

Total Current Assets
 
127

 
6,184

 
24,610

 
(15,922
)
 
14,999

Goodwill
 

 

 
8,548

 

 
8,548

Intangible assets, net
 

 

 
2,410

 

 
2,410

Fixed assets, net
 

 

 
754

 

 
754

Intercompany receivables
 
7,374

 
577

 
121

 
(8,072
)
 

Other non-current assets
 
181

 
701

 
1,589

 
(793
)
 
1,678

Investment in subsidiary
 
4,121

 
15,391

 
1,868

 
(21,380
)
 

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
11,803

 
$
22,853

 
$
39,900

 
$
(46,167
)
 
$
28,389

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiduciary liabilities
 
$

 
$

 
$
10,894

 
$

 
$
10,894

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
 
109

 
846

 
11

 

 
966

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
2,597

 
31

 
1,265

 
(2,502
)
 
1,391

Intercompany payables
 
246

 
9,382

 
3,759

 
(13,387
)
 

Other current liabilities
 

 
49

 
849

 
(33
)
 
865

Total Current Liabilities
 
2,952

 
10,308

 
16,778

 
(15,922
)
 
14,116

Long-term debt
 
2,480

 
1,917

 
313

 

 
4,710

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

 
1,366

 
635

 

 
2,001

Intercompany payables
 

 
7,287

 
785

 
(8,072
)
 

Other non-current liabilities
 
6

 
107

 
1,811

 
(793
)
 
1,131

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
5,438

 
20,985

 
20,322

 
(24,787
)
 
21,958

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL AON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
6,365

 
1,868

 
19,512

 
(21,380
)
 
6,365

Noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
66

 

 
66

TOTAL EQUITY
 
6,365

 
1,868

 
19,578

 
(21,380
)
 
6,431

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
11,803

 
$
22,853

 
$
39,900

 
$
(46,167
)
 
$
28,389



28



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
 
 
As of December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$
2,727

 
$
1,361

 
$
(3,714
)
 
$
374

Short-term investments
 

 
165

 
229

 

 
394

Receivables, net
 

 

 
2,815

 

 
2,815

Fiduciary assets
 

 

 
11,638

 

 
11,638

Intercompany receivables
 
455

 
2,814

 
9,156

 
(12,425
)
 

Other current assets
 
2

 
226

 
407

 
(33
)
 
602

Total Current Assets
 
457

 
5,932

 
25,606

 
(16,172
)
 
15,823

Goodwill
 

 

 
8,860

 

 
8,860

Intangible assets, net
 

 

 
2,520

 

 
2,520

Fixed assets, net
 

 

 
765

 

 
765

Intercompany receivables
 
7,399

 
600

 
111

 
(8,110
)
 

Other non-current assets
 
179

 
697

 
1,718

 
(790
)
 
1,804

Investment in subsidiary
 
4,962

 
15,200

 
1,880

 
(22,042
)
 

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
12,997

 
$
22,429

 
$
41,460

 
$
(47,114
)
 
$
29,772

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiduciary liabilities
 
$

 
$

 
$
11,638

 
$

 
$
11,638

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

 
767

 
16

 

 
783

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
3,755

 
58

 
1,706

 
(3,714
)
 
1,805

Intercompany payables
 
122

 
8,960

 
3,343

 
(12,425
)
 

Other current liabilities
 

 
49

 
772

 
(33
)
 
788

Total Current Liabilities
 
3,877

 
9,834

 
17,475

 
(16,172
)
 
15,014

Long-term debt
 
2,544

 
1,917

 
338

 

 
4,799

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

 
1,396

 
745

 

 
2,141

Intercompany payables
 

 
7,277

 
833

 
(8,110
)
 

Other non-current liabilities
 
5

 
125

 
1,847

 
(790
)
 
1,187

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
6,426

 
20,549

 
21,238

 
(25,072
)
 
23,141

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL AON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
6,571

 
1,880

 
20,162

 
(22,042
)
 
6,571

Noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
60

 

 
60

TOTAL EQUITY
 
6,571

 
1,880

 
20,222

 
(22,042
)
 
6,631

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
12,997

 
$
22,429

 
$
41,460

 
$
(47,114
)
 
$
29,772



29



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Other
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
2

 
$
(188
)
 
$
322

 
$

 
$
136

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales of long-term investments
 

 

 
3

 

 
3

Purchase of long-term investments
 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Net sales of short-term investments - non-fiduciary
 

 
(1
)
 
43

 

 
42

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 

 

 
(21
)
 

 
(21
)
Proceeds from sale of businesses
 

 

 
41

 

 
41

Capital expenditures
 

 

 
(62
)
 

 
(62
)
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 

 
(2
)
 
4

 

 
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share repurchase
 
(250
)
 

 

 

 
(250
)
Advances from (to) affiliates
 
157

 
(385
)
 
(984
)
 
1,212

 

Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans
 
48

 

 

 

 
48

Issuance of debt
 
114

 
756

 

 

 
870

Repayment of debt
 

 
(678
)
 
(8
)
 

 
(686
)
Cash dividends to shareholders
 
(71
)
 

 

 

 
(71
)
Purchase of shares from noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
(5
)
 

 
(5
)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Proceeds from sale-leaseback
 

 

 

 

 

CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
(2
)
 
(307
)
 
(998
)
 
1,212

 
(95
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 

 
(39
)
 

 
(39
)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 
(497
)
 
(711
)
 
1,212

 
4

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
 

 
2,727

 
1,361

 
(3,714
)
 
374

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
 
$

 
$
2,230

 
$
650

 
$
(2,502
)
 
$
378



30



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions) 
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
89

 
$
(123
)
 
$
23

 
$

 
$
(11
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales of long-term investments
 

 
37

 
5

 

 
42

Purchase of long-term investments
 

 
(10
)
 

 

 
(10
)
Net sales of short-term investments - non-fiduciary
 

 
62

 
121

 

 
183

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 

 

 
(5
)
 

 
(5
)
Proceeds from sale of businesses
 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Capital expenditures
 

 

 
(55
)
 

 
(55
)
CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 

 
89

 
67

 

 
156

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share repurchase
 
(600
)
 

 

 

 
(600
)
Advances from (to) affiliates
 
313

 
(206
)
 
65

 
(172
)
 

Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans
 
26

 

 

 

 
26

Issuance of debt
 
293

 
902

 

 

 
1,195

Repayment of debt
 
(68
)
 
(755
)
 
(6
)
 

 
(829
)
Cash dividends to shareholders
 
(53
)
 

 

 

 
(53
)
Purchase of shares from noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
1

 

 
1

CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
(89
)
 
(59
)
 
60

 
(172
)
 
(260
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 

 
(24
)
 

 
(24
)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 
(93
)
 
126

 
(172
)
 
(139
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
 

 
247

 
1,246

 
(1,016
)
 
477

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
 
$

 
$
154

 
$
1,372

 
$
(1,188
)
 
$
338


 



31



Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF FIRST QUARTER 2015 FINANCIAL RESULTS
 
During the first quarter of 2015, we continued to face certain headwinds that have adversely impacted our business in prior periods. In our Risk Solutions segment, these headwinds included adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates, economic weakness in continental Europe and a negative market impact in our Reinsurance business. In our HR Solutions segment, these headwinds included price compression in our benefits administration business and economic weakness in continental Europe.
 
The following is a summary of our first three months of 2015 financial results:

For the first quarter of 2015, revenue decreased $100 million, or 3%, to $2.8 billion compared to the prior year first quarter due primarily to a 7% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by organic revenue growth of 3% and revenue attributable to acquisitions of 1%. In Risk Solutions, revenue was driven by solid growth in Retail brokerage across both the Americas and International businesses, partially offset by a decline in Reinsurance revenue. The HR Solutions segment had solid growth across both the consulting and outsourcing businesses. Organic revenue growth was 3% in the Risk Solutions segment and 4% in the HR Solutions segment during the first three months of 2015.
 
Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2015 were $2.4 billion, a decrease of $72 million, or 3%, compared to the prior year first quarter. The decrease in the first quarter was primarily due to a $140 million favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates and a $6 million decrease in intangible asset amortization, partially offset by an increase in expense associated with 3% organic revenue growth.

Operating margin decreased to 15.5% in the first quarter 2015 from 15.9% in the first quarter 2014. The decrease in operating margin from the prior year quarter is primarily related to a $50 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates and an increase in expense to support future growth, partially offset by organic revenue growth of 3%, decreased intangible asset amortization costs, and expense discipline. Operating margin for Risk Solutions decreased 60 basis points from 22.3% in the first quarter 2014 to 21.7% in the first quarter 2015, due primarily to a $48 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by return on investments in the business and expense discipline. Operating margin for HR Solutions increased 90 basis points from 6.9% in the first quarter 2014 to 7.8% in the first quarter 2015, due primarily to solid organic revenue growth and a reduction in intangible asset amortization, partially offset by an increase in expense to support future growth and a $5 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates.
 
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders increased $3 million, or 1%, to $328 million for the first quarter 2015 compared to the first quarter 2014.

Cash flow provided by operating activities was $136 million for the first three months of 2015, an increase of $147 million from cash flow used for operating activities of $11 million in the first three months of 2014, driven by a decline in pension contributions, working capital improvements, and a decline in cash paid for taxes and restructuring.

We focus on four key non-GAAP metrics that we communicate to shareholders: grow organically, expand adjusted operating margins, increase adjusted diluted earnings per share, and increase free cash flow.  The following is our measure of performance against these four metrics for the first three months of 2015:
 
Organic revenue growth, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption "Review of Consolidated Results — Organic Revenue," was 3% in the first quarter of 2015, compared to organic revenue growth of 2% in the prior year first quarter. In Risk Solutions, organic revenue growth was driven by solid growth in Retail brokerage across both the Americas and International businesses, partially offset by a decline in Reinsurance organic revenue. HR Solutions had solid organic growth across both the consulting and outsourcing businesses.
 
Adjusted operating margin, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption "Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Operating Margin," for the first quarter 2015 was 18.3% for Aon overall, 23.2% for the Risk Solutions segment, and 13.2% for the HR Solutions segment.  Adjusted operating margin was 18.8% for Aon overall, 23.6% for the Risk Solutions segment, and 13.3% for the HR Solutions segment for the first quarter 2014. The decrease in adjusted operating margin for the Risk Solutions segment primarily reflects a $50 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by organic revenue growth, return on investments, and expense

32



discipline. The decrease in adjusted operating margin for the HR Solutions segment primarily reflects an increase in expense to support future growth and a $6 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by organic revenue growth and expense discipline.
 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share from net income attributable to Aon's shareholders, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption "Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share," was $1.37 per share in the first quarter of 2015, compared to $1.28 per share in the first quarter of 2014.

Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption "Review of Consolidated Results — Free Cash Flow," increased $140 million from the prior year period to $74 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 driven by an increase in cash flow from operations partially offset by an increase of $7 million in capital expenditures from the prior year period.

REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
 
General
 
In our discussion of operating results, we sometimes refer to certain non-GAAP 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 is a non-GAAP measure and 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.  Reconciliations of this non-GAAP measure, organic revenue growth percentages, to the reported Commissions, fees and other revenue growth percentages, have been provided under the "Review by Segment" caption below.
 
Adjusted Operating Margin
 
We use adjusted operating margin as a non-GAAP measure of core operating performance of our Risk Solutions and HR Solutions segments.  Adjusted operating margin excludes the impact of certain items, including intangible asset amortization, because management does not believe these expenses reflect our core operating performance. 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.

 A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported operating margin is as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
Total Aon (1)
 
Risk Solutions
 
HR Solutions
Revenue — U.S. GAAP
$
2,847

 
$
1,895

 
$
970

Operating income — U.S. GAAP
$
441

 
$
412

 
$
76

Intangible asset amortization
80

 
28

 
52

Operating income — as adjusted
$
521

 
$
440

 
$
128

Operating margins — U.S. GAAP
15.5
%
 
21.7
%
 
7.8
%
Operating margins — as adjusted
18.3
%
 
23.2
%
 
13.2
%

33



 
Three months ended March 31, 2014
 
Total Aon (1)
 
Risk Solutions
 
HR Solutions
Revenue — U.S. GAAP
$
2,947

 
$
1,994

 
$
965

Operating income — U.S. GAAP
$
469

 
$
445

 
$
67

Intangible asset amortization
86

 
25

 
61

Operating income — as adjusted
$
555

 
$
470

 
$
128

Operating margins — U.S. GAAP
15.9
%
 
22.3
%
 
6.9
%
Operating margins — as adjusted
18.8
%
 
23.6
%
 
13.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
(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 intangible asset amortization, along with related income taxes, because management does not believe these expenses are representative of our core earnings. 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, 2015
 
U.S. GAAP
 
Adjustments
 
As Adjusted
Operating income
$
441

 
$
80

 
$
521

Interest income
3

 

 
3

Interest expense
(65
)
 

 
(65
)
Other income
42

 

 
42

Income before income taxes
421

 
80

 
501

Income taxes
80

 
16

 
96

Net income
341

 
64

 
405

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
13

 

 
13

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
$
328

 
$
64

 
$
392

Diluted earnings per share
$
1.14

 
$
0.23

 
$
1.37

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted
287.1

 

 
287.1

 
Three months ended March 31, 2014
 
U.S. GAAP
 
Adjustments
 
As Adjusted
Operating income
$
469

 
$
86

 
$
555

Interest income
2

 

 
2

Interest expense
(58
)
 

 
(58
)
Other income
1

 

 
1

Income before income taxes
414

 
86

 
500

Income taxes
78

 
17

 
95

Net income
336

 
69

 
405

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
11

 

 
11

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
$
325

 
$
69

 
$
394

Diluted earnings per share
$
1.06

 
$
0.22

 
$
1.28

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted
307.2

 

 
307.2



34



Free Cash Flow

We use free cash flow, defined as cash flow provided by operations minus capital expenditures, as a non-GAAP 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 Condensed 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.

A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to cash flow provided by operations is as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Cash flow provided by operations - U.S. GAAP
$
136

 
$
(11
)
Less: Capital expenditures
(62
)
 
(55
)
Free cash flow
$
74

 
$
(66
)

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.  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 meaningful information about our operations, we have provided an illustration 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, using current year's foreign exchange rates.  Using this illustrative methodology, currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.15 and no impact during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, on adjusted net income per diluted share, when we translate prior year quarter results at current quarter foreign exchange rates. These translations are performed for comparative and illustrative purposes only and do not impact the accounting policies or practices for amounts included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Summary of Results
 
Our consolidated results of operations follow (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue:
 
 
 
Commissions, fees and other
$
2,842

 
$
2,941

Fiduciary investment income
5

 
6

Total revenue
2,847

 
2,947

Expenses:
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
1,683

 
1,751

Other general expenses
723

 
727

Total operating expenses
2,406

 
2,478

Operating income
441

 
469

Interest income
3

 
2

Interest expense
(65
)
 
(58
)
Other income
42

 
1

Income before income taxes
421

 
414

Income taxes
80

 
78

Net income
341

 
336

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
13

 
11

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
$
328

 
$
325

 

35



Revenue
 
Revenue decreased by $100 million, or 3%, in the first quarter 2015 compared to the first quarter 2014.  The decrease consists of a $99 million, or 5%, decrease in the Risk Solutions segment and a $5 million, or 1%, increase in the HR Solutions segment. The results of the Risk Solutions segment reflect an 8% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by 3% organic growth in commissions and fees. Organic revenue growth in the HR Solutions segment for the quarter was 4%, partially offset by a 3% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates.

Compensation and Benefits
 
Compensation and benefits decreased $68 million, or 4%, compared to the first quarter 2014. The decrease was primarily driven by a $103 million favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by an increase in expense associated with 3% organic revenue growth and to support future growth.
 
Other General Expenses
 
Other general expenses decreased $4 million, or 1%, compared to the first quarter 2014. The decrease was due primarily to a $37 million favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by an increase in expense associated with 3% organic revenue growth.

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.  During the first quarter 2015, Interest income increased $1 million to $3 million compared to the first quarter 2014.

Interest Expense
 
Interest expense, which represents the cost of our worldwide debt obligations, increased $7 million compared to the first quarter of 2014. The increase in interest expense primarily reflects an increase in the total debt outstanding.
 
Other Income
 
Other income was $42 million for the first quarter of 2015, compared to $1 million for the first quarter of 2014.  The first quarter 2015 includes a $24 million gain on foreign currency remeasurement, a $19 million net gain on disposal of certain businesses and equity earnings of $2 million, partially offset by a $2 million loss on investments and a $1 million loss from derivatives. The first quarter 2014 includes a $19 million gain on foreign currency remeasurement and equity earnings of $5 million, partially offset by a $23 million loss from derivatives.

Income before Income Taxes
 
Income before income taxes for the first quarter was $421 million, a 2% increase from $414 million in 2014.  The increase in income was driven by the 3% increase in organic growth for the three months ended March 31, 2015, return on investments, and expense discipline.
 
Income Taxes
 
The effective tax rate on net income was 19.1% and 18.9% for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Net Income Attributable to Aon Shareholders
 
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders for the first quarter increased to $328 million, or $1.14 diluted net income per share, from $325 million, or $1.06 diluted net income per share, in 2014.
 

36



LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity

Executive Summary

We believe that our balance sheet and strong cash flow provide us with adequate liquidity.  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, pension obligations and shareholder dividends. 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.

Cash on our balance sheet includes funds available for general corporate purposes, as well as amounts restricted as to their use.  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 generally cannot be used for general corporate purposes, and are not a source of liquidity for us.

Operating Activities
 
Net cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $136 million compared to net cash used for operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2014 of $11 million, an increase of $147 million. The increase from the prior year period was primarily driven by organic growth, a reduction in pension contributions of $62 million, working capital improvements, and a decline in restructuring payments of $27 million from the prior year period.

The primary sources of the cash from operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 were net income, adjusted for non-cash items, of $555 million and a decrease in accounts receivable of $49 million, partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $466 million, pension contributions, net of expense, of $66 million and a decrease in restructuring reserves of $13 million. Pension contributions, net of expenses, were $66 million and $128 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the remainder of 2015, we expect to contribute approximately $163 million to our pension plans, with the majority attributable to non-U.S. pension plans, which are subject to changes in foreign exchange rates.
 
We expect cash generated by operations for 2015 to be sufficient to service our debt and contractual obligations, fund the cash requirements of our restructuring programs, finance capital expenditures, continue purchases 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 activities, 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 $1.3 billion, of which all was available at March 31, 2015, and can access these facilities on a same day or next day basis.  Additionally, under current market conditions, we believe that we could access capital markets to obtain debt financing for longer-term funding, if needed.
 
Investing Activities
 
Cash flow provided by investing activities was $2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015. The primary drivers of the cash flow provided by investing activities were net sales of short-term investments of $42 million, sale of businesses of $41 million, and $2 million for net sales of long-term investments partially offset by $62 million for capital expenditures and $21 million for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired. The cash flows provided by the net sales of long-term investments represent the cash proceeds generated from net sales of long-term investments where the corresponding gains and losses are recognized in Other income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
Cash flow provided by investing activities was $156 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014. The primary drivers of the cash flow provided by investing activities were net sales of short-term investments of $183 million and $32 million for net sales of long-term investments, partially offset by $55 million for capital expenditures.
 

37



Financing Activities
 
Cash flow used for financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $95 million. The primary drivers of the cash flow used for financing activities were share repurchases of $250 million and dividends paid to shareholders of $71 million, partially offset by issuances of debt, net of repayments, of $184 million and proceeds from the exercise of share options and issuance of shares purchased through the Company's employee stock purchase plan of $48 million.
 
Cash flow used for financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $260 million. The primary drivers of cash flow used for financing activities were share repurchases of $600 million and dividends paid to shareholders of $53 million, partially offset by issuances of debt, net of repayments, of $366 million and proceeds from the exercise of share options and issuance of shares purchased through the Company's employee stock purchase plan of $26 million.
 
As a U.K. incorporated company, we are required under U.K. law to have available "distributable reserves" to make share repurchases or pay dividends to shareholders. Distributable reserves may be created through the earnings of the U.K. parent company. Distributable reserves are not linked to a U.S. GAAP reported amount (e.g., retained earnings). As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had distributable reserves in excess of $3.6 billion and $4.0 billion, respectively. We believe that we will have sufficient distributable reserves to fund shareholder dividends if and to the extent declared for the foreseeable future.
 
Cash and Investments
 
At March 31, 2015, our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were $721 million, a decrease of $47 million from December 31, 2014, primarily related to share repurchases of $250 million and dividends of $71 million, partially offset by the net issuances of debt of $184 million.  Of the total balance as of March 31, 2015, $127 million was restricted as to its use, which was comprised of $60 million of operating funds in the U.K., as required by the Financial Conduct Authority, and $67 million held as collateral for various business purposes.  At March 31, 2015, $2.5 billion of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were held in the U.S. and overdrawn cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $1.8 billion were held in other countries. We maintain a multicurrency cash pool with a third party bank in which various Aon entities participate. Individual Aon entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall balance does not fall below zero. At March 31, 2015, non-U.S. cash balances of one or more entities were negative; however, the overall balance was positive.

Of the total balance of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments as of December 31, 2014, $169 million was restricted as to its use, which was comprised of $63 million of operating funds in the U.K., as required by the Financial Conduct Authority, and $106 million held as collateral for various business purposes. At December 31, 2014, $3.5 billion of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were held in the U.S. and $2.7 billion 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 generally invested in very liquid securities with highly-rated, credit-worthy financial institutions.  In our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, the amounts we report for Fiduciary assets and Fiduciary liabilities are equal.  Our Fiduciary assets included cash and investments of $3.8 billion and $4.0 billion and fiduciary receivables of $7.1 billion and $7.7 billion at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 13 "Fair Value Measurements 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 are not aware of any market liquidity issues that would materially impact the fair value of these investments.
 
At March 31, 2015, our investments in money market funds and highly liquid debt instruments had a fair value of $1.8 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.

38




The following table summarizes our Fiduciary assets and non-fiduciary Cash and cash equivalents, and Short-term investments at March 31, 2015 (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
 
$
378

 
$

 
$
2,312

 
$
2,690

Money market funds
 

 
343

 
1,444

 
1,787

Highly liquid debt instruments
 

 

 

 

Other investments due within one year
 

 

 

 

Cash and investments
 
378

 
343

 
3,756

 
4,477

Fiduciary receivables
 

 

 
7,138

 
7,138

Total
 
$
378

 
$
343

 
$
10,894

 
$
11,615

 
Share Repurchase Program
 
In April 2012, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which up to $5 billion of Class A Ordinary Shares may be repurchased ("2012 Share Repurchase Program"). In November 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a new $5.0 billion share repurchase program in addition to the existing program ("2014 Share Repurchase Program"). Under each 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.

In the first quarter of 2015, we repurchased 2.5 million shares at an average price per share of $100.15 for a total cost of $250 million. In the first quarter of 2014, we repurchased 7.2 million shares at an average price per share of $83.45 for a total cost of $600 million. Since the inception of the 2012 Share Repurchase Program, we repurchased a total of 64.6 million shares for an aggregate cost of $4.6 billion. The remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under our share repurchase programs is approximately $5.4 billion.
 
For information regarding share repurchases made during the first quarter of 2015, see Part II, Item 2 — "Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds" below.

Borrowings
 
Total debt at March 31, 2015 was $5.7 billion, which represents an increase of $94 million compared to December 31, 2014. This increase is primarily due to an increase in commercial paper outstanding of $187 million compared to December 31, 2014, partially offset by foreign currency translation adjustment. Commercial paper activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015 included total issuances of $865 million compared to $1.2 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The proceeds of the commercial paper issuances were used primarily for short-term working capital needs.

Our total debt as a percentage of total capital attributable to Aon shareholders was 47.1% and 45.9% at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
 
Credit Facilities
 
As of December 31, 2014, we had two primary committed credit facilities outstanding: our $400 million U.S. credit facility expiring in March 2017, which we refer to as our "2017 Facility," and our €650 million ($792 million based on exchange rates at December 31, 2014) European credit facility expiring in October 2015, which we refer to as our "2015 Facility."  On February 2, 2015, we replaced our 2015 Facility with a new $900 million multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in February 2020, which we refer to as our "2020 Facility."  Each of these facilities was intended to support our commercial paper obligations and our general working capital needs.  In addition, each of these facilities included customary representations, warranties and covenants, including financial covenants that require us to maintain specified ratios of adjusted consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and consolidated debt to adjusted consolidated EBITDA, in each case, tested quarterly.  At March 31, 2015, we had no borrowings under, and were in compliance with these financial covenants and all other covenants contained in, the 2015 Facility and 2017 Facility during the three months ended March 31, 2015.


39



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. Our ability to access the market as a source of liquidity is dependent on investor demand, market conditions and other factors.

Rating Agency Ratings
 
The major rating agencies' ratings of our debt at May 1, 2015 appear in the table below. 
 
Ratings
 
 
 
Senior Long-term Debt
 
Commercial Paper
 
Outlook
Standard & Poor's
A-
 
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 could 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, and/or impact future pension contribution requirements.
 
Letters of Credit and Other Guarantees
 
We had total letters of credit ("LOCs") outstanding of approximately $68 million at March 31, 2015, compared to $95 million at December 31, 2014. 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. The maximum exposure with respect to such contractual contingent guarantees was approximately $77 million at March 31, 2015 compared to $112 million at December 31, 2014.
 
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 $12 million and $14 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we funded $2 million of these commitments.

Other Liquidity Matters

We do not have exposure related to off balance sheet arrangements. 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, 2015, our net assets were $6.4 billion, representing total assets minus total liabilities, a decrease from $6.6 billion at December 31, 2014. The decrease was due primarily to share repurchases of $250 million, dividends of $71 million, and an increase in Accumulated other comprehensive loss of $293 million related primarily to foreign currency translation adjustment and post-retirement benefit obligation, partially offset by Net income of $341 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.  Working capital increased by $74 million to $883 million from December 31, 2014.
 
Equity
 
Equity at March 31, 2015 was $6.4 billion, a decrease of $200 million from December 31, 2014.  The decrease resulted primarily from share repurchases of $250 million, $71 million of dividends to shareholders, and an increase in Accumulated other comprehensive loss of $293 million, partially offset by Net income of $341 million.
  

40



The $293 million increase in Accumulated other comprehensive loss from December 31, 2014 primarily reflects the following:
 
negative net foreign currency translation adjustments of $321 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,
net derivative gains of $6 million, and
net investment losses of $1 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,
(millions, except percentage data)
2015
 
2014
Revenue
$
1,895

 
$
1,994

Operating income
412

 
445

Operating margin
21.7
%
 
22.3
%
 
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 2015, pricing was flat on average globally, and we would still consider this to be a "soft market."  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.
 
Additionally, continuing into the first quarter of 2015, we faced difficult conditions as a result of continued weakness in the global economy, the repricing of credit risk and the deterioration of the financial markets.  Weak economic conditions in many markets around the globe 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 67% of our consolidated total revenues in the first quarter of 2015.  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 brokers or intermediaries on all classes of reinsurance; provide capital management transaction and advisory products and

41



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,
 
2015
 
2014
Retail brokerage:
 
 
 
Americas
$
713

 
$
698

International (1)
800

 
881

Total retail brokerage
1,513

 
1,579

Reinsurance brokerage
377

 
409

Total
$
1,890

 
$
1,988

  ______________________________________________
(1) Includes the U.K., Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
 
During the first three months of 2015, Commissions, fees and other revenue decreased $98 million, or 5%, as compared to the first three months of 2014 due to an 8% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by 3% organic revenue growth.
 
Reconciliation of organic revenue growth to reported commissions, fees and other revenue growth for 2015 versus 2014 is as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
Percent Change
 
Less: Currency Impact
 
Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & Other
 
Organic Revenue
Retail brokerage:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Americas
 
2
 %
 
(3
)%
 
1
 %
 
4
 %
International (1)
 
(9
)
 
(13
)
 
1

 
3

Total retail brokerage
 
(4
)
 
(9
)
 
1

 
4

Reinsurance brokerage
 
(8
)
 
(6
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Total
 
(5
)%
 
(8
)%
 
 %
 
3
 %
  ______________________________________________
(1) Includes the U.K., Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.

Retail brokerage Commissions, fees and other revenue decreased 4% in the first quarter driven by a 9% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by 4% organic revenue growth in the Americas, 3% organic revenue growth in International operations, and a 1% increase related to acquisitions, net of dispositions.
 
Americas Commissions, fees and other revenue increased 2% in the first quarter reflecting 4% growth in organic revenue and a 1% increase related to acquisitions, net of dispositions, partially offset by a 3% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates. Organic revenue growth was driven by solid management of the renewal book portfolio in US Retail, as well as double-digit new business growth in Latin America and Canada.
 
International Commissions, fees and other revenue decreased 9% in the first quarter driven by a 13% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by a 3% increase in organic revenue growth and a 1% favorable impact from acquisitions, net of divestitures. Organic growth of 3% was driven by solid growth across Asia and emerging markets, as well as solid new business generation in continental Europe.
 
Reinsurance brokerage Commissions, fees and other revenue decreased 8% in the first quarter driven by a 6% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, a 1% decrease related to acquisitions, net of dispositions, and a 1% decline in organic revenue growth. The decline in organic revenue growth was driven by an unfavorable market impact globally, most notably in the Americas, and a modest decline in capital markets transactions, partially offset by record levels of new business in treaty placements, as well as modest growth in facultative placements.

42



 
Operating Income
 
Operating income for the first quarter 2015 decreased $33 million, or 7%, from 2014 to $412 million in 2015, and operating income margins decreased to 21.7% from 22.3% in 2014.  The decrease was driven by a $48 million, or 70 basis point, unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by 3% organic revenue growth, return on investments, and expense discipline.
 
HR Solutions
 
Three months ended March 31,
(millions, except percentage data)
2015
 
2014
Revenue
$
970

 
$
965

Operating income
76

 
67

Operating margin
7.8
%
 
6.9
%
 
Our HR Solutions segment generated approximately 33% of our consolidated total revenues in the first quarter of 2015 and provides a broad range of human capital services, as follows:
 
·
Retirement specializes in global actuarial services, defined contribution 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.
·
Investment consulting advises public and private companies, other institutions and trustees on developing and maintaining investment programs across a broad range of plan types, including defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, endowments and foundations.
·
Benefits Administration applies our human resource 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.
·
Exchanges is building and operating healthcare exchanges that provide employers with a cost effective alternative to traditional employee and retiree healthcare, while helping individuals select the insurance that best meets their needs.
·
Human Resource Business Processing Outsourcing provides market-leading solutions to manage employee data; administers benefits, payroll and other human resources processes; and records and manages talent, workforce and other core human resource process transactions as well as other complementary services such as flexible spending, dependent audit and participant advocacy.
 
Disruption in the global credit markets and the deterioration of the financial markets created significant uncertainty in the marketplace.  Weak economic conditions in many markets around the globe continued into the first quarter of 2015 and have adversely impacted 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.
 

43



Revenue
 
Commissions, fees and other revenue were as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Consulting services
$
371

 
$
384

Outsourcing
604

 
589

Intersegment
(5
)
 
(8
)
Total
$
970

 
$
965


Commissions, fees and other revenue for HR Solutions increased $5 million, or 1%, in the first quarter 2015 compared to the first quarter 2014. The increase in revenue was driven by 4% organic growth in commissions and fees partially offset by 3% unfavorable impact from foreign exchange rates.
 
Reconciliation of organic revenue growth to reported commissions, fees and other revenue growth for 2015 versus 2014 is as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
Percent Change
 
Less: Currency Impact
 
Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & Other
 
Organic Revenue
Consulting services
 
(3
)%
 
(6
)%
 
1
%
 
2
%
Outsourcing
 
3

 
(1
)
 

 
4

Total
 
1
 %
 
(3
)%
 
%
 
4
%

Consulting services revenue decreased $13 million, or 3%, for the first quarter due primarily to a 6% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by 2% organic revenue growth and an increase of 1% from acquisitions, net of divestitures. Organic revenue growth was driven by solid growth in US retirement, primarily in investment consulting, partially offset by a decline in retirement solutions in continental Europe.
 
Outsourcing revenue increased $15 million, or 3%, for the first quarter due to 4% organic revenue growth driven by follow-on enrollments and additional off-cycle wins on the retiree exchange, as well as solid growth in cloud-based HR BPO solutions, partially offset by a 1% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates.

Operating Income
 
Operating income was $76 million, an increase of $9 million, or 13%, from the first quarter of 2014. The increase was primarily due to solid organic revenue growth and expense discipline, partially offset by an increase in expense to support future growth, and a $5 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates. Operating margin for the HR Solutions segment was 7.8% in the first quarter, an increase from 6.9% in 2014.
 
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,
 
2015
 
2014
Operating income (loss):
 
 
 
Risk Solutions
$
412

 
$
445

HR Solutions
76

 
67

Unallocated
(47
)
 
(43
)
Operating income
441

 
469

Interest income
3

 
2

Interest expense
(65
)
 
(58
)
Other income
42

 
1

Income before income taxes
$
421

 
$
414


44



 
Unallocated operating expense
 
Unallocated operating expense includes corporate governance costs not allocated to the operating segments.  Net unallocated expenses increased $4 million to $47 million in the first quarter 2015.
 
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.  During the first quarter 2015, Interest income increased $1 million to $3 million compared to the first quarter 2014.

 
Interest expense
 
Interest expense, which represents the cost of our worldwide debt obligations, increased $7 million compared to the first quarter 2014. The increase in interest expense primarily reflects an increase in the total debt outstanding.
  
Other income

Other income was $42 million for the first quarter of 2015, compared to $1 million for the first quarter of 2014.  The first quarter 2015 includes a $24 million gain on foreign currency remeasurement, a $19 million net gain on disposal of certain businesses and equity earnings of $2 million, partially offset by a $2 million loss on investments and a $1 million loss from derivatives. The first quarter 2014 includes a $19 million gain on foreign currency remeasurement and equity earnings of $5 million, partially offset by a $23 million loss from derivatives.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
 
There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies, which include revenue recognition, pensions, goodwill and other intangible assets, contingencies, share-based payments, and income taxes, as discussed in our 2014 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 and in reports we subsequently file or furnish and have previously filed or furnished with the SEC 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; expected effective tax rate; 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, which may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports filed or furnished with the SEC, that could impact results include:
general economic and political conditions in different countries in which we do business around the world;
changes in the competitive environment;

45



fluctuations in exchange and interest rates that could influence revenue and expense;
changes in global equity and fixed income markets that could affect the return on invested assets;
changes in the funding status of our various defined benefit pension plans and the impact of any increased pension funding resulting from those changes;
the level of our debt limiting financial flexibility;
rating agency actions that could affect our ability to borrow funds;
the effect of the change in global headquarters and jurisdiction of incorporation, including differences in the anticipated benefits;
changes in estimates or assumptions on our financial statements;
limits on our subsidiaries to make dividend and other payments to us;
the impact of lawsuits and other contingent liabilities and loss contingencies arising from errors and omissions and other claims against us;
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 businesses and the possibility of conflicting regulatory requirements across jurisdictions in which we do business;
the impact of any investigations brought by regulatory authorities in the U.S., U.K. and other countries;
the impact of any inquiries relating to compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and non-U.S. anti-corruption laws and with U.S. and non-U.S. trade sanctions regimes;
failure to protect intellectual property rights or allegations that we infringe on the intellectual property rights of others;
the effects of English law on our operating flexibility and the enforcement of judgments against us;
the failure to retain and attract qualified personnel;
international risks associated with our global operations;
the effect of natural or man-made disasters;
the potential of a system or network breach or disruption resulting in operational interruption or improper disclosure of personal data;
our ability to develop and implement new technology;
the damage to our reputation among clients, markets or third parties;
the actions taken by third parties that perform aspects of our business operations and client services;
the extent to which we manage certain risks created in connection with the various services, including fiduciary and investments and other advisory services and business process outsourcing services, among others, that we currently provide, or will provide in the future, to clients;
our ability to grow, develop and integrate companies that it acquires or new lines of business;
changes in commercial property and casualty markets, commercial premium rates or methods of compensation;
changes in the health care system or our relationships with insurance carriers; and
our ability to implement initiatives intended to yield cost savings and the ability to achieve those cost savings.
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, 2014. These factors may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports on SEC Forms 10-Q and 8-K.
 

46



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 rates 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.
 
The following discussion describes our specific exposures and the strategies we use to manage these risks. There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies for financial instruments and derivatives as discussed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Foreign Exchange Risk

We are subject to foreign exchange rate risk. Our primary exposures include exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar and the Euro, the British Pound, the Canadian Dollar, the Australian Dollar, and the Indian Rupee.  We use over-the-counter options and forward contracts to reduce the impact of foreign currency risk to our financial statements.
 
Additionally, some of our non-U.S. brokerage subsidiaries receive revenues in currencies that differ from their functional currencies.  Our U.K. subsidiaries earn a portion of their revenue in U.S. Dollars and Euros, but most of their expenses are incurred in British Pounds.  At March 31, 2015, we have hedged approximately 45% of our U.K. subsidiaries' expected exposures to both U.S. Dollar and Euro transactions for the years ending December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. We generally do not hedge 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 that are denominated in a non-functional currency and are subject to remeasurement.
 
The translated value of revenue and expense from our international brokerage operations are subject to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. If the Company were to translate prior year results at current quarter exchange rates, diluted earnings per share would be unfavorably impacted by approximately $0.14 during the three months ended March 31, 2015.  Further, adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure as defined and reconciled under the caption "Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share" would be unfavorably impacted by approximately $0.15 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 if the Company were to translate prior year results at current quarter exchange rates.
 
Interest Rate Risk

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 in continental Europe. A decrease in global short-term interest rates adversely affects our fiduciary investment income.
 
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, 2015.  Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded 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.  No changes in Aon's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or that 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 14 "Commitments and Contingencies — Legal" 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, 2014 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
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
 
The following information relates to the purchase of equity securities by Aon or any affiliated purchaser during each month within the first quarter of 2015:
 
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 (2)
 
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)  (2)
1/1/15 — 1/31/15
 

 
$

 

 
$
5,623,904,966

2/1/15 — 2/28/15
 
2,495,908

 
100.15

 
2,495,908

 
5,373,929,723

3/1/15 — 3/31/15
 

 

 

 
5,373,929,723

Total
 
2,495,908

 
$
100.15

 
2,495,908

 
$
5,373,929,723

  ______________________________________________
 

(1)         Does not include commissions paid to repurchase shares.
 
(2)  Our Board of Directors authorized the 2012 Share Repurchase Program in April 2012 and the 2014 Share Repurchase Program in November 2014. During the first quarter of 2015, we repurchased 2.5 million shares at an average price per share of $100.15 for a total cost of $250 million. The remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under our share repurchase programs is $5.4 billion.

We did not make any unregistered sales of equity in the first quarter.
 
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, 2015
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
10.1*

 
$900,000,000 Five-Year Credit Agreement among Aon plc, Aon Corporation and Aon UK Limited with Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, the lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A. and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as syndication agents, and Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint book managers - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aon's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 6, 2015.
10.2*
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of January 16, 2015, by and between Aon plc, Aon Corporation and Gregory C. Case - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aon's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2015.
10.3*
 
Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of February 20, 2015, by and between Aon Corporation and Christa Davies - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aon's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2015.
10.4*
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of February 24, 2015, by and between Aon Corporation and Kristi Savacool - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aon's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2015.
10.5*
 
Change in Control Agreement, dated as of February 24, 2015, by and between Aon plc, Aon Corporation and Kristi Savacool - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aon's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2015.
10.6
 
Aon plc Leadership Performance Program for 2015-2017.
10.7
 
Executive Committee Incentive Compensation Plan.
10.8
 
First Amendment to the Aon Deferred Compensation Plan dated as of March 20, 2015.
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

* Document has been previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference herein. Unless otherwise indicated, such document was filed under Commission File Number 001-07933.




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