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Aon plc - Quarter Report: 2017 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, 2017
 
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.)
 
122 LEADENHALL STREET, LONDON, ENGLAND
 
EC3V 4AN
(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, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth 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)
 
Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

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 May 8, 2017262,070,015
 



Table of Contents
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




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, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
Revenue
 
 

 
 

Total revenue
 
$
2,381

 
$
2,276

Expenses
 
 

 
 

Compensation and benefits
 
1,461

 
1,345

Information technology
 
88

 
83

Premises
 
84

 
82

Depreciation of fixed assets
 
54

 
38

Amortization of intangible assets
 
43

 
37

Other general expenses
 
308

 
271

Total operating expenses
 
2,038

 
1,856

Operating income
 
343

 
420

Interest income
 
2

 
2

Interest expense
 
(70
)
 
(69
)
Other income (expense)
 
(10
)
 
18

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
265

 
371

Income taxes
 

 
59

Income from continuing operations
 
265

 
312

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
40

 
25

Net income
 
305

 
337

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
14

 
12

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
291

 
$
325

 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
$
0.95

 
$
1.11

Discontinued operations
 
0.15

 
0.09

Net income
 
$
1.10

 
$
1.20

Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
 
$
0.94

 
$
1.10

Discontinued operations
 
0.15

 
0.09

Net income
 
$
1.09

 
$
1.19

Cash dividends per share paid on ordinary shares
 
$
0.33

 
$
0.30

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic
 
264.8

 
271.7

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted
 
267.0

 
273.7

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

2



Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited) 
 
 
Three Months Ended
(millions)
 
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
Net income
 
$
305

 
$
337

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
14

 
12

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
291

 
$
325

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
 
 

 
 

Change in fair value of financial instruments
 
(2
)
 
(7
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
147

 
(79
)
Postretirement benefit obligation
 
18

 
(201
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
 
163

 
(287
)
Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
1

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders
 
162

 
(287
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
453

 
$
38

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

3



Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(Unaudited)
(millions, except nominal value)
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

CURRENT ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
433

 
$
426

Short-term investments
 
200

 
290

Receivables, net
 
2,103

 
2,106

Fiduciary assets 
 
9,162

 
8,959

Other current assets
 
309

 
247

Current assets of discontinued operations
 
3,186

 
1,118

Total Current Assets
 
15,393

 
13,146

Goodwill
 
7,544

 
7,410

Intangible assets, net
 
1,886

 
1,890

Fixed assets, net
 
536

 
550

Deferred tax assets
 
351

 
325

Prepaid pension
 
893

 
858

Other non-current assets
 
379

 
360

Non-current assets of discontinued operations
 

 
2,076

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
26,982

 
$
26,615

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 

 
 

LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
1,332

 
$
1,604

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
 
667

 
336

Fiduciary liabilities
 
9,162

 
8,959

Other current liabilities
 
773

 
656

Current liabilities of discontinued operations
 
1,036

 
940

Total Current Liabilities
 
12,970

 
12,495

Long-term debt
 
5,610

 
5,869

Deferred tax liabilities
 
112

 
101

Pension, other postretirement and postemployment liabilities
 
1,731

 
1,760

Other non-current liabilities
 
733

 
719

Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations
 

 
139

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
21,156

 
21,083

 
 
 
 
 
EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Ordinary shares - $0.01 nominal value
Authorized: 750 shares (issued: 2017 - 262.8; 2016 - 262.0)
 
3

 
3

Additional paid-in capital
 
5,567

 
5,577

Retained earnings
 
3,934

 
3,807

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(3,750
)
 
(3,912
)
TOTAL AON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
5,754

 
5,475

Noncontrolling interests
 
72

 
57

TOTAL EQUITY
 
5,826

 
5,532

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
26,982

 
$
26,615

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

4



Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity
(Unaudited) 
(millions)
 
Shares
 
Ordinary
Shares and
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss, Net of Tax
 
Non-
controlling
Interests
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
262.0

 
$
5,580

 
$
3,807

 
$
(3,912
)
 
$
57

 
$
5,532

Adoption of new accounting guidance
 

 

 
49

 

 

 
49

Balance at January 1, 2017
 
262.0

 
5,580

 
3,856

 
(3,912
)
 
57

 
5,581

Net income
 

 

 
291

 

 
14

 
305

Shares issued - employee stock compensation plans
 
1.9

 
(85
)
 

 

 

 
(85
)
Shares purchased
 
(1.1
)
 

 
(126
)
 

 

 
(126
)
Share-based compensation expense
 

 
75

 

 

 

 
75

Dividends to shareholders
 

 

 
(87
)
 

 

 
(87
)
Net change in fair value of financial instruments
 

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Net foreign currency translation adjustments
 

 

 

 
146

 
1

 
147

Net postretirement benefit obligation
 

 

 

 
18

 

 
18

Balance at March 31, 2017
 
262.8

 
$
5,570

 
$
3,934

 
$
(3,750
)
 
$
72

 
$
5,826

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

5



Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
(millions)
 
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
305

 
$
337

Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
40

 
25

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

 
 

Loss (gain) from sales of businesses and investments, net
 
2

 
(35
)
Depreciation of fixed assets
 
54

 
38

Amortization of intangible assets
 
43

 
37

Share-based compensation expense
 
78

 
79

Deferred income taxes
 
(2
)
 
23

Change in assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Fiduciary receivables
 
337

 
399

Short-term investments — funds held on behalf of clients
 
(330
)
 
(242
)
Fiduciary liabilities
 
(7
)
 
(157
)
Receivables, net
 
38

 
33

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
(390
)
 
(307
)
Restructuring reserves
 
99

 

Current income taxes
 
(56
)
 
(45
)
Pension, other postretirement and other postemployment liabilities
 
(41
)
 
(50
)
Other assets and liabilities
 
92

 
59

Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations
 
182

 
144

Cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations
 
58

 
129

CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
240

 
273

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Proceeds from investments
 
25

 
13

Purchases of investments
 
(9
)
 
(14
)
Net sale (purchases) of short-term investments — non-fiduciary
 
94

 
(227
)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 
(46
)
 
(16
)
Sale of businesses, net of cash sold
 
(2
)
 
97

Capital expenditures
 
(34
)
 
(37
)
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities - continuing operations
 
28

 
(184
)
Cash used for investing activities - discontinued operations
 
(15
)
 
(15
)
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
13

 
(199
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Share repurchase
 
(126
)
 
(685
)
Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans
 
(85
)
 
(65
)
Issuance of debt
 
992

 
1,045

Repayment of debt
 
(950
)
 
(175
)
Cash dividends to shareholders
 
(87
)
 
(82
)
Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities
 
(2
)
 
(42
)
Cash used for financing activities - continuing operations
 
(258
)
 
(4
)
Cash used for financing activities - discontinued operations
 

 

CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
(258
)
 
(4
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
25

 
11

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
20

 
81

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
431

 
384

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD (1)
 
$
451

 
$
465

Supplemental disclosures:
 
 

 
 

Interest paid
 
$
58

 
$
52

Income taxes paid, net of refunds
 
$
58

 
$
41

(1) Includes 18 million and $3 million of discontinued operations at March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively.
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

6



Notes to 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 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, 2016.  The results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of operating results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2017.
Discontinued Operations
On February 9, 2017, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Tempo Acquisition, LLC (the “Buyer”), an entity formed and controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P. (the “Sponsor”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to sell its benefits administration and business process outsourcing business to the Buyer and certain designated purchasers that are direct or indirect subsidiaries of the Buyer (the “Transaction”). As a result, the benefits administration and business process outsourcing business’s financial results are reflected in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, retrospectively, as discontinued operations beginning in the first quarter of 2017. Additionally, all Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been retrospectively restated to only include the impacts of continuing operations, unless noted otherwise. The Company closed the Transaction on May 1, 2017. Refer to Note 3 “Discontinued Operations” for additional information.
Reportable Segments
Beginning in the first quarter of 2017 and following the Transaction described above, the Company began operating as one segment that includes all of Aon’s continuing operations, which as a global professional services firm provides advice and solutions to clients focused on risk, retirement, and health through five revenue lines that make up our principal products and services. Refer to Note 17 “Segment Information” for additional information.
As a result of these initiatives, Aon made the following changes to its presentation of the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income beginning in the first quarter of 2017:
Commissions, fees and other and Fiduciary investment income are now reported as one Total revenue line item; and
Other general expenses has been further broken out to provide greater clarity into charges related to Information technology, Premises, Depreciation of fixed assets, and Amortization of intangible assets.
Prior period comparable financial information has been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation.
The Company believes this presentation provides greater clarity into the risks and opportunities that management believes are important and allows users of the financial statements to assess the performance in the same way as the CODM.
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 exchange rate 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 would, if applicable, be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.

7



2. Accounting Principles and Practices
New Accounting Pronouncements
Presentation of Net Periodic Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs
In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance on the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The new guidance requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. It also requires the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. Additionally, only the service cost component is eligible for capitalization, when applicable. An entity will apply the new guidance retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension costs and net periodic postretirement benefit in assets. The new guidance allows a practical expedient that permits an employer to use the amounts disclosed in its pension and other postretirement benefit plan note for the prior comparative periods as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. The new guidance is effective for Aon in the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this guidance will have no impact on the total results of the Company.  The presentation of results will reflect a change in operating income offset by an equal change in other income (expense) for the period.
Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
In January 2017, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on simplifying the test for goodwill impairment. Currently the standard requires an entity to perform a two-step test to determine the amount, if any, of goodwill impairment. In Step 1, an entity compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the entity performs Step 2 and compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill for that reporting unit. An impairment charge equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of goodwill for the reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill is recorded, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The new guidance removes the second step of the test. An entity will apply a one-step quantitative test and record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The new guidance does not amend the optional qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment. An entity will apply the new guidance on a prospective basis. The new guidance is effective for Aon in the first quarter of 2020 and early adoption is permitted for annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Tax Consequences of Intercompany Transactions
In October 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the income tax consequences of intra-entity asset transfers other than inventory.  The guidance will require that the seller and buyer recognize the consolidated current and deferred income tax consequences of a transaction in the period the transaction occurs rather than deferring to a future period and recognizing those consequences when the asset has been sold to an outside party or otherwise recovered through use (i.e., depreciated, amortized, impaired).  An entity will apply the new guidance on a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption.  The new guidance is effective for Aon in the first quarter of 2018, and the Company is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.   

8



Statement of Cash Flows
In August 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments. Under the new guidance, an entity will no longer have discretion to choose the classification for a number of transactions, including contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, and distributions received from equity method investees. The new standard will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018, with early adoption permitted. An entity will apply the new guidance through retrospective adjustment to all periods presented. The retrospective approach includes a practical expedient that entities may apply should retrospective adoption be impracticable; in this case, the amendments for these issues may be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Credit Losses
In June 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. An entity will apply the new guidance through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The guidance is effective for Aon in the first quarter of 2020 and early adoption is permitted beginning in the first quarter of 2019. Aon is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as the method of transition and period of adoption.
Share-based Compensation
In March 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows.  The new guidance requires all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement and treated as discrete items in the reporting period.  Further, excess tax benefits are required to be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity.  Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures, and intrinsic value should be applied using a modified retrospective transition method by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the period in which the guidance is adopted. Amendments related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares to meet the minimum statutory withholding requirement should be applied retrospectively. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term should be applied prospectively. An entity may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using either a prospective transition method or a retrospective transition method.
The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2017, with the following impacts:
Increase to Deferred tax assets on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position of approximately $49 million through a cumulative-effect adjustment to Retained earnings for excess tax benefits not previously recognized, and
Recognition of $29 million, or $0.11 per share income tax benefit from continuing operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 related to excess tax benefits.
Adoption of the guidance was applied prospectively on the Statement of Cash Flows and prior period comparable information was not restated. Other elements of the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on leases, which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases. Under the new guidance, a lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from currently effective U.S. GAAP. The new standard will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2019, with early application permitted. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. These practical expedients relate to the identification and classification of leases that commenced before the effective date, initial direct costs for leases that commenced before the effective date, and the ability to use hindsight

9



in evaluating lessee options to extend or terminate a lease or to purchase the underlying asset. Aon is currently evaluating the impact the standard will have on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as the method of transition and period of adoption.
Financial Assets and Liabilities
In January 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. The amendments in the new guidance make targeted improvements, which include the requirement to measure equity investments with readily determinable fair values at fair value through net income, simplification of the impairment assessment for equity investments without readily determinable fair values, adjustments to existing and additional disclosure requirements, and additional tax considerations. An entity should apply the amendments by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values, including disclosure requirements, should be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption of the guidance. The guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018 and early adoption is permitted. Aon is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on the its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as the method of transition and period of adoption.
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on revenue from contracts with customers, which, when effective, will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP.  The core principal of the standard 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 standard 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 standard is effective for Aon in the first quarter of 2018 and early adoption is permitted beginning in the first quarter of 2017. Two methods of transition are permitted 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, revenue and other disclosures for pre-2018 periods would be provided in the notes to the financial statements as previously reported under the current revenue standard. The Company will adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2018 and is evaluating both methods of transition; however, it is currently anticipated that a modified retrospective adoption approach will be used.
A preliminary assessment to determine the impacts of the new accounting standard has been performed. The Company is currently implementing accounting and operational processes that will be impacted by the new standard, but is still evaluating the quantitative impacts the standard will have on its financial statements.
However, the primary impacts of the new standard to the Company are anticipated to be as follows:
The Company currently recognizes revenue for certain brokerage activities over a period of time either due to the transfer of value to customers or as the remuneration becomes determinable. Under the new standard, this revenue will be recognized on the effective date of the associated policies when control of the policy transfers to the customer. As a result, revenue from these arrangements will be recognized in earlier periods under the new standard in comparison to the current guidance and will change the timing and amount of revenue recognized for annual and interim periods. The Company is currently assessing the timing and measurement of revenue recognition under the new standard for certain other services.
Additionally, the new standard provides guidance on accounting for certain revenue-related costs including when to capitalize costs associated with obtaining and fulfilling a contract. These costs are currently expensed as incurred under existing U.S. GAAP. These assets recognized for the costs to obtain and/or fulfill a contract will be amortized on a on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer of the services to which the asset relates. The Company is quantifying the nature and amount of costs that would qualify for capitalization and the amount of amortization that will be recognized in each period.

10



3. Discontinued Operations
On February 9, 2017, the Company entered into the Purchase Agreement with Tempo Acquisition, LLC to sell its benefits administration and business process outsourcing business (the “Divested Business”) to the Buyer, an entity formed and controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P., and certain designated purchasers that are direct or indirect subsidiaries of the Buyer.
On May 1, 2017, the Buyer purchased all of the outstanding equity interests of the Divested Business, plus certain related assets, for a purchase price of (i) $4.3 billion in cash paid at closing, subject to customary adjustments set forth in the Purchase Agreement, and (ii) deferred consideration of up to $500 million, plus the assumption of certain liabilities. Cash proceeds from the sale, before taxes and after customary adjustments as set forth in the Purchase Agreement, were $4.2 billion.
Aon and the Buyer entered into certain related transaction agreements at the closing, including two commercial agreements, a transition services agreement, certain intellectual property license agreements, sub-leases and other customary agreements. Aon expects to continue to be a significant client of the Divested Business and the Divested Business has agreed to use Aon for its broking and other services for a specified period of time.
In the second quarter of 2017, the Company expects to record a gain on sale, net of taxes, of approximately $500 million and a non-cash impairment charge to its indefinite lived tradename associated with the Divested Business of approximately $400 million as this asset was not sold to the Buyer.
The Company has classified the results of the Divested Business as discontinued operations in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for all periods presented. Additionally, the assets and liabilities of the Divested Business are classified as discontinued operations in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. These assets and liabilities are classified as current in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of March 31, 2017 as the Company closed the Transaction within one year.
The financial results of the Divested Business for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 are presented as Income from discontinued operations on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The following table presents financial results of the Divested Business (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended

 
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
Revenue
 
 
 
 
Total Revenue
 
$
527

 
$
529

Expenses
 
 
 
 
Total Operating Expenses (1)
 
470

 
486

Income from discontinued operations before income taxes
 
57

 
43

Income taxes
 
17

 
18

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
$
40

 
$
25

(1)
Upon triggering held for sale criteria in February 2017, Aon ceased depreciating and amortizing all long-lived assets included in discontinued operations. Specifically, included within Total operating expenses was $8 million and $18 million, respectively, of depreciation of fixed assets and $11 million and $30 million, respectively, of intangible asset amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

11



The following table presents the aggregate carrying amounts of the classes of assets and liabilities presented as discontinued operations within the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (in millions):
 
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
18

 
$
5

Receivables, net
 
412

 
483

Fiduciary assets
 
591

 
526

Goodwill
 
1,338

 
1,337

Intangible assets, net
 
322

 
333

Fixed assets, net
 
222

 
215

Other assets
 
283

 
295

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
3,186

 
$
3,194

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
114

 
$
197

Fiduciary liabilities
 
591

 
526

Other liabilities
 
331

 
356

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
$
1,036

 
$
1,079

The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows present the operating, investing, and financing cash flows of the Divested Business as discontinued operations.  Aon uses a centralized approach to cash management and financing of its operations. Prior to the close of the Transaction, portions of the Divested Business’s cash were transferred to Aon daily, and Aon would fund the Divested Business as needed.
4. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
Cash and cash equivalents include cash balances and all highly-liquid instruments with initial maturities of three months or less.  Short-term investments consist of money market funds. The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments approximates their carrying values.
At March 31, 2017, Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments were $633 million compared to $716 million at December 31, 2016. Of the total balances, $86 million and $82 million was restricted as to its use at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Included within the March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 balances, respectively, were £43.3 million ($54.0 million at March 31, 2017 exchange rates) and £43.3 million ($53.2 million at December 31, 2016 exchange rates) of operating funds required to be held by the Company in the U.K. by the Financial Conduct Authority, a U.K.-based regulator, which were included in Short-term investments.
5. Other Financial Data
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Information
Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense) consists of the following (in millions):
Three months ended March 31
2017
 
2016
Foreign currency remeasurement loss
$
(10
)
 
$
(17
)
(Loss) gain on disposal of business
(2
)
 
35

Equity earnings
6

 
2

Loss on financial instruments
(4
)
 
(2
)
Total
$
(10
)
 
$
18


12



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
2017
 
2016
Balance at January 1
$
56

 
$
58

Provision charged to Other general expenses
6

 
5

Accounts written off, net of recoveries
(3
)
 
(1
)
Foreign currency translation
2

 

Balance at March 31
$
61

 
$
62

Other Current Assets
The components of Other current assets are as follows (in millions):
As of
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Taxes receivable
$
147

 
$
100

Prepaid expenses
125

 
102

Other
37

 
45

Total
$
309

 
$
247

Other Non-Current Assets
The components of Other non-current assets are as follows (in millions):
As of
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Investments
121

 
119

Taxes receivable
80

 
82

Other
178

 
159

Total
$
379

 
$
360

Other Current Liabilities
The components of Other current liabilities are as follows (in millions):
As of
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Deferred revenue
$
338

 
$
199

Taxes payable
57

 
77

Other
378

 
380

Total
$
773

 
$
656


13



Other Non-Current Liabilities
The components of Other non-current liabilities are as follows (in millions):
As of
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Taxes payable
$
317

 
$
288

Deferred revenue
49

 
49

Leases
135

 
136

Compensation and benefits
61

 
56

Other
171

 
190

Total
$
733

 
$
719

6. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses
Acquisitions
The Company completed two acquisitions during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and eight acquisitions during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. The following table includes the preliminary fair values of consideration transferred, assets acquired, and liabilities assumed as a result of the Company’s acquisitions (in millions):
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Cash
 
$
47

 
$
891

Deferred and contingent consideration
 
5

 
43

Aggregate consideration transferred
 
52

 
934

Assets acquired:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
1

 
12

Receivables, net
 
2

 
52

Goodwill
 
33

 
642

Intangible assets, net
 
23

 
366

Fixed assets, net
 
1

 
30

Other assets
 
1

 
2

Total assets acquired
 
61

 
1,104

Liabilities assumed:
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
3

 
163

Other liabilities
 
6

 
7

Total liabilities assumed
 
9

 
170

Net assets acquired
 
$
52

 
$
934

The results of operations of these acquisitions are included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of the respective acquisition dates.  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.
2017 Acquisitions
On March 3, 2017, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Finaccord Limited, a market research, publishing and consulting company based in the United Kingdom.
On January 19, 2017, the Company completed the transaction to acquire VERO Management AG, an insurance broker and risk advisor based in Austria.
2016 Acquisitions
On December 26, 2016, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Admix, a leading health and benefits brokerage and solutions firm based in Brazil.
On November 11, 2016 the Company completed the transaction to acquire CoCubes, a leading hiring assessment company based in India.

14



On October 31, 2016, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Stroz, Friedberg, Inc., a leading global cyber risk management firm based in New York City, with offices across the U.S. and in London, Zurich, Dubai and Hong Kong.
On August 19, 2016, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Cammack Health LLC, a leading health and benefits consulting firm that serves large health care organizations in the Eastern region of the U.S., including health plans, health systems and employers.
On June 1, 2016, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Univers Workplace Solutions, a leading elective benefit enrollment and communication services firm based in New Jersey.
On April 11, 2016, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Nexus Insurance Brokers Limited and Bayfair Insurance Centre Limited, insurance brokerage firms located in New Zealand.
On February 1, 2016, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Modern Survey, an employee survey and talent analytics solutions provider based in Minneapolis.
On January 1, 2016, the Company completed the transaction to acquire Globe Events Management, an insurance, retirement, and investment consulting business company based in Australia.
Dispositions
The Company completed three dispositions during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and two dispositions during the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Total pretax losses recognized, net of gains, were $2 million and total pretax gains recognized, net of losses, were $35 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. Gains and losses recognized as a result of a disposition are included in Other income (expense) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Subsequent Events
On May 1, 2017, Aon completed its sale of its benefits administration and business process outsourcing business. Refer to Note 3 “Discontinued Operations” for further information.
7. Restructuring
In 2017, Aon initiated a global restructuring plan (the “Restructuring Plan”) in connection with the sale of its benefits administration and business process outsourcing business. The Restructuring Plan is intended to streamline operations across the organization and deliver greater efficiency, insight, and connectivity. The Company expects these restructuring activities and related expenses to affect continuing operations through 2019, including an estimated 1,600 to 1,900 role eliminations. The Restructuring Plan is expected to result in cumulative costs of approximately $750 million through the end of the plan, consisting of approximately $207 million in employee termination costs, $146 million in technology rationalization costs, $176 million in real estate consolidation costs, $40 million in asset impairments, and $181 million in other costs, including certain separation costs associated with the sale of the benefits administration and business process outsourcing business. Included in the estimated $750 million is $50 million of estimated non-cash charges related to asset impairments and lease consolidations.
From the inception of the Restructuring Plan through March 31, 2017, 1,065 positions have been eliminated and total expenses of $144 million have been incurred for restructuring and related separation costs.  These charges are included in Compensation and benefits, Information technology, Premises, Depreciation of fixed assets, and Other general expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

15



The following summarizes restructuring and separation costs by type that have been incurred through March 31, 2017 and are estimated to be incurred through the end of the Restructuring Plan (in millions):
 
 
First Quarter 2017
 
Estimated Remaining Costs
 
Estimated Total Cost (1)
Workforce reduction
 
$
103

 
$
104

 
$
207

Technology rationalization
 
3

 
143

 
146

Lease consolidation
 
3

 
173

 
176

Asset impairments
 
13

 
27

 
40

Other costs associated with restructuring and separation (2)
 
22

 
159

 
181

Total restructuring and related expenses
 
$
144

 
$
606

 
$
750

(1)
Actual costs, when incurred, may vary due to changes in the assumptions built into the Restructuring Plan.  Significant assumptions that may change when plans are finalized and implemented include, but are not limited to, changes in severance calculations, changes in the assumptions underlying sublease loss calculations due to changing market conditions, and changes in the overall analysis that might cause the Company to add or cancel component initiatives.
(2)
Other costs associated with the Restructuring Plan, including costs to separate the Divested Business, as well as moving costs, consulting and legal fees. These costs are generally recognized when incurred.
As of March 31, 2017, the Company’s liabilities for the Restructuring Plan are as follows (in millions):
 
 
Restructuring Plan
Balance at January 1, 2017
 
$

Expensed
 
130

Cash payments
 
(31
)
Foreign currency translation and other
 
9

Balance at March 31, 2017
 
$
108


16



8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are as follows (in millions):
 
 
Balance as of January 1, 2017
$
7,410

Goodwill related to current year acquisitions
33

Goodwill related to disposals

Goodwill related to prior year acquisitions
(21
)
Foreign currency translation
122

Balance as of March 31, 2017
$
7,544

Other intangible assets by asset class are as follows (in millions):
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tradenames
$
999

 
$

 
$
999

 
$
998

 
$

 
$
998

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets with finite lives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Customer related and contract based
2,069

 
1,253

 
816

 
2,023

 
1,198

 
825

Technology and other
388

 
317

 
71

 
376

 
309

 
67

 Total
$
3,456

 
$
1,570

 
$
1,886

 
$
3,397

 
$
1,507

 
$
1,890

Amortization expense from finite lived intangible assets was $43 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Amortization expense from finite lived intangible assets was $37 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
The estimated future amortization for finite lived intangible assets as of March 31, 2017 is as follows (in millions):
 
 
 
Subsequent Event
 
As of
March 31, 2017
 
Estimated Impairment Charge (1)
 
Estimated Tradename Amortization (2)
 
Revised Estimated
Total Future Amortization
Remainder of 2017
$
131

 
$
400

 
$
137

 
$
668

2018
155

 

 
206

 
361

2019
137

 

 
206

 
343

2020
121

 

 
68

 
189

2021
87

 

 
(1
)
 
86

Thereafter
256

 

 
(17
)
 
239

 Total
$
887

 
$
400

 
$
599

 
$
1,886

(1)
In the second quarter of 2017, in connection with the completion of the sale of the Divested Business, the Company expects to recognize a non-cash impairment charge to the associated indefinite lived tradename of approximately $400 million. Refer to Note 3 “Discontinued Operations” for further information. 
(2)
Additionally, effective May 1, 2017, consistent with operating as one segment, the Company has implemented a three-year strategy to transition to a unified Aon brand.  As a result, Aon commenced amortization of all indefinite lived tradenames and prospectively accelerated amortization of its finite lived tradenames over the three-year period.
9. Debt
Revolving Credit Facilities
As of March 31, 2017, Aon had one primary committed credit facility outstanding: its $900 million multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in February 2021 (the “2021 Facility”). The Company’s $400 million U.S. credit facility expired in March 2017.

17



The 2021 Facility includes customary representations, warranties and covenants, including financial covenants that require Aon plc to maintain specified ratios of adjusted consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) to consolidated interest expense and consolidated debt to adjusted consolidated EBITDA, in each case, tested quarterly. At March 31, 2017, Aon plc did not have borrowings under the 2021 Facility, and was in compliance with all covenants contained therein during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
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, which provides for commercial paper to be issued in an aggregate principal amount of up to €300 million ($324 million at March 31, 2017 exchange rates). 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 $384 million and $329 million of commercial paper outstanding at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, which is 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, 2017 and 2016 was $367 million and $177 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate of the commercial paper outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was 0.12% and 0.11%, respectively.
10. Income Taxes
The effective tax rate on net income from continuing operations was 0.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The effective tax rate on net income from continuing operations was 15.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The lower effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2017 was primarily due to changes in the geographical distribution of income, including the estimated impact of the Restructuring Program and accelerated amortization of tradenames, and the impact of share-based payments from adoption of the new share-based compensation guidance. Refer to Note 2 “Accounting Principles and Practices” for additional details.
11. Shareholders’ Equity
Ordinary Shares
Aon has a share repurchase program authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Repurchase Program”) . The Repurchase Program was established in April 2012 with up to $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases and increased in November 2014 and February 2017 by incremental increases of $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases at each of those times.
Under the Repurchase Program, Class A Ordinary 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, 2017, the Company repurchased 1.1 million shares at an average price per share of $114.46, for a total cost of approximately $125 million under the Repurchase Program. The Company recorded an additional $0.6 million of costs associated with the repurchases to retained earnings during the quarter. In the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company repurchased 7.7 million shares at an average price per share of $97.92, for a total cost of approximately $750 million. At March 31, 2017, the remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under the Repurchase Program was $7.7 billion. Under the Repurchase Program, the Company has repurchased a total of 91.3 million shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $7.3 billion.
Net Income Per Share
Weighted average shares outstanding are as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31
 
2017
 
2016
Basic weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding
264.8

 
271.7

Dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares
2.2

 
2.0

Diluted weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding
267.0

 
273.7

Potentially issuable shares are not included in 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, 2017 and 0.5 million shares excluded from the calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

18



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 Financial Instruments (1) 
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Post-Retirement Benefit Obligation (2)
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
(37
)
 
$
(1,264
)
 
$
(2,611
)
 
$
(3,912
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net
4

 
146

 

 
150

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:
 
 


 


 


Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(10
)
 

 
26

 
16

Tax benefit (expense)
4

 

 
(8
)
 
(4
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net
(6
)
 

 
18

 
12

Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
(2
)
 
146

 
18

 
162

Balance at March 31, 2017
$
(39
)
 
$
(1,118
)
 
$
(2,593
)
 
$
(3,750
)
(1)
Reclassifications from this category included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded in Other income (expense), Other general expenses, and Compensation and benefits. See Note 14 “Derivatives and Hedging” for additional information regarding the Company’s derivative and hedging activity.
(2)
Reclassifications from this category included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded in Compensation and benefits.
12. 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
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Service cost
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Interest cost
30

 
43

 
24

 
28

 
6

 
7

Expected return on plan assets, net of administration expenses
(48
)
 
(64
)
 
(35
)
 
(39
)
 
(11
)
 
(12
)
Amortization of prior-service cost

 
1

 

 

 

 

Amortization of net actuarial loss
7

 
8

 
13

 
13

 
3

 
3

Net periodic (benefit) cost
$
(11
)
 
$
(12
)
 
$
2

 
$
2

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(2
)
In March 2017, the Company approved a plan to offer a voluntary one-time lump sum payment option to certain eligible employees of the Company’s U.K. pension plans that, if accepted, would settle the Company’s pension obligation to them. A non-cash settlement charge is expected in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Contributions
The Company expects to contribute approximately $80 million, $87 million, and $18 million, based on exchange rates as of December 31, 2016, to its significant U.K., U.S., and other significant international pension plans, respectively, during 2017. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, contributions of $16 million, $13 million, and $2 million were made to the Company’s significant U.K., U.S., and other significant international pension plans, respectively.
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, contributions of $17 million, $13 million, and $7 million were made to the Company’s significant U.K., U.S., and other significant international pension plans, respectively.

19



13. 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
 
2017
 
2016
Restricted share units (“RSUs”)
$
55

 
$
57

Performance share awards (“PSAs”)
19

 
19

Employee share purchase plans
4

 
3

Total share-based compensation expense 
$
78

 
$
79

Restricted Share Units
RSUs generally vest between three and five years. The fair value of RSUs is based upon the market value of Aon ordinary shares at the date of grant. With certain limited exceptions, any break in continuous employment will cause the forfeiture of all non-vested awards. Compensation expense associated with RSUs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Dividend equivalents are paid on certain RSUs, based on the initial grant amount.
The following table summarizes the status of the Company’s RSUs, including shares related to the Divested Business (shares in thousands):
 
Three months ended March 31
 
2017
 
2016
 
Shares
 
Fair Value (1)
 
Shares
 
Fair Value (1)
Non-vested at beginning of period
6,195

 
$
89

 
7,167

 
$
77

Granted
614

 
119

 
851

 
99

Vested
(960
)
 
90

 
(1,379
)
 
73

Forfeited
(50
)
 
91

 
(94
)
 
78

Non-vested at end of period
5,799

 
$
92

 
6,545

 
$
81

(1)
Represents per share weighted-average fair value of award at date of grant.
Unamortized deferred compensation expense amounted to $392 million as of March 31, 2017, with a remaining weighted-average amortization period of approximately 2.0 years.
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 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. The grant date fair value of PSAs is based upon the market price of an Aon ordinary share at the date of grant. The performance conditions are not considered in the determination of the grant date fair value for these awards. Compensation expense is recognized over the performance period based on management’s estimate of the number of units expected to vest. Management evaluates its estimate of the actual number of shares expected to be issued at the end of the programs on a quarterly basis. The cumulative effect of the change in estimate is recognized in the period of change as an adjustment to Compensation and benefits expense, if necessary. Dividend equivalents are not paid on PSAs.
Information as of March 31, 2017 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, 2017 and the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, is as follows (shares in thousands and dollars in millions, except fair value):
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Target PSAs granted during period
538

 
750

 
963

Weighted average fair value per share at date of grant
$
115

 
$
100

 
$
96

Number of shares that would be issued based on current performance levels
538

 
667

 
1,361

Unamortized expense, based on current performance levels
$
62

 
$
39

 
$
32


20



14. Derivatives and Hedging
The Company is exposed to market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.  To manage the risk related to these exposures, the Company enters into various derivative instruments that reduce these risks by creating offsetting exposures.  The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for trading or speculative purposes.
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk when it earns revenues, pays expenses, enters into monetary intercompany transfers denominated in a currency that differs from its functional currency, or enters into 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 on 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 (expense) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
The notional and fair values of derivative instruments are as follows (in millions):
 
Notional Amount
 
Derivative Assets (1)
 
Derivative Liabilities (2)
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Foreign exchange contracts:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Accounted for as hedges
$
523

 
$
758

 
$
10

 
$
14

 
$
11

 
$
13

Not accounted for as hedges (3)
243

 
189

 
1

 
1

 
2

 
1

   Total
$
766

 
$
947

 
$
11

 
$
15

 
$
13

 
$
14

(1)
Included within Other current assets ($2 million at March 31, 2017 and $6 million at December 31, 2016) or Other non-current assets ($9 million at March 31, 2017 and $9 million at December 31, 2016).
(2)
Included within Other current liabilities ($5 million at March 31, 2017 and $7 million at December 31, 2016) or Other non-current liabilities ($8 million at March 31, 2017 and $7 million at December 31, 2016).
(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.
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)
Derivatives accounted for as hedges:
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Foreign exchange contracts
$
10

 
$
14

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$
10

 
$
13

(1)
Included within Other current assets ($2 million at March 31, 2017 and $4 million at December 31, 2016) or Other non-current assets ($8 million at March 31, 2017 and $9 million at December 31, 2016).

21



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)
 Derivatives accounted for as hedges:
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Foreign exchange contracts
 
$
11

 
$
13

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$
11

 
$
12

(1)
Included within Other current liabilities ($5 million at March 31, 2017 and $5 million at December 31, 2016) or Other non-current liabilities ($6 million at March 31, 2017 and $7 million at December 31, 2016).
The amounts of derivative gains (losses) recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows (in millions):
Cash Flow Hedge - Foreign Exchange Contracts
 
Location of reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:
Three months ended March 31
 
Compensation and Benefits
 
Other General Expenses
 
Interest Expense
 
Other Income (Expense)
 
Total
2017
 
$
8

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
(3
)
 
$
6

2016
 
(2
)
 
(3
)
 

 
(5
)
 
(10
)
Cash Flow Hedge - Foreign Exchange Contracts
 
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (Effective Portion):
Three months ended March 31
 
Compensation and Benefits
 
Other General Expenses
 
Interest Expense
 
Other Income
 
Total
2017
 
$
13

 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$
10

2016
 
1

 

 

 
(1
)
 

The Company estimates that approximately $15 million of pretax losses currently included within Accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified in to 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, 2017 and 2016 was immaterial.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recorded a gain of $1 million in Other income (expense) for foreign exchange derivatives not designated or qualifying as hedges. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded a gain of $1 million in Other income for foreign exchange derivatives not designated or qualifying as hedges.
Net Investments in Foreign Operations Risk Management
The Company uses non-derivative financial instruments to protect the value of its investments in a number of foreign subsidiaries. In 2016, the Company designated a portion of its Euro-denominated commercial paper issuances as a non-derivative hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in its European operations. The change in fair value of the designated portion of the Euro-denominated commercial paper due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates is recorded in Foreign currency translation adjustment, a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), to the extent it is effective as a hedge. The foreign currency translation adjustment of the hedged net investments that is also recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Ineffective portions of net investment hedges, if any, are reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings during the period of change.
As of March 31, 2017, the Company has €217 million ($234 million at March 31, 2017 exchange rates) of outstanding Euro-denominated commercial paper designated as a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of its net investment in its European operations. As of March 31, 2017, the unrealized gain recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the net investment non derivative hedging instrument was $11 million.
The Company did not reclassify any deferred gains or losses related to net investment hedges from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2017. In addition, the Company did not incur any ineffectiveness related to net investment hedges during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

22



15. 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:
Money market funds consist of institutional prime, treasury, and government money market funds. The Company reviews these funds to obtain reasonable assurance that the fund net asset value is $1 per share.
Equity investments consist of domestic and international equity securities and equity derivatives valued using the closing stock price on a national securities exchange. Over the counter equity derivatives are valued using observable inputs such as underlying prices of the underlying security and volatility. On a sample basis 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 independently verifies the observable inputs for Level 2 equity derivatives and securities.
Fixed income investments consist of certain categories of bonds and derivatives. Corporate, government, and agency bonds are valued by pricing vendors who estimate fair value using recently executed transactions and proprietary models based on observable inputs, such as interest rate spreads, yield curves, and credit risk. Asset-backed securities are valued by pricing vendors who estimate fair value using discounted cash flow models utilizing observable inputs based on trade and quote activity of securities with similar features. Fixed income derivatives are valued by pricing vendors using observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves. The Company obtains an understanding of the models, inputs, and assumptions used in developing prices provided by its vendors through discussions with the fund managers. The Company 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 historically are not material to the fair value estimates used in the 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.

23



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, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in millions):
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Balance at March 31, 2017
 
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 (1)
$
1,649

 
$
1,649

 
$

 
$

Other investments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Government bonds
1

 

 
1

 

Equity investments
9

 
6

 
3

 

Derivatives: (2)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
11

 

 
11

 

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivatives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
13

 

 
13

 

(1)
Included within 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.
(2)
Refer to Note 14 “Derivatives and Hedging” for additional information regarding the Company’s derivatives and hedging activity.
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
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 (1)
$
1,371

 
$
1,371

 
$

 
$

Other investments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Government bonds
1

 

 
1

 

Equity investments
9

 
6

 
3

 

Derivatives: (2)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
15

 

 
15

 

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivatives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
14

 

 
14

 

(1)
Included within 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. 
(2)
Refer to Note 14 “Derivatives and Hedging” for additional information regarding the Company’s derivatives and hedging activity. 
There were no transfers of assets or liabilities between fair value hierarchy levels in either the three months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016. 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, 2017 or 2016, related to assets and liabilities measured at fair value using unobservable inputs.

24



The fair value of 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, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Current portion of long-term debt (1)
$
283

 
$
292

 
$

 
$

Long-term debt
5,610

 
5,964

 
5,869

 
6,264

(1)
Excludes commercial paper program.
16. 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. While Aon maintains meaningful E&O insurance and other insurance programs 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 Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and have been recognized in Other general expenses in the 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 reasonably estimable are not accrued for in the financial statements.
The Company has included in the current matters described below certain 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. In addition, the Company may from time to time disclose matters for which the probability of loss could be remote but the claim amounts associated with such matters are potentially significant. The reasonably possible range of loss for the matters described below for which loss is estimable, in excess of amounts that are deemed probable and estimable and therefore already accrued, is estimated to be between $0 and $0.2 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 may change, and the estimates themselves may 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. 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.
Current Matters
A 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. In August 2015, a jury returned a verdict in favor of Opry Mills and against the insurers in the amount of $204 million. The insurers have appealed both of these trial court decisions. Aon believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.
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 business acquired by 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 sought damages of approximately

25



CHF 46 million ($46 million at March 31, 2017 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, 2017 exchange rates) and $3.1 million, plus interest and adverse costs. The entire amount of the judgment, including interest through December 31, 2014, totaled CHF 27.9 million ($28 million at December 31, 2014 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 the judgment and to pay IRU CHF 12.8 million ($14 million at January 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 Geneva Appellate Court affirmed the judgment of the Geneva Tribunal of First Instance. The Aon subsidiary filed an appeal (which is now under submission) to the Swiss Supreme Court. The Aon subsidiary’s maximum liability on appeal is limited to CHF 8.7 million ($9 million at March 31, 2017 exchange rates) and $115,000 (plus interest and costs) beyond what the subsidiary has already paid.
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 was filed, although a tolling agreement was 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 ($56 million at March 31, 2017 exchange rates). In December 2014, the Court of Appeal granted the employer leave to appeal the High Court decision. At a hearing in October 2016, the Court of Appeal approved a settlement of the pending litigation. On October 31, 2016, the fund’s trustees and employer sued Aon in the High Court, Chancery Division, London, alleging negligence and breach of duty in relation to the governing documents. The proceedings were served on Aon on December 20, 2016. The claimants seek damages of approximately £70 million ($87 million at March 31, 2017 exchange rates). Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against this potential claim.
On June 29, 2015, Lyttelton Port Company Limited (“LPC”) sued Aon New Zealand in the Christchurch Registry of the High Court of New Zealand.  LPC alleges, among other things, that Aon was negligent and in breach of contract in arranging LPC’s property insurance program for the period covering June 30, 2010, to June 30, 2011.  LPC contends that acts and omissions by Aon caused LPC to recover less than it otherwise would have from insurers for losses suffered in the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury Earthquakes.  LPC claims damages of approximately NZD 184 million ($129 million at March 31, 2017 exchange rates) plus interest and costs.  Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.
Aon recently learned that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has commenced an investigation relating to suspected competition law breaches in the aviation and aerospace broking industry, which, for Aon in 2016, represented less than $100 million in global revenue.  Other regulatory agencies may also be conducting formal or informal investigations regarding these matters. In such case,  Aon intends to work diligently with the FCA and other regulatory agencies to ensure they can carry out their work as efficiently as possible.  At this time, in light of the uncertainties and many variables involved, we cannot estimate the ultimate impact on our company from these investigations or any related private litigation, nor any damages, penalties, or fines related to them.   There can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
Guarantees and Indemnifications
In connection with the redomicile of Aon’s headquarters (the “Redomestication”), the Company on April 2, 2012 entered into 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.

26



The Company expects that, as prudent business interests dictate, additional guarantees and indemnifications may be issued from time to time.
Letters of Credit
Aon has entered into a number of arrangements whereby the Company’s performance on certain obligations is guaranteed by a third party through the issuance of letters of credit (“LOCs”). The Company had total LOCs outstanding of approximately $90 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $90 million at December 31, 2016. These letters of credit cover the beneficiaries related to certain of Aon’s U.S. and Canadian non-qualified pension plan schemes and secure deductible retentions for Aon’s own workers compensation program. The Company has also obtained LOCs to cover contingent payments for taxes and other business obligations to third parties, and other guarantees for miscellaneous purposes at its international subsidiaries
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 $64 million at March 31, 2017 compared to $95 million at December 31, 2016.
17. Segment Information
Beginning in the first quarter of 2017 and following the Transaction described in Note 3 “Discontinued Operations,” the Company began leading a set of initiatives designed to strengthen Aon and unite the firm with one portfolio of capability enabled by proprietary data and analytics and one operating model to deliver additional insight, connectivity and efficiency. These initiatives reinforce Aon’s return on invested capital (ROIC) decision-making process and emphasis on free cash flow. The Company is now operating as one segment that includes all of Aon’s continuing operations, which as a global professional services firm provides advice and solutions to clients focused on risk, retirement, and health through five revenue lines which make up its principal products and services. The CODM assesses the performance of the Company and allocates resources based on one company: Aon United.
The Company’s reportable operating segment has been determined using a management approach, which is consistent with the basis and manner in which Aon’s CODM uses financial information for the purposes of allocating resources and evaluating performance.  The CODM assesses performance and allocates resources based on total Aon results against its key four metrics, including organic revenue growth, expense discipline, and collaborative behaviors that maximize value for Aon and its shareholders, regardless of which revenue line it benefits.
Prior period comparative segment information has been restated to conform with current year presentation. In prior periods, the Company did not include unallocated expenses in segment operating income, which represented corporate governance costs not allocated to the previous operating segments. These costs are now reflected within operating expenses for the current and prior period.  
Revenue from continuing operations for each of the Company’s principal product and service lines is as follows (in millions):
Three months ended March 31
2017
 
2016
Commercial Risk Solutions
$
984

 
$
961

Reinsurance Solutions
371

 
371

Retirement Solutions
386

 
395

Health Solutions
372

 
292

Data & Analytic Services
268

 
259

Elimination

 
(2
)
Total revenue
2,381

 
2,276

As Aon is operating as one segment, segment profit or loss is consistent with consolidated reporting as disclosed on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
The geographic distribution of Aon’s total revenue or long-lived assets did not change as a result of the change in reportable operating segments described above.

27



18. Guarantee of Registered Securities
As described in Note 16 “Commitments and Contingencies,” 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, including the 5.00% Notes due September 2020, the 8.205% Notes due January 2027 and the 6.25% Notes due September 2040 (collectively, the “Aon Corp Notes”). Aon Corporation is a 100% indirectly owned subsidiary of Aon plc. All guarantees of Aon plc are full and unconditional. There are no other subsidiaries of Aon plc that are guarantors of the Aon Corp Notes.
In addition, 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 and 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, the 4.60% Notes due June 2044, the 4.75% Notes due May 2045, the 2.80% Notes due March 2021, and the 3.875% Notes due December 2025 (collectively, the “Aon plc Notes”). In each case, the guarantee of Aon Corporation is full and unconditional. There are no subsidiaries of Aon plc, other than Aon Corporation, that are guarantors of the Aon plc Notes. As a result of the existence of these guarantees, the Company has elected to present the financial information set forth in this footnote in accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X.
The following tables set forth condensed consolidating statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, condensed consolidating statements of financial position as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 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.
As described in Note 1 “Basis of Presentation” and consistent with The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the following tables present the financial results of the Divested Business as discontinued operations for all periods presented within Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. The impact of intercompany transactions have been reflected within continuing operations in the Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements.

28



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenue
 
$

 
$

 
$
2,381

 
$

 
$
2,381

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
52

 
6

 
1,403

 

 
1,461

Information technology
 

 

 
88

 

 
88

Premises
 

 

 
84

 

 
84

Depreciation of fixed assets
 

 

 
54

 

 
54

Amortization of intangible assets
 

 

 
43

 

 
43

Other general expenses
 
5

 
2

 
301

 

 
308

Total operating expenses
 
57

 
8

 
1,973

 

 
2,038

Operating (loss) income
 
(57
)
 
(8
)
 
408

 

 
343

Interest income
 

 
6

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
2

Interest expense
 
(45
)
 
(24
)
 
(3
)
 
2

 
(70
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
 
3

 
(136
)
 
133

 

 

Intercompany other (expense) income
 
(50
)
 
7

 
43

 

 

Other income (expense)
 
(10
)
 
12

 
(20
)
 
8

 
(10
)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
(159
)
 
(143
)
 
559

 
8

 
265

Income tax (benefit) expense
 
(14
)
 
(54
)
 
68

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations
 
(145
)
 
(89
)
 
491

 
8

 
265

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 

 

 
40

 

 
40

(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
 
(145
)
 
(89
)
 
531

 
8

 
305

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
428

 
271

 
182

 
(881
)
 

Net income
 
283

 
182

 
713

 
(873
)
 
305

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
14

 

 
14

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
283

 
$
182

 
$
699

 
$
(873
)
 
$
291


29



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenue
 
$

 
$

 
$
2,276

 
$

 
$
2,276

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
43

 
3

 
1,299

 

 
1,345

Information technology
 

 

 
83

 

 
83

Premises
 

 

 
82

 

 
82

Depreciation of fixed assets
 

 

 
38

 

 
38

Amortization of intangible assets
 

 

 
37

 

 
37

Other general expenses
 
7

 
2

 
262

 

 
271

Total operating expenses
 
50

 
5

 
1,801

 

 
1,856

Operating (loss) income
 
(50
)
 
(5
)
 
475

 

 
420

Interest income
 

 
5

 
4

 
(7
)
 
2

Interest expense
 
(45
)
 
(28
)
 
(3
)
 
7

 
(69
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
 
4

 
(133
)
 
129

 

 

Intercompany other (expense) income
 
(54
)
 
1

 
53

 

 

Other income (expense)
 

 
(5
)
 
23

 

 
18

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
(145
)
 
(165
)
 
681

 

 
371

Income tax (benefit) expense
 
(26
)
 
(62
)
 
147

 

 
59

(Loss) income from continuing operations
 
(119
)
 
(103
)
 
534

 

 
312

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 

 

 
25

 

 
25

(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
 
(119
)
 
(103
)
 
559

 

 
337

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
444

 
356

 
253

 
(1,053
)
 

Net income
 
325

 
253

 
812

 
(1,053
)
 
337

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
12

 

 
12

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
325

 
$
253

 
$
800

 
$
(1,053
)
 
$
325

 

30



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Net income (loss)
 
$
283

 
$
182

 
$
713

 
$
(873
)
 
$
305

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
14

 

 
14

Net income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders
 
283

 
182

 
699

 
(873
)
 
291

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

 
(2
)
 

 

 
(2
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 

 

 
155

 
(8
)
 
147

Post-retirement benefit obligation
 

 
8

 
10

 

 
18

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
 

 
6

 
165

 
(8
)
 
163

Equity in other comprehensive loss of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
170

 
164

 
170

 
(504
)
 

Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Total other comprehensive loss attributable to Aon shareholders
 
170

 
170

 
334

 
(512
)
 
162

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
453

 
$
352

 
$
1,033

 
$
(1,385
)
 
$
453

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Net income
 
$
325

 
$
253

 
$
812

 
$
(1,053
)
 
$
337

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
12

 

 
12

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
325

 
253

 
800

 
(1,053
)
 
325

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

 
(2
)
 
(5
)
 

 
(7
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 

 
11

 
(90
)
 

 
(79
)
Post-retirement benefit obligation
 

 
13

 
(214
)
 

 
(201
)
Total other comprehensive loss
 

 
22

 
(309
)
 

 
(287
)
Equity in other comprehensive loss of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
(287
)
 
(314
)
 
(292
)
 
893

 

Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive loss attributable to Aon shareholders
 
(287
)
 
(292
)
 
(601
)
 
893

 
(287
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aon Shareholders
 
$
38

 
$
(39
)
 
$
199

 
$
(160
)
 
$
38


31



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
 
 
As of March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$
1,425

 
$
596

 
$
(1,588
)
 
$
433

Short-term investments
 

 
46

 
154

 

 
200

Receivables, net
 

 

 
2,103

 

 
2,103

Fiduciary assets
 

 

 
9,162

 

 
9,162

Intercompany receivables
 
73

 
3,215

 
8,345

 
(11,633
)
 

Current assets of discontinued operations
 

 

 
3,186

 

 
3,186

Other current assets
 
6

 
12

 
291

 

 
309

Total Current Assets
 
79

 
4,698

 
23,837

 
(13,221
)
 
15,393

Goodwill
 

 

 
7,544

 

 
7,544

Intangible assets, net
 

 

 
1,886

 

 
1,886

Fixed assets, net
 

 

 
536

 

 
536

Non-current deferred tax assets
 
134

 
723

 
172

 
(678
)
 
351

Intercompany receivables
 
372

 
261

 
8,716

 
(9,349
)
 

Prepaid pension
 

 
5

 
888

 

 
893

Other non-current assets
 
2

 
120

 
257

 

 
379

Investment in subsidiary
 
10,707

 
15,836

 
(10
)
 
(26,533
)
 

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
11,294

 
$
21,643

 
$
43,826

 
$
(49,781
)
 
$
26,982

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
837

 
$
18

 
$
2,065

 
$
(1,588
)
 
$
1,332

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
 
324

 
60

 
283

 

 
667

Fiduciary liabilities
 

 

 
9,162

 

 
9,162

Intercompany payables
 
167

 
9,799

 
1,667

 
(11,633
)
 

Current liabilities of discontinued operations
 

 

 
1,036

 

 
1,036

Other current liabilities
 

 
62

 
711

 

 
773

Total Current Liabilities
 
1,328

 
9,939

 
14,924

 
(13,221
)
 
12,970

Long-term debt
 
4,196

 
1,413

 
1

 

 
5,610

Non-current deferred tax liabilities
 

 

 
790

 
(678
)
 
112

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

 
1,340

 
391

 

 
1,731

Intercompany payables
 

 
8,881

 
468

 
(9,349
)
 

Other non-current liabilities
 
16

 
80

 
637

 

 
733

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
5,540

 
21,653

 
17,211

 
(23,248
)
 
21,156

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL AON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
5,754

 
(10
)
 
26,543

 
(26,533
)
 
5,754

Noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
72

 

 
72

TOTAL EQUITY
 
5,754

 
(10
)
 
26,615

 
(26,533
)
 
5,826

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
11,294

 
$
21,643

 
$
43,826

 
$
(49,781
)
 
$
26,982


32



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
 
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$
1,633

 
$
655

 
$
(1,862
)
 
$
426

Short-term investments
 

 
140

 
150

 

 
290

Receivables, net
 

 
3

 
2,103

 

 
2,106

Fiduciary assets
 

 

 
8,959

 

 
8,959

Intercompany receivables
 
105

 
1,880

 
9,825

 
(11,810
)
 

Current assets of discontinued operations
 

 

 
1,118

 

 
1,118

Other current assets
 

 
25

 
222

 

 
247

Total Current Assets
 
105

 
3,681

 
23,032

 
(13,672
)
 
13,146

Goodwill
 

 

 
7,410

 

 
7,410

Intangible assets, net
 

 

 
1,890

 

 
1,890

Fixed assets, net
 

 

 
550

 

 
550

Non-current deferred tax assets
 
134

 
726

 
171

 
(706
)
 
325

Intercompany receivables
 
366

 
261

 
8,711

 
(9,338
)
 

Prepaid pension
 

 
5

 
853

 

 
858

Non-current assets of discontinued operations
 

 

 
2,076

 

 
2,076

Other non-current assets
 
2

 
119

 
239

 

 
360

Investment in subsidiary
 
10,107

 
17,137

 
(350
)
 
(26,894
)
 

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
10,714

 
$
21,929

 
$
44,582

 
$
(50,610
)
 
$
26,615

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
585

 
$
44

 
$
2,837

 
$
(1,862
)
 
$
1,604

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
 
279

 
50

 
7

 

 
336

Fiduciary liabilities
 

 

 
8,959

 

 
8,959

Intercompany payables
 
142

 
10,399

 
1,269

 
(11,810
)
 

Current liabilities of discontinued operations
 

 

 
940

 

 
940

Other current liabilities
 

 
63

 
593

 

 
656

Total Current Liabilities
 
1,006

 
10,556

 
14,605

 
(13,672
)
 
12,495

Long-term debt
 
4,177

 
1,413

 
279

 

 
5,869

Non-current deferred tax liabilities
 

 

 
759

 
(658
)
 
101

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

 
1,356

 
404

 

 
1,760

Intercompany payables
 

 
8,877

 
461

 
(9,338
)
 

Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations
 

 

 
139

 

 
139

Other non-current liabilities
 
8

 
77

 
634

 

 
719

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
5,191

 
22,279

 
17,281

 
(23,668
)
 
21,083

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL AON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
5,523

 
(350
)
 
27,244

 
(26,942
)
 
5,475

Noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
57

 

 
57

TOTAL EQUITY
 
5,523

 
(350
)
 
27,301

 
(26,942
)
 
5,532

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
10,714

 
$
21,929

 
$
44,582

 
$
(50,610
)
 
$
26,615


33



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2017
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Other
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations
 
$
(28
)
 
$
1,117

 
$
533

 
$
(1,440
)
 
$
182

Cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations
 

 

 
58

 

 
58

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
(28
)
 
1,117

 
591

 
(1,440
)
 
240

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from investments
 

 
565

 
4

 
(544
)
 
25

Purchases of investments
 

 
(4
)
 
(546
)
 
541

 
(9
)
Net purchases of short-term investments - non-fiduciary
 

 
94

 

 

 
94

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 

 

 
(46
)
 

 
(46
)
Sale of businesses, net of cash sold
 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Capital expenditures
 

 

 
(34
)
 

 
(34
)
Cash provided by investing activities - continuing operations
 

 
655

 
(624
)
 
(3
)
 
28

Cash provided by investing activities - discontinued operations
 

 

 
(15
)
 

 
(15
)
CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 

 
655

 
(639
)
 
(3
)
 
13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share repurchase
 
(126
)
 

 

 

 
(126
)
Advances from (to) affiliates
 
290

 
(1,990
)
 
(17
)
 
1,717

 

Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans
 
(85
)
 

 

 

 
(85
)
Issuance of debt
 
457

 
535

 

 

 
992

Repayment of debt
 
(421
)
 
(525
)
 
(4
)
 

 
(950
)
Cash dividends to shareholders
 
(87
)
 

 

 

 
(87
)
Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities
 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Cash used for financing activities - continuing operations
 
28

 
(1,980
)
 
(23
)
 
1,717

 
(258
)
Cash used for financing activities - discontinued operations
 

 

 

 

 

CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
28

 
(1,980
)
 
(23
)
 
1,717

 
(258
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 

 
25

 

 
25

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 
(208
)
 
(46
)
 
274

 
20

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
 

 
1,633

 
660

 
(1,862
)
 
431

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD (1)
 
$

 
$
1,425

 
$
614

 
$
(1,588
)
 
$
451

(1) Includes 18 million of discontinued operations at March 31, 2017.


34



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions) 
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations
 
$
(47
)
 
$
(37
)
 
$
228

 
$

 
$
144

Cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations
 

 

 
129

 

 
129

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
(47
)
 
(37
)
 
357

 

 
273

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from investments
 

 
9

 
4

 

 
13

Purchases of investments
 

 
(5
)
 
(9
)
 

 
(14
)
Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments - non-fiduciary
 

 
(244
)
 
17

 

 
(227
)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 

 

 
(16
)
 

 
(16
)
Sale of businesses, net of cash sold
 

 

 
97

 

 
97

Capital expenditures
 

 

 
(37
)
 

 
(37
)
Cash provided by investing activities - continuing operations
 

 
(240
)
 
56

 

 
(184
)
Cash provided by investing activities - discontinued operations
 

 

 
(15
)
 

 
(15
)
CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 

 
(240
)
 
41

 

 
(199
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share repurchase
 
(685
)
 

 

 

 
(685
)
Advances from (to) affiliates
 
(46
)
 
(219
)
 
(147
)
 
412

 

Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans
 
(64
)
 

 
(1
)
 

 
(65
)
Issuance of debt
 
996

 
50

 
(1
)
 

 
1,045

Repayment of debt
 
(72
)
 
(100
)
 
(3
)
 

 
(175
)
Cash dividends to shareholders
 
(82
)
 

 

 

 
(82
)
Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities
 

 

 
(42
)
 

 
(42
)
Cash used for financing activities - continuing operations
 
47

 
(269
)
 
(194
)
 
412

 
(4
)
Cash used for financing activities - discontinued operations
 

 

 

 

 

CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
47

 
(269
)
 
(194
)
 
412

 
(4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 

 
11

 

 
11

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 
(546
)
 
215

 
412

 
81

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
 

 
2,083

 
1,242

 
(2,941
)
 
384

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD (1)
 
$

 
$
1,537

 
$
1,457

 
$
(2,529
)
 
$
465

(1) Includes $3 million of discontinued operations at March 31, 2016.


35



Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF FIRST QUARTER 2017 FINANCIAL RESULTS
Aon is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of Risk, Retirement and Health solutions underpinned by proprietary data and analytics. Management is leading a set of initiatives designed to strengthen Aon and unite the firm with one portfolio of capability enabled by proprietary data and analytics and one operating model to deliver additional insight, connectivity and efficiency. The divestiture of the benefits administration and business process outsourcing platform represents the next step of our strategy, which is consistent with our journey towards offering advice and solutions, and further aligning Aon’s portfolio around clients’ highest priorities. Further, it reinforces our return on invested capital (ROIC) decision-making process and emphasis on free cash flow.
Discontinued Operations
On February 9, 2017, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement with Tempo Acquisition, LLC to sell its benefits administration and business process outsourcing business to the Buyer, an entity formed and controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P., and certain designated purchasers that are direct or indirect subsidiaries of the Buyer.
On May 1, 2017, the Buyer purchased all of the outstanding equity interests in each of the Divested Business’ subsidiaries, plus certain related assets, for a purchase price of (i) $4.3 billion in cash paid at closing, subject to customary adjustments set forth in the Purchase Agreement, and (ii) deferred consideration of up to $500 million, plus the assumption of certain liabilities. Cash proceeds from the sale, before taxes and after customary adjustments as set forth in the Purchase Agreement, were $4.2 billion.
Aon and the Buyer entered into certain related transaction agreements at the closing, including two commercial agreements, a transition services agreement, certain intellectual property license agreements, sub-leases and other customary agreements. Aon expects to continue to be a significant client of the Divested Business and the Divested Business has agreed to use Aon for its broking and other services for a specified period of time.
In the second quarter of 2017, the Company expects to record a gain on sale, net of taxes, of approximately $500 million and a non-cash impairment charge to its indefinite lived tradename associated with the Divested Business of approximately $400 million as this asset was not sold to the Buyer. Additionally, effective May 1, 2017, the Company has implemented a three-year strategy to discontinue the use of its finite lived and indefinite lived tradenames.  As a result, additional amortization of $137 million, $206 million, $206 million, and $68 million is expected to be recognized in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively.
Business Overview
Beginning in the first quarter of 2017, following the classification of the benefits administration and business process outsourcing business as a discontinued operation, as described above, the Company began operating as one segment that includes all of Aon’s continuing operations, which as a global professional services firm provides advice and solutions to clients focused on risk, retirement, and health through five revenue lines: Commercial Risk Solutions, Reinsurance Solutions, Retirement Solutions, Health Solutions, and Data & Analytic Services.
Commercial Risk Solutions
Commercial Risk Solutions includes retail brokerage, cyber solutions, global risk consulting, and captives.  In retail brokerage, our team of expert risk advisors applies a client-focused approach to commercial risk products and services that leverage Aon’s global network of resources, industry-leading data and analytics, and specialized expertise.  Cyber solutions is one of the industry’s premier resources in cyber risk management. Our strategic focus extends to identify and protect critical digital assets supported by best in class transactional capabilities, enhanced coverage expertise, deep carrier relationships, and incident response expertise.  Global risk consulting is a world leading provider of risk consulting services supporting clients to better understand and manage their risk profile through identifying and quantifying the risks they face. We assist clients with the selection and implementation of the appropriate risk transfer, risk retention, and risk mitigation solutions, and ensure the continuity of their operations through claims consulting.  Captives is a leading global captive insurance solutions provider that manages over 1,100 insurance entities worldwide including captives, protected segregated and incorporated cell facilities, as well as entities that support ILS and specialist insurance and reinsurance companies.

36



Reinsurance Solutions
Reinsurance Solutions includes treaty and facultative reinsurance brokerage and capital markets.  Treaty reinsurance brokerage addresses underwriting and capital objectives on a portfolio level, allowing our clients to more effectively manage the combination of premium growth, return on capital and rating agency interests. This includes the development of more competitive, innovative and efficient risk transfer options.  Facultative reinsurance brokerage empowers clients to better understand, manage and transfer risk through innovative facultative solutions and provides the most efficient access to the global facultative markets. Capital markets is a global investment bank with expertise in M&A, capital raising, strategic advice, restructuring, recapitalization services, and insurance-linked securities.  We work with insurers, reinsurers, investment firms, banks, and corporations to manage complex commercial issues through the provision of corporate finance advisory services, capital markets solutions, and innovative risk management products.
Retirement Solutions

Retirement Solutions includes core retirement, investment consulting, and talent, rewards & performance.  Retirement consulting specializes in providing organizations across the globe with strategic design consulting on their retirement programs, actuarial services, risk management - including pension de-risking, governance, integrated pension administration and legal and compliance consulting. Investment consulting provides public and private companies and other institutions, with advice on developing and maintaining investment programs across a broad range of plan types; including defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, endowments and foundations.  Our delegated investment solutions offer ongoing management of investment programs and fiduciary responsibilities either in a partial or full discretionary model for multiple asset owners. It partners with clients to deliver our scale and experience to help them effectively manage their investments, risk, governance and potentially lower costs. Talent, rewards & performance delivers advice and solutions that help clients accelerate business outcomes by improving the performance of their people.  It supports the full employee lifecycle from assessment and selection of the right talent, optimized deployment and engagement to the design, alignment and benchmarking of compensation to business strategy and performance outcomes.
Health Solutions
Health Solutions includes heath and benefits brokerage and healthcare exchanges.  Health and benefits brokerage partners with employers to develop innovative, customized benefits strategies that help manage risk, drive engagement, and promote accountability.  Our private health exchange solutions help employers transform how they sponsor, structure, and deliver health benefits by building and operating a cost effective alternative to traditional employee and retiree healthcare. We seek outcomes of reduced employer costs, risk and volatility, alongside greater coverage and plan choices for individual participants.
Data & Analytic Services
Data & Analytic Services includes Affinity, Aon InPoint, and ReView.  Affinity specializes in developing, marketing and administering customized insurance programs and specialty market solutions for affinity organizations and their members or affiliates.  Aon InPoint draws on Aon’s proprietary database (Global Risk Insight Platform) and is dedicated to making insurers more competitive through providing data, analytics, engagement and consulting.  ReView draws on Aon’s proprietary database and broker market knowledge to provide advisory services analysis and benchmarking to help reinsurers more effectively meet the needs of cedents through the development of more competitive, innovative and efficient risk transfer options.
Financial Results
The following is a summary of our first quarter of 2017 financial results from continuing operations:
For the first quarter of 2017, revenue increased 5%, or $105 million, to $2.4 billion compared to the prior year period due primarily to organic revenue growth of 4% and a 3% increase in commissions and fees related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, which was offset by a 2% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates.
Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2017 were $2.0 billion, an increase of $182 million compared to the prior year period. The increase was due primarily to $144 million of restructuring costs, a $60 million increase in operating expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, and an increase in expense to support 4% organic revenue growth, partially offset by a $42 million favorable impact from currency translation, a $12 million decrease in expense related to certain hedging programs, and $11 million of related to restructuring activities and operational initiatives savings.
Operating margin decreased to 14.4% in the first quarter 2017 from 18.5% in the prior year quarter. The decrease compared to the prior year period was driven by an increase in expense due to the factors listed above, partially offset by organic revenue growth of 4%.

37



Due to the factors set forth above, income from continuing operations decreased $47 million, or 15%, to $265 million for the first quarter 2017 compared to the first quarter 2016.
Cash flow provided by operating activities was $182 million for the first three months of 2017, an increase of $38 million from $144 million in the first three months of 2016. The increase was driven primarily by operational improvements, partially offset by $31 million of cash restructuring charges.
We focus on four key non-GAAP metrics that we communicate to shareholders: organic revenue, adjusted operating margins, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow.  These non-GAAP metrics should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto. The following is our measure of performance against these four metrics from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2017:
Organic revenue growth, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Organic Revenue,” was 4% for the first quarter of 2017, an increase of over 2% organic growth from the prior year first quarter.
Adjusted operating margin, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Operating Margin,” was 22.3% for the first quarter 2017.  Adjusted operating margin was 20.1% for the first quarter 2016. The increase in adjusted operating margin for the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the prior year period primarily reflects organic revenue growth of 4%, a 50 basis point favorable impact from reduced expenses related to certain hedging programs resulting from actions undertaken in consideration of reduced ongoing transactional exposure to the Indian Rupee, a 40 basis point favorable impact from restructuring savings and additional expense discipline, and a 30 basis point favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share,” was $1.45 per share for the first quarter of 2017, compared to $1.21 per share for the first quarter of 2016.
Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Free Cash Flow,” increased in the first three months of 2017 by $41 million, or 38%, to $148 million from the prior year period, driven by an increase of $38 million in cash flow from operations and a decrease of $3 million in capital expenditures.

38



REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS 
Summary of Results
Our consolidated results of operations are as follow (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended
(millions, except per share data)
 
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
Revenue
 
 

 
 

Total revenue
 
2,381

 
2,276

Expenses
 
 

 
 

Compensation and benefits
 
1,461

 
1,345

Information technology
 
88

 
83

Premises
 
84

 
82

Depreciation of fixed assets
 
54

 
38

Amortization of intangible assets
 
43

 
37

Other general expenses
 
308

 
271

Total operating expenses
 
2,038

 
1,856

Operating income
 
343

 
420

Interest income
 
2

 
2

Interest expense
 
(70
)
 
(69
)
Other income (expense)
 
(10
)
 
18

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
265

 
371

Income taxes
 

 
59

Income from continuing operations
 
265

 
312

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
40

 
25

Net income
 
305

 
337

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
14

 
12

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
291

 
$
325

Revenue 
Total revenue increased by 5%, or $105 million, in the first quarter 2017 compared to the first quarter 2016.  This change reflects 4% organic growth and a 3% increase related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, partially offset by a 2% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates.
Commercial Risk Solutions organic revenue increased 2% compared to the prior year period due to solid growth across EMEA, Asia, and Pacific regions.
Reinsurance Solutions organic revenue increased 2% compared to the prior year period driven by growth across every product line, including treaty, facultative, and capital markets, partially offset by a modest unfavorable market impact globally.
Retirement Solutions organic revenue increased 3% compared to the prior year period due to growth in investment consulting, primarily for delegated investment management, as well as growth in talent, primarily for compensation and engagement services.
Health Solutions organic revenue increased 14% compared to the prior year period driven by solid growth globally in health & benefits brokerage, including double-digit growth across the Asia and EMEA regions, as well as strong growth in health care exchanges driven by follow-on enrollments on the retiree exchange and certain project-related work.
Data & Analytic Services organic revenue increased 5% compared to the prior year period due to strong growth across Affinity, with particular strength in the U.S. across all product lines.

39



Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits increased $116 million, or 9%, in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the first quarter of 2016. This increase was primarily driven by $103 million of restructuring costs, a $38 million increase in operating expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, and an increase in expense associated with 4% organic revenue growth, partially offset by a $29 million favorable impact from currency translation, a $12 million decrease in expense related to certain hedging programs resulting from actions undertaken in consideration of reduced ongoing transactional exposure to the Indian Rupee, and $6 million of savings related to restructuring activities and operational initiatives.
Information Technology
Information technology, which represents costs associated with supporting and maintaining our infrastructure, increased $5 million, or 6%, in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the first quarter 2016. This increase was primarily driven by $3 million of restructuring costs, as well as other infrastructure investments, partially offset by $5 million of savings related to restructuring activities and operational initiatives.
Premises
Premises, which represents the cost of occupying offices in various locations throughout the world, increased $2 million, or 2%, in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the first quarter 2016. This increase was primarily driven by $3 million of restructuring costs.
Depreciation of Fixed Assets
Depreciation of fixed assets primarily includes software, leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, computer equipment, buildings, and automobiles. Depreciation of fixed assets increased $16 million, or 42%, in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the first quarter 2016. This increase was primarily driven by $13 million of asset impairments.
Amortization of Intangibles
Amortization of intangibles primarily includes finite lived tradenames, customer lists, and technology assets. Amortization of intangibles increased $6 million, or 16%, in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the first quarter 2016 due to an increase in intangible asset amortization from previous acquisitions.
Other General Expenses
Other general expenses in the first quarter of 2017 increased $37 million, or 14%, compared to the first quarter 2016. This increase was due primarily to $22 million of restructuring costs and a $13 million increase in operating expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures.
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 2017, Interest income was $2 million, comparable to first quarter 2016 interest income of $2 million.
Interest Expense
Interest expense, which represents the cost of our debt obligations, was $70 million during the first quarter 2017, comparable to first quarter 2016 interest expense of $69 million.
Other Income (Expense)
Other expense was $10 million for the first quarter of 2017, compared to other income of $18 million for the first quarter of 2016.  Other expense for the first quarter of 2017 primarily includes net losses due to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies. Other income of $18 million in the first quarter 2016 primarily included $35 million of net gains on the sale of certain businesses, partially offset by a $17 million loss on the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies.
Income From Continuing Operations before Income Taxes
Income from continuing operations before income taxes for the first quarter of 2017 was $265 million, a 29% decrease from $371 million in the first quarter of 2016 due to the factors discussed above.

40



Income Taxes From Continuing Operations
The effective tax rate on net income from continuing operations was 0.1% and 15.9% for the quarters ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was primarily due to changes in the geographical distribution of income, including the estimated impact of the Restructuring Program and accelerated amortization of tradenames, and the impact of share-based payments from adoption of the new share-based compensation guidance.
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
On February 9, 2017, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement with Tempo Acquisition, LLC to sell its benefits administration and business process outsourcing business. The Company has retrospectively classified the results of the Divested Business as discontinued operations in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for all periods presented. Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, increased $15 million in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the prior year period. The increase is primarily driven by the reduction in depreciation and amortization expense of $29 million over the prior year comparable quarter as a result of triggering held for sale accounting in 2017, which caused depreciation and amortization of all long-lived assets to cease in February offset by an increase of $12 million in compensation related costs.
Net Income Attributable to Aon Shareholders 
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2017 decreased to $291 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, from $325 million, or $1.19 per diluted share, in the prior year period.
Non-GAAP Metrics
In our discussion of consolidated 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. This non-GAAP supplemental information should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.
Organic Revenue Growth
We use supplemental information related to organic revenue growth to help us and our investors evaluate business growth from existing operations.  Organic revenue growth is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact of intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rate, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between subsidiaries, fiduciary investment income, and reimbursable expenses.  This 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.  A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported Total revenue is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
 
%
Change
 
Less:
Currency
Impact
 (1)
 
Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2)
 
Less: Acquisitions,
Divestitures & Other
 
Organic
Revenue
Growth 
(3)
Revenue
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Commercial Risk Solutions
 
$
984

 
$
961

 
2
 %
 
(2
)%
 
%
 
2
 %
 
2
%
Reinsurance Solutions
 
371

 
371

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
 
2

Retirement Solutions
 
386

 
395

 
(2
)
 
(4
)
 

 
(1
)
 
3

Health Solutions
 
372

 
292

 
27

 
(2
)
 

 
15

 
14

Data & Analytic Services
 
268

 
259

 
3

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
 
5

Elimination
 

 
(2
)
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

Total revenue
 
$
2,381

 
$
2,276

 
5
 %
 
(2
)%
 
%
 
3
 %
 
4
%
(1)
Currency impact is determined by translating prior period's revenue at this period's foreign exchange rates.
(2)
Fiduciary Investment Income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, was $6 million and $5 million.
(3)
Organic revenue growth includes the impact of intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between business units, fiduciary investment income, and reimbursable expenses.


41



Adjusted Operating Margin
We use adjusted operating margin as a non-GAAP measure of core operating performance of the Company.  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, except percentage data):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
2017
 
March 31,
2016
Revenue from continuing operations
 
$
2,381

 
$
2,276

 
 
 
 
 
Operating income from continuing operations - as reported
 
$
343

 
$
420

Amortization of intangible assets
 
43

 
37

Restructuring
 
144

 

Operating income income from continuing operations - as adjusted
 
$
530

 
$
457

 
 
 
 
 
Operating margin from continuing operations - as reported
 
14.4
%
 
18.5
%
Operating margin from continuing operations - as adjusted
 
22.3
%
 
20.1
%

42



Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share
We 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.
A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported Diluted earnings per share is as follows (in millions, except per share data): 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
(millions, except per share data)
 
U.S. GAAP
 
Adjustments
 
As Adjusted
Operating income from continuing operations - as adjusted
 
$
343

 
187

 
$
530

Interest income
 
2

 

 
2

Interest expense
 
(70
)
 

 
(70
)
Other income
 
(10
)
 

 
(10
)
Income before income taxes from continuing operations - as adjusted
 
265

 
187

 
452

Income taxes (1)
 

 
50

 
50

Income from continuing operations - as adjusted
 
265

 
137

 
402

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (2)
 
40

 
8

 
48

Net income - as adjusted
 
305

 
145

 
450

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
14

 

 
14

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders - as adjusted
 
$
291

 
145

 
$
436

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Aon shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations, less noncontrolling interests - as adjusted
 
$
0.94

 
0.51

 
$
1.45

Discontinued operations
 
$
0.15

 
0.03

 
$
0.18

Net income - as adjusted
 
$
1.09

 
0.54

 
$
1.63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted
 
267.0

 
 
 
267.0



43



 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(millions, except per share data)
 
U.S. GAAP
 
Adjustments
 
As Adjusted
Operating income from continuing operations - as adjusted
 
$
420

 
37

 
$
457

Interest income
 
2

 

 
2

Interest expense
 
(69
)
 

 
(69
)
Other income
 
18

 

 
18

Income before income taxes from continuing operations - as adjusted
 
371

 
37

 
408

Income taxes (1)
 
59

 
5

 
64

Income from continuing operations - as adjusted
 
312

 
32

 
344

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (2)
 
25

 
23

 
48

Net income - as adjusted
 
337

 
55

 
392

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
12

 

 
12

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders - as adjusted
 
$
325

 
55

 
$
380

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Aon shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations - as adjusted
 
$
1.10

 
0.11

 
$
1.21

Discontinued operations - as adjusted
 
$
0.09

 
0.09

 
$
0.18

Net income - as adjusted
 
$
1.19

 
0.20

 
$
1.39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted
 
273.7

 
 
 
273.7


(1)
The effective tax rates used in the U.S. GAAP financial statements for continuing operations were 0.1% and 15.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Adjusted items are generally taxed at the estimated annual effective tax rate, except for the applicable tax impact associated with estimated restructuring expenses, accelerated tradename amortization, and non-cash pension settlement charges anticipated in Q4 2017, which are adjusted at the related jurisdictional rate. The non-GAAP effective tax rates for continuing operations, adjusted for these non-GAAP items, were 11.1% and 15.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

(2)
Adjusted income from discontinued operations, net of tax, excludes intangible asset amortization on discontinued operations of $11 million and $30 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. The effective tax rates used in the U.S. GAAP financial statements for discontinued operation were 29.8% and 41.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. After adjusting to exclude the applicable tax impact associated with amortization, the adjusted effective tax rates for discontinued operations were 29.4% and 34.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
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 the reported cash provided by continuing operating activities is as follows (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
 
Percent
Change
Cash Provided By Continuing Operating Activities
 
$
182

 
$
144

 
26
 %
Capital Expenditures for Continuing Operations
 
(34
)
 
(37
)
 
(8
)
Free Cash Flow for Continuing Operations 
 
$
148

 
$
107

 
38
 %
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

44



this impact isolates the impact of the change in currencies between periods by translating the prior year quarter’s revenue, expenses, and net income using the current quarter’s foreign exchange rates. 
Translating prior year quarter results at current quarter foreign exchange rates, currency fluctuations had an immaterial impact on net income per diluted share during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and an unfavorable impact of $0.05 on net income per diluted share during the three months ended March 31, 2016. Currency fluctuations had a $0.01 unfavorable impact on adjusted net income per diluted share during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and an unfavorable impact of $0.05 on adjusted net income per diluted share during the three months ended March 31, 2016. 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.
Restructuring Plan
In 2017, we initiated a global restructuring plan (the “Restructuring Plan”) in connection with the sale of our benefits administration and business process outsourcing business. The Restructuring Plan is intended to streamline operations across the organization and deliver greater efficiency, insight and connectivity. We expect these restructuring activities and related expenses to affect continuing operations through 2019, including an estimated 1,600 to 1,900 role eliminations. The Restructuring Plan is expected to result in cumulative costs of approximately $750 million through the end of the plan, consisting of approximately $207 million in employee termination costs, $146 million in technology rationalization costs, $176 million in real estate consolidation costs, $40 million in asset impairments and $181 million in other costs including certain separation costs associated with the sale of the Divested Business. Included in the estimated $750 million is $50 million of estimated non-cash charges related to asset impairments and lease consolidations. We estimate that our annualized savings from the Restructuring Plan will be approximately $400 million by the end of 2019.
From the inception of the Restructuring Plan through March 31, 2017, approximately 1,065 positions have been eliminated and total expenses of $144 million have been incurred for restructuring and related separation charges.  These charges are included in Compensation and benefits, Information technology, Premises, Depreciation of fixed assets, and Other general expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
The following summarizes restructuring and separation costs by type that have been incurred through March 31, 2017 and are estimated to be incurred through the end of the Restructuring Plan (in millions):
 
 
First Quarter 2017
 
Estimated Remaining Costs
 
Estimated Total Cost (1)
Workforce reduction
 
$
103

 
$
104

 
$
207

Technology rationalization
 
3

 
143

 
146

Lease consolidation
 
3

 
173

 
176

Asset impairments
 
13

 
27

 
40

Other costs associated with restructuring and separation (2)
 
22

 
159

 
181

Total restructuring and related expenses
 
$
144

 
606

 
$
750

(1)
Actual costs, when incurred, may vary due to changes in the assumptions built into this plan.  Significant assumptions that may change when plans are finalized and implemented include, but are not limited to, changes in severance calculations, changes in the assumptions underlying sublease loss calculations due to changing market conditions, and changes in the overall analysis that might cause the Company to add or cancel component initiatives.
(2)
Other costs associated with the Restructuring Plan, including costs to separate the Divested Business, as well as moving costs, consulting and legal fees. These costs are generally recognized when incurred.
As of March 31, 2017, our liabilities for the Restructuring Plan were as follows (in millions):
 
 
Restructuring Plan
Balance at January 1, 2017
 
$

Expensed
 
130

Cash payments
 
(31
)
Foreign currency translation and other
 
9

Balance at March 31, 2017
 
$
108


45



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 our credit facility.  Our primary uses of liquidity are operating expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, share repurchases, pension obligations, and shareholder dividends. We believe that cash flows from operations, available credit facilities and the capital markets will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including principal and interest payments on debt obligations, capital expenditures, pension contributions, 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 Statements 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, 2017 decreased $33 million, or 12%, to $240 million from the prior year period. Net cash provided by operating activities for continuing operations during the three months ended March 31, 2017 increased $38 million, or 26%, to $182 million from the prior year period. Net cash provided by operating activities for discontinued operations during the three months ended March 31, 2017 decreased $71 million, or 55%, to $58 million from the prior year period. These amounts reported net income, as adjusted for gains or losses on sales of businesses, financial instruments and foreign exchange, and our non-cash expenses, which include share-based compensation, depreciation, and amortization, as well as changes in working capital that relate primarily to the timing of payments of accounts payable and accrued liabilities and collection of receivables. The total decrease in operating cash from the prior year was primarily driven by increased net income and reductions in pension contributions, as well as working capital improvements.
Pension contributions were $31 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to $37 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. For the remainder of 2017, we expect to contribute approximately $154 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 2017 to be sufficient to service our debt and contractual obligations, finance capital expenditures, continue purchases of shares under the Repurchase Programs, 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 access the commercial paper markets or borrow under our credit facilities to accommodate any timing differences in cash flows.  We have a committed credit facility totaling $900 million, all of which was available at March 31, 2017, and can access this facility 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 $13 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. Cash flow provided by investing activities in continuing operations was $28 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and cash flow used for investing activities in discontinued operations was $15 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The primary drivers of the total cash flow provided by investing activities were $94 million in net sale of short-term investments and $16 million of net sale of long-term investments, offset by $49 million of capital expenditures, $46 million of acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired, and $2 million of sales of businesses, net of cash sold. The gains and losses corresponding to cash flows provided by the net sales of long-term investments are recognized in Other income (expense) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Cash flow used for investing activities was $199 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016. Cash flow used for investing activities in continuing operations was $184 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and cash flow used for investing activities in discontinued operations was $15 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016. The primary drivers of the total cash flow used for investing activities were $227 million in net purchases of short-term investments, $52 million of capital expenditures, and $16 million of acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired, and $1 million of net purchases of long-term investments, offset by $97 million in proceeds from the sale of businesses.

46



Financing Activities
Cash flow used for financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $258 million, all of which was related to continuing operations. The primary drivers of the cash flow used for financing activities were $126 million of share repurchases, $87 million of dividends paid to shareholders, $85 million in net cash payments related to issuance of shares, and $2 million of transactions with noncontrolling interests and other financing activities, partially offset by $42 million of issuances of debt, net of repayments.
Cash flow used for financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $4 million, all of which was related to continuing operations. The primary drivers of cash flow used for financing activities were $685 million of share repurchases, $82 million of dividends paid to shareholders, $65 million in net cash payments related to issuance of shares, and $42 million of transactions with noncontrolling interests and other financing activities, partially offset by $870 million of issuances of debt, net of repayments.
Cash and Investments
At March 31, 2017, our Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments were $633 million, a decrease of $83 million from December 31, 2016. This decrease was primarily related to $126 million in share repurchases, $87 million in dividends, $49 million of capital expenditures, and $46 million in acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired, partially offset by $240 million cash provided by operations, $94 million in net sales of short-term investments, and $42 million in proceeds from debt issuances, net of repayments.   Of the total balance at March 31, 2017, $86 million was restricted as to its use, which was comprised of $54 million of operating funds in the U.K., as required by the Financial Conduct Authority, and $32 million held as collateral for various business purposes.  At March 31, 2017, $1.6 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 $937 million were held in other countries. We maintain multicurrency cash pools with third-party banks in which various Aon entities participate. Individual Aon entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall global balance does not fall below zero. At March 31, 2017, 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 at December 31, 2016, $82 million was restricted as to its use, which was comprised of $53 million of operating funds in the U.K., as required by the Financial Conduct Authority, and $29 million held as collateral for various business purposes. At December 31, 2016, $1.9 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 $1.2 billion were 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 premiums, claims, and refunds, make payments to underwriters and insureds, collect funds from clients and make payments on their behalf, and the movement of foreign currency exchange rates.  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 short-term investments of $3.7 billion and $3.3 billion at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and fiduciary receivables of $5.5 billion and $5.7 billion at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  While we earn investment income on the fiduciary assets held in cash and investments, the cash and investments 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 contained in Part I, Item 1 of this report, the majority of our investments carried at fair value are money market funds.  The Company’s investments in 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, 2017, our investments in money market funds had a fair value of $1.6 billion and are reported as Short-term investments or Fiduciary assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position depending on their nature.

47



The following table summarizes our Fiduciary assets, non-fiduciary Cash and cash equivalents, and Short-term investments at March 31, 2017 (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
 
$
433

 
$

 
$
2,242

 
$
2,675

Money market funds 
 

 
200

 
1,449

 
1,649

Other investments due within one year
 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments
 
433

 
200

 
3,691

 
4,324

Fiduciary receivables
 

 

 
5,471

 
5,471

Total
 
$
433

 
$
200

 
$
9,162

 
$
9,795


Share Repurchase Program 
Aon has a share repurchase program authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Repurchase Program”) The Repurchase Program was established in April 2012 with up to $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases and increased in November 2014 and February 2017 by incremental increases of $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases at each of those times.
Under the Repurchase Program, Class A Ordinary 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 2017,we repurchased 1.1 million shares at an average price per share of $114.46 for a total cost of $125 million. We recorded an additional $0.6 million of costs associated with the repurchases to Retained earnings during the quarter. In the first quarter of 2016, we repurchased 7.7 million shares at an average price per share of $97.92 for a total cost of approximately $750 million.
At March 31, 2017, the remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under the Share Repurchase Program is approximately $7.7 billion. Under the Repurchase Program, we have repurchased a total of 91.3 million shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $7.3 billion.
For information regarding share repurchases made during the first quarter of 2017, see Part II, Item 2 of this report.
Distributable Reserves
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 are 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had distributable reserves in excess of $3.8 billion and $1.6 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.
Borrowings
Total debt at March 31, 2017 was $6.3 billion, which represents an increase of $72 million compared to December 31, 2016. Commercial paper activity during the three months ended March 31, 2017 included total issuances of $994 million compared to $300 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, offset by repayments of $947 million compared to $171 million over the same periods. The proceeds of the commercial paper issuances were used primarily for short-term working capital needs.
Credit Facilities
As of March 31, 2017, Aon plc had one primary committed credit facility outstanding: its $900 million multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in February 2021 (the “2021 Facility”). Our $400 million U.S. credit facility expired in March 2017. The 2021 facility is intended to support our commercial paper obligations and our general working capital needs.  In addition, this facility includes 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, tested quarterly.  At March 31, 2017, we had no borrowings under, and were in compliance with, these financial covenants and all other covenants contained in the 2021 Facility during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

48



Our total debt-to-EBITDA ratio at March 31, 2017 and 2016 based on a rolling twelve months is calculated as follows (in millions):
 
Twelve months ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Net income
$
1,398

 
$
1,402

Interest expense
283

 
277

Income taxes
180

 
259

Depreciation of fixed assets
238

 
229

Amortization of intangible assets
264

 
301

Total EBITDA
$
2,363

 
$
2,468

Total Debt
$
6,277

 
$
6,597

Total debt-to-EBITDA ratio
2.7
 
2.7
We use EBITDA for total Aon, as defined by our financial covenants, as a non-GAAP measure. This supplemental information related to EBITDA 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.
Shelf Registration Statement
On September 3, 2015, we filed a shelf registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (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 9, 2017 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 restrict our access to the commercial paper market altogether, and/or impact future pension contribution requirements. 
Letters of Credit and Other Guarantees
We have entered into a number of arrangements whereby our performance on certain obligations is guaranteed by a third party through the issuance of a letter of credit (“LOCs”). We had total LOCs outstanding of approximately $90 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $90 million at December 31, 2016. These LOCs 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 obtained 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 $64 million at March 31, 2017, compared to $95 million at December 31, 2016.
Other Liquidity Matters
We do not have significant 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.

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Financial Condition
At March 31, 2017, our net assets were $5.8 billion, representing total assets minus total liabilities, an increase from $5.5 billion at December 31, 2016. The increase was due primarily to Net income of $305 million and an increase of $162 million in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, partially offset by $126 million of share repurchases and $87 million of dividend payments for the three months ended March 31, 2017.  Working capital increased by $1,772 million to $2,423 million from December 31, 2016.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss increased $162 million to $3,750 million at March 31, 2017 as compared to $3,912 million at December 31, 2016, which was primarily driven by the following:
positive net foreign currency translation adjustments of $146 million, which are attributable to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies,
an increase of $18 million in net post-retirement benefit obligations, and
net financial instrument losses of $2 million.
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 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, other than those described below.
Restructuring
Workforce reduction costs
The method used to account for workforce reduction costs depends on whether the costs result from an ongoing severance plan or are one-time costs. We account for relevant expenses as severance costs when we have an established severance policy, statutory requirements dictate the severance amounts, or we have an established pattern of paying by a specific formula. We recognize these costs when the likelihood of future settlement is probable and the amount of the related benefit is reasonably estimable, or on a straight-line basis over the remaining service period, if applicable.
We estimate our one-time workforce reduction costs related to exit and disposal activities not resulting from an ongoing severance plan based on the benefits available to the employees being terminated. We recognize these costs when we identify the specific classification (or functions) and locations of the employees being terminated, notify the employees who might be included in the termination, and expect to terminate employees within the legally required notification period. When employees are receiving incentives to stay beyond the legally required notification period, we record the cost of their severance over the remaining service period.
Lease consolidation costs
Where we have provided notice of cancellation pursuant to a lease agreement or abandoned space and have no intention of reoccupying it, we recognize a loss. The loss reflects our best estimate of the net present value of the future cash flows associated with the lease at the date we provide notice of cancellation in accordance with contractual terms, vacate the property, or sign a sublease arrangement. To determine the loss, we estimate sublease income based on current market quotes for similar properties. When we finalize definitive agreements with the sublessee, we adjust our sublease losses for actual outcomes.
Fair value concepts of one-time workforce reduction costs and lease losses
Accounting guidance requires that our exit and disposal accruals reflect the fair value of the liability. Where material, we discount the lease loss calculations to arrive at their net present value. Most workforce reductions happen over a short span of time, so no discounting is necessary.
For the remaining lease term, we decrease the liability for payments and increase the liability for accretion of the discount, if material. The discount reflects our incremental borrowing rate, which matches the lifetime of the liability. Significant changes in the discount rate selected or the estimations of sublease income in the case of leases could impact the amounts recorded.

50



Asset impairments
Asset impairments are accounted for in the period when they become known. Furthermore, we record impairments by reducing the book value to the net present value of future cash flows (in situations where the asset had an identifiable cash flow stream) or accelerating the depreciation to reflect the revised useful life.
Other associated costs of exit and disposal activities
We recognize other costs associated with exit and disposal activities as they are incurred, including separation costs, moving costs and consulting and legal fees.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Note 2 “Accounting Principles and Practices” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this report 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 reports we will 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,” “probably,” “potential,” “looking forward,” 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 revenue; 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;
fluctuations in exchange and interest rates that could influence revenues and expenses;
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 or increasing borrowing costs;
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;

51



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;
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 continue, and the costs associated with, growing, developing and integrating companies that we acquire or new lines of business;
changes in commercial property and casualty markets, commercial premium rates or methods of compensation;
impact of the pending sale of our Benefits Administration and HR Business Process Outsourcing Platform;
changes in the health care system or our relationships with insurance carriers;
our ability to implement initiatives intended to yield cost savings and the ability to achieve those cost savings;
our risks and uncertainties in connection with the sale of our Benefits Administration and HR Business Process Outsourcing business; and
our ability to realize the expected benefits from our restructuring plan.
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 Part III, Item 1A Risk Factors of this report and in the “Risk Factors” section in Part I, “Item 1A Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. These factors may be revised or supplemented in subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K.
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 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

52



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 revenue 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, 2017, 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, 2017 and 2018, 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 we were to translate prior year results at current quarter exchange rates, diluted earnings per share would be an immaterial impact during the three months ended March 31, 2017.  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 a $0.01 unfavorable impact during the three months ended March 31, 2017 if we 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, 2017.  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 SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in appropriate statute, 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, 2017 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, Aon’s internal control over financial reporting.

53



Part II
 
Other Information
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 
See Note 16 “Commitments and Contingencies — Legal” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this report, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The risk factors set forth in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 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.
Except as otherwise described below, there were no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2016 From 10-k.
We have added the risk factor “We may not realize all of the expected benefits from our restructuring plan.”
We have replaced the risk factor, “We are subject to various risks and uncertainties in connection with the pending sale of our Benefits and Administration and HR Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Platform” with “We are subject to various risks and uncertainties in connection with the sale of our Benefits Administration and HR Business Process Outsourcing business.”
We may not realize all of the expected benefits from our restructuring plan.
In 2017, we initiated a global restructuring plan (the “Restructuring Plan”) in connection with the sale of our benefits administration and business process outsourcing business. The Restructuring Plan is intended to streamline operations across the organization and deliver greater efficiency, insight and connectivity. We expect these restructuring activities and related expenses to affect continuing operations through 2019, including an estimated 1,600 to 1,900 role eliminations. The Restructuring Plan is expected to result in cumulative costs of approximately $750 million through the end of the Restructuring Plan, consisting of approximately $207 million in employee termination costs, $146 million in IT rationalization costs, $176 million in real estate realization costs, $40 million in asset impairment costs and $181 million in other costs associated with the restructuring. Included in the estimated $750 million is $50 million of estimated non-cash charges related to asset impairments and lease consolidations.
We estimate that our annualized savings from the Restructuring Plan will be approximately $400 million by the end of 2019. Actual total costs, savings and timing of the Restructuring Plan may vary from these estimates due to changes in the scope or assumptions underlying the Restructuring Plan.  We therefore cannot assure that we will achieve the targeted savings. Unanticipated costs or unrealized savings in connection with the Restructuring Plan could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to various risks and uncertainties in connection with the sale of our Benefits Administration and HR Business Process Outsourcing business.

On February 9, 2017, we entered into a Purchase Agreement with Tempo Acquisition, LLC to sell our benefits administration and business process outsourcing business to the Buyer, an entity controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P. On May 1, 2017, the transaction was consummated and the Buyer purchased all of the outstanding equity interests in each of the Divested Business’s subsidiaries, plus certain related assets, for a purchase price of (i) $4.3 billion in cash paid at closing, subject to customary adjustments set forth in the Purchase Agreement, and (ii) deferred consideration of up to $500 million, plus the assumption of certain liabilities.

The Transaction carries inherent risks, including the risk that Aon will not earn the $500 million of additional consideration or otherwise realize the intended value of the Transaction, as well as risks connected with separating the Divested Business from Aon. Because the Divested Business represented 19% of our gross revenues for the fiscal year 2016, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected, or may not be accretive to adjusted earnings per share as anticipated, if we fail to effectively reduce our overhead costs to reflect the reduced scale of operations or fail to grow our other business as expected. Additionally, the separation of the Divested Businesses from the rest of Aon’s business will require significant resources, which may disrupt operations or divert management’s attention from Aon’s day-today operations and efforts to grow our other businesses.


54



Furthermore, we have entered into ongoing commercial arrangements with the Buyer.  If we do not realize the intended benefits of these arrangements, it could affect our results of operations or adversely affect our relationship with clients, partners, colleagues and other third parties.  Additionally, if the Divested Business does not deliver the level of service to which our clients and partners are accustomed, it could adversely affect our relationships with such third parties.
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 2017:
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)
1/1/17 - 1/31/17
 
443,109

 
$
112.84

 
443,109

 
$
2,773,315,760

2/1/17 - 2/28/17
 
412,712

 
115.09

 
412,712

 
7,725,816,794

3/1/17 - 3/31/17
 
236,185

 
116.38

 
236,185

 
7,698,328,694

Total
 
1,092,006

 
$
114.46

 
1,092,006

 
$
7,698,328,694


(1)
Does not include commissions or other costs paid to repurchase shares.
(2)
Our board of directors authorized the Company’s share repurchase program in April 2012. In February 2017, our board of directors authorized a $5.0 billion increase to the then existing remaining authorization under the share repurchase program. During the first quarter of 2017, we repurchased 1.1 million shares at an average price per share of $114.46 for a total cost of $125 million.
We did not make any unregistered sales of equity in the first quarter.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not Applicable.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
Not Applicable.
Item 6. Exhibits 
Exhibits — The exhibits filed with this report are listed on the attached Exhibit Index.

55



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 9, 2017
By:
/s/ Laurel Meissner
 
LAUREL MEISSNER
 
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND
 
GLOBAL CONTROLLER
 
(Principal Accounting Officer and duly authorized officer of Registrant)


56



Exhibit Index
Exhibit Number
 
Description of Exhibit
10.1
 
Separation Agreement entered into between Aon Corporation and Stephen McGill, dated January 24, 2017.
10.2
 
Amendment No. 1 to Purchase Agreement by and among Aon plc and Tempo Acquisition, LLC, entered into on April 17, 2017
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




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