|
|
|
|
|
| CODM | Chief Operating Decision Maker |
|
| DCF | Discounted Cash Flow |
|
| E&O | Errors and Omissions |
| EBITDA | Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization |
| EMEA | Europe, the Middle East, and Africa |
| ERISA | Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 |
| ESG | Environmental, Social, and Governance |
|
| FCA | Financial Conduct Authority |
|
| GAAP | Generally Accepted Accounting Principles |
| GHG | Greenhouse Gas |
|
|
|
|
| LOC | Letter of Credit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| M&A | Mergers and Acquisitions |
| OECD | Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development |
|
|
|
|
| ROU | Right-of-Use |
|
|
|
| SEC | Securities and Exchange Commission |
| U.K. | United Kingdom |
| U.S. | United States |
|
|
Part I Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| (millions, except per share data) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | |
| Revenue | | | | | | |
| Total revenue | | $ | | | | $ | | | | |
| Expenses | | | | | | |
| Compensation and benefits | | | | | | | | |
| Information technology | | | | | | | | |
| Premises | | | | | | | | |
| Depreciation of fixed assets | | | | | | | | |
| Amortization and impairment of intangible assets | | | | | | | | |
| Other general expense | | | | | | | | |
| Accelerating Aon United Program expenses | | | | | | | | |
| Total operating expenses | | | | | | | | |
| Operating income | | | | | | | | |
| Interest income | | | | | | | | |
| Interest expense | | () | | | () | | | |
| Other income (expense) | | | | | () | | | |
| Income before income taxes | | | | | | | | |
| Income tax expense | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Net income | | | | | | | | |
| Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | | | | | | | | |
| Net income attributable to Aon shareholders | | $ | | | | $ | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Basic net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders | | $ | | | | $ | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders | | $ | | | | $ | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted | | | | | | | | |
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| (millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | |
| Net income | | $ | | | | $ | | | | |
| Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | | | | | | | | |
| Net income attributable to Aon shareholders | | | | | | | | |
| Other comprehensive income, net of tax: | | | | | | |
| Change in fair value of financial instruments | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | | () | | | | | | |
| Postretirement benefit obligation | | | | | | | | |
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) | | () | | | | | | |
| Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | | | | | | | | |
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders | | () | | | | | | |
| Comprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholders | | $ | | | | $ | | | | |
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (Unaudited) | | |
| (millions, except nominal value) | | March 31, 2024 | | December 31, 2023 |
| Assets | | | | |
| Current assets | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | | | | $ | | |
| Short-term investments | | | | | | |
| Receivables, net | | | | | | |
Fiduciary assets | | | | | | |
| Other current assets | | | | | | |
| | |
| Total current assets | | | | | | |
| Goodwill | | | | | | |
| Intangible assets, net | | | | | | |
| Fixed assets, net | | | | | | |
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | | | | | | |
| Deferred tax assets | | | | | | |
| Prepaid pension | | | | | | |
| Other non-current assets | | | | | | |
| | |
| Total assets | | $ | | | | $ | | |
| | | | |
| Liabilities and equity (deficit) | | | | |
| Liabilities | | | | |
| Current liabilities | | | | |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | $ | | | | $ | | |
| Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt | | | | | | |
| Fiduciary liabilities | | | | | | |
| Other current liabilities | | | | | | |
| | |
| Total current liabilities | | | | | | |
| Long-term debt | | | | | | |
| Non-current operating lease liabilities | | | | | | |
| Deferred tax liabilities | | | | | | |
| Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment liabilities | | | | | | |
| Other non-current liabilities | | | | | | |
| | |
| Total liabilities | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| Equity (deficit) | | | | |
Ordinary shares - $ nominal value Authorized: shares (issued: 2024 - ; 2023 - ) | | | | | | |
| Additional paid-in capital | | | | | | |
| Accumulated deficit | | () | | | () | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | () | | | () | |
| Total Aon shareholders' deficit | | () | | | () | |
| Noncontrolling interests | | | | | | |
| Total deficit | | () | | | () | |
| Total liabilities and equity (deficit) | | $ | | | | $ | | |
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (millions) | | Shares | | Ordinary Shares and Additional Paid-in Capital | | Accumulated Deficit | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax | | Non- controlling Interests | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance at January 1, 2024 | | | | | $ | | | | $ | () | | | $ | () | | | $ | | | | $ | () | |
| Net income | | — | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | | |
| Shares issued - employee stock compensation plans | | | | | () | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | () | |
| Shares repurchased | | () | | | — | | | () | | | — | | | — | | | () | |
| Share-based compensation expense | | — | | | | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | |
Dividends to shareholders ($ per share) | | — | | | — | | | () | | | — | | | — | | | () | |
| Net change in fair value of financial instruments | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | |
| Net foreign currency translation adjustments | | — | | | — | | | — | | | () | | | — | | | () | |
| Net postretirement benefit obligation | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | |
| Purchases of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests | | — | | | () | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | () | |
| Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | () | | | () | |
| Balance at March 31, 2024 | | | | | $ | | | | $ | () | | | $ | () | | | $ | | | | $ | () | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (millions) | | Shares | | Ordinary Shares and Additional Paid-in Capital | | Accumulated Deficit | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax | | Non- controlling Interests | | Total |
| Balance at January 1, 2023 | | | | | $ | | | | $ | () | | | $ | () | | | $ | | | | $ | () | |
| Net income | | — | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | | |
| Shares issued - employee stock compensation plans | | | | | () | | | () | | | — | | | — | | | () | |
| Shares repurchased | | () | | | — | | | () | | | — | | | — | | | () | |
| Share-based compensation expense | | — | | | | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | |
Dividends to shareholders ($ per share) | | — | | | — | | | () | | | — | | | — | | | () | |
| Net change in fair value of financial instruments | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | |
| Net foreign currency translation adjustments | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | |
| Net postretirement benefit obligation | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests on subsidiary common stock | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | () | | | () | |
| Balance at March 31, 2023 | | | | | $ | | | | $ | () | | | $ | () | | | $ | | | | $ | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| (millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| Cash flows from operating activities | | | | |
| Net income | | $ | | | | $ | | |
| | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: | | | | |
| | |
| Depreciation of fixed assets | | | | | | |
| Amortization and impairment of intangible assets | | | | | | |
| Share-based compensation expense | | | | | | |
| Deferred income taxes | | () | | | () | |
| Other, net | | () | | | | |
| Change in assets and liabilities: | | | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Receivables, net | | () | | | () | |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | () | | | () | |
| Accelerating Aon United Program liabilities | | | | | | |
| Current income taxes | | | | | | |
| Pension, other postretirement and postemployment liabilities | | () | | | () | |
| Other assets and liabilities | | | | | | |
| | |
| | |
Cash provided by operating activities | | | | | | |
| Cash flows from investing activities | | | | |
| Proceeds from investments | | | | | | |
| Purchases of investments | | () | | | () | |
| Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments - non fiduciary | | () | | | | |
| Acquisition of businesses, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients | | () | | | () | |
| Sale of businesses, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients | | | | | | |
| Capital expenditures | | () | | | () | |
| | |
| | |
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities | | () | | | | |
| Cash flows from financing activities | | | | |
| Share repurchase | | () | | | () | |
| | |
| Proceeds from issuance of shares | | | | | | |
| Cash paid for employee taxes on withholding shares | | () | | | () | |
| Commercial paper issuances, net of repayments | | () | | | () | |
| Issuance of debt | | | | | | |
| | |
| | |
| Increase in fiduciary liabilities, net of fiduciary receivables | | | | | | |
| Cash dividends to shareholders | | () | | | () | |
| Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities | | () | | | () | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Cash provided by financing activities | | | | | | |
| Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients | | () | | | | |
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients | | | | | | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at beginning of period | | | | | | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at end of period | | $ | | | | $ | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
|
)
|
|
) )
|
) )| | | | $ | | |
4.
restructuring program called the Accelerating Aon United Program (the “Program”) with the purpose of streamlining the Company’s technology infrastructure, optimizing its leadership structure and resource alignment, and reducing the real estate footprint to align to its hybrid working strategy. The Program will include technology-related costs to facilitate streamlining and simplifying operations, headcount reduction costs, and costs associated with asset impairments, including real estate consolidation and technology costs.Program charges are recognized within Accelerating Aon United Program expenses on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and consists of the following cost activities:
•Technology and other – includes costs associated with actions taken to rationalize certain applications and to optimize technology across the Company. These costs may include contract termination fees and other non-capitalizable costs associated with Program initiatives, which include professional service fees.
•Workforce optimization – includes costs associated with headcount reduction and other separation-related costs.
•Asset impairments – includes non-cash costs associated with impairment of assets, as they are identified, including ROU lease assets, leasehold improvements, and other capitalized assets no longer providing economic benefit.
The Program is currently expected to result in cumulative costs of approximately $ billion, consisting of approximately $ million of cash charges and approximately $ million of non-cash charges. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, total Program costs incurred were $ million. The Company expects to continue to review the implementation of elements of the Program throughout the course of the Program and, therefore, there may be changes to expected timing, estimates of expected costs, and related savings.
The Company’s unpaid liabilities for charges under the Program are generally included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
| | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | |
| Charges | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash payments | () | | | () | | | | | | () | |
| Foreign currency translation and other | | | | () | | | | | | () | |
| Non-cash charges | () | | | () | | | () | | | () | |
Liability balance as of March 31, 2024 | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | |
| Total costs incurred from inception to date | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | |
5.
billion compared to $ billion at December 31, 2023, an increase of $ billion primarily related to net proceeds from debt offerings to be used for general corporate purposes, including to fund the acquisition of NFP. Refer to Note 9 “Debt” for further information. Of the total balances, $ million and $ million were restricted as to their use at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Included within Short-term investments as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, were £ million ($ million at March 31, 2024 exchange rates) and £ million ($ million at December 31, 2023 exchange rates), respectively, of operating funds required to be held by the Company in the U.K. by the FCA, a U.K.-based regulator.6.
| | () | | | | | Equity earnings | | | | | | | |
| Pension and other postretirement | () | | | () | | | |
Financial instruments and other (1) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total | $ | | | | $ | () | | | | million gain was recognized related to deferred consideration from the affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P and the other designated purchasers related to a divestiture completed in a prior year period, refer to Note 7, “Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses” for additional information.
| | $ | | | | |
| Provision | | | | | | | |
| Accounts written off, net of recoveries | () | | | | | | |
| Foreign currency translation and other | () | | | | | | |
| Balance at end of period | $ | | | | $ | | | | | Other Current Assets
| | $ | | |
Costs to fulfill contracts with customers (2) | | | | | |
| Prepaid expenses | | | | | |
| Taxes receivable | | | | | |
| Other | | | | | |
| Total | $ | | | | $ | | |
(1)Refer to Note 7 “Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses” for further information.
(2)Refer to Note 3 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” for further information.
Other Non-Current Assets
| | $ | | | | Taxes receivable | | | | | |
| Investments | | | | | |
| Leases | | | | | |
| Other | | | | | |
| Total | $ | | | | $ | | |
(1)Refer to Note 3 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” for further information.
| | $ | | | Deferred revenue (1) | | | | | |
| Leases | | | | | |
Liabilities held for sale (2) | | | | | |
| Other | | | | | |
Total | $ | | | | $ | | |
(1)During the three months ended March 31, 2024, revenue of $ million was recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, revenue of $ million was recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2)Refer to Note 7 “Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses” for further information.
Other Non-Current Liabilities
| | $ | | | | Compensation and benefits | | | | | |
| Deferred revenue | | | | | |
| Leases | | | | | |
| Other | | | | | |
Total | $ | | | | $ | | |
million for the non-current portion of the one-time mandatory transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
7.
acquisitions during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and acquisitions during the three months ended March 31, 2023.2023 Acquisitions
On November 30, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of % of the share capital of Gi&Bi S.r.l., an Italy-based insurance broker specialized in the agricultural business segment.
On August 30, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of % of the share capital of NGS (Uruguay) S.A., a risk management consultant firm in Uruguay.
On June 22, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of % of the share capital of Benefits Corredores de Seguros and Asesorías e Inversiones Benefits, a business that provides health and benefits brokerage and benefit administration in Chile.
Completed Dispositions
The Company completed disposition during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and dispositions during the three months ended March 31, 2023.
There were pretax gains recognized related to dispositions for the three months ended March 31, 2024 or 2023, respectively. Gains recognized as a result of a disposition are included in Other income (expense) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no losses recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2024 or 2023, respectively.
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
As of March 31, 2024, Aon classified certain assets and liabilities as held for sale, as the Company has committed to a plan to sell the assets and liabilities within one year. Total assets and liabilities, for disposal groups classified as held for sale within
million and $ million, respectively. Of the $ million total assets classified as held for sale, $ million relate to intangible assets. Other Significant Activity
On May 1, 2017, the Company completed the sale of the benefits administration and business process outsourcing business (the “Divested Business”) to an entity controlled by affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P. (the “Buyer”) and certain designated purchases that are direct or indirect subsidiaries of the Buyer. The Buyer purchased all of the outstanding equity interests of the Divested Business, plus certain related assets and liabilities for a purchase price of $ billion in cash paid at closing and deferred consideration of up to $ million. In the first quarter of 2024, the Company earned $ million of deferred consideration from the Buyer and the other designated purchasers.
8.
| |
|
|
|
| Foreign currency translation and other | () | |
| Balance as of March 31, 2024 | $ | | |
| | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Technology and other | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | |
| | 2025 | | |
| 2026 | | |
| 2027 | | |
| 2028 | | |
| 2029 | | |
| Thereafter | | |
|
| Total | $ | | |
9.
million % Senior Notes due in March 2027, $ billion % Senior Notes due in March 2029, $ million % Senior Notes due in March 2031, $ billion % Senior Notes due in March 2034, and $ billion % Senior Notes due in March 2054, totaling to an aggregate amount of $ billion. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including a portion of which that was used, together with the proceeds of the delayed draw term loan available under the credit agreement entered into on February 16, 2024 described below, to pay a portion of the cash consideration in connection with the acquisition of NFP, to repay certain debt of NFP and to pay related fees and expenses.On February 16, 2024, Aon North America, Inc. entered into a credit agreement in which lenders committed to provide a $ billion delayed draw term loan, which was subsequently drawn on April 25, 2024. The Company intends to use proceeds, together with the proceeds of the notes issued on March 1, 2024 described above, to pay a portion of the cash consideration in connection with the NFP acquisition, to repay certain debt of NFP and to pay related fees and expenses.
million % Senior Notes matured and were repaid in full.In June 2023, Aon Global Limited’s $ million % Senior Notes due June 2024 were classified as Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as the date of maturity is in less than one year.
On February 28, 2023, Aon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Aon Global Holdings plc, a public limited company formed under the laws of England and Wales, both wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, co-issued $ million % Senior Notes due in February 2033. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes.
Revolving Credit Facilities
As of March 31, 2024, Aon had primary committed credit facilities outstanding: its $ billion multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in September 2027 and its $ billion multi-currency U.S. credit facility expiring in October 2028. In aggregate, these facilities provide $ billion in available credit.
Each of these primary committed credit facilities and the delayed draw term loan includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including financial covenants that require Aon to maintain specified ratios of adjusted consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and consolidated debt to adjusted consolidated EBITDA, in each case, tested quarterly. Aon did t have borrowings under either of these primary committed credit facilities nor the delayed draw term loan as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Additionally, Aon was in compliance with the financial covenants and all other covenants contained therein during the rolling 12 months ended March 31, 2024.
Commercial Paper
Aon Corporation has established a U.S. commercial paper program (the “U.S. Program”) and Aon Global Holdings plc has established a European multi-currency commercial paper program (the “European Program” and, together with the U.S. Program, the “Commercial Paper Program”). Commercial paper may be issued in aggregate principal amounts of up to approximately $ billion under the U.S. Program and € million ($ million at March 31, 2024 exchange rates) under the European Program, not to exceed the amount of the Company’s committed credit facilities, which was $ billion at March 31, 2024. The aggregate capacity of the Commercial Paper Program remains fully backed by the Company’s committed credit facilities. The U.S. Program was fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Global Holdings plc and the European Program was fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Corporation.
| $ | | | The weighted average commercial paper outstanding and its related interest rates are as follows (in millions, except percentages): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | 2024 | | 2023 | |
| Weighted average commercial paper outstanding | | $ | | | | $ | | | |
| Weighted average interest rate of commercial paper outstanding | | | % | | | % | |
10.
% for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The effective tax rate on Net income was % for the three months ended March 31, 2023.For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the tax rate was primarily driven by the geographical distribution of income and certain discrete items, including the favorable impact of share-based payments offset by the unfavorable impact of discrete items.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the tax rate was primarily driven by the geographical distribution of income and certain discrete items, primarily the favorable impacts of share-based payments.
11.
billion in authorized repurchases, and was increased by $ billion in authorized repurchases in each of November 2014, June 2017, and November 2020, and by $ billion in February 2022 for a total of $ billion in repurchase authorizations.Under the Repurchase Program, the Company’s 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.
| | | | | | | Average price per share | $ | | | | $ | | | | |
| | | | | |
Repurchase costs recorded to accumulated deficit | $ | | | | $ | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | At March 31, 2024, the remaining authorized amount for share repurchases under the Repurchase Program was approximately $ billion. Under the Repurchase Program, the Company has repurchased a total of million shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $ billion.
Weighted Average Ordinary Shares
| | | | | |
| Dilutive effect of potentially issuable shares | | | | | | | |
| Diluted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding | | | | | | | | Potentially issuable shares are not included in the computation of Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders if their inclusion would be antidilutive. There were million shares excluded from the calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and shares excluded from the calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
| | $ | () | | | $ | () | | | $ | () | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net | | | | () | | | | | | () | |
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | | | | | | | |
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Tax expense | () | | | | | | () | | | () | |
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) | | | | () | | | | | | () | |
| Balance at March 31, 2024 | $ | | | | $ | () | | | $ | () | | | $ | () | |
) | | $ | () | | | $ | () | | | $ | () | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net | | | | | | | () | | | | |
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | | | | | | | |
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Tax expense | () | | | | | | () | | | () | |
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance at March 31, 2023 | $ | () | | | $ | () | | | $ | () | | | $ | () | |
(1)Reclassifications from this category included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded in Total revenue, Interest expense, and Compensation and benefits in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Refer to Note 13 “Derivatives and Hedging” for further information regarding the Company’s derivative and hedging activity.
(2)Reclassifications from this category included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded in Other income (expense) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
12.
| | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | Interest cost | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Expected return on plan assets, net of administration expenses | () | | | () | | | () | | | () | | | () | | | () | |
| Amortization of prior-service cost | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Amortization of net actuarial loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net periodic (benefit) cost | | | | | | | () | | | | | | () | | | | |
| Loss on pension settlement | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total net periodic (benefit) cost | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | () | | | $ | | | | $ | () | | | $ | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
|
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Contributions
Assuming no additional contributions are agreed to with, or required by, the pension plan trustees, the Company expects to make total cash contributions of approximately $ million, $ million, and $ million (at December 31, 2023 exchange rates) to its significant U.K., U.S., and other major pension plans, respectively, during 2024.
| | $ | | | | |
Contributions to U.S. pension plans | | | | | | | |
| Contributions to other major pension plans | | | | | | | |
| Total contributions | $ | | | | $ | | | | |
13.
. 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 -day basis, but may be for up to 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.
| | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | |
Not accounted for as hedges (3) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | |
(1)Included within Other current assets ($ million at March 31, 2024 and $ million at December 31, 2023) or Other non-current assets ($ million at March 31, 2024 and $ million at December 31, 2023).
(2)Included within Other current liabilities ($ million at December 31, 2023).
(3)These contracts typically are for -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.
| | $ | | | | | The amounts of derivative losses reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income are as follows (in millions):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | |
| Losses recognized in Total revenue | | $ | () | | | $ | () | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
The Company estimates that approximately $ million of pretax gains currently included within Accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified into earnings in the next twelve months.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, the Company recorded a loss of $ million and gain of $ million, respectively, in Other income (expense) for foreign exchange derivatives not designated or qualifying as hedges.
14.
| | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | Other investments | | | | | | | |
| Government bonds | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | |
Derivatives (2) | | | | | | | |
| Gross foreign exchange contracts | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | |
| Liabilities | | | | | | | |
Derivatives (2) | | | | | | | |
| Gross foreign exchange contracts | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | |
| | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | Other investments | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Government bonds | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | |
| | | | | |
Derivatives (2) | | | | | | | |
| Gross foreign exchange contracts | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | |
| Liabilities | | | | | 0 | | |
Derivatives (2) | | | | | | | |
| Gross foreign exchange contracts | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | |
(1)Included within Fiduciary assets or Short-term investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, depending on their nature and initial maturity.
There were no transfers of assets or liabilities between fair value hierarchy levels in the three months ended March 31, 2024 or 2023. The Company recognized no realized or unrealized gains or losses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the three months ended March 31, 2024 or 2023 related to assets and liabilities measured at fair value using unobservable inputs.
| | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | Long-term debt | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | |
15.
million plus any liability the owner has to third parties. In November 2019, a federal prosecutor in Brazil filed a public civil action naming Aon entities as defendants, along with the airline, the insurer and the lead reinsurer. That claim seeks pecuniary damages for families affected by the crash in the sum of $ million; or, in the alternative, $ million; or, in the alternative, $ million; plus “moral damages” of an equivalent sum. Separately, in March 2020, the Brazilian Federal Senate invited Aon to give evidence to a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry in an investigation into the accident. Aon cooperated with that inquiry. In August 2020, individuals (surviving passengers and estates of the deceased) filed a motion in the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida, seeking permission to commence proceedings against Aon (and the insurer and reinsurers) for claims totaling $ million. Finally, in April 2021, representatives of passengers issued a claim against Aon in the High Court in England seeking damages under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 in the sum of £ million ($ million at March 31, 2024 exchange rates). In February 2024, the claim brought by representatives of passengers in the High Court in England was dismissed pursuant to an agreement among the parties. In December 2022, the High Court in England granted an anti-suit injunction, restricting the individuals who previously filed a motion in the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in and for Miami Dade County, Florida, from continuing litigation in the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit against Aon. Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against the remaining claims.Certain of the Company’s clients and counterparties have initiated or indicated that they may initiate legal proceedings against the Company following allegations in July 2023 that fraudulent letters of credit were issued in the name of third-party banks in connection with transactions for which capital was arranged by Vesttoo Ltd. (“Vesttoo”). Vesttoo is one of the third parties that identifies capital providers to collateralize insurance and reinsurance obligations of the Company’s clients and counterparties. In certain transactions in which Vesttoo identified third party capital providers to collateralize reinsurance obligations, including transactions in which the Company or its affiliates provided brokerage or other services, some letters of credit from third party banks are alleged to have been fraudulent. The pending or threatened legal proceedings against the Company allege, among other theories of liability, that in certain circumstances the Company failed to comply with its alleged duty to procure appropriate letters of credit. In particular, on November 30, 2023, Clear Blue Insurance Company and certain of its affiliates filed a lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court against Aon plc and Aon Insurance Managers (Bermuda) Ltd. alleging such claims. While Aon has settled and/or is in discussions to settle certain claims, Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against those claims that are not settled. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recognized actual or anticipated legal settlement expenses in connection with these matters of $ million, of which a potentially significant amount may be recoverable in future periods. Aon may also seek recourse against third parties where appropriate, including in connection with bankruptcy proceedings filed by Vesttoo in the Bankruptcy Court for the U.S. District of Delaware. In addition, in August 2023, joint provisional liquidators were appointed over one of the Company’s subsidiaries in Bermuda with respect to segregated accounts that were impacted by the allegedly fraudulent letters of credit. Aon continues to cooperate with regulators in Bermuda, and other regulatory authorities could initiate investigations or proceedings against the Company or third parties.
Guarantees and Indemnifications
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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and are recorded at fair value.
The Company expects that, as prudent business interests dictate, additional guarantees and indemnifications may be issued from time to time.
Guarantee of Registered Securities
On June 22, 2023, Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon Corporation, and Aon North America, Inc., and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”), as applicable, entered into supplemental indentures, each dated June 22, 2023, amending each of the following indentures (as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time) to add for the benefit of the holders of the instruments issued thereunder a full and unconditional guarantee of Aon North America, Inc. thereunder: (i) Second Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 2, 2012, amending and restating the Indenture, dated January 13, 1997); (ii) Second Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 1, 2020, among Aon Corporation, Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon Global Holdings plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated April 2, 2012, amending and restating the
million at March 31, 2024, and $ million at December 31, 2023. These LOCs cover the beneficiaries related to certain of Aon’s U.S. and Canadian secure non-qualified pension plan schemes, reinsurance obligations related to Aon’s own E&O liability insurance program, 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 $ million at March 31, 2024 compared to $ million at December 31, 2023.
16.
segment that includes all of Aon’s operations, which as a global professional services firm provides a broad range of Risk and Human Capital Solutions through solution lines — Commercial risk, Reinsurance, Health, and Wealth, which make up its principal products and services. The CODM assesses the performance of the Company and allocates resources based on segment: 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 the 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 metrics, expense discipline, and collaborative behaviors that maximize value for Aon and its shareholders, regardless of which solution line it benefits.
As Aon operates as segment, segment profit or loss is consistent with consolidated reporting as disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Refer to Note 3 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” for further information on revenue by principal service line.
17.
colleagues. The Company acquired NFP Intermediate Holdings A Corp. in a cash-and-stock merger for an aggregate preliminary purchase price totaling $ billion, with approximately $ billion to settle NFP indebtedness and cash consideration to the selling shareholders, and approximately million class A ordinary shares with a fair value of approximately $ billion. The initial accounting for the acquisition is incomplete as of the date of this Form 10-Q, as the information necessary to complete such evaluations was not practicable due to the timing of acquisition closing. We have not yet determined the purchase price allocation, including the fair value of the acquisition. The preliminary accounting impact of this acquisition will be included in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements beginning in the second quarter of 2024.Debt Activity
On April 2, 2024, Aon plc announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Randolph Acquisition Corp., commenced cash tender offers for any and all of the outstanding % Senior Notes due 2028, % Senior Secured Notes due 2028, % Senior Secured Notes due 2030 and % Senior Secured Notes due 2031, each issued by NFP Corp. (together, the “NFP Notes”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement,
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF FIRST QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS
Aon plc is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of Risk and Human Capital Solutions. Through our experience, global reach, and comprehensive analytics, we help clients meet rapidly changing, increasingly complex, and interconnected challenges related to risk and people. We are committed to accelerating innovation to address unmet and evolving client needs so that our clients are better informed, better advised, and able to make better decisions to protect and grow their business. Management remains focused on strengthening Aon and uniting the firm with one portfolio of capability enabled by data and analytics and one operating model to deliver additional insight, connectivity, and efficiency.
Financial Results
The following is a summary of our first quarter of 2024 financial results.
•Revenue increased $199 million, or 5%, to $4.1 billion compared to the prior year period reflecting organic revenue growth of 5%, a 1% favorable impact from fiduciary investment income and a 1% favorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by a 2% unfavorable impact from acquisitions, divestitures and other items.
•Total operating expenses in the first quarter increased $207 million, or 9%, to $2.6 billion compared to the prior year period due primarily to Accelerating Aon United restructuring charges, an increase in expense associated with 5% organic revenue growth, investments in long-term growth, and a $22 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by $20 million of restructuring savings realized in the quarter.
•Operating margin decreased to 36.0% from 38.1% in the prior year period. The decrease was driven by an increase in operating expenses as listed above, partially offset by organic revenue growth of 5%.
•Due to the factors set forth above, net income increased $14 million, or 1%, to $1.1 billion compared to the prior year period.
•Diluted earnings per share was $5.35 compared to $5.07 per share for the prior year period.
•Cash flows provided by operating activities was $309 million for the first three months of 2024, a decrease of $134 million from the prior year period, primarily due to higher receivables, payments related to E&O, restructuring, higher cash taxes and transaction and integration costs, partially offset by strong operating income growth.
We focus on four key metrics not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP that we communicate to shareholders: organic revenue growth, adjusted operating margin, 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. The following is our measure of performance against these four metrics for the first quarter of 2024:
•Organic revenue growth is a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Organic Revenue Growth.” Organic revenue growth was 5% for the first quarter of 2024, driven by ongoing strong retention, net new business generation, and management of the renewal book.
•Adjusted operating margin, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Operating Margin,” was 39.7% for the first quarter of 2024 compared to 38.7% in the prior year period. The increase in adjusted operating income reflects organic revenue growth, increased fiduciary investment income, and $20 million of restructuring savings realized in the quarter, partially offset by increased expenses and investments in long-term growth.
•Adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share,” was $5.66 per share for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $5.17 per share for the respective prior year period.
•Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure defined under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Free Cash Flow,” decreased in the first three months of 2024 by $106 million from the prior year period, to $261 million, reflecting a decrease in cash flows from operations, partially offset by a $28 million decrease in capital expenditures.
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE
For many companies, the management of ESG risks and opportunities has become increasingly important, and ESG-related challenges, such as extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions, cyber events, regulatory changes, ongoing public health impacts, and the increased focus on workforce resilience in various work environments, continue to create volatility and uncertainty for our clients. At Aon, helping clients manage risk - including ESG risk - is at the core of what we do. We offer a wide range of risk assessment, consulting, and advisory solutions, many of which are significant parts of our core business
offerings, designed to address and manage ESG issues for clients, and to enable our clients to create more sustainable value. We see significant opportunity in enhancing our impact and delivering innovative client solutions on ESG matters.
ACQUISITION OF NFP
On April 25, 2024, the Company completed its acquisition of NFP, a leading middle-market provider of property and casualty brokerage, benefits consulting, wealth management, and retirement plan consulting, with more than 7,700 colleagues. The Company acquired NFP Intermediate Holdings A Corp. in a cash-and-stock merger for an aggregate preliminary purchase price totaling $9.1 billion, with approximately $3.2 billion to settle NFP indebtedness and cash consideration to the selling shareholders, and approximately 19 million class A ordinary shares with a fair value of approximately $5.9 billion.
REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Summary of Results
Our consolidated results (unaudited) are as follows (in millions):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | |
| Revenue | | | | | | |
| Total revenue | | $ | 4,070 | | | $ | 3,871 | | | |
| Expenses | | | | | | |
| Compensation and benefits | | 1,883 | | | 1,792 | | | |
| Information technology | | 124 | | | 139 | | | |
| Premises | | 71 | | | 75 | | | |
| Depreciation of fixed assets | | 44 | | | 38 | | | |
| Amortization and impairment of intangible assets | | 16 | | | 25 | | | |
| Other general expense | | 348 | | | 329 | | | |
| Accelerating Aon United Program expenses | | 119 | | | — | | | |
| Total operating expenses | | 2,605 | | | 2,398 | | | |
| Operating income | | 1,465 | | | 1,473 | | | |
| Interest income | | 28 | | | 5 | | | |
| Interest expense | | (144) | | | (111) | | | |
| Other income (expense) | | 75 | | | (25) | | | |
| Income before income taxes | | 1,424 | | | 1,342 | | | |
| Income tax expense | | 331 | | | 263 | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Net income | | 1,093 | | | 1,079 | | | |
| Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 22 | | | 29 | | | |
| Net income attributable to Aon shareholders | | $ | 1,071 | | | $ | 1,050 | | | |
| Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders | | $ | 5.35 | | | $ | 5.07 | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted | | 200.1 | | | 207.1 | | | |
Revenue
Total revenue increased $199 million, or 5%, to $4.1 billion, compared to the prior year period, with organic revenue growth of 5%, driven by ongoing strong retention, net new business generation, and management of the renewal book, a 1% favorable impact from fiduciary investment income and a 1% favorable impact from foreign currency translation partially offset by a 2% unfavorable impact from acquisitions, divestitures and other items.
Commercial Risk Solutions revenue increased $30 million, or 2%, to $1.8 billion in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the first quarter of 2023. Organic revenue growth was 3% in the first quarter of 2024, reflecting growth across most major geographies driven by strong retention, management of the renewal book, and net new business generation. Growth in retail brokerage was highlighted by solid growth in EMEA and Asia and the Pacific, driven by continued strength in core P&C. Results in the U.S. were pressured, reflecting lower net new business and the ongoing impacts from external capital markets activity. Results also reflect growth in Affinity globally across both consumer and benefits solutions. On average globally, exposures and pricing were positive, resulting in modestly positive market impact.
Reinsurance Solutions revenue increased $90 million, or 8%, to $1.2 billion in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $1.1 billion in the first quarter of 2023. Organic revenue growth was 7% in the first quarter of 2024, reflecting strong growth in treaty, driven by strong retention and new business generation, as well as double-digit growth in the Strategy and Technology Group. Market impact was modestly positive on results in the quarter. The majority of revenue in our treaty portfolio is recurring in nature and is recorded in connection with the major renewal periods that take place throughout the first half of the year, while the second half of the year is typically driven by facultative placements, capital markets activity and advisory work that is more transactional in nature.
Health Solutions revenue increased $62 million, or 9%, to $733 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $671 million in the first quarter of 2023. Organic revenue growth was 6% in the first quarter of 2024, reflecting strong growth globally in core health and benefits brokerage driven by new business generation and management of the renewal book. Strength in the core was highlighted by solid growth in all major geographies. Results also reflect strong growth in Consumer Benefit Solutions, partially offset by a decline in Talent driven by lower project-related revenue in advisory solutions.
Wealth Solutions revenue increased $20 million, or 6%, to $370 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $350 million in the first quarter of 2023. Organic revenue growth was 4% in the first quarter of 2024, reflecting strong growth in Retirement, driven by advisory demand and project-related work related to pension de-risking and ongoing impact of regulatory changes. Investments declined modestly as strong advisory demand in North America was more than offset by a decline in project-related work in the U.K.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits expense increased $91 million, or 5%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to an increase in expense associated with 5% organic revenue growth, and an $18 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by savings from Accelerating Aon United restructuring actions.
Information Technology
Information technology expenses, which represent costs associated with supporting and maintaining our infrastructure, decreased $15 million, or 11%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to elevated technology costs and investments in the prior year period, noting that spend may vary between quarters given timing of projects and investments within the year.
Premises
Premises expenses, which represent the cost of occupying offices in various locations throughout the world, decreased $4 million, or 5%, in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the prior year period, reflecting a reduction to our real estate footprint.
Depreciation of Fixed Assets
Depreciation of fixed assets primarily relates to software, leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures, and equipment, computer equipment, buildings, and automobiles. Depreciation of fixed assets increased $6 million, or 16%, in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the prior year period due primarily to ongoing investments in Aon Business Services-enabled technology platforms to drive long-term growth.
Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets primarily relates to finite-lived customer-related and contract-based assets as well as technology and other assets. Amortization and impairment of intangible assets decreased $9 million, or 36% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the prior year period due primarily to ongoing portfolio management and a decrease associated with assets fully amortized in the prior year period.
Other General Expense
Other general expenses increased $19 million, or 6%, in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the prior year period primarily due to $15 million of transaction and integration costs associated with the acquisition of NFP.
Accelerating Aon United Program Expenses
Accelerating Aon United Program expenses were $119 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, relating to workforce optimization, asset impairments, and technology and other costs.
Interest Income
Interest income represents income, net of expense, 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 of 2024, interest income increased $23 million to $28 million compared to the prior year period primarily reflecting interest earned on the investment of $5 billion of term debt proceeds which were used to fund the purchase of NFP.
Interest Expense
Interest expense, which represents the cost of our debt obligations, increased $33 million to $144 million during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the prior year period, reflecting an overall increase in total debt, primarily due to the issuance of $5 billion of term debt to fund the purchase of NFP, and higher interest rates.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense) for the first quarter of 2024 increased $100 million compared to the prior year period. Other income was $75 million for the first quarter of 2024, primarily related to deferred consideration from the 2017 sale of our outsourcing business. Other expense was $25 million for the first quarter of 2023 primarily reflecting the unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies and non-cash net periodic pension cost.
Income before Income Taxes
Due to the factors discussed above, Income before income taxes for the first quarter of 2024 was $1.4 billion, a 6% increase from $1.3 billion in the first quarter of 2023.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate on Net income was 23.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The effective tax rate on Net income was 19.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the tax rate was primarily driven by the geographical distribution of income and certain discrete items, including the favorable impact of share-based payments offset by the unfavorable impact of discrete items.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the tax rate was primarily driven by the geographical distribution of income and certain discrete items, primarily the favorable impact of share-based payments.
Ireland, the U.K., and many E.U. member states, among others, have enacted legislation to implement the global minimum tax that are consistent with the OECD’s proposed Pillar Two tax regime. There remains significant uncertainty, however, as to how Ireland’s Pillar Two tax regime and the OECD’s past and potentially future Pillar Two guidance will ultimately apply to the Company. The Company is monitoring developments in this area and continues to evaluate the potential impacts this may have on its global effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition in 2024.
Net Income Attributable to Aon Shareholders
Net income attributable to Aon shareholders for the first quarter of 2024 increased to $1.1 billion, or $5.35 per diluted share, from $1.1 billion, or $5.07 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, adjusted net income attributable to Aon shareholders, adjusted net income per share, other income (expense), as adjusted, adjusted effective tax rate, free cash flow, and the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on operating results. Management believes that these measures are important to make meaningful period-to-period comparisons and that this supplemental information is helpful to investors. Management also uses these measures to assess operating performance and performance for compensation. This non-GAAP supplemental information should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Organic Revenue Growth
We use supplemental information related to organic revenue growth to help us and our investors evaluate business growth from ongoing operations. Organic revenue growth is a non-GAAP measure that includes the impact of certain intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions, divestitures (including held for sale disposal groups), transfers between revenue lines, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges. 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. 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 (in millions, except percentages):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | % Change | | Less: Currency Impact (1) | | Less: Fiduciary Investment Income (2) | | Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & Other Items | | Organic Revenue Growth (3) |
| Revenue | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Commercial Risk Solutions | | $ | 1,808 | | | $ | 1,778 | | | 2 | % | | 1 | % | | 1 | % | | (3) | % | | 3 | % |
| Reinsurance Solutions | | 1,167 | | | 1,077 | | | 8 | | | — | | | 1 | | | — | | | 7 | |
| Health Solutions | | 733 | | | 671 | | | 9 | | | 1 | | | — | | | 2 | | | 6 | |
| Wealth Solutions | | 370 | | | 350 | | | 6 | | | 2 | | | — | | | — | | | 4 | |
| Eliminations | | (8) | | | (5) | | | N/A | | N/A | | N/A | | N/A | | N/A |
| Total revenue | | $ | 4,070 | | | $ | 3,871 | | | 5 | % | | 1 | % | | 1 | % | | (2) | % | | 5 | % |
(1)Currency impact represents the effect on prior year period results if they were translated at current period foreign exchange rates.
(2)Fiduciary investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, was $79 million and $52 million, respectively.
(3)Organic revenue growth includes the impact of certain intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions, divestitures (including held for sale disposal groups), transfers between revenue lines, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges.
Adjusted Operating Margin
We use adjusted operating margin as a non-GAAP measure of our core operating performance. Adjusted operating margin excludes the impact of certain items, as listed below, because management does not believe these expenses are the best indicators of 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.
A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported operating margin is as follows (in millions, except percentages):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | |
| Revenue | | $ | 4,070 | | | $ | 3,871 | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Operating income - as reported | | $ | 1,465 | | | $ | 1,473 | | | |
| Amortization and impairment of intangible assets | | 16 | | | 25 | | | |
Accelerating Aon United Program expenses (1) | | 119 | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Transaction and integration costs (2) | | 15 | | | — | | | |
| Operating income - as adjusted | | $ | 1,615 | | | $ | 1,498 | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Operating margin - as reported | | 36.0 | % | | 38.1 | % | | |
| Operating margin - as adjusted | | 39.7 | % | | 38.7 | % | | |
(1)Total charges are expected to include technology-related costs to facilitate streamlining and simplifying operations, headcount reduction costs, and costs associated with asset impairments, including real estate consolidation and technology costs.
(2)In the fourth quarter of 2023, Aon entered into a definitive agreement to acquire NFP, which closed on April 25, 2024. As part of the acquisition, Aon incurred $11 million of transaction costs in the three months ended March 31, 2024 including advisory, legal, accounting, regulatory, and other professional or consulting fees required to complete the acquisition. The NFP acquisition also will result in certain non-recurring integration costs associated with colleague severance, termination of redundant third-party agreements, costs associated with legal entity rationalization, and professional or consulting fees related to alignment of management processes and controls, as well as costs associated with the assessment of NFP information technology environment and security protocols. Aon incurred $4 million of integration costs in the three months ended March 31, 2024.
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 certain items, as listed below, because management does not believe these expenses are the best indicators of our core operating performance. 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.
A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to reported diluted earnings per share is as follows (in millions, except per share data and percentages):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 |
| | U.S. GAAP | | Adjustments | | Non-GAAP Adjusted |
| Operating income | | $ | 1,465 | | | $ | 150 | | | $ | 1,615 | |
| Interest income | | 28 | | | — | | | 28 | |
| Interest expense | | (144) | | | — | | | (144) | |
Other income (expense) (1) | | 75 | | | (82) | | | (7) | |
| Income before income taxes | | 1,424 | | | 68 | | | 1,492 | |
Income tax expense (2) | | 331 | | | 6 | | | 337 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Net income | | 1,093 | | | 62 | | | 1,155 | |
| Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 22 | | | — | | | 22 | |
| Net income attributable to Aon shareholders | | $ | 1,071 | | | $ | 62 | | | $ | 1,133 | |
| | | | | | |
| Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders | | $ | 5.35 | | | $ | 0.31 | | | $ | 5.66 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted | | 200.1 | | | — | | | 200.1 | |
Effective tax rates (2) | | 23.2 | % | | | | 22.6 | % |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 |
| | U.S. GAAP | | Adjustments | | Non-GAAP Adjusted | | |
| Operating income | | $ | 1,473 | | | $ | 25 | | | $ | 1,498 | | | |
| Interest income | | 5 | | | — | | | 5 | | | |
| Interest expense | | (111) | | | — | | | (111) | | | |
| Other income (expense) | | (25) | | | — | | | (25) | | | |
| Income before income taxes | | 1,342 | | | 25 | | | 1,367 | | | |
Income tax expense (2) | | 263 | | | 5 | | | 268 | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Net income | | 1,079 | | | 20 | | | 1,099 | | | |
| Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 29 | | | — | | | 29 | | | |
| Net income attributable to Aon shareholders | | $ | 1,050 | | | $ | 20 | | | $ | 1,070 | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders | | $ | 5.07 | | | $ | 0.10 | | | $ | 5.17 | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted | | 207.1 | | | — | | | 207.1 | | | |
Effective tax rates (2) | | 19.6 | % | | | | 19.6 | % | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
(1)In the first quarter of 2024, the Company earned $82 million of deferred consideration from the affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P. and the other designated purchasers related to the 2017 sale of the benefits administration and business process outsourcing business.
(2)Adjusted items are generally taxed at the estimated annual effective tax rate, except for the applicable tax impact associated with the anticipated sale of certain assets and liabilities classified as held for sale, certain legal settlements, Program expenses, deferred consideration from a prior year sale of business, and certain transaction and integration costs related to the acquisition of NFP, which are adjusted at the related jurisdictional rate.
Free Cash Flow
We use free cash flow, defined as cash flow provided by operations less capital expenditures, as a non-GAAP measure of our core operating performance and cash-generating capabilities of our business operations. 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. Management believes the supplemental information related to free cash flow is helpful to investors when evaluating our operating performance and liquidity results. 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 operating activities is as follows (in millions):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | 2024 | | 2023 |
| Cash provided by operating activities | | $ | 309 | | | $ | 443 | |
| Capital expenditures | | (48) | | | (76) | |
| Free cash flow | | $ | 261 | | | $ | 367 | |
Impact of Foreign Exchange Rate Fluctuations
Because we conduct business in over 120 countries and sovereignties, foreign exchange rate fluctuations may have a significant impact on our business. Foreign exchange rate movements may be significant and may distort true period-to-period comparisons of changes in revenue or pretax income. Therefore, to give financial statement users meaningful information about our operations, we have provided an illustration of the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on our financial results. The methodology used to calculate this impact isolates the impact of the change in currencies between periods by translating the prior year quarter’s revenue, expenses, and net income using the current quarter’s foreign exchange rates.
Currency fluctuations had a favorable impact of $0.02 on net income per diluted share during the three months ended March 31, 2024 if prior year period results were translated at current period foreign exchange rates. Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.14 on net income per diluted share during the three months ended March 31, 2023 if 2022 results were translated at 2023 rates.
Currency fluctuations had a favorable impact of $0.02 on adjusted diluted earnings per share during the three months ended March 31, 2024 if prior year period results were translated at current period foreign exchange rates. Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.14 on adjusted diluted earnings per share during the three months ended March 31, 2023 if 2022 results were translated at 2023 rates. These translations are performed for comparative and illustrative purposes only and do not impact the accounting policies or practices for amounts included in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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 in the near-term include cash flows provided by operations and available cash reserves; primary sources of liquidity in the long-term include cash flows provided by operations, debt capacity available under our credit facilities, and capital markets. Our primary uses of liquidity are operating expenses and investments, capital expenditures, acquisitions, share repurchases, pension obligations, shareholder dividends, and Accelerating Aon United Program cash charges. We believe that cash flows from operations, available credit facilities, available cash reserves, 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 in the next twelve months and over the long-term.
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 our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, with a corresponding amount in Fiduciary liabilities.
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 underwriters. 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. The levels of funds held on behalf of clients and liabilities can fluctuate significantly depending on when we collect the premiums, claims, and refunds, make payments to underwriters and insureds, and collect funds from clients and make payments on their behalf, and upon the impact of foreign currency movements. Funds held on behalf of clients, because of their
nature, are generally invested in highly liquid securities with highly rated, credit-worthy financial institutions. Fiduciary assets include funds held on behalf of clients comprised of cash and cash equivalents of $7.1 billion and $6.9 billion at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and fiduciary receivables of $10.0 billion and $9.4 billion at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. While we earn investment income on the funds held in cash and money market funds, the funds cannot be used for general corporate purposes.
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, 2024, cash balances of one or more non-U.S. entities may have been negative; however, the overall balance was positive.
The following table summarizes our Cash and cash equivalents, Short-term investments, and Fiduciary assets as of March 31, 2024 (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 | $ | 995 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4,294 | | | $ | 5,289 | |
| Money market funds | — | | | 5,413 | | | 2,823 | | | 8,236 | |
| Cash, Short-term investments, and funds held on behalf of clients | 995 | | | 5,413 | | | 7,117 | | | 13,525 | |
| Fiduciary receivables | — | | | — | | | 10,044 | | | 10,044 | |
| Total | $ | 995 | | | $ | 5,413 | | | $ | 17,161 | | | $ | 23,569 | |
Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients, including $73 million of cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients classified as held for sale, increased $463 million in 2024. A summary of our cash flows provided by and used for operating, investing, and financing activities is as follows (in millions):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | 2024 | | 2023 |
| Cash provided by operating activities | | $ | 309 | | | $ | 443 | |
| Cash provided by (used for) investing activities | | $ | (4,961) | | | $ | 205 | |
| Cash provided by financing activities | | $ | 5,261 | | | $ | 404 | |
| | |
| Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients | | $ | (146) | | | $ | 58 | |
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients | | $ | 463 | | | $ | 1,110 | |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $134 million from the prior year period to $309 million. This amount represents Net income reported, generally adjusted for gains from sales of businesses, losses from sales of businesses, share-based compensation expense, depreciation expense, amortization and impairments, and other non-cash income and expenses, including pension settlement charges. Adjustments also include changes in working capital, that relate primarily to the timing of payments of accounts payable and accrued liabilities, collection of receivables, and payments for Accelerating Aon United Program expenses.
Pension Contributions
Pension contributions were $17 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $23 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. For the remainder of 2024, we expect to contribute approximately $51 million in cash to our pension plans, including contributions to non-U.S. pension plans, which are subject to changes in foreign exchange rates.
Accelerating Aon United Program Expenses
In the third quarter of 2023, we initiated the Program with the purpose of streamlining our technology infrastructure, optimizing our leadership structure and resource alignment, and reducing the real estate footprint to align to our hybrid working strategy. The Program will include technology-related costs to facilitate streamlining and simplifying operations, headcount reduction costs, and costs associated with asset impairments, including real estate consolidation and technology costs.
Program charges are recognized within Accelerating Aon United Program expenses on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and consists of the following cost activities:
•Technology and other – includes costs associated with actions taken to rationalize certain applications and to optimize technology across the Company. These costs may include contract termination fees and other non-capitalizable costs associated with Program initiatives, which include professional service fees.
•Workforce optimization – includes costs associated with headcount reduction and other separation-related costs.
•Asset impairments – includes costs associated with impairment of assets, as they are identified, including ROU lease assets, leasehold improvements, and other capitalized assets no longer providing economic benefit.
The changes in the Company’s liabilities for the Program as of March 31, 2024 are as follows (in millions):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Technology and other | | Workforce optimization | | Asset impairments | | Total |
| Liability Balance as of January 1, 2024 | $ | 14 | | | $ | 86 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 100 | |
| Charges | 19 | | | 64 | | | 36 | | | 119 | |
| Cash payments | (12) | | | (25) | | | — | | | (37) | |
| Foreign currency translation and other | — | | | (1) | | | — | | | (1) | |
| Non-cash charges | (7) | | | (5) | | | (36) | | | (48) | |
Liability balance as of March 31, 2024 | $ | 14 | | | $ | 119 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 133 | |
| Total costs incurred from inception to date | $ | 33 | | | $ | 167 | | | $ | 54 | | | $ | 254 | |
The Program is currently expected to result in cumulative costs of approximately $1.0 billion, consisting of approximately $900 million of cash charges and approximately $100 million of non-cash charges. The Program is estimated to generate annualized expense savings of approximately $350 million by the end of 2026, largely benefiting Compensation and benefits, Information technology, and Premises on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, total Program costs incurred were $119 million. The Company expects to continue to review the implementation of elements of the Program throughout the course of the Program and, therefore, there may be changes to expected timing, estimates of expected costs and related savings. We estimate that expense savings resulting from Program actions taken in 2023 will begin to be realized in 2024, including $20 million of savings realized in the first three months of 2024 within Compensation and benefits on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Investing Activities
Cash flow used for investing activities was $4,961 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024, a decrease of $5,166 million compared to $205 million of Cash flow provided by investing activities in the prior year period. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows used for investing activities are acquisition of businesses, purchases of short-term investments, capital expenditures, and payments for investments. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flows provided by investing activities are sales of businesses, sales of short-term investments, and proceeds from investments. The gains and losses corresponding to cash flows provided by proceeds from investments and used for payments for investments are primarily recognized in Other income (expense) in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Short-term Investments
As of March 31, 2024, short-term investments increased $5.0 billion to $5.4 billion compared to December 31, 2023. The majority of our investments carried at fair value are money market funds. 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.
Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses
During the first three months of 2024, we completed no acquisitions. Cash consideration, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients acquired, was $4 million, which relates to acquisitions completed in 2023. During the first three months of 2023, we completed no acquisitions. Cash consideration, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients acquired, was $2 million, which relates to an acquisition completed in 2022.
During the first three months of 2024, we completed one disposition, which had an insignificant cash flow impact, however, we received $75 million of cash related to the deferred consideration earned in the first three months of 2024 for the 2017 sale of the benefits administration and business process outsourcing business. During the first three months of 2023, no businesses were sold, however, there was a $1 million impact, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients, to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows related to dispositions completed in 2022.
Capital Expenditures
Our additions to fixed assets, including capitalized software, amounted to $48 million and $76 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which primarily relate to the refurbishing and modernizing of office facilities, software development costs, and computer equipment purchases. In the current period, we continue to support certain technology projects to drive long-term growth and real estate projects to align with our Smart Working strategy.
Financing Activities
Cash flow provided by financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $5.3 billion, an increase of $4,857 million compared to $404 million of Cash flow provided by financing activities in the prior year period. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flow used for financing activities are repayments of debt, share repurchases, cash paid for employee taxes on withholding shares, dividends paid to shareholders, transactions with noncontrolling interests, and other financing activities, such as collection of or payments for deferred consideration in connection with prior year business acquisitions and divestitures. Generally, the primary drivers of cash flow provided by financing activities are issuances of debt, changes in net fiduciary liabilities, and proceeds from issuance of shares.
We have a share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors. The Repurchase Program was established in April 2012 with $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases, and was increased by $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases in each of November 2014, June 2017, and November 2020, and by $7.5 billion in February 2022 for a total of $27.5 billion in repurchase authorizations.
The following table summarizes our share repurchase activity (in millions, except per share data):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2024 | | 2023 | | |
| Shares repurchased | 0.8 | | | 1.8 | | | |
| Average price per share | $ | 310.56 | | | $ | 305.31 | | | |
| | | | | |
Repurchase costs recorded to accumulated deficit | $ | 250 | | | $ | 550 | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
At March 31, 2024, the remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under the Repurchase Program was approximately $3.1 billion. Under the Repurchase Program, the Company has repurchased a total of 169.9 million shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $24.4 billion. For further information regarding the Repurchase Program, see Part II, Item 2 of this report.
Borrowings
Total debt at March 31, 2024 was $16.5 billion, an increase of $5.3 billion compared to December 31, 2023. Further, commercial paper activity during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 is as follows (in millions):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | |
Total issuances (1) | | $ | 948 | | | $ | 870 | | | |
| Total repayments | | (1,539) | | | (1,043) | | | |
| Net repayments | | $ | (591) | | | $ | (173) | | | |
| 8.205% Junior Subordinated Notes due January 2027 |
| 4.50% Senior Notes due December 2028 |
| 3.75% Senior Notes due May 2029 |
| 2.80% Senior Notes due May 2030 |
| 6.25% Senior Notes due September 2040 |
All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Global Holdings plc of the Aon Corporation Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of Aon Corporation. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon Corporation Notes.
Newly issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Global Limited are guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Corporation, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon Global Limited Notes”):
| | |
| Aon Global Limited Notes |
| 3.50% Senior Notes due June 2024 |
| 3.875% Senior Notes due December 2025 |
| 2.875% Senior Notes due May 2026 |
| 4.25% Senior Notes due December 2042 |
| 4.45% Senior Notes due May 2043 |
| 4.60% Senior Notes due June 2044 |
| 4.75% Senior Notes due May 2045 |
All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Corporation of the Aon Global Limited Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of Aon Global Limited. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon Global Limited Notes.
Newly issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon North America, Inc. are guaranteed by Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation, and include the following (collectively, the “Aon North America, Inc. Notes”):
| | |
| Aon North America, Inc. Notes |
| 5.125% Senior Notes due March 2027 |
| 5.150% Senior Notes due March 2029 |
| 5.300% Senior Notes due March 2031 |
| 5.450% Senior Notes due March 2034 |
| 5.750% Senior Notes due March 2054 |
All guarantees of Aon Global Limited, Aon plc, Aon Global Holdings plc, and Aon Corporation of the Aon North America, Inc. Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of Aon North America, Inc. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Aon North America, Inc. Notes.
Newly co-issued and outstanding debt securities by Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc (together, the “Co-Issuers”) are guaranteed by Aon plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Global Limited and include the following (collectively, the “Co-Issued Notes”):
| | |
| Co-Issued Notes - Aon Corporation and Aon Global Holdings plc |
| 2.85% Senior Notes due May 2027 |
| 2.05% Senior Notes due August 2031 |
| 2.60% Senior Notes due December 2031 |
| 5.00% Senior Notes due September 2032 |
| 5.35% Senior Notes due February 2033 |
| 2.90% Senior Notes due August 2051 |
| 3.90% Senior Notes due February 2052 |
All guarantees of Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, and Aon North America, Inc. of the Co-Issued Notes are joint and several as well as full and unconditional. Senior Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all other present and future unsecured debt which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other unsecured debt of the Co-Issuers. There are no subsidiaries other than those listed above that guarantee the Co-Issued Notes.
Aon Corporation, Aon North America, Inc., Aon Global Limited, and Aon Global Holdings plc are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Aon plc. Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon North America, Inc., and Aon Corporation together comprise the revised “Obligor group”. The following tables set forth summarized financial information for the revised Obligor group, which reflects the financial results of Aon North America, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2023 and for the period ended March 31, 2024.
Adjustments are made to the tables to eliminate intercompany balances and transactions between the revised Obligor group. Intercompany balances and transactions between the revised Obligor group and non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented as separate line items within the summarized financial information. These balances are presented on a net presentation basis, rather than a gross basis, as this better reflects the nature of the intercompany positions and presents the funding or funded position that is to be received or owed. No balances or transactions of non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented in the summarized financial information, including investments of the revised Obligor group in non-guarantor subsidiaries.
| | | | | | | | |
| Obligor Group |
| Summarized Statement of Income Information |
| | Three Months Ended |
| (millions) | | March 31, 2024 |
| Revenue | | $ | — | |
| Operating loss | | $ | (30) | |
| Expense from non-guarantor subsidiaries before income taxes | | $ | (37) | |
| Net loss | | $ | (160) | |
| Net loss attributable to Aon shareholders | | $ | (160) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Obligor Group |
| Summarized Statement of Financial Position Information |
| | As of | As of |
| (millions) | | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
| Receivables due from non-guarantor subsidiaries | | $ | 3,482 | | $ | 1,431 | |
| Other current assets | | 5,309 | | 230 | |
| Total current assets | | $ | 8,791 | | $ | 1,661 | |
| | | |
| Non-current receivables due from non-guarantor subsidiaries | | $ | 10,867 | | $ | 10,873 | |
| Other non-current assets | | 1,293 | | 1,228 | |
| Total non-current assets | | $ | 12,160 | | $ | 12,101 | |
| | | |
| Payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries | | $ | 5,660 | | $ | 3,750 | |
| Other current liabilities | | 4,848 | | 4,987 | |
| Total current liabilities | | $ | 10,508 | | $ | 8,737 | |
| | | |
| Non-current payables to non-guarantor subsidiaries | | $ | 10,912 | | $ | 10,933 | |
| Other non-current liabilities | | 17,345 | | 11,447 | |
| Total non-current liabilities | | $ | 28,257 | | $ | 22,380 | |
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, income taxes, and Accelerating Aon United restructuring charges as discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Note 2 “Accounting Principles and Practices” to our Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this report contains a discussion of recently announced Securities and Exchange Commission final rules and their impact or future potential impact on our financial results, if determinable.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are exposed to potential fluctuations in earnings, cash flows, and the fair values 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. Refer to Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as discussed in Part II, Item 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for a discussion of our accounting policies for financial instruments and derivatives.
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, the Indian rupee, and the Japanese yen. 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, euro, and Japanese yen, but most of their expenses are incurred in British pounds. At March 31, 2024, we have hedged approximately 45% of our U.K. subsidiaries’ expected exposures to U.S. dollar, euro, and Japanese yen transactions for the years ending December 31, 2024 and 2025, respectively. We generally do not hedge exposures beyond three years.
We also use forward and option contracts to economically hedge foreign exchange risk associated with monetary balance sheet exposures, such as intercompany notes and current assets and liabilities that are denominated in a non-functional currency and are subject to remeasurement.
The translated value of revenues and expenses 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 have a favorable $0.02 impact during the three months ended March 31, 2024. 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 have a favorable $0.02 impact during the three months ended March 31, 2024 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, 2024. 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, 2024 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, Aon’s internal control over financial reporting.
Part II Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See Note 15 “Claims, Lawsuits, and Other Contingencies” to our 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 the “Risk Factors” section in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 reflect certain risks associated with existing and potential lines of business and contain “forward-looking statements” as discussed in “Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” elsewhere in this report. Readers should consider them in addition to the other information contained in this report as our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected if any of these risks actually occur.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following information relates to the purchase of equity securities by Aon or any affiliated purchaser during each month within the first quarter of 2024:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 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) |
| 1/1/24 - 1/31/24 | | 274,850 | | | $ | 298.78 | | | 274,850 | | | $ | 3,235,150,333 | |
| 2/1/24 - 2/29/24 | | 167,219 | | | $ | 306.03 | | | 167,219 | | | $ | 3,183,975,641 | |
| 3/1/24 - 3/31/24 | | 362,932 | | | $ | 321.57 | | | 362,932 | | | $ | 3,067,268,255 | |
| | 805,001 | | | $ | 310.56 | | | 805,001 | | | $ | 3,067,268,255 | |
(1)Does not include commissions paid to repurchase shares.
(2)The Repurchase Program was established in April 2012 with $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases and was increased by $5.0 billion in authorized repurchases in each of November 2014, June 2017, and November 2020, and by $7.5 billion in February 2022 for a total of $27.5 billion in repurchase authorizations.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
We did not make any unregistered sales of equity in the first quarter of 2024.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not Applicable.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
, , of the Company, a new Rule 10b5-1 . The plan’s maximum length is until December 31, 2024 and first trades will not occur until June 7, 2024, at the earliest. The plan is intended to permit Mr. Zeidel to sell and class A ordinary shares of Aon in two separate transactions.The Company is reporting the following information in lieu of reporting on a Current Report on Form 8-K:
Disclosure Pursuant to Item 2.03 of Form 8-K: Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.
On April 25, 2024, Aon North America, Inc. drew in full its $2 billion delayed draw term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) pursuant to the Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of February 16, 2024 (as amended, the “Term Loan Agreement”), among Aon North America, Inc., Aon, Aon Corporation, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon Global Limited, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto. The proceeds of the Term Loan Facility were used to pay a portion of the cash consideration in connection with the NFP acquisition, to repay certain debt of NFP and to pay related fees and expenses.
The Term Loan Facility will mature on April 23, 2027, and includes customary representations, warranties and covenants, including financial covenants that require Aon to maintain specified ratios of adjusted consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and consolidated debt to adjusted consolidated EBITDA, in each case, tested quarterly.
The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Term Loan Agreement and Amendment No. 1 to the Term Loan Agreement, copies of which are filed herewith as Exhibit 10.4 and Exhibit 10.5, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibits — The exhibits filed with this report are listed on the attached Exhibit Index.
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) |
| | |
| April 26, 2024 | By: | /s/ Michael Neller |
| | Michael Neller |
| | SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND |
| | GLOBAL CONTROLLER |
| | (Principal Accounting Officer and duly authorized officer of Registrant) |
Exhibit Index
| | | | | | | | |
| Exhibit Number | | Description of Exhibit |
| 2.1 | | |
| 3.1 | | |
| 4.1 | | Base Indenture, dated as of March 1, 2024, among Aon North America, Inc., Aon plc, Aon Corporation, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon Global Limited and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Aon plc’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2024). |
| 4.2 | | First Indenture Supplement, dated as of March 1, 2024, among Aon North America, Inc., Aon plc, Aon Corporation, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon Global Limited and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Aon plc’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2024). |
| 4.3 | | |
| 4.4 | | |
| 4.5 | | |
| 4.6 | | |
| 4.7 | | |
| 10.1# | | |
| 10.2#* | | |
| 10.3#* | | |
| 10.4 | | Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of February 16, 2024, by and among, Aon North America, Inc., Aon plc, Aon Corporation, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon Global Limited, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. as syndication agents, and the lenders party thereto. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Aon plc’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 16, 2024). |
| 10.5 | | Amendment No. 1 to the Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of February 16, 2024, by and among Aon plc, Aon Corporation, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon Global Limited and Aon North America, Inc., Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aon plc’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 19, 2024). |
| 10.6 | | Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2023, by and among Aon plc, Aon Corporation, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon Global Limited and Aon North America, Inc., Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Aon plc’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 16, 2024). |
| 10.7 | | Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2023, by and among Aon plc, Aon Corporation, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon Global Limited and Aon North America, Inc., Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Aon plc’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 19, 2024). |
| 10.8 | | Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2021, by and among Aon plc, Aon Corporation, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon UK Limited and Aon North America, Inc., Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Aon plc’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 16, 2024). |
| 10.9 | | Amendment No. 4 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2021, by and among Aon plc, Aon Global Limited, Aon Global Holdings plc, Aon Corporation, Aon North America, Inc., Aon UK Limited, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Aon plc’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 19, 2024). |
| 22.1* | | |
| 31.1* | | |
| 31.2* | | |
| 32.1* | | |
| 32.2* | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| 101* | | Interactive Data Files. The following materials are filed electronically with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q: |
| | | 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 |
| 104 | | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |
| * Filed herewith |
| # Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement |
Similar companies
See also MARSH & MCLENNAN COMPANIES, INC. -
Annual report 2022 (10-K 2022-12-31)
Annual report 2023 (10-Q 2023-09-30)
See also Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. -
Annual report 2022 (10-K 2022-12-31)
Annual report 2023 (10-Q 2023-09-30)
See also WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PLC -
Annual report 2022 (10-K 2022-12-31)
Annual report 2023 (10-Q 2023-09-30)
See also BROWN & BROWN, INC. -
Annual report 2022 (10-K 2022-12-31)
Annual report 2023 (10-Q 2023-09-30)
See also Equitable Holdings, Inc. -
Annual report 2022 (10-K 2022-12-31)
Annual report 2023 (10-Q 2023-09-30)