OREANDA-NEWS. Aon plc (NYSE: AON) today reported results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015.

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders in the fourth quarter of 2015 was $584 million, or $2.09 per share, compared to $459 million, or $1.56 per share, for the prior year quarter.  Net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders, adjusted for certain items, increased 20% to $2.27, compared to $1.89 in the prior year quarter, including a $0.10 per share unfavorable impact on adjusted net income from continuing operations if the Company were to translate prior year quarter results at current quarter foreign exchange rates ("foreign currency translation").  Certain items that impacted fourth quarter results and comparisons with the prior year quarter are detailed in the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income and Diluted Earnings per Share" on page 13 of this press release. 

"Overall, our results reflect a strong performance for both the fourth quarter and the full year 2015.  In a year of substantial volatility driven by macroeconomic factors and industry headwinds, we continued to invest heavily in client-serving capabilities across our industry-leading platform," said Greg Case, President and Chief Executive Officer. "These investments, combined with the leadership of our colleagues around the globe, contributed to our strongest quarterly rate of organic growth in Risk Solutions since 2007, record operating margins in both segments, record free cash flow of $1.7 billion, and the return of $1.9 billion of capital to shareholders."

FOURTH QUARTER FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Total revenue in the fourth quarter was flat at $3.3 billion compared to the prior year quarter driven primarily by 5% organic revenue growth, offset by a 5% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter decreased 3% to $2.6 billion compared to the prior year quarter due primarily to a $130 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation, a $35 million reduction in expense related to legacy litigation incurred in the prior year quarter, and a $12 million decrease in intangible asset amortization, partially offset by an increase in expense associated with 5% organic revenue growth and $12 million of transaction and portfolio repositioning related costs.

Depreciation expense increased 2%, or $1 million, in the fourth quarter to $60 million compared to the prior year quarter.

Intangible asset amortization expense decreased 13%, or $12 million, in the fourth quarter to $77 million compared to the prior year quarter, consisting of a $9 million decrease in HR Solutions and a $3 million decrease in Risk Solutions.

Foreign currency exchange rates in the fourth quarter had a $0.10 per share, or $33 million, pretax unfavorable impact (-$27 million in Risk Solutions, -$6 million in HR Solutions) on adjusted net income from continuing operations if the Company were to translate prior year quarter results at current quarter foreign exchange rates.

Effective tax rate used in the U.S. GAAP financial statements for the fourth quarter was 15.8%, compared to the prior year quarter of 19.6%.  After adjusting the underlying annual tax rate to exclude the impact associated with expenses for legacy litigation incurred in the second quarter, the adjusted effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2015 declined to 17.9% compared to 19.6% in the prior year quarter, due primarily to certain favorable discrete items. This adjustment is discussed in the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income and Diluted Earnings per Share" on page 13 of this press release.

Average diluted shares outstanding decreased 5% to 279.3 million in the fourth quarter compared to 293.4 million in the prior year quarter. The Company repurchased 4.2 million Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $400 million in the fourth quarter. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $4.1 billion of remaining authorization under its share repurchase program.

Cash flow from operations for 2015, after giving effect to a reclassification described more fully on page 7 of this press release, increased 11%, or $197 million, to a record $2.0 billion driven by declines in pension contributions, restructuring related payments, and cash paid for taxes, as well as working capital improvements, partially offset by $137 million in cash paid to settle legacy litigation and strong organic growth in the fourth quarter.

Free cash flow, defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures, after giving effect to a reclassification described more fully on page 7 of this press release, increased 10%, or $163 million, to a record $1.7 billion for 2015.  Free cash flow was driven by an increase in cash flow from operations, partially offset by a $34 million increase in capital expenditures primarily for certain completed investments to optimize our global real estate portfolio.  A reconciliation of free cash flow to cash flow from operations can be found on the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Organic Revenue and Free Cash Flow" on page 12 of this press release.

FOURTH QUARTER SEGMENT REVIEW

Certain noteworthy items impacted operating income and operating margins in the fourth quarters of 2015 and 2014.  The fourth quarter segment information provided below includes supplemental information related to organic revenue, adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margin, which is described in detail on the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Organic Revenue and Free Cash Flow" on page 12 and "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income and Diluted Earnings per Share" on page 13 of this press release.

RISK SOLUTIONS

                     
                             
                       

Less:

   

(millions)

 

Three Months Ended

     

Less:

 

Acquisitions,

   

Commissions,

Fees and Other

 

December 31,
2015

 

December 31,
2014

 

%

Change

 

Currency

Impact

 

Divestitures,

Other

 

Organic

Revenue

Retail

 

$

1,681

 

$

1,715

 

(2)%

 

(7)%

 

(1)%

 

6%

Reinsurance

 

323

 

334

 

(3)

 

(5)

 

 

2

Subtotal

 

$

2,004

 

$

2,049

 

(2)%

 

(6)%

 

(1)%

 

5%

Investment Income

 

5

 

7

 

(29)

         

Total Revenue

 

$

2,009

 

$

2,056

 

(2)%

         

Risk Solutions total revenue for the fourth quarter decreased 2% compared to the prior year quarter driven by a 6% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, and a 1% decrease in commissions and fees resulting from acquisitions, net of divestitures, partially offset by 5% organic growth in commissions and fees.

Retail organic revenue for the fourth quarter increased 6% reflecting revenue growth in both the Americas and International businesses.  Americas organic revenue increased 6% reflecting strong growth across all regions and product lines, including record new business generation in US Retail and double-digit growth in Latin America. International organic revenue increased 6% driven by strong growth across Asia and the Pacific and effective management of the renewal book portfolio in continental Europe. 

Reinsurance organic revenue for the fourth quarter increased 2% compared to the prior year quarter driven by growth in treaty placements globally and record net new business, partially offset by a decline in capital markets transactions and advisory business and facultative placements, as well as a modest unfavorable market impact in the Americas.


 

   

Three Months Ended

   

(millions)

 

December 31,
2015

 

December 31,
 2014

 

%

 Change

Revenue

 

$

2,009

 

$

2,056

 

(2)%

Expenses

       

Compensation and benefits

 

1,130

 

1,131

 

Other general expenses

 

388

 

482

 

(20)

Total operating expenses

 

1,518

 

1,613

 

(6)

Operating income

 

$

491

 

$

443

 

11%

Operating margin

 

24.4%

 

21.5%

   

Operating income - adjusted

 

$

517

 

$

507

 

2%

Operating margin - adjusted

 

25.7%

 

24.7%

   

Compensation and benefits for the fourth quarter decreased $1 million compared to the prior year quarter due primarily to a $69 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation and expense discipline, partially offset by an increase in expense associated with 5% organic revenue growth.

Other general expenses for the fourth quarter decreased 20%, or $94 million, compared to the prior year quarter due primarily to a $38 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation, a $35 million reduction in expense related to legacy litigation incurred in the prior year quarter, and expense discipline.

Fourth quarter operating income increased 11% to $491 million compared to the prior year quarter.  Adjusting for certain items detailed on page 13 of this press release, operating income increased 2%, or $10 million, including a $27 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, and operating margin increased 100 basis points to 25.7%, each compared to the prior year quarter.  The increase in adjusted operating margin was driven primarily by strong organic revenue growth of 5%, return on investments in data and analytics across the portfolio, and a 30 basis point favorable impact from foreign currency translation.

HR SOLUTIONS

               
                     

(millions)

 

Three Months Ended

     

Less:

 

Less:

Acquisitions,

   

Commissions,

Fees and Other

 

December 31,
2015

 

December 31, 
2014

 

%

Change

 

Currency

Impact

 

Divestitures,

Other

 

Organic

Revenue

Consulting Services

 

$

464

 

$

455

 

2%

 

(4)%

 

2%

 

4%

Outsourcing

 

839

 

819

 

2

 

(1)

 

(1)

 

4

Intersegment

 

(13)

 

(14)

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

Subtotal

 

$

1,290

 

$

1,260

 

2%

 

(2)%

 

—%

 

4%

Investment Income

 

 

 

—%

         

Total Revenue

 

$

1,290

 

$

1,260

 

2%

         

HR Solutions total revenue for the fourth quarter increased 2% to $1.3 billion compared to the prior year quarter driven by 4% organic growth in commissions and fees, partially offset by a 2% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Organic revenue in Consulting Services increased 4% due primarily to solid growth in compensation consulting and continued growth in retirement solutions, particularly for investment consulting. Organic revenue in Outsourcing increased 4% compared to the prior year quarter due primarily to solid growth in benefits administration for project-related work, new client wins in HR BPO for cloud-based solutions, and higher enrollments in health care exchanges.

   

Three Months Ended

   

(millions)

 

December 31,
 2015

 

December 31,
 2014

 

%

Change

Revenue

 

$

1,290

 

$

1,260

 

2%

Expenses

       

Compensation and benefits

 

687

 

690

 

Other general expenses

 

316

 

334

 

(5)

Total operating expenses

 

1,003

 

1,024

 

(2)

Operating income

 

$

287

 

$

236

 

22%

Operating margin

 

22.2%

 

18.7%

   

Operating income - adjusted

 

$

338

 

$

296

 

14%

Operating margin - adjusted

 

26.2%

 

23.5%

   

Compensation and benefits for the fourth quarter decreased $3 million compared to the prior year quarter due primarily to a $16 million favorable impact from currency translation and expense discipline, partially offset by  an increase in expense associated with 4% organic revenue growth and $10 million of transaction and portfolio repositioning related costs.

Other general expenses for the fourth quarter decreased 5%, or $18 million, compared to the prior year quarter due primarily to a $6 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation, a $9 million decrease in intangible asset amortization, and expense discipline, partially offset by $2 million of transaction and portfolio repositioning related costs.

Fourth quarter operating income increased 22% to $287 million compared to the prior year quarter.  Adjusting for certain items detailed on page 13 of this press release, operating income increased 14%, or $42 million, including a $6 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, and operating margin increased 270 basis points to 26.2%, each compared to the prior year quarter.  The increase in adjusted operating margin was driven by solid organic revenue growth of 4% and return on investments, partially offset by $12 million, or -90 basis points, of transaction and portfolio repositioning related costs in the quarter primarily associated with the sale of a business in the quarter.

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

         
   

Three Months Ended

   

(millions)

 

December 31,
 2015

 

December 31,
 2014

 

%
Change

Risk Solutions

 

$

491

 

$

443

 

11%

HR Solutions

 

287

 

236

 

22

Unallocated expense

 

(61)

 

(44)

 

39

Operating income

 

$

717

 

$

635

 

13%

Interest income

 

4

 

3

 

33

Interest expense

 

(68)

 

(67)

 

1

Other income

 

49

 

10

 

390

Income before income taxes

 

$

702

 

$

581

 

21%

Unallocated expense for the fourth quarter increased $17 million to $61 million compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to the timing of certain employee incentive and employee benefit related expenses, as well as certain investments in shared services.  Interest income increased $1 million to $4 million compared to the prior year quarter.  Interest expense increased $1 million to $68 million compared to the prior year quarter due primarily to an increase in total debt outstanding.  Other income of $49 million primarily includes net gains on the sale of certain businesses, partially offset by net losses due to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies. The prior year quarter primarily includes net gains due to the favorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies and gains on certain long term investments.

2015 FULL YEAR SUMMARY

Total revenue for 2015 decreased 3% to $11.7 billion due to a 6% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by 3% organic growth in commissions and fees. Risk Solutions total revenue decreased 5% to $7.4 billion and HR Solutions total revenue increased 1% to $4.3 billion.

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders for 2015 decreased 1% to $1.4 billion compared to the prior year.  Net income attributable to Aon shareholders, adjusted for certain items, increased 2% to $1.8 billion.  Certain items that impacted full year results and comparisons against the prior year are detailed in the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income and Diluted Earnings per Share" on page 13 of this press release.

Net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders for 2015 increased 5% to $4.88 per share compared to $4.66 per share for the prior year.  Net income attributable to Aon shareholders, adjusted for certain items, increased 8% to $6.18 per share compared to $5.71 per share for the prior year, including a $0.41 per share unfavorable impact on adjusted net income from continuing operations if the Company were to translate prior year quarter results at current quarter foreign exchange rates.  Certain items that impacted full year results and comparisons against the prior year are detailed in the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income and Diluted Earnings per Share" on page 13 of this press release.

During 2015, the Company repurchased approximately 16 million Class A Ordinary Shares for $1.6 billion at an average price of $97.04 per share.

Reclassification - Employee Shares Withheld for Taxes
During the quarter ended December 31, 2015, the Company reclassified certain cash flows related to employee shares withheld for taxes.  This resulted in reclassifying $227 million and $170 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, from "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" and "Other assets and liabilities" within Cash Flows From Operating Activities, to "Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans" within Cash Flows From Financing Activities.  The amounts reclassified from "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" and "Other assets and liabilities" were $85 million and $85 million in 2014, respectively.  This reclassification had no impact on total cash flows generated or used by the Company for fiscal year 2015 or 2014.

About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE:AON) is a leading global provider of risk management, insurance brokerage and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing services. Through its more  than 72,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to empower results for clients in over 120 countries via  innovative risk and people solutions. For further information on our capabilities and to learn how we empower results for clients, please visit: http://aon.mediaroom.com.

Safe Harbor Statement
This communication contain certain statements related to future results, or states our intentions, beliefs and expectations or predictions for the future which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations or forecasts of future events. They use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "project," "intend," "plan," "probably," "potential," "looking forward" and other similar terms, and future or conditional tense verbs like "could," "may," "might," "should," "will" and "would." You can also identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. For example, we may use forward-looking statements when addressing topics such as: market and industry conditions, including competitive and pricing trends; changes in our business strategies and methods of generating revenue; the development and performance of our services and products; changes in the composition or level of our revenues; our cost structure and the outcome of cost-saving or restructuring initiatives; the outcome of contingencies; dividend policy; the expected impact of acquisitions and dispositions; pension obligations; cash flow and liquidity; expected effective tax rate; future actions by regulators; and the impact of changes in accounting rules. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from either historical or anticipated results depending on a variety of factors.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward looking statements:  general economic and political conditions in different countries in which Aon does business around the world; changes in the competitive environment; fluctuations in exchange and interest rates that could influence revenue and expense; changes in global equity and fixed income markets that could affect the return on invested assets; changes in the funding status of Aon's various defined benefit pension plans and the impact of any increased pension funding resulting from those changes; the level of Aon's debt limiting financial flexibility; rating agency actions that could affect Aon's ability to borrow funds; the effect of the change in global headquarters and jurisdiction of incorporation, including differences in the anticipated benefits; changes in estimates or assumptions on our financial statements; limits on Aon's subsidiaries to make dividend and other payments to Aon; the impact of lawsuits and other contingent liabilities and loss contingencies arising from errors and omissions and other claims against Aon; the impact of, and potential challenges in complying with, legislation and regulation in the jurisdictions in which Aon operates, particularly given the global scope of Aon's  businesses and the possibility of conflicting regulatory requirements across jurisdictions in which Aon does business; the impact of any investigations brought by regulatory authorities in the U.S., U.K. and other countries; the impact of any inquiries relating to compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and non-U.S. anti-corruption laws and with U.S. and non-U.S. trade sanctions regimes; failure to protect intellectual property rights or allegations that we infringe on the intellectual property rights of others; the effects of English law on our operating flexibility and the enforcement of judgments against Aon; the failure to retain and attract qualified personnel; international risks associated with Aon's global operations; the effect or natural or man-made disasters; the potential of a system or network breach or disruption resulting in operational interruption or improper disclosure of personal data; Aon's ability to develop and implement new technology; the damage to our reputation among clients, markets or third parties; the actions taken by third parties that preform aspects of our business operations and client services;  the extent to which Aon manages certain risks created in connection with the various services, including fiduciary and investments and other advisory services and business process outsourcing services, among others, that Aon currently provides, or will provide in the future, to clients; Aon's ability to grow, develop and integrate companies that it acquires or new lines of business; changes in commercial property and casualty markets, commercial premium rates or methods of compensation; changes in the health care system or our relationships with insurance carriers; and Aon's ability to implement initiatives intended to yield cost savings, and the ability to achieve those cost savings.

Any or all of Aon's forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate, and there are no guarantees about Aon's performance.  The factors identified above are not exhaustive.  Aon and its subsidiaries operate in a dynamic business environment in which new risks may emerge frequently.  Further information concerning Aon and its businesses, including factors that potentially could materially affect Aon's financial results, is contained in Aon's filings with the SEC. See Aon's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for a further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties applicable to Aon's businesses. These factors may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports.  Aon is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statement that it may make from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Explanation of Non-GAAP Measures
This communication includes supplemental information related to organic revenue, free cash flow, adjusted operating margin, adjusted earnings per share, and adjusted effective tax rate that exclude the effects of restructuring charges, intangible asset amortization, capital expenditures, transaction and integration costs and certain other noteworthy items that affected results for the comparable periods.  Organic revenue excludes from reported revenues the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between business units, reimbursable expenses and unusual items.  The impact of foreign exchange is determined by translating last year's revenue, expense or net income at this year's foreign exchange rates.  Reconciliations are provided in the attached schedules.  Supplemental organic revenue information and additional measures that exclude the effects of the restructuring charges and certain other items do not affect net income or any other GAAP reported amounts.  Free cash flow is cash flow from operating activity less capital expenditures. The effective tax rate, as adjusted, excludes the applicable tax impact associated with expenses for legacy litigation. Management believes that these measures are important to make meaningful period-to-period comparisons and that this supplemental information is helpful to investors.  They should be viewed in addition to, not in lieu of, the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.  Industry peers provide similar supplemental information regarding their performance, although they may not make identical adjustments.

Investor Contact:

 

Media Contact:

Scott Malchow

 

Donna Mirandola

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations

 

Senior Director, External Communications - Americas

+44 (0) 20 7086 0100

 

+1 312-381-1532

Aon plc
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

         
   

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

(millions, except per share data)

 

Dec 31,
 2015

 

Dec 31,
 2014

 

Percent

Change

 

Dec 31,
 2015

 

Dec 31,
 2014

 

Percent

Change

Revenue

                               

Commissions, fees and other

 

$

3,283

 

$

3,292

 

—%

 

$

11,661

 

$

12,019

 

(3)%

Fiduciary investment income

 

5

 

7

 

(29)

 

21

 

26

 

(19)

Total revenue

 

3,288

 

3,299

 

 

11,682

 

12,045

 

(3)

Expenses

                 

Compensation and benefits

 

1,857

 

1,848

 

 

6,837

 

7,014

 

(3)

Other general expenses

 

714

 

816

 

(13)

 

2,997

 

3,065

 

(2)

Total operating expenses

 

2,571

 

2,664

 

(3)

 

9,834

 

10,079

 

(2)

Operating income

 

717

 

635

 

13

 

1,848

 

1,966

 

(6)

Interest income

 

4

 

3

 

33

 

14

 

10

 

40

Interest expense

 

(68)

 

(67)

 

1

 

(273)

 

(255)

 

7

Other income

 

49

 

10

 

390

 

100

 

44

 

127

Income before income taxes

 

702

 

581

 

21

 

1,689

 

1,765

 

(4)

Income taxes

 

112

 

114

 

(2)

 

267

 

334

 

(20)

Net income

 

590

 

467

 

26

 

1,422

 

1,431

 

(1)

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

6

 

8

 

(25)

 

37

 

34

 

9

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders

 

$

584

 

$

459

 

27%

 

$

1,385

 

$

1,397

 

(1)%

                   

Basic net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders

 

$

2.12

 

$

1.60

 

33%

 

$

4.93

 

$

4.73

 

4%

Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders

 

$

2.09

 

$

1.56

 

34

 

$

4.88

 

$

4.66

 

5

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted

 

279.3

 

293.4

 

(5)%

 

283.8

 

299.6

 

(5)%

   

(1)

The effective tax rate is 15.8% and 19.6% for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and 15.8% and 18.9% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Aon plc
Revenue (Unaudited)

   
         
   

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

(millions)

 

Dec 31,
 2015

 

Dec 31,
 2014

 

Percent

Change

 

Organic

Revenue

Growth (1)

 

Dec 31,
 2015

 

Dec 31,
 2014

 

Percent
Change

 

Organic
Revenue
Growth (1)

Commissions, Fees and Other

                                       

Risk Solutions

 

$

2,004

 

$

2,049

 

(2)%

 

5%

 

$

7,405

 

$

7,808

 

(5)%

 

3%

HR Solutions

 

1,290

 

1,260

 

2

 

4

 

4,303

 

4,264

 

1

 

4

Total Operating Segments

 

$

3,294

 

$

3,309

 

—%

 

5%

 

$

11,708

 

$

12,072

 

(3)%

 

3%

Fiduciary Investment Income

                       

Risk Solutions

 

$

5

 

$

7

 

(29)%

     

$

21

 

$

26

 

(19)%

   

HR Solutions

 

 

 

     

 

 

   

Total Operating Segments

 

$

5

 

$

7

 

(29)%

     

$

21

 

$

26

 

(19)%

   

Total Revenue

                       

Risk Solutions

 

$

2,009

 

$

2,056

 

(2)%

     

$

7,426

 

$

7,834

 

(5)%

   

HR Solutions

 

1,290

 

1,260

 

2

     

4,303

 

4,264

 

1

   

Intersegment

 

(11)

 

(17)

 

(35)

     

(47)

 

(53)

 

(11)

   

Total

 

$

3,288

 

$

3,299

 

—%

     

$

11,682

 

$

12,045

 

(3)%

   
   

(1)

Organic revenue excludes the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers, reimbursable expenses and unusual items. Change in organic revenue, a non-GAAP measure, is reconciled to the corresponding U.S. GAAP percent change in revenue on page 12 of this release.

Aon plc

Segments (Unaudited)

         

Risk Solutions

     
         
   

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

(millions)

 

Dec 31,
 2015

 

Dec 31,
 2014

 

Percent
Change

 

Dec 31,
 2015

 

Dec 31,
 2014

 

Percent
Change

Revenue

                               

Commissions, fees and other

 

$

2,004

 

$

2,049

 

(2)%

 

$

7,405

 

$

7,808

 

(5)%

Fiduciary investment income

 

5

 

7

 

(29)

 

21

 

26

 

(19)

Total revenue

 

2,009

 

2,056

 

(2)

 

7,426

 

7,834

 

(5)

Expenses

                 

Compensation and benefits

 

1,130

 

1,131

 

 

4,180

 

4,396

 

(5)

Other general expenses

 

388

 

482

 

(20)

 

1,740

 

1,790

 

(3)

Total operating expenses

 

1,518

 

1,613

 

(6)

 

5,920

 

6,186

 

(4)

Operating income

 

$

491

 

$

443

 

11%

 

$

1,506

 

$

1,648

 

(9)%

                   

Operating margin

 

24.4%

 

21.5%

     

20.3%

   

21.0%

   
                                 
                                 

HR Solutions

                               
                                 
   

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

(millions)

 

Dec 31,
 2015

 

Dec 31,
 2014

 

Percent
Change

 

Dec 31,
 2015

 

Dec 31,
 2014

 

Percent
Change

Revenue

                               

Commissions, fees and other

 

$

1,290

 

$

1,260

 

2%

 

$

4,303

 

$

4,264

 

1%

Fiduciary investment income

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

N/A

Total revenue

 

1,290

 

1,260

 

2

 

4,303

 

4,264

 

1

Expenses

                 

Compensation and benefits

 

687

 

690

 

 

2,547

 

2,518

 

1

Other general expenses

 

316

 

334

 

(5)

 

1,220

 

1,261

 

(3)

Total operating expenses

 

1,003

 

1,024

 

(2)

 

3,767

 

3,779

 

Operating income

 

$

287

 

$

236

 

22%

 

$

536

 

$

485

 

11%

                   

Operating margin

 

22.2%

 

18.7%

     

12.5%

   

11.4%

   
                                 
                                 

Total Operating Income (Loss)

                             
                                 
   

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

(millions)

 

Dec 31,
 2015

 

Dec 31,
 2014

 

Percent
Change

 

Dec 31,
 2015

 

Dec 31,
 2014

 

Percent
Change

Risk Solutions

 

$

491

 

$

443

 

11%

 

$

1,506

 

$

1,648

 

(9)%

HR Solutions

 

287

 

236

 

22

 

536

 

485

 

11

Unallocated expense

 

(61)

 

(44)

 

39

 

(194)

 

(167)

 

16

Total operating income

 

$

717

 

$

635

 

13%

 

$

1,848

 

$

1,966

 

(6)%

                   

Total operating margin

 

21.8%

 

19.2%

     

15.8%

   

16.3%

   

Aon plc

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Organic Revenue and Free Cash Flow (Unaudited)

                             

Organic Revenue (Unaudited)

                         
   

Three Months Ended

(millions)

 

December 31,
 2015

 

December 31,
 2014

 

Percent

Change

 

Less:

Currency

Impact (1)

 

Less: Acquisitions,

Divestitures & Other

 

Organic

Revenue

Growth (2)

Commissions, Fees and Other

                           

Risk Solutions Segment:

                           

Retail brokerage

                           

Americas

 

$

965

 

$

959

 

1%

 

(4)%

 

(1)%

 

6%

International

 

716

 

756

 

(5)

 

(10)

 

(1)

 

6

Total Retail brokerage

 

1,681

 

1,715

 

(2)

 

(7)

 

(1)

 

6

Reinsurance brokerage

 

323

 

334

 

(3)

 

(5)

 

 

2

Total Risk Solutions

 

2,004

 

2,049

 

(2)

 

(6)

 

(1)

 

5

HR Solutions Segment:

             

Consulting services

 

464

 

455

 

2

 

(4)

 

2

 

4

Outsourcing

 

839

 

819

 

2

 

(1)

 

(1)

 

4

Intrasegment

 

(13)

 

(14)

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

Total HR Solutions

 

1,290

 

1,260

 

2

 

(2)

 

 

4

Total Operating Segments

 

$

3,294

 

$

3,309

 

—%

 

(5)%

 

—%

 

5%

                             
                             
   

Twelve Months Ended

(millions)

 

December 31,
 2015

 

December 31,
 2014

 

Percent
Change

 

Less:

Currency

Impact (1)

 

Less: Acquisitions,

Divestitures & Other

 

Organic

Revenue

Growth (2)

Commissions, Fees and Other

                           

Risk Solutions Segment:

                           

Retail brokerage

                           

Americas

 

$

3,294

 

$

3,288

 

—%

 

(4)%

 

—%

 

4%

International

 

2,750

 

3,046

 

(10)

 

(12)

 

(1)

 

3

Total Retail brokerage

 

6,044

 

6,334

 

(5)

 

(8)

 

(1)

 

4

Reinsurance brokerage

 

1,361

 

1,474

 

(8)

 

(6)

 

(1)

 

(1)

Total Risk Solutions

 

7,405

 

7,808

 

(5)

 

(8)

 

 

3

HR Solutions Segment:

             

Consulting services

 

1,686

 

1,700

 

(1)

 

(5)

 

1

 

3

Outsourcing

 

2,658

 

2,607

 

2

 

(1)

 

(1)

 

4

Intrasegment

 

(41)

 

(43)

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

Total HR Solutions

 

4,303

 

4,264

 

1

 

(3)

 

 

4

Total Operating Segments

 

$

11,708

 

$

12,072

 

(3)%

 

(6)%

 

—%

 

3%

Free Cash Flow (Unaudited)

     
   

Twelve Months Ended

(millions)

 

December 31,
 2015

 

December 31,
 2014

 

Percent
Change

Cash Provided By Operating Activities

 

$

2,009

 

$

1,812

 

11%

Less: Capital Expenditures

 

(290)

 

(256)

 

13

Free Cash Flow (3)

 

$

1,719

 

$

1,556

 

10%

   

(1)

Currency impact is determined by translating last year's revenue at this year's foreign exchange rates.

(2)

Organic revenue excludes the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers, reimbursable expenses and unusual items.

(3)

Free cash flow is defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures. This non-GAAP measure does not imply or represent a precise calculation of residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures.


 

Aon plc

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Unaudited) (1)

                                                 
   

Three Months Ended December 31, 2015

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015

(millions)

 

Risk

Solutions

 

HR

Solutions

 

Unallocated

Income &

Expense

 

Total

 

Risk

Solutions

 

HR

Solutions

 

Unallocated

Income &

Expense

 

 

Total

Revenue

 

$

2,009

 

$

1,290

 

$

(11)

 

$

3,288

 

$

7,426

 

$

4,303

 

$

(47)

 

$

11,682

                             

Operating income (loss) - as reported

 

$

491

 

$

287

 

$

(61)

 

$

717

 

$

1,506

 

$

536

 

$

(194)

 

$

1,848

Intangible asset amortization

 

26

 

51

 

 

77

 

109

 

205

 

 

314

Legacy Litigation

 

 

 

 

 

137

 

39

 

 

176

Operating income (loss) - as adjusted

 

$

517

 

$

338

 

$

(61)

 

$

794

 

$

1,752

 

$

780

 

$

(194)

 

$

2,338

                             

Operating margins - as adjusted

 

25.7%

 

26.2%

   

N/A

 

24.1%

 

23.6%

 

18.1%

   

N/A

 

20.0%

                                                 
                                                 
   

Three Months Ended December 31, 2014

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014

(millions)

 

Risk

Solutions

 

HR

Solutions

 

Unallocated

Income &

Expense

 

Total

 

Risk

Solutions

 

HR

Solutions

 

Unallocated

Income &

Expense

 

Total

Revenue

 

$

2,056

 

$

1,260

 

$

(17)

 

$

3,299

 

$

7,834

 

$

4,264

 

$

(53)

 

$

12,045

                             

Operating income (loss) - as reported

 

$

443

 

$

236

 

$

(44)

 

$

635

 

$

1,648

 

$

485

 

$

(167)

 

$

1,966

Intangible asset amortization

 

29

 

60

 

 

89

 

109

 

243

 

 

352

Legacy Litigation

 

35

 

 

 

35

 

35

 

 

 

35

Operating income (loss) - as adjusted

 

$

507

 

$

296

 

$

(44)

 

$

759

 

$

1,792

 

$

728

 

$

(167)

 

$

2,353

                             

Operating margins - as adjusted

 

24.7%

 

23.5%

   

N/A

 

23.0%

 

22.9%

 

17.1%

   

N/A

 

19.5%


 

   

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

(millions except per share data)

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Operating income - as adjusted

 

$

794

 

$

759

 

$

2,338

 

$

2,353

Interest income

 

4

 

3

 

14

 

10

Interest expense

 

(68)

 

(67)

 

(273)

 

(255)

Other income

 

49

 

10

 

100

 

44

               

Income before income taxes - as adjusted

 

779

 

705

 

2,179

 

2,152

Income taxes (2)

 

140

 

139

 

389

 

407

Net income - as adjusted

 

639

 

566

 

1,790

 

1,745

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

6

 

8

 

37

 

34

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders - as adjusted

 

$

633

 

$

558

 

$

1,753

 

$

1,711

               

Diluted earnings per share - as adjusted

 

$

2.27

 

$

1.89

 

$

6.18

 

$

5.71

               

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted

 

279.3

 

293.4

 

283.8

 

299.6

   

(1)

Certain noteworthy items impacting operating income in 2015 and 2014 are described in this schedule. The items shown with the caption "as adjusted" are non-GAAP measures.

(2)

The effective tax rate used in the U.S. GAAP financial statements were 15.8% and 19.6% for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and 15.8% and 18.9% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Reconciling items are generally taxed at the effective tax rate. However, after adjusting the underlying annual tax rate to exclude the impact associated with expenses for legacy litigation in the second quarter, the adjusted effective tax rates for both the fourth quarter and twelve months of 2015 was 17.9%.

Aon plc

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)

     
   

As of

(millions)

 

December 31,
 2015

 

December 31,
 2014

   

(Unaudited)

   

ASSETS

       

Current Assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

384

   

$

374

 

Short-term investments

 

356

   

394

 

Receivables, net

 

2,734

   

2,815

 

Fiduciary assets (1)

 

9,932

   

11,638

 

Other current assets

 

566

   

602

 

Total Current Assets

 

13,972

   

15,823

 

Goodwill

 

8,448

   

8,860

 

Intangible assets, net

 

2,180

   

2,520

 

Fixed assets, net

 

765

   

765

 

Non-current deferred tax assets

 

141

   

144

 

Other non-current assets

 

1,658

   

1,660

 

Total Assets

 

$

27,164

   

$

29,772

 
         

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

       

Current Liabilities

       

Fiduciary liabilities

 

$

9,932

   

$

11,638

 

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

 

562

   

783

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

1,772

   

1,805

 

Other current liabilities

 

852

   

788

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

13,118

   

15,014

 

Long-term debt

 

5,175

   

4,799

 

Non-current deferred tax liabilities

 

144

   

313

 

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

 

1,795

   

2,141

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

769

   

874

 

Total Liabilities

 

21,001

   

23,141

 
         

EQUITY

       

Shareholders' Equity

       

Ordinary shares ($0.01 nominal value)

 

3

   

3

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

5,409

   

5,097

 

Retained earnings

 

4,117

   

4,605

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(3,423)

   

(3,134)

 

Total Aon Shareholders' Equity

 

6,106

   

6,571

 

Noncontrolling interests

 

57

   

60

 

Total Equity

 

6,163

   

6,631

 

Total Liabilities and Equity

 

$

27,164

   

$

29,772

 
   

(1)

Includes short-term investments:  2015 - $3,394 million, 2014 - $3,984 million


 

Aon plc

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 
         

(millions)                                                                   Years ended December 31

 

2015

 

2014

     

(Unaudited)

   

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

         

Net income

 

$

1,422

   

$

1,431

 

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

       

Gain from sales of businesses and investments, net

 

(81)

   

(44)

 

Depreciation of fixed assets

 

229

   

242

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

314

   

352

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

340

   

328

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(256)

   

(135)

 

Change in assets and liabilities:

       

Fiduciary receivables

 

599

   

(19)

 

Short-term investments — funds held on behalf of clients

 

350

   

(403)

 

Fiduciary liabilities

 

(949)

   

422

 

Receivables, net

 

(83)

   

(25)

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

87

   

4

 

Restructuring reserves

 

(31)

   

(83)

 

Current income taxes

 

148

   

42

 

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

 

(230)

   

(340)

 

Other assets and liabilities

 

150

   

40

 

CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

2,009

   

1,812

 
         

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

       

Sales of long-term investments and proceeds from derivative contracts

 

220

   

52

 

Purchases of long-term investments and payments for derivative contracts

 

(266)

   

(20)

 

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

 

9

   

110

 

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

 

(16)

   

(479)

 

Proceeds from sale of businesses

 

205

   

48

 

Capital expenditures

 

(290)

   

(256)

 

CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(138)

   

(545)

 
         

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

       

Share repurchase

 

(1,550)

   

(2,250)

 

Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans

 

(30)

   

(105)

 

Issuance of debt

 

5,351

   

5,239

 

Repayment of debt

 

(5,098)

   

(3,918)

 

Cash dividends to shareholders

 

(323)

   

(273)

 

Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities

 

(39)

   

4

 

CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

(1,689)

   

(1,303)

 
         

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(172)

   

(67)

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

10

   

(103)

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

 

374

   

477

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

 

$

384

   

$

374