Aon Reports First Quarter 2018 Results

LONDON, May 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- 

First Quarter Key Metrics as Reported under U.S. GAAP⁽¹⁾

• Total revenue increased 30% to $3.1 billion, including an increase of $365 million, or 17%, related to FASB's new revenue recognition standard
• Operating margin increased 1,180 basis points to 25.9%, including 860 basis points related to FASB's new revenue recognition standard
• EPS increased 150% to $2.35, including $0.90, or 96%, related to FASB's new revenue recognition standard

First Quarter Key Metrics as Comparable to Pro Forma Financials and Highlights⁽¹⁾

• Total revenue increased 13% to $3.1 billion, including 3% organic revenue growth
• Operating margin increased to 25.9%, and operating margin, adjusted for certain items, increased 230 basis points to 31.8%
• EPS increased to $2.35, and EPS, adjusted for certain items, increased 26% to $2.97
• For the first three months of 2018, cash flow from operations decreased to $140 million, and adjusted free cash flow increased 16% to $208 million, when excluding certain near-term impacts related to the divestiture of the outsourcing businesses
• Repurchased 3.9 million Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $550 million
• Subsequent to the close of the first quarter, Aon announced an 11% increase to its quarterly cash dividend
• Aon Securities, as part of Reinsurance Solutions, launched an unprecedented $1.4 billion catastrophe bond on behalf of the World Bank, a transaction that brings emergency funding and disaster support to certain Latin American countries if and when an earthquake occurs

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) today reported results for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Net income from continuing operations attributable to Aon shareholders on a reported basis was $588 million, or $2.35 per share, compared to $251 million, or $0.94 per share, in the prior year period. This includes $239 million, or $0.90 per share, of favorable impact from adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. Net income per share from continuing operations on a comparable basis, adjusted for certain items and the impact of adoption of the new revenue recognition standard, increased 26% to $2.97, compared to $2.35 in the prior year period. Certain items that impacted first quarter results and comparisons with the prior year period are detailed in the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures Adjusted for Changes in Accounting Guidance - Operating Income from Continuing Operations and Diluted Earnings Per Share" on page 11 of this press release.

"Our first quarter results reflect a strong start to the year with positive performance across each of our key metrics, highlighted by strong organic revenue growth in Reinsurance and Commercial Risk Solutions, substantial operational improvement, 26% growth in earnings per share and double-digit adjusted free cash flow growth," said Greg Case, President and Chief Executive Officer. "An unmatched level of investment in client-serving capabilities, combined with improved operational performance through our Aon United operating model and effective capital management, we believe place us on track to exceed $7.97 of earnings per share in 2018 and unlock significant shareholder value through double-digit free cash flow growth over the long-term."

FIRST QUARTER 2018 FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The first quarter 2018 financial results discussed herein represent performance from continuing operations unless otherwise noted. Adoption of the FASB's new revenue recognition standard on January 1, 2018 is not reflected in reported 2017 financials. A comparable year-over-year view of reported 2018 results to unaudited pro forma 2017 results incorporating the impact of adoption of the new revenue recognition standard is provided in detail on pages 11-15 of this press release.

Total revenue in the first quarter increased 30% to $3.1 billion on a reported basis compared to the prior year period, including an increase of $365 million, or 17%, related to adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. Excluding this impact, comparable revenue increased $344 million, or 13%, compared to the prior year period driven by a 5% increase related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, a 5% favorable impact from foreign currency translation, and 3% organic revenue growth.

Total operating expenses in the first quarter increased 12% to $2.3 billion on a reported basis compared to the prior year period, including an increase of $78 million, or 4%, related to adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. Excluding this impact, comparable expenses increased $167 million, or 8%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $99 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, a $66 million increase in operating expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, $54 million of accelerated amortization related to tradenames, a $12 million increase in expense related to certain hedging programs, and an increase in expense associated with 3% organic revenue growth, partially offset by a $70 million decrease in restructuring charges and $52 million of incremental savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives.

Restructuring expenses were $74 million in the first quarter, primarily driven by workforce reductions and other general initiatives. As previously announced, the Company expects to invest $1,175 million in total cash over a three-year period and incur $50 million of non-cash charges in driving one operating model across the firm. This includes an estimated investment of $975 million of cash restructuring charges and $200 million of capital expenditures. To date, the Company has incurred $571 million, or 56%, of the total estimated restructuring charges. An analysis of restructuring and related costs by type is detailed on page 18 of this press release.

Restructuring savings in the first quarter related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives are estimated at $63 million before any reinvestment. Before any potential reinvestment of savings, restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives are expected to deliver run-rate savings of $450 million annually in 2019.  To date, the Company has achieved $228 million, or 51%, of the total estimated annualized savings.

Foreign currency exchange rates in the first quarter had a $33 million, or $0.11 per share, favorable impact on reported net income if the Company were to translate prior year quarter results at current quarter foreign exchange rates. On a comparable basis, net income adjusted for certain items and the impact of adoption of the new revenue recognition standard includes a $57 million, or $0.19 per share, favorable impact from foreign currency translation. The Company also incurred $10 million, or $0.03 per share, of net losses due to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies recorded in other expense. In addition, the prior year quarter benefited by a $12 million, or $0.04 per share, reduction in expense related to certain hedging programs.

Effective tax rate reflected in the reported financial statements in the first quarter was 15.9%, compared to the prior year period of 0.1%. After adjusting for the impact from adoption of the new revenue recognition standard and to exclude the applicable tax impact associated with certain non-GAAP adjustments, the adjusted effective tax rate on a comparable basis for the first quarter of 2018 was 16.5% compared to 13.3% in the prior year quarter. The increase was primarily driven by changes in geographical distribution of income and the various impacts of U.S. Tax Reform. The adjusted effective tax rate in both periods includes a net favorable impact from certain discrete items. Certain items that impacted first quarter results and comparisons with the prior year period are detailed in the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures Adjusted for Changes in Accounting Guidance - Operating Income from Continuing Operations and Diluted Earnings Per Share" on page 11 of this press release.

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased to 250.2 million in the first quarter compared to 267.0 million in the prior year period. The Company repurchased 3.9 million Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $550 million in the quarter.  As of March 31, 2018, the Company had $4.9 billion of remaining authorization under its share repurchase program.

FIRST QUARTER 2018 CASH FLOW SUMMARY
Cash flow from operations for the first three months of 2018 decreased 23%, or $42 million, to $140 million compared to the prior year period, primarily reflecting $98 million of cash restructuring charges, partially offset by operational improvement.

Free cash flow, defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures, decreased 36%, or $53 million, to $95 million for the first three months of 2018 compared to the prior year quarter, reflecting a decline in cash flow from operations and an $11 million increase in capital expenditures, including investments in our operating model.

Adjusted free cash flow, defined as free cash flow excluding certain near-term impacts resulting from the divestiture of the outsourcing businesses, including restructuring initiatives, increased $28 million, or 16%, to $208 million compared to the prior year period. A reconciliation of free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow to cash flow from operations can be found in "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Organic Revenue and Free Cash Flow" on page 10 of this press release.

FIRST QUARTER 2018 REVENUE REVIEW
The first quarter revenue reviews provided below include supplemental information related to organic revenue, which is a non-GAAP measure that is described in detail in "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Organic Revenue and Free Cash Flow" on page 10 of this press release.   

Total revenue increased 30%, or $709 million, on a reported basis, including an increase of $365 million, or 17%, related to adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. Excluding this impact, revenue on a comparable basis increased $344 million, or 13%, compared to the prior year period, including organic revenue of 3% primarily driven by strong growth in Reinsurance and Commercial Risk Solutions.

Commercial Risk Solutions organic revenue increased 4% compared to the prior year period driven by strong growth globally across most geographies, highlighted by particular strength in the Americas and EMEA regions, driven by double-digit new business generation and strong management of the renewal book portfolio.

Reinsurance Solutions organic revenue increased 6% compared to the prior year period driven by strong growth across every major product line, including particular strength in treaty placements driven by net new business generation and a modest favorable market impact, as well as growth in both facultative placements and capital markets transactions.

Retirement Solutions organic revenue was flat compared to the prior year period driven by growth in investment consulting, primarily for delegated investment management, and in the talent practice for assessment services, offset by a modest decline in project-related work and an unfavorable impact from the timing of certain revenue.

Health Solutions organic revenue was flat compared to the prior year period driven by solid growth in health and benefits brokerage, highlighted by strong growth across Asia and the EMEA region, offset by a decline in project-related work that benefited the prior year period in the health care exchange business.

Data & Analytic Services organic revenue increased 1% compared to the prior year period driven by continued solid growth across core Affinity, with particular strength in the U.S., offset by unfavorable impacts from certain client contracts that were anticipated. 

FIRST QUARTER 2018 EXPENSE REVIEW

Compensation and benefits expense increased $147 million, or 10%, on a reported basis, including $79 million, or 5%, related to adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. Excluding this impact, compensation and benefits expense on a comparable basis increased $68 million, or 5%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $78 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, a $51 million increase in expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, a $12 million increase in expense related to certain hedging programs, and an increase in expense associated with 3% organic revenue growth, partially offset by a $70 million decrease in restructuring costs and $50 million of incremental savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives.

Information technology expense increased $27 million, or 31%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $7 million increase in restructuring costs, a $5 million increase in expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, a $3 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, as well as investments in growth.

Premises expense increased $9 million, or 11%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $5 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation and a $3 million increase related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, partially offset by $2 million of incremental savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives.

Depreciation of fixed assets decreased $15 million, or 28%, compared to the prior year period primarily due to a $12 million decrease in restructuring costs related to fixed asset write-offs.

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets increased $67 million, or 156%, compared to the prior year period primarily due to $54 million of accelerated amortization related to tradenames and an increase in intangible asset amortization from previous acquisitions.

Other general expenses increased $10 million, or 3% on a reported basis, including a $1 million decrease related to adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. Excluding this impact, other general expenses on a comparable basis increased $11 million, or 3%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $9 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, a $5 million increase in operating expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, and a $5 million increase in restructuring costs, partially offset by expense discipline.

FIRST QUARTER 2018 INCOME SUMMARY
The first quarter 2018 financial results discussed herein represent performance from continuing operations unless otherwise noted. Adoption of the FASB's new revenue recognition standard on January 1, 2018 is not reflected in reported 2017 financials. A comparable year-over-year view of reported 2018 results to unaudited pro forma 2017 results incorporating the impact of adoption of the new revenue recognition standard is provided in detail on pages 11-15 of this press release. In addition, certain noteworthy items impacted adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margins in the first quarters of 2018 and 2017, which are also described in detail in "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures Adjusted for Changes in Accounting Guidance - Operating Income from Continuing Operations and Diluted Earnings Per Share" on page 11 of this press release.

AS REPORTED

Operating income increased $464 million, or 139%, on a reported basis compared to the prior year period, including an increase of $287 million, or 86%, related to adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. Operating margin increased 1,180 basis points on a reported basis compared to the prior year period, including 860 basis points related to adoption of the new revenue recognition standard.

AS COMPARABLE TO 2017 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIALS

Adjusting for certain items and the impact of adoption of the new revenue recognition standard detailed on page 11 of this press release, adjusted operating income on a comparable basis increased $174 million, or 22%, and adjusted operating margin on a comparable basis increased 230 basis points to 31.8%, each compared to the prior year period. The increase in adjusted operating margin on a comparable basis was primarily driven by $52 million, or 160 basis points, of incremental savings from restructuring and other operational initiatives, as well as underlying operational improvement driven by return on investments and increased operating leverage, partially offset by a 20 basis points net unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation and certain hedging programs.

Interest income increased $2 million to $4 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to modestly higher cash balances compared to the prior year period. Interest expense was flat at $70 million compared to the prior year period. Other pension income decreased $6 million to $2 million compared to the prior year period, including $9 million of pension income, partially offset by $7 million of non-cash expenses related to pension settlements. Excluding the non-cash expenses related to pension settlements, pension income of $9 million compares to $8 million in the prior year period. Other expense was $17 million, including $10 million of net losses due to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies and $7 million of losses primarily related to certain long-term investments. The prior year period included $10 million of losses related to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Net income from discontinued operations on a reported basis was $6 million, or $0.02 per share, compared to net income of $40 million, or $0.15 per share, in the prior year period.

Conference Call, Presentation Slides and Webcast Details
The Company will host a conference call on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 7:30 a.m., central time.  Interested parties can listen to the conference call via a live audio webcast and view the presentation slides at www.aon.com.

About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE:AON) Aon is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement and health solutions. Our 50,000 colleagues in 120 countries empower results for clients by using proprietary data and analytics to deliver insights that reduce volatility and improve performance.

Safe Harbor Statement
This communication contains certain statements related to future results, or states our intentions, beliefs and expectations or predictions for the future which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as our outlook, future capital expenditures, growth in commissions and fees, changes to the composition or level of our revenues, cash flow and liquidity, expected tax rates, business strategies, competitive strengths, goals, the benefits of new initiatives, growth of our business and operations, plans and references to future successes, are forward-looking statements. Also, when we use the words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan", "probably", "potential", "looking forward", or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements.

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 for the year ended December 31, 2017 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018 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 free cash flow, adjusted operating margin, and adjusted earnings per share for continuing operations that exclude the effects of intangible asset amortization, capital expenditures, and certain other noteworthy items that affected results for the comparable periods.   Organic revenue includes the impact of intercompany activity and excludes the impact of foreign exchange rate changes, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between business units, and fiduciary investment income.  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 appendices.  Supplemental organic revenue information and additional measures that exclude the effects of certain items noted above that do not affect net income or any other U.S. GAAP reported amounts.  Free cash flow is cash flow from operating activity less capital expenditures. Adjusted free cash flow is free cash flow excluding certain near-term impacts resulting from the divestiture of the outsourcing businesses, including restructuring initiatives. The effective tax rate, as adjusted, excludes the applicable tax impact associated with expenses for estimated restructuring expenses, accelerated tradename amortization, impairment charges, regulatory and compliance provisions, and non-cash pension settlement related charges. 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.

(1) For additional information refer to pages 11-15 of this press release

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