Aon Reports Second Quarter 2017 Results

LONDON, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Second Quarter Key Metrics From Continuing Operations

• Reported revenue increased 4% to $2.4 billion, with organic revenue growth of 3%
• Operating margin was (5.0)%, and operating margin, adjusted for certain items, increased 110 basis points to 22.4%
• EPS was $(0.20), and EPS, adjusted for certain items, increased 13% to $1.45
• For the first six months of 2017, cash flow from operations was $436 million, and free cash flow was $354 million

Second Quarter Highlights

• Repurchased 8 million Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $1 billion
• Closed the sale of the Benefits Administration and HR Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) platform for cash consideration of $4.3 billion, subject to customary adjustments, and additional consideration of up to $500 million
• Announced a 9% increase to the quarterly cash dividend

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) today reported results for the three months ended June 30, 2017.

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders was $769 million, or $2.93 per share, compared to $300 million or $1.11 per share, in the prior year period. Net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders, adjusted for certain items, increased 2% to $1.53, compared to $1.50 in the prior year period. Net income (loss) from continuing operations was $(43) million, or $(0.20) per share, compared to $273 million, or $0.98 per share, in the prior year period. Net income per share from continuing operations, adjusted for certain items, increased 13% to $1.45, compared to $1.28 in the prior year period. Certain items that impacted second quarter results and comparisons with the prior year period are detailed in the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income from Continuing Operations and Diluted Earnings per Share" on page 11 of this press release. 

"Our second quarter results reflect growth across all major lines of revenue, solid operating performance with 110 basis points of adjusted operating margin improvement and 13% earnings per share growth, highlighted by the repurchase of $1 billion of stock in the quarter," said Greg Case, President and Chief Executive Officer.  "During the quarter, we took significant steps to strengthen our industry-leading global professional services platform, including the completed divestiture of our outsourcing businesses and initial investments in our Aon United single operating model.  Combined with strong free cash flow generation and capital proceeds from the transaction, we believe we are on track to exceed $7.97 adjusted earnings per share in 2018 and deliver double-digit free cash flow growth over the long-term."

SECOND QUARTER 2017 FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The second quarter financial results discussed herein represent performance from continuing operations unless otherwise noted.

Total revenue in the second quarter increased 4% to $2.4 billion, compared to the prior year period driven primarily by 3% organic revenue growth and a 3% increase related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, partially offset by a 2% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Total operating expenses in the second quarter increased 31% to $2.5 billion compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $380 million non-cash impairment charge to the associated indefinite lived tradenames associated with the sale of the Benefits Administration and HR Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) platform, $155 million of restructuring costs, a $62 million increase in operating expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, $35 million of accelerated amortization related to tradenames, $34 million of costs related to regulatory and compliance matters, and an $8 million increase in intangible asset amortization from previous acquisitions, partially offset by $62 million of expense related to certain non-cash pension settlements in the prior year period, a $50 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation and $44 million of savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives.

Restructuring expenses were $155 million in the second quarter, primarily driven by workforce reductions. The Company expects to invest $900 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 $700 million of cash restructuring charges and $200 million of capital expenditures. To date, the Company has incurred 40% of the total estimated restructuring charges. An analysis of restructuring and related costs by type is detailed on page 15 of this press release.

Restructuring savings in the second quarter related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives are estimated at $44 million before reinvestment. Before any potential reinvestment of savings, restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives are expected to deliver run-rate savings of $400 million annually in 2019.  To date, the Company has achieved 14% of the total estimated annualized savings.

Foreign currency exchange rates in the second quarter had a $0.05 per share, or $15 million, favorable impact on U.S. GAAP net income, and a $0.02 per share, or $7 million, pretax favorable impact on adjusted net income 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 in the second quarter was 76.9%, compared to the prior year quarter of 13.6%.  After adjusting to exclude the applicable tax impact associated with estimated restructuring expenses, accelerated tradename amortization, impairment charges, regulatory and compliance provisions, and non-cash pension settlement charges anticipated in Q4 2017, the adjusted effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2017 was 15.6% compared to 14.9% in the prior year quarter, due primarily to a net favorable impact of certain discrete items recognized in both periods. These adjustments are discussed in "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income from Continuing Operations and Diluted Earnings per Share" on page 11 of this press release.

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased to 262.4 million in the second quarter compared to 269.8 million in the prior year quarter. The Company repurchased 8 million Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $1 billion in the quarter.  As of June 30, 2017, the Company had $6.7 billion of remaining authorization under its share repurchase program.

SECOND QUARTER 2017 CASH FLOW SUMMARY
Cash flow from operations for the first six months of 2017 decreased 22%, or $121 million, to $436 million compared to the prior year period, primarily reflecting $94 million of cash restructuring charges and $44 million of transaction related costs, partially offset by operational improvement.

Free cash flow, defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures, decreased 28%, or $135 million, to $354 million for the first six months of 2017 compared to the prior year period, reflecting a decline in cash flow from operations and a $14 million increase in capital expenditures, including investments in our operating model.  A reconciliation of 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.

SECOND QUARTER 2017 REVENUE REVIEW
The second 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 organic revenue increased 3% compared to the prior year period, reflecting growth across every major revenue line and highlighted by strong growth in Reinsurance Solutions and Health Solutions.

Commercial Risk Solutions organic revenue increased 2% compared to the prior year period driven by strong growth across the Pacific region, in both Australia and New Zealand, and solid growth in the U.S. and Canada, partially offset by a modest decline in Latin America and Asia.

Reinsurance Solutions organic revenue increased 6% compared to the prior year period driven by strong growth in capital markets, as well as growth in facultative placements and net new business generation in treaty, partially offset by a modest unfavorable market impact globally.

Retirement Solutions organic revenue increased 1% compared to the prior year period driven by continued growth in investment consulting, primarily for delegated investment management, partially offset by a decline in our talent practice.

Health Solutions organic revenue increased 5% compared to the prior year period driven by solid growth globally in health & benefits brokerage, highlighted by strong growth in the U.S., Asia, and EMEA.

Data & Analytic Services organic revenue increased 4% compared to the prior year period driven by strong growth across Affinity, with particular strength in the U.S.

 SECOND QUARTER EXPENSE REVIEW

Compensation and benefits expense increased 4%, or $61 million, compared to the prior year period due primarily to $102 million of restructuring costs, a $38 million increase in expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, and an increase in expense associated with 3% organic revenue growth, partially offset by $62 million of expense related to certain non-cash pension settlements in the prior year period, a $38 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation, and $24 million of savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives.

Information technology expense decreased 1%, or $1 million, compared to the prior year period due primarily to $12 million of savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives and a $2 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by $7 million of restructuring costs.

Premises expense decreased 3%, or $3 million, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $2 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation and $1 million of savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives, partially offset by $1 million of restructuring costs.

Depreciation of fixed assets expense increased 32%, or $13 million, compared to the prior year period primarily due to $11 million of restructuring costs related to of fixed asset write-offs, partially offset by a $1 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets expense increased 1,111%, or $422 million, compared to the prior year period primarily due to a $380 million non-cash impairment charge to the indefinite lived tradenames associated with the sale of the Benefits Administration and HR Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) platform, $35 million of accelerated amortization related to tradenames and an $8 million increase in intangible asset amortization from previous acquisitions, partially offset by a $1 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Other general expenses increased 43%, or $99 million, compared to the prior year period due primarily to $34 million of restructuring costs, $34 million of costs related to regulatory and compliance matters, a $16 million increase in operating expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, and an increase in expense associated with 3% organic revenue growth, partially offset by $7 million of savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives and a $6 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation.

SECOND QUARTER 2017 INCOME SUMMARY
Certain noteworthy items impacted operating income and operating margins in the second quarters of 2017 and 2016.  The second quarter information provided below includes supplemental information related to adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margin, which are non-GAAP measures that are described in detail in "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income from Continuing Operations and Diluted Earnings per Share" on page 11 of this press release.

Operating income decreased $505 million, or 130%, compared to the prior year period. Adjusting for certain items detailed on page 11 of this press release, operating income increased 9%, or $44 million, and operating margin increased 110 basis points to 22.4%, each compared to the prior year period. The increase in adjusted operating margin was primarily driven by $44 million, or +190 basis points, of savings from restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives partially offset by a $4 million, or -20 basis point, unfavorable impact from lower non-cash pension income and a $10 million, or -40 basis point, headwind from lower errors and omissions expense in the prior year quarter.

Interest income increased $5 million to $8 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to additional income earned on the proceeds from the sale of our outsourcing businesses.  Interest expense decreased $2 million to $71 million compared to the prior year period driven by a modest decrease in total debt outstanding. Other expense was $5 million and primarily included losses on certain foreign exchange hedging programs. The prior year period primarily includes losses on certain foreign exchange hedging programs and long-term investments, partially offset by the sale of a certain business.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Net income from discontinued operations was $821 million, or $3.13 per share, compared to $35 million, or $0.13 per share, in the prior year period.  Net income per share from discontinued operations, adjusted for certain items, was $22 million, or $0.08 per share, compared to $58 million, or $0.22 per share in the prior year period. Certain items that impacted second quarter results and comparisons with the prior year period are detailed in "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income from Continuing Operations and Diluted Earnings per Share" on page 11 of this press release.  

Conference Call, Presentation Slides and Webcast Details
The Company will host a conference call on Friday, August 4, 2017 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, including negative yields in some jurisdictions, 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 of natural or man-made disasters; the potential of a system or network breach or disruption resulting in operational interruption or improper disclosure of personal data; Aon's ability to develop and implement new technology; 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 risks associated with the various services, including fiduciary and investments and other advisory services and business process outsourcing services, among others, that Aon provides or will provide to clients; Aon's ability to grow, develop and integrate companies or new lines of business that it acquires; 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; Aon's ability to implement initiatives intended to yield cost savings, and the ability to achieve those cost savings; risks and uncertainties in connection with the sale of our benefits administration and business process outsourcing business; and our ability to realize the expected benefits from our restructuring plan.

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, 2016 and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017 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, 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, fiduciary investment income, and reimbursable expenses.  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. 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.

SOURCE Aon plc