Aon Reports Second Quarter 2018 Results

LONDON, July 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

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

• Total revenue increased 8% to $2.6 billion, including a decrease of $36 million, or 2%, related to the FASB's new revenue recognition standard
• Operating margin increased 480 basis points to (0.6)%, including a decrease of 180 basis points related to the FASB's new revenue recognition standard
• EPS increased 195% to $0.19, including a decrease of $0.14 related to the FASB's new revenue recognition standard

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

• Total revenue increased 10% to $2.6 billion, including 5% organic revenue growth
• Operating margin increased to (0.6)%, and operating margin, adjusted for certain items, increased 130 basis points to 22.0%
• EPS increased to $0.19, and EPS, adjusted for certain items, increased 31% to $1.71
• For the first six months of 2018, cash flow from operations decreased 5% to $413 million, and adjusted free cash flow increased 17% to $580 million, when excluding certain near-term impacts related to the divestiture of the outsourcing business
• Repurchased 2.8 million Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $400 million
• Announced an 11% increase to the quarterly cash dividend
• Took further steps to unite the firm including the appointment of Eric Andersen and Michael O'Connor as Co-Presidents to further align the leadership team, as well as the move to a single brand to increase consistency and reinforce focus on long-term growth
• Launched our Intellectual Property Solutions Group with the acquisition of 601West providing increased industry knowledge for clients working to protect and maximize their most valuable asset in today's business world – intellectual property

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) today reported results for the three months ended June 30, 2018.

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Aon shareholders on a reported basis was $47 million, or $0.19 per share, compared to $(52) million, or $(0.20) per share, in the prior year period, which includes $(36) million, or $(0.14) per share, of unfavorable 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 31% to $1.71, compared to $1.31 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 Adjusted for Changes in Accounting Guidance - Operating Income from Continuing Operations and Diluted Earnings Per Share" on page 11 of this press release.

"Our second quarter results reflect continued momentum toward our mission with positive performance across each of our key financial metrics; including strong organic revenue growth of 5% overall and substantial operational improvement reflected in 17% operating income growth and +130 basis points of operating margin expansion. During the quarter, we took specific steps to strengthen our client-serving capabilities and create greater long-term operating leverage," said Greg Case, Chief Executive Officer. "We enter the second half of the year with momentum, operating from a position of strength and on track to deliver our near-term target of exceeding $7.97 adjusted earnings per share for the full year 2018. More important, we believe these further steps toward our mission to unite the firm will help deliver our potential for clients and colleagues and will unlock significant shareholder value creation through double-digit free cash flow growth over the long-term."

SECOND QUARTER 2018 FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The second 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 10-15 of this press release.

Total revenue in the second quarter increased 8% to $2.6 billion on a reported basis compared to the prior year period, including a decrease of $36 million, or 2%, related to adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. Excluding this impact, comparable revenue increased $229 million, or 10%, compared to the prior year period driven by 5% organic revenue growth, a 3% increase related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, and a 2% favorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Total operating expenses in the second quarter increased 3% to $2.6 billion on a reported basis compared to the prior year period, including an increase of $4 million related to adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. Excluding this impact, comparable expenses increased $79 million, or 3%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to $103 million of expense related to legacy litigation, a $72 million increase in operating expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, a $44 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, a $40 million increase in restructuring charges, and an increase in expenses associated with 5% organic revenue growth, partially offset by a $204 million net decrease in impairment charges, $40 million of incremental savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives, and a $34 million decrease in costs related to regulatory and compliance matters.

Restructuring expenses were $195 million in the second quarter, primarily driven by costs associated with restructuring and separation initiatives and workforce reductions. 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. The Company has incurred $766 million, or 75%, 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 second quarter related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives are estimated at $84 million before any reinvestment, an increase of $40 million compared to the prior year period. 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. The Company has achieved $257 million, or 57%, of the total estimated annualized savings, before any potential reinvestment.

Foreign currency exchange rates in the second quarter had a $1 million, or immaterial per share, unfavorable 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, there was an immaterial impact from foreign currency translation on net income adjusted for certain items and the impact of adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. If currency were to remain stable at today's rates, given U.S. Dollar strengthening primarily against Latin American currencies, we would expect an unfavorable impact of approximately -$0.03 per share in each of the third and fourth quarter of 2018.

Effective tax rate reflected in the reported financial statements in the second quarter was 165.5%, compared to 76.9% in the prior year period. After adjusting for the impact of 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 second quarter of 2018 decreased to 14.7% compared to 16.1% in the prior year quarter, primarily driven by changes in the geographical distribution of income. In addition, the adjusted effective tax rate in both periods includes a net favorable impact from certain discrete items. Certain items that impacted second 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. As a result of changes to current assumptions of the geographical distribution of income, we believe the best estimate for our non-GAAP full year 2018 global effective tax rate to be approximately 18%.

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased to 247.4 million in the second quarter compared to 262.4 million in the prior year period. The Company repurchased 2.8 million Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $400 million in the quarter.  As of June 30, 2018, the Company had $4.5 billion of remaining authorization under its share repurchase program.

SECOND QUARTER 2018 CASH FLOW SUMMARY
Cash flow from operations for the first six months of 2018 decreased 5%, or $23 million, to $413 million compared to the prior year period, primarily reflecting $150 million of cash restructuring charges, partially offset by operational improvement.

Free cash flow, defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures, decreased 15%, or $52 million, to $302 million for the first six months of 2018 compared to the prior year quarter, reflecting a $29 million increase in capital expenditures, including investments in our operating model, and a decrease in cash flow from operations.

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 $83 million, or 17%, to $580 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.

SECOND QUARTER 2018 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 revenue increased 8%, or $193 million, on a reported basis, including a decrease of $36 million, or 2%, related to adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. Excluding this impact, revenue on a comparable basis increased $229 million, or 10%, compared to the prior year period, including organic revenue of 5% primarily driven by strong new business generation and retention globally across our core portfolio, as well as double-digit growth in specific areas of continued investment; including cyber solutions, transaction liability, and voluntary benefits.

Commercial Risk Solutions organic revenue increased 6% compared to the prior year period driven by growth across every major geography, highlighted by strength across North America, the UK, and Australia.  Results reflect strong global new business generation and management of the renewal book portfolio. In North America, double-digit new business generation was highlighted by strength in our transaction liability business in the U.S. and our construction business in Canada.

Reinsurance Solutions organic revenue increased 8% compared to the prior year period driven by net new business generation globally in treaty and strong growth in facultative placements, partially offset by a modest decline in capital markets transactions. The prior year quarter benefited from record catastrophe bond issuance during the mid-year renewal season.  Market impact was modestly unfavorable on results in the second quarter, as modest upward pressure in loss-exposed geographies was more than offset by record levels of capital.

Retirement Solutions organic revenue increased 3% compared to the prior year period driven by solid growth in core actuarial retirement driven by an increase in volume and rates across North America and the EMEA region, as well as solid growth in our talent practice for assessment services and in our rewards practice for data-driven services.  In investment consulting, double-digit growth in our core delegated investment management business was more than offset by an unfavorable impact from the timing of certain performance-based fees earned in the prior year quarter.

Health Solutions organic revenue increased 7% compared to the prior year period driven by growth across every major geography, highlighted by particular strength in the U.S. and double-digit growth in both Latin America and Asia.  Strength in the U.S. was highlighted by another quarter of strong growth in voluntary benefits, an area where we have seen increasing client demand.

Data & Analytic Services organic revenue decreased 4% compared to the prior year period driven by the anticipated near-term unfavorable impact from changes in certain client contracts, most notably the transition of a certain government contract in our flood business, partially offset by solid growth internationally in our core Affinity business.

 SECOND QUARTER 2018 EXPENSE REVIEW

Compensation and benefits expense increased $28 million, or 2%, on a reported basis, including $5 million related to adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. Excluding this impact, compensation and benefits expense on a comparable basis increased $23 million, or 2%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $55 million increase in expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, a $32 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation, and an increase in expense associated with 5% organic revenue growth, partially offset by a $69 million decrease in restructuring costs and $44 million of incremental savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives.

Information technology expense increased $25 million, or 26%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $13 million increase in investments supporting growth initiatives and GDPR compliance, a $5 million increase in expenses related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, and a $2 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Premises expense increased $10 million, or 12%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $9 million increase in restructuring costs and a $3 million increase related to acquisitions, net of divestitures, partially offset by $1 million of incremental savings related to restructuring and other operational improvement initiatives.

Depreciation of fixed assets decreased $7 million, or 13%, compared to the prior year period primarily due to a decrease in overall expense as we continue to optimize our IT and Real Estate portfolios.

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets decreased $178 million, or 39%, compared to the prior year period primarily due to a $204 million net decrease in impairment charges, partially offset by a $19 million increase in accelerated amortization related to tradenames as we move to a single brand.

Other general expenses increased $204 million, or 62%, 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 $205 million, or 62%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $103 million increase in expense related to legacy litigation, a $102 million increase in restructuring costs, and an increase in expense associated with 5% organic revenue growth, partially offset by a $34 million decrease of costs related to regulatory and compliance matters.

SECOND QUARTER 2018 INCOME SUMMARY
The second 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 10-15 of this press release. In addition, certain noteworthy items impacted adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margins in the second 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 $111 million, or 87%, on a reported basis compared to the prior year period, including a decrease of $40 million, or 31%, related to adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. Operating margin increased 480 basis points on a reported basis compared to the prior year period, including a decrease of 180 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 $82 million, or 17%, and adjusted operating margin on a comparable basis increased 130 basis points to 22.0%, each compared to the prior year period. The increase in adjusted operating margin on a comparable basis was primarily driven by strong organic growth, including strong growth in areas of continued investment across the portfolio, and $40 million, or 160 basis points, of incremental savings from restructuring and other operational initiatives, partially offset by a -30 basis points unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Interest income decreased $7 million to $1 million as the prior year period included additional income earned on the proceeds of the sale of the outsourcing businesses. Interest expense decreased $2 million to $69 million compared to the prior year period reflecting lower outstanding term debt, partially offset by an increase in commercial paper borrowings. Other pension income (expense) was $(7) million, including $9 million of pension income, partially offset by $(16) million of non-cash expenses related to pension settlements. Excluding the non-cash expenses related to pension settlements, pension income of $9 million is similar to the prior year period. Other income was $4 million, including $8 million of net gains due to the favorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies, partially offset by $5 million of losses primarily related to certain company-owned life insurance plans. The prior year period included $5 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 $1 million, or  an insignificant impact per share, compared to net income of $821 million, or $3.13 per share, in the prior year period.

Conference Call, Presentation Slides and Webcast Details
The Company will host a conference call on Friday, 7/27/18 at 7:30 a.m., central time.  The Company will provide management's prepared conference call remarks in the investor presentation prior to the beginning of the conference call in order to provide more time for discussion with the investment community.  Interested parties can listen to the conference call via a live audio webcast, read management's prepared remarks, 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 Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018 and June 30, 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 regarding the reconciliation of non-GAAP pro forma financials refer to pages 10-15 of this press release

SOURCE Aon plc