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Aon Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Results

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Aon plc (NYSE: AON) reported a 2% increase in total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2022, reaching $3.1 billion, with 5% organic revenue growth. The operating margin rose to 32.3%, while earnings per share (EPS) decreased 19% to $3.14. In contrast, the full-year results showed total revenue up 2% to $12.5 billion and a significant 119% increase in net income per share to $12.14. Aon repurchased 2.3 million shares for approximately $675 million in Q4, contributing to a total repurchase of 11.1 million shares worth $3.2 billion in 2022. The firm also announced the acquisition of ERN, enhancing its risk assessment capabilities.

Positive
  • Total revenue increased 2% to $3.1 billion in Q4 2022.
  • Organic revenue growth of 5% in Q4 2022 and 6% for full year 2022.
  • Operating margin increased 70 basis points to 32.3% in Q4 2022.
  • EPS increased 12% to $13.39 for full year 2022 (adjusted for certain items).
  • Cash flows from operations rose 48% to $3.2 billion in 2022.
Negative
  • Net income attributable to shareholders in Q4 2022 decreased 24% to $657 million.
  • EPS decreased 19% to $3.14 in Q4 2022.
  • Foreign currency translation negatively impacted earnings by $0.09 per share in Q4 2022.

Fourth Quarter Key Metrics and Highlights

  • Total revenue increased 2% to $3.1 billion, including organic revenue growth of 5%
  • Operating margin increased 70 basis points to 32.3%, and operating margin, adjusted for certain items, increased 40 basis points to 33.2%
  • EPS decreased 19% to $3.14, and EPS, adjusted for certain items, increased 5% to $3.89
  • Repurchased 2.3 million class A ordinary shares for approximately $675 million
  • Announced the acquisition of ERN, a Mexico-based leader in risk assessment modeling, expanding Aon's catastrophe modeling and consulting capabilities in Latin America

Full Year Key Metrics and Highlights

  • Total revenue increased 2% to $12.5 billion, including organic revenue growth of 6%
  • Operating margin increased 1,230 basis points to 29.4%, and operating margin, adjusted for certain items, increased 70 basis points to 30.8%
  • EPS increased 119% to $12.14, and EPS, adjusted for certain items, increased 12% to $13.39
  • Cash flows from operations increased 48% to $3,219 million and free cash flow increased 48% to $3,023 million, both all-time highs
  • Repurchased 11.1 million class A ordinary shares for approximately $3.2 billion

DUBLIN, Feb. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon plc (NYSE: AON) today reported results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2022.

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders in the fourth quarter decreased 24% to $657 million, or $3.14 per share, compared to $863 million, or $3.90 per share, in the prior year period. Net income per share, adjusted for certain items, increased 5% to $3.89, including an unfavorable impact of $0.09 per share if prior year period results were translated at current period foreign exchange rates ("foreign currency translation"), compared to $3.71 in the prior year period. Certain items that impacted fourth quarter results and comparisons with the prior year period are detailed in "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income and Diluted Earnings Per Share" on page 10 of this press release.

"In the fourth quarter, our colleagues delivered 5% organic revenue growth, to finish a very strong year, contributing to full year organic revenue growth of 6%, margin expansion of 70 basis points to 30.8%, EPS growth of 12% to $13.39, and over $3 billion of free cash flow, an all-time high." said Greg Case, Chief Executive Officer. "These results continue our long-term progress and demonstrate the success of our Aon United strategy as we enter 2023 in a position of strength to continue delivering results for clients, colleagues, and shareholders."

FOURTH QUARTER 2022 FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Total revenue in the fourth quarter increased 2% to $3.1 billion compared to the prior year period reflecting 5% organic revenue growth and a 1% favorable impact from fiduciary investment income, partially offset by a 4% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Total operating expenses in the fourth quarter increased 1% to $2.1 billion compared to the prior year period due primarily to an increase in expense associated with 5% organic revenue growth and investments in long-term growth, partially offset by a $102 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Foreign currency translation in the fourth quarter had a $20 million, or $0.10 per share, unfavorable impact on U.S. GAAP net income and a $19 million, or $0.09 per share, unfavorable impact on adjusted net income. If currency were to remain stable at today's rates, the Company would expect an unfavorable impact of approximately $0.13 per share, or an approximately $39 million decrease in adjusted operating income, in the first quarter of 2023, and an unfavorable impact of approximately $0.12 per share, or an approximately $36 million decrease in adjusted operating income, for full year 2023.

Effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was 6.1%, compared to 15.7% in the prior year period, primarily driven by changes in the geographical distribution of income and a net favorable impact from discrete items. After adjusting to exclude the applicable tax impact associated with certain non-GAAP adjustments, the adjusted effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2022 decreased to 9.0% compared to 12.2% in the prior year period.  The primary drivers of the change in the adjusted tax rate were the geographical distribution of income and a net favorable impact from discrete items. The prior year period also included a net favorable impact from discrete items. These adjustments are discussed in "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income and Diluted Earnings Per Share" on page 10 of this press release.

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased to 209.3 million in the fourth quarter compared to 221.2 million in the prior year period. The Company repurchased 2.3 million class A ordinary shares for approximately $675 million in the fourth quarter. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had approximately $6.0 billion of remaining authorization under its share repurchase program.

FULL YEAR 2022 CASH FLOW SUMMARY

The full year 2022 cash flow summary provided below includes supplemental information related to free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP measure that is described in detail in "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Organic Revenue Growth and Free Cash Flow" on page 9 of this press release.

Cash flows provided by operations for 2022 increased $1,037 million, or 48%, to $3,219 million compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the transaction costs in the prior year period, and strong operating income growth, partially offset by higher incentive compensation payments following strong performance in 2021.

Free cash flow defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures, increased 48%, to $3,023 million in 2022 compared to the prior year, reflecting an increase in cash flows from operations, partially offset by a $59 million increase in capital expenditures, due primarily to ongoing investments in Aon Business Services-enabled technology platforms and technology to drive long-term-growth.

FOURTH QUARTER 2022 REVENUE REVIEW

The fourth 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 Growth and Free Cash Flow" on page 9 of this press release.



Three Months Ended
December 31,











(millions)


2022


2021


%
Change


Less:

Currency

Impact


Less:

Fiduciary

Investment

Income


Less:
Acquisitions,
Divestitures &
Other


Organic

Revenue

Growth

Commercial Risk Solutions


$     1,822


$      1,847


(1) %


(4) %


1 %


(2) %


4 %

Reinsurance Solutions


281


222


27


(3)


7


14


9

Health Solutions


678


651


4


(3)




7

Wealth Solutions


353


364


(3)


(6)



(3)


6

Elimination


(4)


(4)


N/A


N/A


N/A


N/A


N/A

Total revenue


$     3,130


$      3,080


2 %


(4) %


1 %


— %


5 %

Total revenue increased $50 million, or 2%, to $3,130 million, compared to the prior year period, including organic revenue growth of 5% driven by ongoing strong retention, net new business generation, and management of the renewal book portfolio, and a 1% favorable impact from fiduciary investment income, partially offset by a 4% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Commercial Risk Solutions organic revenue growth of 4% reflects growth across most major geographies driven by strong retention, net new business generation, and management of the renewal book portfolio. Growth in retail brokerage was highlighted by double-digit growth in Canada and Latin America, driven by continued strength in core P&C. U.S. retail brokerage was pressured primarily by Transaction Solutions, which declined due to lower external deal volume. Results also reflect double-digit growth in the affinity business across both consumer and business solutions, including growth in the travel and events practice and Digital Client Solutions. On average globally, exposures and pricing were modestly positive, resulting in modestly positive market impact.

Reinsurance Solutions organic revenue growth of 9% reflects double-digit growth in both the Strategy and Technology Group and facultative placements. Market impact was modestly positive on results in the quarter. The majority of revenue in our treaty portfolio is recurring in nature and is recorded in connection with the major renewal periods that take place throughout the first half of the year, while the second half of the year is largely driven by facultative placements and capital markets that are more transactional in nature.

Health Solutions organic revenue growth of 7% reflects growth globally in core health and benefits brokerage, driven by strong retention, new business generation and management of the renewal book portfolio. Growth in the core was highlighted by double-digit growth in Latin America, U.K., and Asia Pacific. Results also reflect double-digit growth in Human Capital, driven by data and advisory solutions, and modest growth in Consumer Benefits Solutions.

Wealth Solutions organic revenue growth of 6% reflects growth in Retirement, driven by higher demand and project-related work related to pension risk transfer and ongoing impacts of regulatory changes. In Investments, a decrease in AUM-based delegated investment management revenue due to equity market and interest rate movements was partially offset by higher advisory demand and project-related work.

FOURTH QUARTER 2022 EXPENSE REVIEW



Three Months Ended December
31,





(millions)


2022


2021


$ Change


% Change

Expenses









Compensation and benefits


$         1,539


$         1,556


$       (17)


(1) %

Information technology


138


118


20


17

Premises


73


76


(3)


(4)

Depreciation of fixed assets


36


41


(5)


(12)

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets


26


35


(9)


(26)

Other general expense


306


280


26


9

Total operating expenses


$         2,118


$         2,106


$         12


1 %

Compensation and benefits expense decreased $17 million, or 1%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $79 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation, partially offset by an increase in expense associated with 5% organic revenue growth.

Information technology expense increased $20 million, or 17%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to ongoing investments in Aon Business Services-enabled technology platforms and technology to drive long-term-growth.

Premises expense decreased $3 million, or 4%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a $5 million favorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Depreciation of fixed assets decreased $5 million, or 12%, compared to the prior year period.

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets decreased $9 million, or 26%, compared to the prior year period.

Other general expense increased $26 million, or 9%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to an increase in expense associated with 5% organic revenue growth, including an increase in business travel expense.

FOURTH QUARTER 2022 INCOME SUMMARY

Certain noteworthy items impacted adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margins in the fourth quarters of 2022 and 2021, which are also described in detail in "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income and Diluted Earnings Per Share" on page 10 of this press release.



Three Months Ended
December 31,



(millions)


2022


2021


%  Change

Revenue


$     3,130


$    3,080


2 %

Expenses


2,118


2,106


1 %

Operating income


$     1,012


$       974


4 %

Operating margin


32.3 %


31.6 %



Operating income - as adjusted


$     1,038


$    1,009


3 %

Operating margin - as adjusted


33.2 %


32.8 %



Operating income increased $38 million, or 4%, and operating margin increased 70 basis points to 32.3%, each compared to the prior year period. Operating income, adjusted for certain items detailed on page 10 of this press release, increased $29 million, or 3%, and operating margin increased 40 basis points to 33.2%, each compared to the prior year period. Both operating income and operating income as adjusted for certain items, increased primarily due to strong organic revenue growth and increased fiduciary investment income, partially offset by increased expenses and investments in long-term growth.

Interest income increased $1 million to $3 million compared to the prior year period. Interest expense increased $25 million to $110 million compared to the prior year period, reflecting primarily an increase in total debt. Other income (expense) decreased $341 million compared to the prior year period. Other expense was $196 million in the fourth quarter primarily due to a non-cash pension settlement charge of $170 million and Other income in the prior year period was $145 million primarily due to a gain on the sale of a business. Other income (expense) - as adjusted decreased $47 million compared to the prior year period. Other expense - as adjusted was $26 million in the fourth quarter primarily reflecting net losses due to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities in non-functional currencies and Other income - as adjusted in the prior year period was $21 million primarily reflecting a gain on the sale of a business.

2022 FULL YEAR SUMMARY

Total revenue in 2022 increased 2% to $12.5 billion compared to the prior year reflecting 6% organic revenue growth and a 1% favorable impact from fiduciary investment income, partially offset by a 4% unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation and a 1% unfavorable impact from acquisitions, divestitures and other.

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders increased to $2,589 million, or $12.14 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $1,255 million, or $5.55 per share, in the prior year. Net income per share, adjusted for certain items, increased 12% to $13.39 on a diluted basis, including an unfavorable impact of $0.44 per share from foreign currency translation, compared to $12.00 in the prior year. Certain items that impacted full year results and comparisons against the prior year are detailed in "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures - Operating Income and Diluted Earnings Per Share" on page 10 of this press release.

During 2022, the Company repurchased approximately 11.1 million class A ordinary shares for approximately $3.2 billion at an average price of $289.76 per share. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had approximately $6.0 billion of remaining authorization under its share repurchase program.

Conference Call, Presentation Slides and Webcast Details

The Company will host a conference call on Friday, February 3, 2023 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) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Our colleagues provide our clients in over 120 countries and sovereignties with advice and solutions that give them the clarity and confidence to make better decisions to protect and grow their business.

Follow Aon on Twitter and LinkedIn. Stay up-to-date by visiting the Aon Newsroom and sign up for News Alerts here.

Safe Harbor Statement

This communication contains certain statements related to future results, or states Aon's 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 Aon's operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that Aon expects or anticipates may occur in the future, including such things as its outlook, future capital expenditures, growth in commissions and fees, changes to the composition or level of its revenues, cash flow and liquidity, expected tax rates, expected foreign currency translation impacts, business strategies, competitive strengths, goals, the benefits of new initiatives, growth of its business and operations, plans, and references to future successes, are forward-looking statements. Also, when Aon uses words such as "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "could", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "intend", "looking forward", "may", "might", "plan", "potential" "probably", "project", "should", "will", "would" or similar expressions, it is making forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in or anticipated by the forward looking statements: changes in the competitive environment, due to macroeconomic conditions or otherwise, or damage to Aon's reputation; fluctuations in currency exchange, interest, or inflation rates that could impact our financial condition or results; changes in global equity and fixed income markets that could affect the return on invested assets; changes in the funded 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 and the terms thereof reducing Aon's flexibility or increasing borrowing costs; rating agency actions that could limit Aon's access to capital and our competitive position; volatility in Aon's global tax rate due to being subject to a variety of different factors, including the adoption and implementation of OECD tax proposals; changes in Aon's accounting estimates or assumptions on Aon's financial statements; limits on Aon's subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends or otherwise make payments to Aon; the impact of legal proceedings and other contingencies, including those arising from acquisition or disposition transactions, errors and omissions and other claims against Aon; the impact of, and potential challenges in complying with, laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which Aon operates, particularly given the global nature of Aon's operations and the possibility of differing or conflicting laws and regulations, or the application or interpretation thereof, across jurisdictions in which Aon does business; the impact of any regulatory investigations brought in Ireland, the U.K., the U.S. and other countries; failure to protect intellectual property rights or allegations that Aon infringes on the intellectual property rights of others; general economic and political conditions in different countries in which Aon does business around the world; the failure to retain, attract and develop experienced and qualified personnel; international risks associated with Aon's global operations, including impacts from military conflicts or political instability, such as the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine; the effects of natural or man-made disasters, including the effects of the COVID-19 and other health pandemics and the impacts of climate change; any system or network disruption or breach resulting in operational interruption or improper disclosure of confidential, personal, or proprietary data, and resulting liabilities or damage to our reputation; Aon's ability to develop, implement, update and enhance new systems; the actions taken by third parties that perform aspects of Aon's business operations and client services; the extent to which Aon is exposed to certain risks, including lawsuits, related to actions Aon may take in being responsible for making decisions on behalf of clients in Aon's investment businesses or in other advisory services that Aon currently provides, or may provide in the future; Aon's ability to continue, and the costs and risks associated with, growing, developing and integrating acquired business, and entering into new lines of business or products; Aon's ability to secure regulatory approval and complete transactions, and the costs and risks associated with the failure to consummate proposed transactions; changes in commercial property and casualty markets, commercial premium rates or methods of compensation; Aon's ability to develop and implement innovative growth strategies and initiatives intended to yield cost savings, and the ability to achieve such growth or cost savings; the effects of Irish law on Aon's operating flexibility and the enforcement of judgments against Aon; and adverse effects on the market price of Aon's securities and/or operating results.

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. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made. In addition, results for prior periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any future period. 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, 2021 for a further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties applicable to Aon and its businesses. These factors may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Aon is not under, 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 not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"), including organic revenue growth, free cash flow, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted net income attributable to Aon shareholders, adjusted net income per share, and adjusted effective tax rate that exclude the effects of intangible asset amortization and impairment, pension settlements, capital expenditures, and certain other noteworthy items that affected results for the comparable periods. Organic revenue growth includes the impact of intercompany activity and excludes foreign exchange rate changes, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between revenue lines, fiduciary investment income, and gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges. Currency impact represents the effect on prior year period results if they were translated at current period foreign exchange rates. Reconciliations to the closest U.S. GAAP measure for each non-GAAP measure presented in this communication are provided in the attached appendices. Supplemental organic revenue growth information and additional measures that exclude the effects of certain items noted above do not affect net income or any other U.S. GAAP reported amounts. Free cash flow is cash flows from operating activity less capital expenditures. The adjusted effective tax rate excludes the applicable tax impact associated with expenses for estimated intangible asset amortization and impairment, and certain other noteworthy items. Management believes that these measures are important to make meaningful period-to-period comparisons and that this supplemental information is helpful to investors. Management also uses these measures to assess operating performance and performance for compensation. Non-GAAP measures should be viewed in addition to, not in lieu of, Aon's Consolidated Financial Statements. Industry peers provide similar supplemental information regarding their performance, although they may not make identical adjustments.

Investor Contact:


Media Contact:

Leslie Follmer


Nadine Youssef

+1 312-381-3310


+1 312-381-3024

investor.relations@aon.com


mediainquiries@aon.com

 

Aon plc

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)




Three Months Ended
December 31,




Twelve Months Ended
December 31,



(millions, except per share data)


2022


2021


%

Change


2022


2021


%

Change

Revenue













Total revenue


$  3,130


$  3,080


2 %


$  12,479


$  12,193


2 %

Expenses













Compensation and benefits


1,539


1,556


(1) %


6,477


6,738


(4) %

Information technology


138


118


17 %


509


477


7 %

Premises


73


76


(4) %


289


327


(12) %

Depreciation of fixed assets


36


41


(12) %


151


179


(16) %

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets


26


35


(26) %


113


147


(23) %

Other general expense


306


280


9 %


1,271


2,235


(43) %

Total operating expenses


2,118


2,106


1 %


8,810


10,103


(13) %

Operating income


1,012


974


4 %


3,669


2,090


76 %

Interest income


3


2


50 %


18


11


64 %

Interest expense


(110)


(85)


29 %


(406)


(322)


26 %

Other income (expense)


(196)


145


(235) %


(125)


152


(182) %

Income before income taxes


709


1,036


(32) %


3,156


1,931


63 %

Income tax expense (1)


43


163


(74) %


510


623


(18) %

Net income


666


873


(24) %


2,646


1,308


102 %

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests


9


10


(10) %


57


53


8 %

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders


$      657


$      863


(24) %


$  2,589


$  1,255


106 %














Basic net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders


$     3.17


$     3.94


(20) %


$  12.23


$     5.59


119 %

Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders


$     3.14


$     3.90


(19) %


$  12.14


$     5.55


119 %

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic


207.5


219.3


(5) %


211.7


224.7


(6) %

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted


209.3


221.2


(5) %


213.2


226.1


(6) %



(1)

The effective tax rate was 6.1% and 15.7% for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and 16.2% and 32.3% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

Aon plc

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

Organic Revenue Growth (Unaudited)




Three Months Ended
December 31,











(millions)


2022


2021


% Change


Less:
Currency
Impact (1)


Less:
Fiduciary
Investment
Income (2)


Less:
Acquisitions,
Divestitures 
& Other


Organic
Revenue
Growth (3)

Commercial Risk Solutions


$          1,822


$          1,847


(1) %


(4) %


1 %


(2) %


4 %

Reinsurance Solutions


281


222


27


(3)


7


14


9

Health Solutions


678


651


4


(3)




7

Wealth Solutions


353


364


(3)


(6)



(3)


6

Elimination


(4)


(4)


N/A


N/A


N/A


N/A


N/A

Total revenue


$          3,130


$          3,080


2 %


(4) %


1 %


— %


5 %

 



Twelve Months Ended
December 31,











(millions)


2022


2021


% Change


Less:
Currency
Impact (1)


Less:
Fiduciary
Investment
Income (2)


Less:
Acquisitions,
Divestitures 
& Other


Organic
Revenue
Growth (3)

Commercial Risk Solutions


$          6,715


$          6,635


1 %


(4) %


1 %


(2) %


6 %

Reinsurance Solutions


2,190


1,997


10


(3)


1


4


8

Health Solutions


2,224


2,154


3


(3)



(2)


8

Wealth Solutions


1,367


1,426


(4)


(5)



(2)


3

Elimination


(17)


(19)


N/A


N/A


N/A


N/A


N/A

Total revenue


$        12,479


$        12,193


2 %


(4) %


1 %


(1) %


6 %



(1)

Currency impact represents the effect on prior year period results if they were translated at current period foreign exchange rates.

(2)

Fiduciary investment income for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $41 million and $2 million, respectively. Fiduciary investment income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $76 million and $8 million, respectively.

(3)

Organic revenue growth includes the impact of intercompany activity and excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, fiduciary investment income, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between revenue lines, and gains and losses on derivatives accounted for as hedges.

 

Free Cash Flow (Unaudited




Twelve Months Ended
December 31,



(millions)


2022


2021


%

Change

Cash Provided By Operating Activities


$          3,219


$          2,182


48 %

Capital Expenditures


(196)


(137)


43 %

Free Cash Flow (1)


$          3,023


$          2,045


48 %



(1)

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,




Twelve Months Ended
December 31,



(millions, except percentages)


2022


2021


%

Change


2022


2021


%

Change

Revenue


$    3,130


$    3,080


2 %


$    12,479


$   12,193


2 %














Operating income - as reported


$    1,012


$       974


4 %


$     3,669


$    2,090


76 %

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets


26


35


(26) %


113


147


(23) %

Transaction costs and other charges related to the combination and
resulting termination (2)




— %



1,436


(100) %

Legal settlements (3)




— %


58



100 %

Operating income - as adjusted


$    1,038


$    1,009


3 %


$     3,840


$    3,673


5 %

Operating margin - as reported


32.3 %


31.6 %




29.4 %


17.1 %



Operating margin - as adjusted


33.2 %


32.8 %




30.8 %


30.1 %



 



Three Months Ended
December 31,




Twelve Months Ended
December 31,



(millions, except per share data)


2022


2021


%

Change


2022


2021


%

Change

Operating income - as adjusted


$    1,038


$    1,009


3 %


$    3,840


$    3,673


5 %

Interest income


3


2


50 %


18


11


64 %

Interest expense


(110)


(85)


29 %


(406)


(322)


26 %

Other income (expense):













Other income (expense) - pensions - as adjusted  (4)



2


(100) %


(9)


21


(143) %

Other income (expense) - other - as adjusted (5)


(26)


19


(237) %


54


7


671 %

Total Other income (expense) - as adjusted


(26)


21


(224) %


45


28


61 %

Income before income taxes - as adjusted


905


947


(4) %


3,497


3,390


3 %

Income tax expense (6)


81


116


(30) %


585


623


(6) %

Net income - as adjusted


824


831


(1) %


2,912


2,767


5 %

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests


9


10


(10) %


57


53


8 %

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders - as adjusted


815


821


(1) %


2,855


2,714


5 %

Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders - as
adjusted


$      3.89


$      3.71


5 %


$    13.39


$    12.00


12 %

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted


209.3


221.2


(5) %


213.2


226.1


(6) %

Effective Tax Rates (6)













U.S. GAAP


6.1 %


15.7 %




16.2 %


32.3 %



Non-GAAP


9.0 %


12.2 %




16.7 %


18.4 %





(1)

Certain noteworthy items impacting operating income in 2022 and 2021 are described in this schedule. The items shown with the caption "as adjusted" are non-GAAP measures.

(2)

As part of the terminated combination with Willis Towers Watson ("WTW"), certain transaction costs were incurred by the Company in 2021. These costs may include advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees related to the combination, including planned divestitures that have been terminated, as well as certain compensation expenses and expenses related to further steps on our Aon United operating model as a result of the termination. Additionally, this includes a $1 billion termination fee paid in connection with the termination of the combination.

(3)

In connection with certain legal settlements reached, a $58 million charge was recognized in the second quarter of 2022.

(4)

To further its pension de-risking strategy the Company purchased an annuity for portions of its U.S. pension plans that will settle certain obligations. A non-cash settlement charge totaling $170 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2022.

(5)

A gain of $124 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2021 related to the disposal of the Aon Retiree Health ExchangeTM business which was originally agreed upon in connection with the terminated combination with WTW. As a result of the termination of the combination, an amended agreement was executed to complete the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2021.

(6)

Adjusted items are generally taxed at the estimated annual effective tax rate, except for the applicable tax impact associated with certain transaction costs and other charges related to the combination and resulting termination, as well as certain legal and pension settlements, which are adjusted at the related jurisdictional rate. In addition, income tax expense for the year ended December 30, 2021 excludes the impact of remeasuring the net deferred tax liabilities in the U.K. as a result of the corporate income tax rate increase enacted in the second quarter of 2021.

 

Aon plc

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position




As of December 31,



2022


2021

(millions) 


(unaudited)



Assets





Current assets





Cash and cash equivalents


$                       690


$                       544

Short-term investments


452


292

Receivables, net


3,035


3,094

Fiduciary assets (1)


15,900


14,386

Other current assets


646


716

Total current assets


20,723


19,032

Goodwill


8,292


8,434

Intangible assets, net


447


492

Fixed assets, net


558


529

Operating lease right-of-use assets


699


786

Deferred tax assets


824


766

Prepaid pension


652


1,366

Other non-current assets


509


512

Total assets


$                  32,704


$                  31,917






Liabilities and equity (deficit)





Liabilities





Current liabilities





Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


$                    2,114


$                    2,192

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


945


1,164

Fiduciary liabilities


15,900


14,386

Other current liabilities


1,347


1,331

Total current liabilities


20,306


19,073

Long-term debt


9,825


8,228

Non-current operating lease liabilities


693


772

Deferred tax liabilities


99


401

Pension, other postretirement, and postemployment liabilities


1,186


1,375

Other non-current liabilities


1,024


910

Total liabilities


33,133


30,759






Equity (deficit)





Ordinary shares - $0.01 nominal value

    Authorized: 500 shares (issued: 2022 - 205.4; 2021 - 214.8)


2


2

Additional paid-in capital


6,864


6,624

Accumulated deficit


(2,772)


(1,694)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss


(4,623)


(3,871)

Total Aon shareholders' equity (deficit)


(529)


1,061

Noncontrolling interests


100


97

Total equity (deficit)


(429)


1,158

Total liabilities and equity (deficit)


$                  32,704


$                  31,917



(1)

Includes funds held on behalf of clients of $6,386 million and $6,101 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

Aon plc

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows




Year ended December 31,



2022


2021

(millions) 


(unaudited)



Cash flows from operating activities





Net income


$             2,646


$             1,308

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





Gain from sales of businesses and investments


(54)


(142)

Depreciation of fixed assets


151


179

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets


113


147

Share-based compensation expense


397


449

Deferred income taxes


(252)


11

Other, net (1)


170


5

Change in assets and liabilities:





Receivables, net


(96)


(119)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


(22)


264

Current income taxes


216


200

Pension, other postretirement and postemployment liabilities


(53)


(124)

Other assets and liabilities


3


4

Cash provided by operating activities


3,219


2,182

Cash flows from investing activities





Proceeds from investments


110


58

Payments for investments


(107)


(91)

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


(175)


15

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients


(162)


(14)

Sale of businesses, net of cash and funds held on behalf of clients


81


218

Capital expenditures


(196)


(137)

Cash provided by (used for) investing activities


(449)


49

Cash flows from financing activities





Share repurchase


(3,203)


(3,543)

Proceeds from issuance of shares


58


55

Cash paid for employee taxes on withholding shares


(215)


(185)

Commercial paper issuances, net of repayments


(65)


671

Issuance of debt


1,967


1,495

Repayment of debt


(500)


(413)

Increase in fiduciary liabilities, net of fiduciary receivables


702


568

Cash dividends to shareholders


(463)


(447)

Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities


(71)


(125)

Cash used for financing activities


(1,790)


(1,924)

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients


(549)


(235)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients


431


72

Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at beginning of year


6,645


6,573

Cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients at end of year


$             7,076


$             6,645

Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients:





Cash and cash equivalents


$                690


$                544

Funds held on behalf of clients


6,386


6,101

Total cash and cash equivalents and funds held on behalf of clients


$             7,076


$             6,645



(1)

Includes non-cash pension settlement charges. Certain amounts in prior period's Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

 

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aon-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2022-results-301737950.html

SOURCE Aon plc

FAQ

What were Aon's total revenues for Q4 2022?

Aon's total revenue for Q4 2022 was $3.1 billion, representing a 2% increase.

How did Aon's EPS perform in Q4 2022?

Aon's EPS decreased 19% to $3.14 in Q4 2022.

What is the organic revenue growth for Aon in 2022?

Aon achieved 6% organic revenue growth for the full year 2022.

How much did Aon repurchase in shares in 2022?

In 2022, Aon repurchased approximately 11.1 million class A ordinary shares for about $3.2 billion.

Was there an impact from foreign currency translation on Aon's earnings?

Yes, foreign currency translation had an unfavorable impact of $0.09 per share on Aon's adjusted net income in Q4 2022.

Aon plc

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