Aon Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results

Fourth Quarter Key Metrics and Highlights

• Total revenue increased 8% to $3.4 billion, including organic revenue growth of 7%
• Operating margin decreased 920 basis points to 23.1%, and operating margin, adjusted for certain items, increased 60 basis points to 33.8%
• EPS decreased 21% to $2.47, and EPS, adjusted for certain items was flat at $3.89
• Repurchased 2.3 million class A ordinary shares for approximately $0.8 billion
• Announced definitive agreement to acquire leading broker NFP to unlock fast-growing middle market with Aon Business Services-enhanced distribution and further accelerate our Aon United strategy

Full Year Key Metrics and Highlights

• Total revenue increased 7% to $13.4 billion, including organic revenue growth of 7%
• Operating margin decreased 110 basis points to 28.3%, and operating margin, adjusted for certain items, increased 80 basis points to 31.6%
• EPS increased 3% to $12.51, and EPS, adjusted for certain items, increased 6% to $14.14
• Cash flows from operations increased 7% to $3,435 million and free cash flow increased 5% to $3,183 million
• Repurchased 8.4 million class A ordinary shares for approximately $2.7 billion

DUBLIN, Feb. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon plc (NYSE:AON) today reported results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

Net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders in the fourth quarter decreased 24%, or $2.47 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $3.14 per share on a diluted basis, in the prior year period. Net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders, adjusted for certain items, was flat at $3.89 on a diluted basis for the quarter, including a favorable impact of $0.03 per share if prior year period results were translated at current period foreign exchange rates ("foreign currency translation"). 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 and full year, our colleagues delivered 7% organic revenue growth, highlighted by double-digit growth in Reinsurance Solutions and Health Solutions.  This top line growth contributed to full year adjusted margin expansion of 80 basis points, adjusted operating income growth of 10%, and $3.2 billion of free cash flow." said Greg Case, Chief Executive Officer. "This strong performance demonstrates how we are going further, faster with our 3x3 plan, which is an acceleration of our proven Aon United strategy. Our Risk Capital and Human Capital structure has unlocked new opportunities to grow, and Aon Business Services is a catalyst for innovation delivering new products and tools at scale across client segments and geographies."

FOURTH QUARTER 2023 FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Total revenue in the fourth quarter increased 8% to $3.4 billion compared to the prior year period reflecting 7% organic revenue growth, a 2% favorable impact from foreign currency translation, and a 1% favorable impact from fiduciary investment income, partially offset by a 2% unfavorable impact from acquisitions, divestitures and other.

Total operating expenses in the fourth quarter increased 23% to $2.6 billion compared to the prior year period due primarily to an increase in expense associated with 7% organic revenue growth, investments in long-term growth, a $197 million charge in connection with certain accrued actual or anticipated legal settlement expenses, and a $40 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Foreign currency translation in the fourth quarter had a $6 million, or $0.03 per share, favorable impact on U.S. GAAP net income and a $7 million, or $0.03 per share, favorable impact on adjusted net income. If currency were to remain stable at today's rates, the Company would expect a favorable impact of approximately $0.03 per share, or an approximately $9 million increase in adjusted operating income, in the first quarter of 2024, and a favorable impact of approximately $0.02 per share, or an approximately $6 million increase in adjusted operating income, for full year 2024.

Effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was 16.7%, compared to  6.1% in the prior year period, primarily driven by changes in the geographical distribution of income and a lower net favorable impact from discrete items than in the prior year period. After adjusting to exclude the applicable tax impact associated with certain non-GAAP adjustments, the adjusted effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2023 was 18.2% compared to 9.0% in the prior year period. The primary drivers of the change in the adjusted tax rate were the geographical distribution of income and a lower net favorable impact from discrete items than in the prior year period. 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 202.0 million in the fourth quarter compared to 209.3 million in the prior year period. The Company repurchased 2.3 million class A ordinary shares for approximately $0.8 billion in the fourth quarter. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately $3.3 billion of remaining authorization under its share repurchase program.

FULL YEAR 2023 CASH FLOW SUMMARY

The full year 2023 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 2023 increased $216 million, or 7%, to $3,435 million compared to the prior year period, reflecting strong operating income growth and overall working capital optimization, partially offset by a negative impact to working capital due to temporary invoicing delays associated with the implementation of a new system, and higher cash tax payments.

Free cash flow, defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures, increased 5%, to $3,183 million in 2023 compared to the prior year, reflecting an increase in cash flows from operations, partially offset by a $56 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 2023 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.

Total revenue increased $245 million, or 8%, to $3,375 million, compared to the prior year period, including organic revenue growth of 7% driven by ongoing strong retention, net new business generation, and management of the renewal book, a 2% favorable impact from foreign currency translation, and a 1% favorable impact from fiduciary investment income, partially offset by a 2% unfavorable impact from acquisitions, divestitures and other.

Commercial Risk Solutions organic revenue growth of 4% reflects solid growth across most major geographies driven by strong retention, management of the renewal book, and net new business generation. Growth in retail brokerage was highlighted by double-digit growth in Asia and the Pacific, driven by continued strength in core P&C. The U.S. grew modestly driven by strength in property, casualty, and construction, partially offset by the impact of external M&A and IPO markets. On average globally, exposures and pricing were positive, resulting in modestly positive market impact.

Reinsurance Solutions organic revenue growth of 14% reflects strong growth in treaty, driven by strong retention and continued net new business generation, as well as strong growth in facultative placements and investment banking. 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 typically driven by facultative placements, capital markets activity, and advisory work that is more transactional in nature.

Health Solutions organic revenue growth of 11% reflects strong growth globally in core health and benefits brokerage primarily from net new business generation and management of the renewal book. Strength in the core was highlighted by double-digit growth in most major geographies. Results also reflect double-digit growth in Consumer Benefit Solutions and modest growth in Talent.

Wealth Solutions organic revenue growth of 5% reflects strong growth in Retirement, driven by advisory demand and project-related work related to pension de-risking and ongoing impact of regulatory changes. In Investments, a modest increase in AUM-based delegated investment revenue was offset by a decline in advisory.

FOURTH QUARTER 2023 EXPENSE REVIEW

Compensation and benefits expense increased $132 million, or 9%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to an increase in expense associated with 7% organic revenue growth and a $32 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation.

Information technology expense decreased $7 million, or 5%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to lower cloud costs and elevated technology investments in the prior year period.

Premises expense increased $4 million, or 5%, compared to the prior year period.

Depreciation of fixed assets increased $12 million, or 33%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to ongoing investments in Aon Business Services-enabled technology platforms to drive long-term growth.

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets decreased $7 million, or 27%, compared to the prior year period due primarily to a decrease associated with assets held for sale as part of ongoing portfolio management and assets fully amortized in the prior year period.

Other general expense increased $215 million, or 70%, compared to the prior year period primarily due to a $197 million charge in connection with certain accrued actual or anticipated legal settlement expenses and $17 million of transaction costs associated with the expected acquisition of NFP.

Accelerating Aon United Restructuring Program expenses were $129 million, relating to workforce optimization, asset impairments, and technology and other costs.

FOURTH QUARTER 2023 INCOME SUMMARY

Certain noteworthy items impacted adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margins in the fourth quarters of 2023 and 2022, 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.

Operating income decreased $233 million, or 23%, and operating margin decreased 920 basis points to 23.1%, each compared to the prior year period. Operating income, adjusted for certain items detailed on page 10 of this press release, increased $103 million, or 10%, and operating margin, adjusted for certain items, increased 60 basis points to 33.8%, each compared to the prior year period. The increase in adjusted operating income and margin reflects organic revenue growth and increased fiduciary investment income, partially offset by increased expenses and investments in long-term growth.

Interest income increased $9 million compared to the prior year period, reflecting higher interest rates. Interest expense increased $14 million to $124 million compared to the prior year period, reflecting an overall increase in total debt and higher interest rates.

Other income (expense) decreased $138 million compared to the prior year period, primarily due to a $170 million non-cash pension settlement charge in the prior year period that did not repeat in the fourth quarter of 2023. Other income (expense) - as adjusted increased $32 million compared to the prior year period, primarily due to an increase in non-cash net periodic pension cost.

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders in the fourth quarter decreased 24% to $498 million compared to $657 million, in the prior year period. Net income attributable to Aon shareholders, adjusted for certain items, in the fourth quarter decreased 4% to $785 million compared to $815 million, in the prior year period.

2023 FULL YEAR SUMMARY

Total revenue in 2023 increased 7% to $13.4 billion compared to the prior year reflecting 7% organic revenue growth and a 2% favorable impact from fiduciary investment income, partially offset by a 2% unfavorable impact from acquisitions, divestitures and other.

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders decreased to $2,564 million, or $12.51 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $2,589 million, or $12.14 per share, in the prior year. Net income per share, adjusted for certain items, increased 6% to $14.14 on a diluted basis, including an unfavorable impact of $0.17 per share from foreign currency translation, compared to $13.39 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 2023, the Company repurchased approximately 8.4 million class A ordinary shares for approximately $2.7 billion at an average price of $321.52 per share. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately $3.3 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 2, 2024 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 LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting the Aon Newsroom and sign up for News Alerts.

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, all of 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, the impacts of the Accelerating Aon United Program, the pending acquisition of NFP, actual or anticipated legal settlement expenses, 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, references to future successes, and expectations with respect to the closing and benefits of the acquisition of NFP 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", "opportunity", "commit", "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 (including impacts from instability in the banking or commercial real estate sectors) 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 (including proceeding and contingencies relating to transactions for which capital was arranged by Vesttoo Ltd.); 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, whether as a result of the pending acquisition of NFP or otherwise; international risks associated with Aon's global operations, including impacts from military conflicts or political instability, such as the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict; 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, including the pending acquisition of NFP, 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 (including the Accelerating Aon United Program), 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; adverse effects on the market price of Aon's securities and/or operating results for any reason, including, without limitation, because of a failure to consummate the pending acquisition of NFP or the failure to realize the expected benefits of the pending acquisition of NFP (including anticipated revenue and growth synergies) in the expected timeframe, or at all; significant transaction and integration costs or difficulties in connection with the pending acquisition of NFP or unknown or inestimable liabilities; and potential impact of the consummation of the pending acquisition of NFP on relationships, including with suppliers, customers, employees and regulators.

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, 2022 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 diluted net income per share, adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted other income (expense) – pensions, adjusted other income (expense), and adjusted income before income taxes that exclude the effects of intangible asset amortization and impairment, pension settlements, Accelerating Aon United Program expenses, NFP transaction costs, certain legal 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 (including held for sale businesses), 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SOURCE Aon plc