UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x          QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2007

OR

o          TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 1-7933

Aon Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

DELAWARE

 

36-3051915

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Incorporation or Organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

 

 

200 E. RANDOLPH STREET, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

 

60601

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(312) 381-1000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number,
Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES   x   NO   o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer     x          Accelerated filer     o          Non-accelerated filer     o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES  o     NO  x

Number of shares of common stock outstanding:

 

No. Outstanding

 

Class

 

as of 3-31-07

 

 

 

 

 

$1.00 par value Common

 

293,610,657

 

 

 




Part 1

Financial Information

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

Aon Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

 

 

As of

 

(millions)

 

Mar. 31, 2007

 

Dec. 31, 2006

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities at fair value

 

$

2,888

 

$

2,790

 

Equity securities at fair value

 

58

 

62

 

Short-term investments

 

4,314

 

4,323

 

Other investments

 

406

 

400

 

Total investments

 

7,666

 

7,575

 

Cash

 

351

 

281

 

Receivables

 

 

 

 

 

Risk and insurance brokerage services and consulting

 

8,624

 

8,707

 

Other receivables

 

348

 

325

 

Total receivables

 

8,972

 

9,032

 

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

 

544

 

541

 

Goodwill

 

4,698

 

4,532

 

Other Intangible Assets

 

197

 

147

 

Property and Equipment, net

 

507

 

504

 

Other Assets

 

1,656

 

1,706

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

24,591

 

$

24,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance Premiums Payable

 

$

10,410

 

$

9,704

 

Policy Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Future policy benefits

 

1,812

 

1,784

 

Policy and contract claims

 

647

 

656

 

Unearned and advance premiums

 

410

 

384

 

Other policyholder funds

 

26

 

25

 

Total Policy Liabilities

 

2,895

 

2,849

 

General Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

General expenses

 

1,585

 

1,949

 

Short-term borrowings

 

1

 

42

 

Notes payable

 

2,072

 

2,243

 

Pension, post-employment and post-retirement liabilities

 

1,407

 

1,465

 

Other liabilities

 

961

 

848

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

19,331

 

19,100

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock - $1 par value

 

347

 

347

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,619

 

2,583

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(921

)

(1,010

)

Retained earnings

 

5,141

 

4,992

 

Treasury stock at cost

 

(1,926

)

(1,694

)

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

5,260

 

5,218

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

24,591

 

$

24,318

 

 

See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

2




Aon Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

(millions except per share data)

 

Mar. 31,
2007

 

Mar. 31,
2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

Commissions and fees

 

$

1,735

 

$

1,612

 

Premiums and other

 

539

 

464

 

Investment income

 

107

 

89

 

Total revenue

 

2,381

 

2,165

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits

 

1,152

 

1,097

 

Other general expenses

 

510

 

461

 

Benefits to policyholders

 

323

 

254

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

50

 

55

 

Interest expense

 

35

 

31

 

Provision for New York and other state settlements

 

 

1

 

Total expenses

 

2,070

 

1,899

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before provision for income tax and accounting change

 

311

 

266

 

Provision for income tax

 

99

 

93

 

Income from continuing operations

 

212

 

173

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

2

 

39

 

Provision for income tax

 

1

 

15

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

1

 

24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before accounting change

 

213

 

197

 

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax

 

 

1

 

Net income

 

$

213

 

$

198

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per share

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.71

 

$

0.54

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

0.07

 

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

0.71

 

$

0.61

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.66

 

$

0.50

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

0.07

 

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

0.66

 

$

0.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends per share paid on common stock

 

$

0.15

 

$

0.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

 

324.4

 

350.2

 

 

See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

3




Aon Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

Mar. 31,

 

Mar. 31,

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

213

 

$

198

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Gain from disposal of operations

 

 

(1

)

Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and software

 

40

 

46

 

Stock compensation expense

 

51

 

41

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

10

 

11

 

Valuation changes on investments, income on disposals and net bond amortization

 

(2

)

(10

)

Income taxes

 

61

 

(8

)

Contribution to major defined benefit pension plan in excess of expense

 

(23

)

(4

)

Cash paid in excess of expense for 2005 restructuring plan

 

(20

)

(25

)

Provision for New York and other state settlements

 

 

1

 

Change in funds held on behalf of brokerage and consulting clients

 

560

 

460

 

Changes in insurance underwriting assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Operating receivables

 

36

 

(9

)

Other assets including prepaid premiums

 

25

 

41

 

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

1

 

(40

)

Policy liabilities

 

43

 

117

 

Other liabilities

 

36

 

(12

)

Changes in other assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

General expenses

 

(362

)

(285

)

Other assets and liabilities- net

 

147

 

176

 

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

816

 

697

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Sale of investments

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

 

 

 

 

 

Maturities

 

38

 

22

 

Calls and prepayments

 

20

 

66

 

Sales

 

184

 

361

 

Equity securities

 

4

 

 

Other investments

 

11

 

12

 

Purchase of investments

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturities

 

(293

)

(439

)

Equity securities

 

 

(8

)

Other investments

 

(1

)

(3

)

Short-term investments - net

 

41

 

(396

)

Acquisition of subsidiaries

 

(190

)

(19

)

Proceeds from sale of operations

 

 

20

 

Property and equipment and other - net

 

(35

)

(32

)

Cash Used by Investing Activities

 

(221

)

(416

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock

 

11

 

53

 

Treasury stock transactions - net

 

(283

)

(212

)

Repayment of short-term borrowings - net

 

(41

)

(3

)

Issuance of long-term debt

 

250

 

3

 

Repayment of long-term debt

 

(423

)

(97

)

Cash dividends to stockholders

 

(44

)

(48

)

Cash Used by Financing Activities

 

(530

)

(304

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash

 

5

 

(2

)

Increase (Decrease) in Cash

 

70

 

(25

)

Cash at Beginning of Period

 

281

 

476

 

Cash at End of Period

 

$

351

 

$

451

 

 

See the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4




NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1.                                       Statement of Accounting Principles

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include all normal recurring adjustments which Aon Corporation (“Aon”) considers necessary for a fair presentation.  Operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007.

Refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 for additional details of Aon’s financial position, as well as a description of Aon’s accounting policies, which have been continued without material change, except as described in Note 13.

2.                                       New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.  The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions.  This Statement is expected to expand the use of fair value measurement accounting for financial instruments.  This Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and early adoption is permitted.  The impact of this Statement on Aon has not yet been determined.

3.                                       Stock Compensation Plans

Aon’s Stock Incentive Plan (as amended and restated) provides for the grant of non-qualified and incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”).  The annual rate at which awards are granted each year is based upon financial and competitive business conditions.

Compensation expense

Stock based compensation expense recognized during 2007 and 2006, which includes RSUs, stock options, performance plan awards and stock purchases related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, are based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period.  Stock-based compensation expense recognized in Aon’s condensed consolidated statements of income includes compensation expense for share-based payment awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 31, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the pro forma provisions of Statement No. 123, and compensation expense for the share-based payment awards granted subsequent to December 31, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of Statement No. 123(R).  Because stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures.  Statement No. 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

5




The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense related to all share-based payments recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income in compensation and benefits (in millions):

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

RSUs

 

$

35

 

$

30

 

Stock options

 

6

 

7

 

Performance plans

 

9

 

2

 

Employee stock purchase plan

 

1

 

1

 

Stock-based compensation expense included in compensation and benefits

 

$

51

 

$

40

 

 

Stock Awards

Stock awards, in the form of RSUs, are granted to certain executives and key employees of Aon.  Prior to 2006, RSUs granted to employees were service-based.  Beginning with awards granted in 2006, awards to employees may consist of performance-based RSUs and service-based RSUs.  For service-based awards, employees are generally required to complete three continuous years of service before stock awards begin to vest in increments until the completion of a 10-year period of continuous employment.  Beginning in 2002, a large number of awards have been granted that vest in various patterns over five years from the date of grant.  For most employees, individual incentive compensation over $50,000 is paid partially in RSUs, which vest over three years.  In general, most stock awards are issued as they become vested.  In years prior to 2006, in certain circumstances, an employee was able to elect to defer the receipt of vested shares to a later date.  With certain limited exceptions, any break in continuous employment will cause forfeiture of all unvested awards.  The compensation cost associated with each stock award is deferred and amortized over the period of continuous employment using the straight-line method.  Dividend equivalents are paid on certain service-based RSUs, based on the initial grant amount.

In 2007 and 2006, performance-based RSUs were granted to certain executives and key employees, whose vesting is contingent upon meeting various individual, divisional or company-wide performance goals, including revenue generation or growth in revenue, pretax income or earnings per share over a one- to five-year period.  Aon accounts for these awards as performance condition RSUs.  The performance condition is not considered in the determination of grant date fair value of these awards.  Compensation cost is recognized over the performance period, and in certain cases an additional vesting period, based on management’s estimate of the number of units expected to vest.  Compensation cost will be adjusted to reflect the actual number of shares paid out at the end of the programs.  The payout of shares under these performance-based plans may range from 0-200% of the number of units granted, based on the plan.  Dividend equivalents are not paid on the performance-based RSUs.

Information regarding Aon’s performance-based plans follows (shares in thousands, dollars in millions):

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Potential RSUs to be issued based on current performance levels

 

3,648

 

2,314

 

Shares forfeited during the period

 

 

9

 

RSUs awarded during the period

 

9

 

 

Unamortized expense, based on current performance levels

 

$

101

 

$

81

 

 

6




A summary of the status of Aon’s non-vested stock awards is as follows (shares in thousands):

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

Fair

 

 

 

Fair

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

Shares

 

Value

 

Shares

 

Value

 

Non-vested at beginning of period

 

12,870

 

$

28

 

11,641

 

$

25

 

Granted

 

2,257

 

36

 

1,800

 

40

 

Vested

 

(1,420

)

29

 

(1,024

)

24

 

Forfeited

 

(54

)

29

 

(180

)

29

 

Non-vested at end of period

 

13,653

 

$

29

 

12,237

 

$

27

 

 

Stock Options

Options to purchase common stock are granted to certain executives and key employees of Aon and its subsidiaries, generally at 100% of market value on the date of grant.  Generally, employees are required to complete two continuous years of service before the options begin to vest in increments until the completion of a 4-year period of continuous employment.  However, beginning in 2004 a significant number of options were granted that required five continuous years of service before all options would vest.  For all grants made prior to an amendment to the former stock option plan in 2000, employees were required to complete three continuous years of service before the options began to vest in increments until the completion of a 6-year period of continuous employment.  The maximum contractual term on stock options is generally ten years from the date of grant.

Upon adoption of Statement No. 123(R), Aon changed its method of valuation for stock options granted beginning in 2006 to a lattice-binomial option-pricing model from the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which was previously used for Aon’s pro forma information required under Statement No. 123.  Lattice-based option valuation models utilize a range of assumptions over the expected term of the options.  Expected volatilities are based on the average of the historical volatility of Aon’s stock price and the implied volatility of traded options and Aon’s stock.  Aon uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee terminations within the valuation model, stratifying between executives and key employees.  The expected dividend yield assumption is based on the company’s historical and expected future dividend rate.  The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.  The weighted average assumptions, the weighted average expected life and estimated fair value of employee stock options are summarized as follows:

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

Executives

 

Key
Employees

 

Executives

 

Key
Employees

 

Weighted average volatility

 

26.2

%

26.2

%

30.5

%

30.5

%

Expected dividend yield

 

1.7

%

1.7

%

2.3

%

2.3

%

Risk-free rate

 

4.7

%

4.7

%

4.4

%

4.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average expected life, in years

 

4.6

 

5.8

 

5.0

 

6.0

 

Weighted average estimated fair value

 

$

9.58

 

$

10.08

 

$

11.09

 

$

11.66

 

 

7




A summary of the status of Aon’s stock options and related information are as follows (shares in thousands):

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Shares

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Beginning outstanding

 

32,889

 

$

30

 

34,851

 

$

29

 

Granted

 

1,001

 

37

 

1,682

 

41

 

Exercised

 

(2,009

)

28

 

(2,302

)

28

 

Forfeited and expired

 

(236

)

31

 

(340

)

30

 

Outstanding at end of period

 

31,645

 

30

 

33,891

 

30

 

Exercisable at end of period

 

19,367

 

31

 

18,514

 

31

 

 

The weighted average remaining contractual life, in years, of outstanding options was 5.5 years and 5.9 years at March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on options with an exercise price less than the Company’s closing stock price of $37.96 as of March 31, 2007, which would have been received by the option holders had those option holders exercised their options as of that date.  The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable as of March 31, 2007 was $271 million and $153 million, respectively.

The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 was $20 million and $26 million, respectively.

Unamortized deferred compensation expense, which includes both options and awards, amounted to $347 million as of March 31, 2007, with a remaining weighted-average amortization period of approximately 2.5 years.

Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $62 million and $67 million during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The tax benefit realized from stock options exercised in the first three months of 2007 and 2006 was $8 million and $10 million, respectively.

During the first three months ended March 31, 2007, a majority of option exercises and award vestings were satisfied through the reissuance of treasury shares.

8




4.                                       Income Per Share

Income per share is calculated as follows:

 

Three months ended
March 31,

 

(millions, except per share data)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

212

 

$

173

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

1

 

24

 

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax

 

 

1

 

Net income for basic per share calculation

 

213

 

198

 

Interest expense on convertible debt securities, net of tax

 

1

 

1

 

Net income for diluted per share calculation

 

$

214

 

$

199

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic shares outstanding

 

298

 

324

 

Effect of convertible debt securities

 

14

 

14

 

Common stock equivalents

 

12

 

12

 

Diluted potential common shares

 

324

 

350

 

Basic net income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.71

 

$

0.54

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

0.07

 

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

0.71

 

$

0.61

 

Diluted net income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.66

 

$

0.50

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

0.07

 

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

0.66

 

$

0.57

 

 

Certain common stock equivalents related to options were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because those options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares.  The number of options excluded from the quarterly calculation was 6 million and 3 million at March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

9




5.                                       Comprehensive Income

The components of comprehensive income, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

Three months ended
March 31,

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net income

 

$

213

 

$

198

 

Net derivative losses

 

(2

)

 

Net unrealized investment gains (losses)

 

9

 

(31

)

Net foreign exchange gains

 

44

 

25

 

Change in postretirement plans

 

38

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

302

 

$

192

 

 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, are as follows:

(millions)

 

March 31, 2007

 

December 31, 2006

 

Net derivative gains

 

$

13

 

$

15

 

Net unrealized investment gains

 

82

 

73

 

Net foreign exchange translation

 

162

 

118

 

Postretirement plans

 

(1,178

)

(1,216

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

$

(921

)

$

(1,010

)

 

6.                                       Business Segments

Aon classifies its businesses into three operating segments: Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services, Consulting, and Insurance Underwriting.  Unallocated income and expense, when combined with the operating segments and after the elimination of intersegment revenues, totals to the amounts in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

The Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services segment consists primarily of Aon’s retail and reinsurance brokerage operations, as well as related insurance services, including underwriting management, captive insurance company management services, and premium financing.  The Consulting segment provides a full range of consulting services delivered predominantly to corporate clientele utilizing seven major practices: employee benefits, compensation, management consulting, communications, strategic human resource consulting, financial advisory and litigation consulting, and human resource outsourcing.  The Insurance Underwriting segment provides specialty insurance products including accident, health and life insurance coverages as well as select property and casualty insurance products.  Aon has ceased writing property and casualty business and has placed the remaining lines of business into runoff.  Unallocated income consists of investment income from equity, fixed-maturity and short-term investments that are assets primarily of the insurance underwriting subsidiaries that exceed policyholders liabilities.  These assets include non-income producing equities, and income and losses on disposals of essentially all securities, including those pertaining to assets maintained by the operating segments.  Unallocated expenses include administrative costs not attributable to the operating segments, such as corporate governance costs.  Interest expense represents the cost of worldwide debt obligations.

10




The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in this Form 10-Q and Aon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, except that the disaggregated financial results have been prepared using a management approach, which is consistent with the basis and manner in which Aon senior management internally disaggregates financial information for the purpose of assisting in making internal operating decisions.  Aon evaluates performance based on stand-alone operating segment income before income taxes and generally accounts for intersegment revenue as if the revenue were from third parties, that is, considered by management to be at current market prices.

Revenues are generally attributed to geographic areas based on the location of the resources producing the revenues.  Intercompany revenues and expenses are eliminated in computing consolidated revenues and income before tax.

Revenue by subsegment is as follows:

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Risk management and insurance brokerage:

 

 

 

 

 

Americas

 

$

519

 

$

517

 

United Kingdom

 

156

 

155

 

Europe, Middle East & Africa

 

434

 

374

 

Asia Pacific

 

100

 

88

 

Reinsurance brokerage and related services

 

247

 

246

 

Total Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

 

1,456

 

1,380

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consulting services

 

264

 

238

 

Outsourcing

 

65

 

70

 

Total Consulting

 

329

 

308

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accident & Health and Life

 

573

 

481

 

Property & Casualty

 

1

 

14

 

Total Insurance Underwriting

 

574

 

495

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intersegment revenues

 

(10

)

(15

)

Total operating segments

 

2,349

 

2,168

 

Unallocated income (loss)

 

32

 

(3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

 

$

2,381

 

$

2,165

 

 

11




Aon’s operating segments’ geographic revenue and income before income tax is as follows:

 

Risk and Insurance

 

 

 

Insurance

 

Three months ended March 31:

 

Brokerage Services

 

Consulting

 

Underwriting

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

488

 

$

493

 

$

163

 

$

165

 

$

402

 

$

333

 

Americas, other than U.S.

 

130

 

120

 

30

 

30

 

53

 

51

 

United Kingdom

 

217

 

221

 

61

 

55

 

55

 

54

 

Europe, Middle East & Africa

 

512

 

446

 

62

 

52

 

39

 

35

 

Asia Pacific

 

109

 

100

 

13

 

6

 

25

 

22

 

Total revenue

 

$

1,456

 

$

1,380

 

$

329

 

$

308

 

$

574

 

$

495

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax

 

$

242

 

$

240

 

$

47

 

$

30

 

$

59

 

$

53

 

 

A reconciliation of segment income before tax to income from continuing operations before provision for income tax is as follows:

 

Three months ended March, 31

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

 

$

242

 

$

240

 

Consulting

 

47

 

30

 

Insurance Underwriting

 

59

 

53

 

Segment income before income tax

 

348

 

323

 

Unallocated income

 

32

 

(3

)

Unallocated expenses

 

(34

)

(23

)

Interest expense

 

(35

)

(31

)

Income from continuing operations before provision for income tax

 

$

311

 

$

266

 

 

7.                                       Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair market value of net assets acquired.  Goodwill is allocated to Aon’s various reporting units, which are either its operating segments or one reporting level below the operating segments.  Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to impairment testing at least annually.   When a business entity is sold, goodwill is allocated to the disposed entity based on the fair value of that entity compared to the fair value of the reporting unit in which it is included.

The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment for the three months ended March 31, 2007 are as follows:

12




 

 

Risk and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brokerage

 

 

 

Insurance

 

 

 

(millions)

 

Services

 

Consulting

 

Underwriting

 

Total

 

Balance as of December 31, 2006

 

$

4,142

 

$

379

 

$

11

 

$

4,532

 

Goodwill acquired

 

127

 

 

 

127

 

Foreign currency revaluation

 

39

 

 

 

39

 

Balance as of March 31, 2007

 

$

4,308

 

$

379

 

$

11

 

$

4,698

 

 

Other intangible assets are classified into three categories:

·                  “Customer Related and Contract Based” include client lists as well as non-compete covenants;

·                  “Present Value of Future Profits” represent the future profits of purchased books of business of the insurance underwriting subsidiaries; and

·                  “Marketing, Technology and Other” are all other purchased intangibles not included in the preceding categories.

Other intangible assets by asset class are as follows:

 

Customer

 

Present Value

 

Marketing,

 

 

 

 

 

Related and

 

of Future

 

Technology

 

 

 

(millions)

 

Contract Based

 

Profits

 

and Other

 

Total

 

As of March 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount

 

$

249

 

$

23

 

$

289

 

$

561

 

Accumulated amortization

 

206

 

22

 

136

 

364

 

Net carrying amount

 

$

43

 

$

1

 

$

153

 

$

197

 

 

 

Customer

 

Present Value

 

Marketing,

 

 

 

 

 

Related and

 

of Future

 

Technology

 

 

 

(millions)

 

Contract Based

 

Profits

 

and Other

 

Total

 

As of December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount

 

$

232

 

$

23

 

$

245

 

$

500

 

Accumulated amortization

 

203

 

21

 

129

 

353

 

Net carrying amount

 

$

29

 

$

2

 

$

116

 

$

147

 

 

Amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 is estimated to be $41 million, $36 million, $31 million, $28 million and $23 million, respectively.

13




8.                                       Restructuring Charges

2005 Restructuring Plan

In 2005, the Company commenced a broad restructuring initiative that is expected to result in cumulative pretax charges totaling approximately $365 million, including workforce reductions, lease consolidation costs, asset impairments and other expenses necessary to implement the restructuring initiative.  Costs related to the restructuring are included in compensation and benefits, other general expenses and depreciation and amortization in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income.

The following is a summary of first quarter 2007, as well as inception to date restructuring and related expenses by type incurred and estimated to be incurred through the end of the restructuring initiative:

 

Actual

 

 

 

(millions)

 

2005

 

2006

 

First quarter
2007

 

Inception
to Date

 

Estimated
Total

 

Workforce reduction

 

$

116

 

$

116

 

$

3

 

$

235

 

$

244

 

Lease consolidation

 

20

 

27

 

3

 

50

 

66

 

Asset impairments

 

17

 

12

 

2

 

31

 

34

 

Other related expenses

 

5

 

12

 

2

 

19

 

21

 

Total restructuring and related expenses

 

$

158

 

$

167

 

$

10

 

$

335

 

$

365

 

 

The following is a summary of restructuring and related expenses incurred and estimated to be incurred by segment through the end of the restructuring initiative:

 

Actual

 

 

 

(millions)

 

2005

 

2006

 

First quarter
2007

 

Inception
to Date

 

Estimated
Total

 

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

 

$

143

 

$

136

 

$

7

 

$

286

 

$

309

 

Consulting

 

8

 

20

 

2

 

30

 

35

 

Insurance Underwriting

 

3

 

8

 

1

 

12

 

13

 

Unallocated

 

4

 

3

 

 

7

 

8

 

Total restructuring and related expenses

 

$

158

 

$

167

 

$

10

 

$

335

 

$

365

 

 

The following table sets forth the activity related to the 2005 restructuring plan liabilities:

(millions)

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

$

116

 

Expensed in 2006

 

155

 

Cash payments in 2006

 

(141

)

Foreign currency revaluation

 

4

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

 

134

 

Expensed in 2007

 

8

 

Cash payments in 2007

 

(28

)

Foreign currency revaluation

 

(1

)

Balance at March 31, 2007

 

$

113

 

 

14




Restructuring Charges – Prior Years

In 1996 and 1997, Aon recorded restructuring liabilities as a result of the acquisition of Alexander and Alexander Services, Inc. (“A&A”) and Bain Hogg.  During first quarter 2007, Aon made payments of $2 million for these liabilities.  The remaining liability of $20 million is primarily for lease abandonments and is being paid out over several years, as planned.

Aon’s unpaid liabilities are included in general expense liabilities in the condensed consolidated statements of financial position.

9.                                       Capital Stock

During the first three months of 2007, Aon issued 280,000 new shares of common stock for employee benefit plans and 97,000 shares in connection with the employee stock purchase plans.  In addition, Aon reissued 3,102,000 shares of treasury stock for employee benefit programs and 13,000 shares in connection with the employee stock purchase plans.

In November 2006, Aon announced that its Board of Directors had increased the authorized repurchase program to $2 billion.  Shares may be repurchased through the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time, based on prevailing market conditions and will be funded from available capital.  Any repurchased shares will be available for use in connection with employee stock plans and for other corporate purposes.  The Company repurchased 9.5 million shares at a total cost of $345 million in first quarter 2007.  In second quarter 2007 through May 3, the Company repurchased an additional 1.9 million shares at a cost of $75 million.

There are also 22.4 million shares of common stock held in treasury at March 31, 2007 which are restricted as to their reissuance.

10.                                 Disposal of Operations

Discontinued Operations

In 2006, Aon sold the following businesses:

·                  Aon Warranty Group (“AWG”) and its worldwide warranty and credit operations, which was previously included in the Insurance Underwriting segment.  A pretax gain of $16 million was recognized on the sale in fourth quarter 2006.

·                  Construction Program Group (“CPG”), a managing general underwriter whose policies were underwritten by Aon’s property and casualty operation.  Results of CPG were previously included in both the Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services and Insurance Underwriting segments.  A pretax gain of $27 million was recognized on the sale in fourth quarter 2006.

·                  A non-core Australian brokerage unit, which was previously included in the Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services segment.  A pretax gain of $1 million was recognized on the sale in first quarter 2006.

15




Aon’s insurance subsidiaries are involved in both the cession and assumption of reinsurance with other companies.  Aon’s reinsurance consists primarily of certain newer accident and health initiatives, as well as certain property and casualty lines that are in runoff.  Aon’s insurance subsidiaries remain liable to the extent that the reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations.  In connection with the sale of AWG, Aon sold Virginia Surety Company (VSC).  VSC will continue to remain liable to policyholders to the extent reinsurers of the property and casualty business do not meet their obligations.  As a result, Aon no longer reports reinsurance recoverables related to its property and casualty business, which was not part of the sale of AWG.  Aon has provided a corporate guarantee with respect to these reinsurance recoverables, which amount to $665 million at March 31, 2007.

A&A Discontinued Operations

Prior to its acquisition by Aon, A&A discontinued its property and casualty insurance underwriting operations in 1985, some of which were then placed into run-off, with the remainder sold in 1987.  In connection with those sales, A&A provided indemnities to the purchaser for various estimated and potential liabilities, including provisions to cover future losses attributable to insurance pooling arrangements, a stop-loss reinsurance agreement and actions or omissions by various underwriting agencies previously managed by an A&A subsidiary.

As of March 31, 2007, the liabilities associated with the foregoing indemnities were included in other liabilities in the condensed consolidated statements of financial position.  Such liabilities amounted to $79 million.  Reinsurance recoverables and other assets related to these liabilities are $94 million.  The remaining insurance liabilities represent estimates of known and future claims expected to be settled over the next 20 to 30 years, principally with regards to asbestos, pollution and other health exposures.  Although these insurance liabilities represent a best estimate of the probable liabilities, adverse developments may occur given the nature of the information available and the variables inherent in the estimation processes.

The operating results of all these businesses are classified as discontinued operations, and prior year’s operating results have been reclassified to discontinued operations, as follows:

16




 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

AWG

 

$

 

$

293

 

CPG

 

 

65

 

Other

 

 

 

Total

 

$

 

$

358

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pretax income:

 

 

 

 

 

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

AWG

 

$

 

$

26

 

CPG

 

 

12

 

Other

 

1

 

 

 

 

1

 

38

 

Gain on sale – other

 

1

 

1

 

Total

 

$

2

 

$

39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After-tax income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

Operations

 

$

 

$

25

 

Sale

 

1

 

(1

)

Total

 

$

1

 

$

24

 

 

11.                                 Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The following table provides the components of the net periodic benefit cost for Aon’s U.S. plans:

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Benefits

 

(millions) Three months ended March 31,

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Service cost

 

$

14

 

$

16

 

$

 

$

 

Interest cost

 

25

 

25

 

1

 

1

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(30

)

(28

)

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(4

)

 

 

 

Amortization of net loss

 

11

 

11

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

16

 

$

24

 

$

1

 

$

1

 

 

The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs for Aon’s material international pension plans, which are located primarily in the U.K. and The Netherlands:

17




 

 

Pension Benefits

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Service cost

 

$

13

 

$

15

 

Interest cost

 

62

 

53

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(72

)

(54

)

Amortization of net loss

 

19

 

22

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

22

 

$

36

 

 

As previously disclosed in its 2006 financial statements, Aon currently expects to contribute $36 million in 2007 to its U.S. defined benefit pension plans to satisfy minimum funding requirements and $5 million to fund other postretirement benefit plans.  As of March 31, 2007, contributions of $1 million have been made to the U.S. pension plans and $1 million to other postretirement benefit plans.

Aon previously disclosed in its 2006 financial statements that it expected to contribute $197 million in 2007 to its major international defined benefit pension plans.  Based on current rules and assumptions, Aon now plans to contribute approximately $198 million to its major international defined pension plans during 2007.  As of March 31, 2007, $60 million has been contributed.

In March 2007, the trustees of Aon’s U.K. pension plans approved the Company’s proposal to cease crediting future pension plan benefits relating to salary and service, effective April 1, 2007.  Future pension provisions will be provided under the defined contribution section of the Aon U.K. Pension Scheme.  As a result of the adoption of these changes, the Company remeasured its U.K. defined benefit pension plans, which resulted in an improvement in the funded status of these plans, and decreased other comprehensive loss by an after tax amount of $20 million.

12.                                 Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

The following table analyzes our investment positions with unrealized losses segmented by quality and period of continuous unrealized loss as of March 31, 2007.

18




 

 

Investment Grade

 

 

 

 

 

6 -12

 

 

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

0-6 Months

 

Months

 

> 12 Months

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIXED MATURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# of positions

 

7

 

2

 

39

 

48

 

Fair Value

 

$

10

 

$

3

 

$

183

 

$

196

 

Amortized Cost

 

10

 

3

 

188

 

201

 

Unrealized Loss

 

 

 

(5

)

(5

)

Foreign governments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# of positions

 

33

 

18

 

81

 

132

 

Fair Value

 

$

517

 

$

101

 

$

511

 

$

1,129

 

Amortized Cost

 

524

 

103

 

523

 

1,150

 

Unrealized Loss

 

(7

)

(2

)

(12

)

(21

)

Corporate securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# of positions

 

88

 

16

 

305

 

409

 

Fair Value

 

$

172

 

$

43

 

$

552

 

$

767

 

Amortized Cost

 

174

 

44

 

571

 

789

 

Unrealized Loss

 

(2

)

(1

)

(19

)

(22

)

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# of positions

 

39

 

1

 

310

 

350

 

Fair Value

 

$

63

 

$

5

 

$

195

 

$

263

 

Amortized Cost

 

63

 

5

 

199

 

267

 

Unrealized Loss

 

 

 

(4

)

(4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL FIXED MATURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# of positions

 

167

 

37

 

735

 

939

 

Fair Value

 

$

762

 

$

152

 

$

1,441

 

$

2,355

 

Amortized Cost

 

771

 

155

 

1,481

 

2,407

 

Unrealized Loss

 

(9

)

(3

)

(40

)

(52

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Total Unrealized Loss

 

16

%

5

%

70

%

91

%

 

 

Non-Investment Grade

 

 

 

 

 

6 -12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-6 Months

 

Months

 

> 12 Months

 

Total

 

EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# of positions

 

1

 

2

 

 

3

 

Fair Value

 

$

9

 

$

20

 

$

 

$

29

 

Amortized Cost

 

11

 

23

 

 

34

 

Unrealized Loss

 

(2

)

(3

)

 

(5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% of Total Unrealized Loss

 

4

%

5

%

0

%

9

%

 

For categorization purposes, Aon considers any rating of Baa or higher by Moody’s Investor Services or equivalent rating agency to be investment grade.  Aon has no fixed maturities below investment grade with an unrealized loss.

Aon’s fixed-maturity portfolio in total had a $52 million gross unrealized loss at March 31, 2007, and is subject to interest rate, market, and credit risks.  No single position had an unrealized loss greater than $4 million. With a carrying value of $2,888 million at March 31, 2007, Aon’s total fixed-maturity portfolio is approximately 100% investment grade based on market value.  Fixed-maturity securities with an unrealized loss are all investment grade and have a weighted average rating of “Aa” based on amortized cost. Aon’s non-publicly-traded fixed maturity portfolio had a carrying value of $207 million.  Valuations of these

19




securities primarily reflect the fundamental analysis of the issuer and current market price of comparable securities.

Aon’s equity portfolio is comprised of non-redeemable preferred stocks, publicly traded common stocks and other common and preferred stocks not publicly traded.  This portfolio had $5 million of gross unrealized losses at March 31, 2007, and is subject to interest rate, market, credit, illiquidity, concentration and operational performance risks.

Aon reviews invested assets with material unrealized losses each quarter.  Please see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in Aon’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.

13.                                 Uncertain Tax Positions

Aon adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, on January 1, 2007.  The implementation of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.  As of March 31, 2007, Aon has $61 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, $49 million of which would affect the effective tax rate if recognized.

Aon recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits in its provision for income taxes.  As of March 31, 2007, Aon had accrued $8 million for the payment of interest and penalties, which is included as a component of the $61 million of total unrecognized tax benefits noted above.

Aon has substantially concluded all U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2004.  Substantially all material state and local income tax jurisdiction examinations have been concluded for years through 2001.  Aon’s primary international jurisdictions have concluded income tax examinations through 2000.

14.                                 Endurance Warrants and Common Stock Investment

In 2001, Aon invested $227 million in the common stock of Endurance Specialty Holdings, Ltd. (“Endurance”), a Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance company.  Aon sold virtually all of its common stock investment in Endurance in 2004.  In conjunction with the initial common stock investment, Aon also received 4.1 million stock purchase warrants, which allowed Aon to purchase additional Endurance common stock through December 2011.  These warrants met the definition of a derivative, which required them to be recorded in the financial statements at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings on a current basis.  On March 31, 2006, Aon contributed all of the Endurance warrants to its U.K. pension plans.  The warrants had a fair value of approximately $73 million at March 31, 2006.  The change in the fair value of the warrants from December 31, 2005 was a decrease of $17 million, and was included in investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2006.

15.                                 Contingencies

Aon and its subsidiaries are subject to numerous claims, tax assessments, lawsuits and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business.  The damages claimed in these matters are or may be substantial, including, in many instances, claims for punitive, treble or extraordinary damages.  Aon has purchased errors and omissions (“E&O”) insurance and other appropriate insurance to provide protection against

20




losses that arise in such matters.  Accruals for these items, and related insurance receivables, when applicable, have been provided to the extent that losses are deemed probable and are reasonably estimable.  These accruals and receivables are adjusted from time to time as developments warrant.

In 2004, Aon, other insurance brokers, insurers and numerous other industry participants received subpoenas and other requests for information from the office of the Attorney General of the State of New York and from other states relating to certain practices in the insurance industry.

On March 4, 2005, Aon entered into an agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with the Attorney General of the State of New York, the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York, the Attorney General of the State of Connecticut, the Illinois Attorney General and the Director of the Division of Insurance, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (collectively, the “State Agencies”) to resolve all the issues related to investigations conducted by the State Agencies.

As has been described in detail in Aon’s previous financial filings, the Settlement Agreement required Aon to pay between 2005-2007 a total of $190 million into a fund (the “Fund”) to be distributed to certain Eligible Policyholder clients and to implement certain business reforms.  The Settlement Agreement set forth the procedures under which Aon mailed notices to its Eligible Policyholder clients and distributed the Fund to Participating Policyholder clients.

Purported clients have also filed civil litigation against Aon and other companies under a variety of laws and legal theories relating to broker compensation practices and other issues under investigation by New York and other states.  As previously reported, a putative class action styled Daniel v. Aon (Affinity) has been pending in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois since August 1999.  In March 2005 the Court gave preliminary approval to a nationwide class action settlement under which Aon agreed to pay a total of $38 million to its policyholders.  The Court granted final approval to the settlement in March 2006.  Parties that objected to the settlement have appealed.

Beginning in June 2004, a number of other putative class actions were filed against Aon and other companies by purported classes of clients under a variety of legal theories, including state tort, contract, fiduciary duty, antitrust and statutory theories and federal antitrust and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”) theories.  These actions are currently pending in state court in California and in federal court in New Jersey.  In the New Jersey federal class actions, the Court on April 5, 2007 dismissed, without prejudice, the plaintiffs’ federal antitrust and RICO claims.  The Court granted plaintiffs one opportunity to replead their claims, and Aon and other defendants will again move to dismiss the new complaints.  Aon believes it has meritorious defenses in all of these cases and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.  The outcome of these lawsuits, and any losses or other payments that may occur as a result, cannot be predicted at this time.

Beginning in late October 2004, several putative securities class actions were filed against Aon in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.  Also beginning in late October 2004, several putative ERISA class actions were filed against Aon in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.  Aon believes it has meritorious defenses in all of these cases and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.  The outcome of these lawsuits, and any losses or other payments that may occur as a result, cannot be predicted at this time.  With respect to the various securities and ERISA class actions, we are unable to estimate a range of possible losses, as these actions have not yet progressed to the stages where damages can be estimated.

21




In February 2006, Lloyds announced that it had brought suit in London against Benfield and a subsidiary of Aon to recover alleged losses relating to these brokers’ placement of insurance for Lloyds’s New Central Fund.  Lloyds alleges that its brokers did not fairly present the risk to reinsurers and thus that the brokers should be held liable for reinsurers’ failure to pay Lloyds an amount that Lloyds claims is approximately £325 million ($640 million based on March 31, 2007 exchange rates).  Aon disputes Lloyds’s allegations, believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against Lloyds’s claims.  Possible losses in this action range from zero, if Aon prevails, to the £325 million Lloyd’s claims.

Although the ultimate outcome of all matters referred to above cannot be ascertained, and liabilities in indeterminate amounts may be imposed on Aon or its subsidiaries, on the basis of present information, amounts already provided, availability of insurance coverages and legal advice received, it is the opinion of management that the disposition or ultimate determination of such claims will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of Aon.  However, it is possible that future results of operations or cash flows for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by an unfavorable resolution of these matters.

22




ITEM 2.                                                  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis is divided into six sections.  First, key recent events are described that have affected or will affect our financial results during 2007.  We then review our consolidated results and segments with comparisons from first quarter 2007 to the corresponding period in 2006.  We then discuss our financial condition and liquidity as well as information on our off balance sheet arrangements.  The final section addresses certain factors that can influence future results.

The outline for our Management’s Discussion and Analysis is as follows:

KEY RECENT EVENTS

Restructuring and Other Business Reorganization Initiatives

Stock Repurchase Program

Acquisitions and Divestitures

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

General

Consolidated Results

REVIEW BY SEGMENT

General

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

Consulting

Insurance Underwriting

Unallocated Income and Expense

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

Cash Flows

Financial Condition

Short-term Borrowings and Notes Payable

Stockholders’ Equity

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

23




Key Recent Events

Restructuring and Other Business Reorganization Initiatives

In 2005, we began executing a broad restructuring initiative to reduce our fixed cost base and increase efficiency.  This three-year plan has evolved as new opportunities have been identified and existing initiatives have been finalized.  We expect the remaining portion to cost $30 million during 2007, which is in addition to the $10 million already expensed through March 31, 2007.  Restructuring costs include workforce reductions, lease consolidation costs, asset impairments, and other expenses.  For the first quarter 2007, we estimated restructuring benefits were approximately $46 million.  These initiatives are expected to lead to annualized cost savings of approximately $280 million by 2008.

We estimate 3,600 positions will be eliminated as a result of this initiative.  As of March 31, 2007, approximately 2,800 of these eliminations had already occurred.  Further, office closures require that we recognize losses on subleases or lease buy-outs, and may also trigger asset impairments.

The following table details the restructuring and related expenses we incurred through first quarter 2007 and our estimates for the remainder of 2007 by geographic region:

(millions)

 

United
States

 

United
Kingdom

 

Continent of
Europe

 

Rest of
World

 

Total

 

2005

 

$

28

 

$

92

 

$

30

 

$

8

 

$

158

 

2006

 

66

 

56

 

34

 

11

 

167

 

1st quarter 2007

 

4

 

5

 

1

 

 

10

 

Incurred to date

 

98

 

153

 

65

 

19

 

335

 

Remainder of 2007 (estimated)

 

21

 

3

 

6

 

 

30

 

Total

 

$

119

 

$

156

 

$

71

 

$

19

 

$

365

 

 

The following table summarizes the restructuring costs incurred through first quarter 2007 and our estimated expenses for the remainder of 2007, by type.

 

 

Actual

 

Estimated -

 

 

 

(millions)

 

2005

 

2006

 

1st Quarter 2007

 

Total Incurred

 

Remainder
of 2007 (1)

 

Total

 

Workforce reduction

 

$

116

 

$

116

 

$

3

 

$

235

 

$

9

 

$

244

 

Lease consolidation

 

20

 

27

 

3

 

50

 

16

 

66

 

Asset impairments

 

17

 

12

 

2

 

31

 

3

 

34

 

Other related expenses

 

5

 

12

 

2

 

19

 

2

 

21

 

Total expenses

 

$

158

 

$

167

 

$

10

 

$

335

 

$

30

 

$

365

 

 


(1) Our estimated costs are forward looking and should be read in connection with our risk factors.  Actual costs may vary due to changes in the assumptions built into this plan. Some of the assumptions that may change include changes in severance calculations, the assumptions underlying our sublease loss calculations due to changing market conditions, and our overall analysis that might cause us to add or cancel component initiatives.

24




The following table details the restructuring and related expense by segment:

 

 

Actual

 

Estimated -

 

 

 

(millions)

 

2005

 

2006

 

1st Quarter 2007

 

Inception
 to date

 

Remainder
of 2007

 

Total

 

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

 

$

143

 

$

136

 

$

7

 

$

286

 

$

23

 

$

309

 

Consulting

 

8

 

20

 

2

 

30

 

5

 

35

 

Insurance Underwriting

 

3

 

8

 

1

 

12

 

1

 

13

 

Unallocated

 

4

 

3

 

 

7

 

1

 

8

 

Total

 

$

158

 

$

167

 

$

10

 

$

335

 

$

30

 

$

365

 

 

Share Repurchase Program

We are currently authorized to repurchase $2 billion of Aon’s shares. Pursuant to this program, during the first quarter 2007, we repurchased 9.5 million shares at a cost of $345 million.  Since the program began, we have now repurchased 38.6 million shares at a cost of $1,418 million.  Of the shares repurchased since the program’s inception, we have reissued approximately 7.3 million shares for stock options, stock awards and other benefit plans.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

We continually review our portfolio of businesses, making acquisitions where we think it will help us deliver distinctive client value, as well as exploring strategic alternatives for businesses we currently have.  For 2006 in total, we spent $138 million for acquisitions.  In first quarter 2007, we spent $190 million for acquisitions.  We increased our position in the U.K. affinity market by purchasing Footman James, and our technology platform was strengthened through the acquisition of Valley Oak Systems in the U.S.

During first quarter 2006, we completed the sale of a non-core brokerage business in Australia.  In fourth quarter 2006, we completed the sale of our AWG and CPG businesses.  The results of those businesses through the date of sale are shown as discontinued operations in our statements of income.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies, which include pensions, contingencies, policy liabilities, valuation of investments, intangible assets, share-based payments and income taxes, as discussed in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

General

In our discussion of operating results, we sometimes refer to supplemental information derived from consolidated financial information.

We use supplemental information related to organic revenue growth to help us and our investors evaluate business growth from existing operations.  Organic revenue growth excludes from reported revenue the impact of foreign exchange rate changes, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between business units, investment income, reimbursable expenses, and unusual items.  Organic revenue growth for the insurance underwriting segment is based on premiums written.

Supplemental organic revenue growth information should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our condensed consolidated statements of income.  Industry peers provide similar supplemental information about their revenue performance, although they may not make identical adjustments.

Because we conduct business in over 120 countries, foreign exchange rates fluctuations have an impact on our business.  In comparison to the U.S. dollar, foreign exchange rate movements may be significant and may distort true period-to-period comparisons of changes in revenue or pretax income.  Therefore, we have isolated

25




the impact of the change in currencies between periods by providing percentage changes on a comparable currency basis for revenue, and have disclosed the effect on earnings per share.  We have also provided this form of reporting to give financial statement users more meaningful information about our operations.

Some tables in the segment discussions reconcile organic revenue growth percentages to the reported revenue growth percentages for the segments and sub-segments.  We separately disclose the impact of foreign currency as well as the impact from acquisitions, divestitures, and transfers of business units, which represent the most significant reconciling items.  In an “all other” category, we total other reconciling items that are not generally significant individually or in the aggregate.  If there is a significant individual reconciling item within the “all other” category, we provide additional disclosure in a footnote.

Consolidated Results

The following table and commentary provide selected consolidated financial information.

 

First quarter ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

March 31,

 

Percent

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commissions and fees

 

$

1,735

 

$

1,612

 

8

%

Premiums and other

 

539

 

464

 

16

 

Investment income

 

107

 

89

 

20

 

Total consolidated revenue

 

2,381

 

2,165

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits

 

1,152

 

1,097

 

5

 

Other general expenses

 

510

 

461

 

11

 

Benefits to policyholders

 

323

 

254

 

27

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

50

 

55

 

(9

)

Interest expense

 

35

 

31

 

13

 

Provision for New York and other state settlements

 

 

1

 

(100

)

Total expenses

 

2,070

 

1,899

 

9

 

Income from continuing operations before provision for income tax

 

$

311

 

$

266

 

17

 

Pretax margin-continuing operations

 

13.1

%

12.3

%

 

 

 

Revenue

Commissions and fees increased by $123 million or 8% from first quarter 2006.  Foreign exchange, organic growth in Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services of 3% and acquisitions drove the increase.

Premiums and other increased $75 million or 16% from first quarter 2006, driven by strong growth in our Sterling subsidiary’s Medicare Advantage health product in our Accident & Health and Life sub-segment.

Investment income increased $18 million or 20% from first quarter 2006.  The increase was primarily driven by higher income from our Private Equity Partnership Structures I, LLC (PEPS I) investment and increased interest rates.  Results in 2006 included a $35 million gain related to the contribution of our investment in Scandent preferred stock to a U.K. pension plan and a negative mark-to-market adjustment for our Endurance warrants of $17 million.

Expenses

Compensation and benefits increased $55 million over 2006.  Driving the increase was higher incentive costs and the impact of foreign exchange, partially offset by lower pension expenses and restructuring costs.

26




Other general expenses increased $49 million or 11% over last year.  The increase was driven by a $21 million settlement of litigation for acquired employees in our Reinsurance business and the impact of foreign exchange.

Benefits to policyholders increased $69 million for the quarter.  The increase was driven by the growth in Sterling’s Medicare Advantage health product.

Depreciation expense decreased $5 million or 9%.  The decline was caused by asset disposals and write-offs in 2006.

Interest expense increased $4 million or 13%, resulting from higher international debt levels and interest rates.

Income from Continuing Operations Before Provision for Income Tax and Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle

Income from continuing operations before provision for income tax increased $45 million to $311 million in first quarter 2007, as compared to $266 million for first quarter 2006.  The 17% improvement is attributable to organic revenue growth in all operating segments, higher investment income, lower restructuring costs and the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates, which more than offset higher compensation and benefit costs and professional fees.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for continuing operations was 31.8% and 35.0% for the first quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The 2007 rate was impacted by the geographic distribution of earnings, lower tax rates in certain countries and the favorable resolution of certain tax matters.

Income from Continuing Operations

Income from continuing operations before accounting change for first quarter 2007 and 2006 was $212 million and $173 million, respectively.  Basic and diluted income per share in 2007 was $0.71 and $0.66, respectively, versus $0.54 and $0.50 for basic and diluted income per share in 2006, respectively.  Income from continuing operations in 2007 included $0.01 per share for currency translation gains.

Discontinued Operations

First quarter income from discontinued operations was $1 million in 2007 (no basic or diluted income per share impact) versus $24 million in 2006 ($0.07 per both basic and diluted income per share).  Activity in discontinued operations for 2007 included some residual settlement activity relating to our AWG and Swett & Crawford disposals.  Results in 2006 principally reflect the quarterly operating results from our AWG and CPG businesses, which were sold in fourth quarter 2006.

REVIEW BY SEGMENT

General

We classify our businesses into three operating segments: Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services, Consulting and Insurance Underwriting (see Note 6). Our operating segments are identified as those that:

·                  report separate financial information, and

·                  are evaluated regularly when we are deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance.

Segment revenue includes investment income generated by invested assets of that segment, as well as the impact of related derivatives.  Investment characteristics mirror liability characteristics of the respective segments:

27




·                  Our Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services and Consulting businesses invest funds held on behalf of clients and operating funds in short-term obligations.

·                  In Insurance Underwriting, policyholder claims and other types of non-interest sensitive insurance liabilities are primarily supported by intermediate to long-term fixed-maturity instruments.  For this business segment, operating invested assets are approximately equal to average net policy liabilities.

·                  Our insurance subsidiaries also have invested assets that exceed net policy liabilities, which allow us to maintain solid claims paying ratings.  Income from these investments is reflected in unallocated revenue.

The following table and commentary provide selected financial information on the operating segments.

 

First quarter ended

 

(millions)

 

March 31, 2007

 

March 31, 2006

 

Operating segment revenue:(1)

 

 

 

 

 

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

 

$

1,456

 

$

1,380

 

Consulting

 

329

 

308

 

Insurance Underwriting

 

574

 

495

 

Income before income tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

 

$

242

 

$

240

 

Consulting

 

47

 

30

 

Insurance Underwriting

 

59

 

53

 

Pretax Margins:

 

 

 

 

 

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

 

16.6

%

17.4

%

Consulting

 

14.3

%

9.7

%

Insurance Underwriting

 

10.3

%

10.7

%

 


(1)          Intersegment revenues of $10 million and $15 million were included in first quarter 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The following table reflects investment income earned by the operating segments, which is included in the foregoing results.

 

First quarter ended

 

(millions)

 

March 31, 2007

 

March 31, 2006

 

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

 

$

45

 

$

65

 

Consulting

 

1

 

2

 

Insurance Underwriting

 

29

 

25

 

 

·                  Risk and Insurance Brokerage investment income decreased $20 million from first quarter 2006.  The decrease was driven by the contribution of the Scandent preferred stock investment to a U.K. pension plan in 2006, which resulted in a gain of $35 million.  Absent that gain, investment income increased $15 million due principally to higher interest rates.

·                  Insurance underwriting investment income increased $4 million primarily because of higher invested balances and increases in interest rates.

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services

Aon is a leader in many sectors of the insurance industry.  Globally, it is the largest insurance broker, the largest reinsurance broker, and the leading manager of captive insurance companies worldwide.  These rankings are based on the most recent surveys compiled and reports printed by Business Insurance.

Changes in premiums have a direct and potentially material impact on the insurance brokerage industry, as commission revenues are generally based on a percentage of the premiums paid by insureds.  Insurance premiums may vary widely based on market conditions. Heavier than anticipated loss

28




experience or capital shortages can result in increasing premium rates, which is referred to as a “hard market.”  A hard market tends to favorably impact commission revenues.  Conversely, increased competition for market share among insurance carriers or increased underwriting capacity can result in flat or reduced premium rates, or a “soft market.”  A soft market tends to put downward pressure on commission revenues.  Hard and soft markets may be broad-based or more narrowly focused across certain product lines or geographic areas.

Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services generated approximately 62% of Aon’s total operating segment revenues for the first quarter 2007.  Revenues are generated primarily through:

·                  fees paid by clients

·                  commissions and fees paid by insurance and reinsurance companies

·                  interest income on funds held on behalf of clients.

Our revenues vary from quarter to quarter throughout the year as a result of:

·                  the timing of our clients’ policy renewals

·                  the net effect of new and lost business

·                  the timing of services provided to our clients

·                  the income we earn on investments, which is heavily influenced by short-term interest rates.

Our risk brokerage companies operate in a highly competitive industry and compete with many retail insurance brokerage and agency firms, as well as individual brokers, agents, and direct writers of insurance coverage.  Specifically, this segment:

·                  addresses the highly specialized product development and risk management needs of commercial enterprises, professional groups, insurance companies, governments, healthcare providers, and non-profit groups, among others

·                  provides affinity products for professional liability, life, disability income and personal lines for individuals, associations and businesses

·                  provides reinsurance services to insurance and reinsurance companies and other risk assumption entities by acting as brokers or intermediaries on all classes of reinsurance

·                  provides managing underwriting and premium finance services to independent agents and brokers as well as corporate clients

·                  provides actuarial, loss prevention and administrative services to businesses and consumers

·                  manages captive insurance companies.

We review our revenue results using the following sub-segments:

·                  Risk Management and Insurance Brokerage – encompasses our retail brokerage services, affinity products, managing general underwriting, placement and captive management services, and premium finance services in the following areas:  Americas; United Kingdom; Europe, Middle East & Africa; and Asia Pacific.

·                  Reinsurance Brokerage and Related Services (Reinsurance) offers sophisticated advisory services in program design and claim recoveries that enhance the risk/return characteristics of insurance policy portfolios, improve capital utilization and evaluate and mitigate catastrophic loss exposures worldwide.

29




Revenue

This table shows Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services revenue by sub-segment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

Acquisitions,

 

Less:

 

Organic

 

(millions)

 

 

 

 

 

Percent

 

Currency

 

Divestitures

 

All

 

Revenue

 

First quarter ended March 31,

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

Impact

 

& Transfers

 

Other

 

Growth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Americas

 

$

519

 

$

517

 

%

%

%

(7

)%

7

%

United Kingdom

 

156

 

155

 

1

 

7

 

6

 

(1

)

(11

)

Europe, Middle East & Africa

 

434

 

374

 

16

 

8

 

2

 

3

 

3

 

Asia Pacific

 

100

 

88

 

14

 

5

 

(2

)

3

 

8

 

Reinsurance

 

247

 

246

 

 

3

 

(2

)

(1

)

 

Total revenue

 

$

1,456

 

$

1,380

 

6

%

4

%

1

%

(2

)%

3

%

 

·                  Americas revenue was essentially unchanged from last year.  Included in last year’s revenue is the $35 million gain on the contribution of Scandent preferred stock.  Offsetting that amount this year was 7% organic revenue growth, primarily in the U.S. and Latin America.

·                  U.K. revenue rose 1%, as favorable foreign exchange rates and acquisitions more than offset an organic revenue decline of 11%. Lower new business, soft market conditions and distractions related to the current restructuring all contributed to the organic revenue decline.

·                  Europe, Middle East & Africa revenue rose 16%, reflecting favorable foreign exchange rate impacts and 3% organic revenue growth, primarily due to a higher retention rate in Europe and strong growth in emerging markets.

·                  Asia Pacific’s 14% revenue growth was driven by organic growth in the emerging markets in Asia, partially offset by soft market conditions in Australia, and positive foreign exchange rate impacts.

·                  Reinsurance revenue was unchanged on both a reported and organic basis, primarily reflecting soft markets and higher cedant retentions across most areas of the business.

This table shows Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services revenue by geographic area.

 

First quarter ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

March 31,

 

Percent

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

488

 

$

493

 

(1

)%

Americas, other than U.S.

 

130

 

120

 

8

 

United Kingdom

 

217

 

221

 

(2

)

Europe, Middle East & Africa

 

512

 

446

 

15

 

Asia Pacific

 

109

 

100

 

9

 

Total revenue

 

$

1,456

 

$

1,380

 

6

%

 

·                  U.S. revenues fell 1% as strong new business and effective renewal book management in U.S. retail was offset by last year’s gain on the contribution of our Scandent preferred stock.

·                  Americas other than U.S. revenue rose 8% due to growth in Latin America.

·                  The 2% decline in U.K. revenue reflects soft pricing and lower new business.

·                  Europe, Middle East & Africa and Asia Pacific revenue rose 15% and 9%, respectively, due to favorable foreign exchange rates and organic revenue growth.

30




Income Before Income Tax

First quarter pretax income was up slightly to $242 million.  Pretax margins were 16.6% and 17.4% for 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Organic revenue growth of 3% and lower restructuring and pension costs were offset by lower investment income (reflecting the gain on the contribution of the Scandent preferred stock) in 2006 and a $21 million reinsurance litigation settlement.

Consulting

Aon Consulting is one of the world’s largest integrated human capital consulting organizations.  Our Consulting segment:

·                  provides a broad range of consulting services

·                  generated 14% of Aon’s total operating segment revenue for the first quarter 2007.

We review our revenue results using the following sub-segments:

·                  Consulting services, which provide consulting services in six major practice areas:

1.               Employee Benefits advises clients about how to structure, fund and administer employee benefit programs that attract, retain and motivate employees.  Benefits consulting includes health and welfare, retirement, executive benefits, absence management, compliance, employer commitment, investment advisory and elective benefit services.

2.               Compensation focuses on designing salary, bonus, commission, stock option and other pay structures, with special expertise in the financial services and technology industries.

3.               Management Consulting assists clients in process improvement and design, leadership, organization and human capital development, and change management.

4.               Communications advises clients on how to communicate initiatives that support their corporate vision.

5.               Strategic Human Resource Consulting advises complex global organizations on talent, change and organization effectiveness issues including assessment, selection performance management, succession planning, organization design and related people-management programs.

6.               Financial Advisory and Litigation Consulting provides consulting services including white-collar and financial statement investigation, securities litigation, financial due diligence, financial valuation services and other related specialties.

·                  Outsourcing, which offers employment processing, performance improvement, benefits administration and other employment-related services.

Revenues in the Consulting segment are affected by changes in clients’ industries, including government regulation, as well as new products and services, the state of the economic cycle, broad trends in employee demographics and the management of large organizations.

31




Revenue

This table shows Consulting revenue by product sub-segment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

Acquisitions,

 

Less:

 

Organic

 

(millions)

 

 

 

 

 

Percent

 

Currency

 

Divestitures

 

All

 

Revenue

 

First quarter ended March 31,

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

Impact

 

& Transfers

 

Other

 

Growth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consulting services

 

$

264

 

$

238

 

11

%

4

%

4

%

(1

)%

4

%

Outsourcing

 

65

 

70

 

(7

)

3

 

 

1

 

(11

)

Total revenue

 

$

329

 

$

308

 

7

%

4

%

2

%

%

1

%

 

·                  Consulting Services revenue increased $26 million or 11% for the quarter.  Organic revenue growth was 4%, reflecting growth in our Financial Advisory and Litigation Consulting unit, the Asia Pacific region and  retirement consulting.  Revenue also increased due to favorable foreign exchange rates and the transfer in of certain small units from the Risk and Insurance Brokerage Service segment.

·                  Outsourcing revenue declined $5 million for the quarter.  Organic revenue growth was negative 11% driven by lower revenue from AT&T.  AT&T, which is our largest outsourcing client, terminated many services in a contract with us at the end of 2006.

This table shows Consulting revenue by geographic area.

 

First quarter ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

March 31,

 

Percent

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

163

 

$

165

 

(1

)%

Americas, other than U.S.

 

30

 

30

 

 

United Kingdom

 

61

 

55

 

11

 

Europe, Middle East & Africa

 

62

 

52

 

19

 

Asia Pacific

 

13

 

6

 

117

 

Total revenue

 

$

329

 

$

308

 

7

%

 

·                  The U.S. revenue decline was primarily caused by reduced outsourcing business triggered by the loss of AT&T as discussed above, partially offset by higher Financial Advisory and Litigation Consulting revenue.

·                  United Kingdom revenue rose 11% on a quarterly basis, driven principally by foreign exchange rates.

·                  Europe, Middle East & Africa increased 19% and Asia Pacific grew 117%, both due to favorable foreign exchange, the transfer in of certain small units from brokerage and organic revenue growth.

Income Before Income Tax

First quarter 2007 pretax income was up 57% to $47 million compared to $30 million in 2006.   Pretax margins for the quarter were 14.3% and 9.7% for 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The pretax income and margin improvement was principally driven by organic revenue growth, good expense management in the U.S., and $4 million lower restructuring costs.

32




Insurance Underwriting

The Insurance Underwriting segment:

·                  provides accident, health and life insurance coverage mostly through direct distribution networks, primarily through more than 7,000 career insurance agents working for our subsidiaries.  Our revenues are affected by our success in attracting and retaining these career agents.

·                  previously offered select commercial property and casualty business on a limited basis through managing general underwriters.  We have ceased writing property and casualty business and have placed all programs in runoff.

·                  has operations in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific

·                  generated 24% of Aon’s total operating segment revenue for the first quarter 2007.

Revenue

Written premium and fees are the basis for organic revenue growth in this segment; however, reported revenues reflect earned premiums and fees.

We review our revenue results using the following sub-segments:

·                  Accident & Health and Life, through which we provide an array of accident, sickness, short-term disability and other insurance products.  Most of these products are primarily fixed-indemnity obligations and are not subject to escalating medical cost inflation;

·                  Property and Casualty -  We have ceased writing property and casualty business.  This subsegment is entirely composed of runoff liabilities pertaining to various personal and commercial risks we formerly underwrote, such as:

·                  professional liability errors and omissions

·                  excess liability

·                  workers’ compensation

·                  commercial property and casualty risk.

This table shows Insurance Underwriting revenue by product sub-segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:

 

 

 

Organic

 

(millions)

 

 

 

 

 

Percent

 

Currency

 

Less:

 

Revenue

 

First quarter ended March 31,

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

Impact

 

All Other

 

Growth (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accident & Health and Life

 

$

573

 

$

481

 

19

 

2

 

2

 

15

 

Property & Casualty

 

1

 

14

 

(93

)

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

Total revenue

 

$

574

 

$

495

 

16

 

2

 

1

 

13

 

 


(1)          Organic revenue growth for Property & Casualty is no longer meaningful as the remaining business is in run-off.

In the Accident & Health and Life business, revenue increased $92 million or 19% for the quarter, driven by strong growth in our Sterling Life Insurance subsidiary’s Medicare Advantage health product, favorable foreign exchange rates and higher investment income.  The decline in Property & Casualty is a direct result of ceasing writing new property and casualty business.

33




 

This table shows Insurance Underwriting revenue by geographic area.

 

First quarter ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

March 31,

 

Percent

 

(millions)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

402

 

$

333

 

21

%

Americas, other than U.S.

 

53

 

51

 

4

 

United Kingdom

 

55

 

54

 

2

 

Europe, Middle East & Africa

 

39

 

35

 

11

 

Asia Pacific

 

25

 

22

 

14

 

Total revenue

 

$

574

 

$

495

 

16

%

 

·                  U.S. revenue increased $69 million or 21% driven by growth in Sterling’s Medicare Advantage health product.

·                  Americas, other than U.S. revenues increased $2 million due to growth in Canada.

·                  United Kingdom revenue was generally consistent with prior years.

·                  Europe, Middle East & Africa and Asia Pacific revenue increased $4 million (11%) and $3 million (14%), respectively, due to the impact of foreign exchange rates and organic growth.

Income Before Income Tax

First quarter pretax income was $59 million and the pretax margin was 10.3%, compared to $53 million of pretax income with a 10.7% margin in the first quarter 2006.  The increase in pretax income is driven by growth in Accident & Health and Life, along with higher investment income, offset in part by lower results in Property & Casualty.  Pretax margins fell due to growth in our Medicare Advantage health product which has higher loss ratios.

Unallocated Income and Expense

Unallocated income consists primarily of investment income (including income or loss on investment disposals and other-than-temporary impairment losses), which is not otherwise reflected in the operating segments.  We include:

·                  invested assets and related investment income not directly required to support the risk and insurance brokerage services and consulting businesses, and

·                  the assets in excess of net policyholder liabilities of the insurance underwriting subsidiaries and related income.

Unallocated revenue included changes in the valuation of Endurance warrants.  Through March 31, 2006 we carried our investment in Endurance warrants at fair value and recorded changes in the fair value through unallocated investment income.  On March 31, 2006, the investment in Endurance warrants was contributed to our U.K. pension plans.

Private equities are principally carried at cost; however, where we have significant influence, they are carried under the equity method.  These investments usually do not pay dividends.  Limited partnerships (LP) are accounted for under the equity method and changes in the value of the underlying LP investments flow through unallocated investment income.

Unallocated revenue was $32 million for first quarter 2007 compared to $(3) million in the first quarter of 2006.  The increase was driven by:

34




·                  an increase in income from our PEPS I investment of $12 million

·                  negative mark-to-market adjustments of $17 million recorded in first quarter 2006 on our investment in Endurance warrants.  The warrants were contributed to the U.K. pension plans on March 31, 2006.

Unallocated expenses were $34 million compared to $23 million a year ago, resulting primarily from higher professional fees, including accounting and legal expenses associated with a review of historical equity compensation practices.

FINANCIAL CONDITION & LIQUIDITY

Cash Flows

Cash flows from operations represent the net income we earned in the reported periods adjusted for non-cash charges and changes in operating assets and liabilities.

Cash flows provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

(millions)Three months ended March 31,

 

2007

 

2006

 

Insurance Underwriting operating cash flows (including AWG for 2006)

 

$

147

 

$

190

 

All other operating cash flows

 

109

 

47

 

 

 

256

 

237

 

Change in funds held on behalf of brokerage and consulting clients

 

560

 

460

 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

$

816

 

$

697

 

 

Insurance Underwriting operating cash flows

Our 2007 insurance underwriting operations include Accident & Health and Life and Property & Casualty businesses in run-off.  These insurance products have distinct differences in the timing of premiums earned and payment of future liabilities. The 2006 cash flows include the operations of Aon Warranty Group (AWG) and Construction Program Group (CPG) sold on November 30, 2006.

The operating cash flow from our insurance subsidiaries, which also includes related unallocated items, was $147 million for 2007, a decrease of $43 million compared to 2006.  This decrease was primarily related to the sale of AWG and CPG and was partially offset by strong organic growth and advanced premiums. For 2007, operating cash flows, analyzed by major income statement component, indicated that premium and other fees collected, net of reinsurance, were $590 million compared to $862 million in 2006.  Investment and other miscellaneous income received was $44 million and $62 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively.

We used revenues generated from premiums, investments and other miscellaneous income to pay claims and other cash benefits, commissions, general expenses and taxes.  Claims and other cash benefits paid were $299 million in 2007 versus $347 million in 2006.  Commissions and general expenses paid were $179 million for 2007, compared to $361 million in 2006.  Tax payments for 2007 were $9 million compared to $26 million last year.

We will invest and use operating cash flows to satisfy future benefits to policyholders and when appropriate, make them available to pay dividends to the Aon parent company.

35




Generally, we invest in highly liquid and marketable investment grade securities to support policy liabilities.  These invested assets are subject to insurance regulations set forth by the various governmental jurisdictions in which we operate, both domestically and internationally.  The insurance regulations may restrict both the quantity and quality of various types of assets within the portfolios.

Our insurance subsidiaries’ policy liabilities are segmented among multiple accident and health and property casualty portfolios.  Those portfolios have widely varying estimated durations and interest rate characteristics.  Generally, our policy liabilities are not subject to interest rate volatility risk.  Therefore, in many of the portfolios, asset and policy liability duration are not closely matched.

Funds held on behalf of clients

In our Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services and Consulting segments, we typically hold funds on behalf of clients as a result of:

·                  premiums received from clients that are in transit to insurers.  These premiums held on behalf of, or due from, clients are reported as assets with a corresponding liability due to the insurer.

·                  claims due to clients that are in transit from insurers.  Claims held by, or due to us and which are due to clients, are also shown as both assets and liabilities.

These funds held on behalf of clients are generally invested in interest bearing trust accounts and can fluctuate significantly depending on when we collect cash from our clients and when premiums are remitted to the insurance carriers.

All other operating cash flows

The operating cash flow from our Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services and Consulting segments, as well as related unallocated items, was $109 million in 2007 compared to $47 million in 2006.  These amounts exclude the change in funds held on behalf of clients as described above.  The operating cash flows depend on the timing of receipts and payments related to revenues, incentive compensation, other operating expenses and income taxes.  Comparing 2007 to 2006, the net increase in cash from our Risk and Insurance Brokerage Services and Consulting segments and related unallocated items of $62 million was primarily related to timing of tax payments and organic revenue growth.

Aon uses the excess cash generated by our brokerage and consulting businesses as well as dividends received from our insurance company subsidiaries to meet its liquidity needs, which consist of servicing its debt, paying dividends to its stockholders and repurchasing outstanding shares.

Investing and Financing Activities

We used the consolidated cash flow from operations (net of funds held on behalf of clients) for:

·                  investing activities of $221 million. The investing activities cash flows usages included capital expenditures, net of disposals, of $35 million; and acquisition of subsidiaries of $190 million. The cash flows provided by investing activities included sales of investments, net of purchases, of $4 million.

·                  financing needs of $530 million.  Financing uses primarily included cash dividends paid to shareholders of $44 million, net share activity of $272 million, and debt repayments, net of issuance, of $214 million.

36




Financial Condition

Since year-end 2006, total assets increased $273 million to $24.6 billion.

Total investments at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were $7.7 billion and $7.6 billion, respectively.  Approximately 94% of our investment portfolio at quarter end was in short-term investments and fixed maturities, with approximately 100% of our fixed maturities rated investment grade.

 

Amount Shown

 

 

 

 

 

in Statement

 

Percentage

 

 

 

of Financial

 

of Total

 

(millions)

 

Position

 

Investments

 

Fixed maturities - available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

US government and agencies

 

$

255

 

3

%

States and political subdivisions

 

3

 

 

Debt securities of foreign governments not classified as loans

 

1,253

 

16

 

Corporate securities

 

878

 

12

 

Public utilities

 

81

 

1

 

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

 

418

 

6

 

Total Fixed Maturities

 

2,888

 

38

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities - available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stocks

 

57

 

1

 

Non-redeemable preferred stocks

 

1

 

 

Total Equity Securities

 

58

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy loans

 

55

 

1

 

Other long-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

PEPS I Preferred Stock

 

217

 

3

 

Other

 

134

 

1

 

Total Other Long Term Investments

 

351

 

4

 

Total Other Investments

 

406

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

4,314

 

56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS

 

$

7,666

 

100

%

 

Total receivables decreased $60 million in the first three months of 2007, primarily the result of the timing of cash receipts and the impact of foreign exchange rates.  Insurance premiums payable increased $706 million over the same period.  The difference between the change in receivables and premiums payable is reflected in a change in funds held on behalf of clients, which is a component of short-term investments.

Goodwill and intangible assets rose, in total, $216 million from year-end 2006 due primarily to recent acquisition activity.

Other assets decreased $50 million from December 31, 2006.  Other assets are comprised principally of prepaid premiums related to reinsurance, prepaid pension assets, current and deferred income taxes.  The decrease is principally caused by a decrease in prepaid premiums and a lower current tax receivable.

General expense liabilities fell $364 million from December 31, 2006, partially as a result of paying annual incentives during the first quarter.

37




Short-term Borrowings and Notes Payable

Borrowings

Total debt at March 31, 2007 was $2,073 million, a decrease of $212 million from December 31, 2006.  In January, we paid down $250 million of U.S. debt which had become due.  Also during the quarter we repaid most of our short-term debt.  Our Euro facility borrowings increased $85 million since December 31, 2006.

At March 31, 2007, we had a $600 million unused U.S. bank credit facility, which expires in February 2010, to support commercial paper and other short-term borrowings.  The facility allows us to issue up to $150 million in letters of credit.

We also have several foreign credit facilities available.  At March 31, 2007, we had available to us:

·                  a five-year €650 million ($867 million) multi-currency facility of which $488 million was outstanding at March 31, 2007.  See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2006 Form 10-K for further discussion of both the U.S. and Euro facilities;

·                  a £37.5 million ($74 million) facility, a 364-day 10 million Canadian dollar ($9 million) facility and a 364-day €25 million (U.S. $33 million) facility.

·                  a €20 million ($27 million) open-ended facility.

The major rating agencies’ ratings of our debt at May 4, 2007 appear in the table below.

 

Senior long-term debt

 

Commercial paper

 

 

 

Rating

 

Outlook

 

Rating

 

Outlook

 

Standard & Poor’s

 

BBB+

 

Stable

 

A-2

 

Stable

 

Moody’s Investor Services

 

Baa2

 

Positive

 

P-2

 

Positive

 

Fitch, Inc.

 

BBB+

 

Stable

 

F-2

 

Stable

 

 

A downgrade in the credit ratings of our senior debt and commercial paper would:

·                  increase our borrowing costs and reduce our financial flexibility

·                  increase our commercial paper interest rates or may restrict our access to the commercial paper market altogether.  Although we have committed backup lines, we cannot ensure that our financial position will not be hurt if we can no longer access the commercial paper market.

In addition, intercompany notes between Aon Parent and certain of our accident & health and life insurance companies will become payable within 30 days if Aon’s credit rating on its senior long-term debt falls below investment grade.

Stockholders’ Equity

Stockholders’ equity increased $42 million from the fourth quarter 2006 to $5,260 million.  The change was driven primarily by $213 million of net income and an increase in foreign exchange gains, principally offset by $232 million of net treasury stock repurchases as a result of our stock repurchase program.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss decreased $89 million since December 31, 2006.  Net foreign exchange translation increased by $44 million because of the weakening of the U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies as compared to the prior year-end.  Changes in our postretirement plans decreased our accumulated other comprehensive loss by $38 million.

38




Our total debt as a percentage of total capital was 28.3% at March 31, 2007.  This is compared to our total debt as a percentage of total capital of 30.5% at year-end 2006.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We record various contractual obligations as liabilities in our consolidated financial statements.  Other items, such as certain purchase commitments and other executory contracts, are not recognized as liabilities in our consolidated financial statements, but we are required to disclose them.

Aon and its subsidiaries have issued letters of credit to cover contingent payments for taxes and other business obligations to third parties.  We accrue amounts in our consolidated financial statements for these letters of credit to the extent they are probable and estimable.

Following the guidance of FASB Statement No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities and other relevant accounting guidance, we use special purpose entities (“SPEs”) and qualifying special purpose entities (“QSPEs”), also known as special purpose vehicles, in some of our operations.

Premium Financing

Certain of our U.S., U.K., Canadian and Australian subsidiaries originate short-term loans (generally with terms of 12 months or less) to businesses to finance their insurance premium obligations, and then sell these premium finance agreements in securitization transactions that meet the criteria for sale accounting under Statement No. 140.  These sales involve:

·                  special purpose entities which are considered QSPEs by Statement No. 140, and per Statement No. 140 should not be consolidated in the financial statements of a transferor or its affiliates (Aon’s subsidiaries).

·                  multi-seller, non-qualified bank commercial paper conduit SPEs (“Bank SPEs”) that are variable interest entities according to FIN 46.

We have analyzed qualitative and quantitative factors related to our subsidiaries’ interests in the Bank SPEs and have determined that these subsidiaries are not the sponsors of the Bank SPEs.  Additionally, independent third parties:

·                  have made substantial equity investments in the Bank SPEs

·                  have voting control of the Bank SPEs

·                  generally have the risks and rewards of ownership of the assets of the Bank SPEs.

Thus, we have concluded that non-consolidation of the Bank SPEs is appropriate in accordance with FIN 46 given that our subsidiaries do not have significant variable interests.

Through the securitization agreements we, or one of our QSPEs, sell undivided interests in specified premium finance agreements to the Bank SPEs.  The total amount advanced on premium finance agreements sold to the Bank SPEs at any one time is limited by the securitization agreements to $1.8 billion.  The Bank SPEs had advanced $1.5 billion and $1.7 billion at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.  We can receive additional advances as:

·                  we sell more eligible premium finance agreements to the Bank SPEs

·                  collections, which we administer, on previously sold agreements reduce available advances.

39




We record at fair value our retained interest in the sold premium finance agreements, and report it in insurance brokerage and consulting services receivables in the condensed consolidated statements of financial position.  We also:

·                  retain servicing rights for sold agreements

·                  earn servicing fee income over the servicing period and include these servicing fees in the gain/loss calculation.

At March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, since the fair value of the servicing rights approximates the estimated costs to service the receivables, we have not recorded any servicing assets or liabilities.

We estimate fair value by discounting estimated future cash flows from the servicing rights and servicing costs using:

·                  discount rates that approximate current market rates

·                  expected future prepayment rates.

The Bank SPEs bear the credit risks on the receivables, subject to limited recourse in the form of credit loss reserves, which are covered by collateral enhancements.

All but the Australian facility require Aon to maintain consolidated net worth, as defined, of at least $2.5 billion, and:

·                  consolidated EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) to consolidated net interest of at least 4 to 1

·                  consolidated indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA of no more than 3 to 1.

We intend to renew the conduit facilities when they expire.  If there were adverse bank, regulatory, tax or accounting rule changes, our access to the conduit facilities and special purpose vehicles would be restricted.  These special purpose vehicles are not included in our consolidated financial statements, following the appropriate accounting standards.

PEPS I

In 2001, we sold the vast majority of our LP portfolio, valued at $450 million, to PEPS I, a QSPE.  The common stock interest in PEPS I is held by a limited liability company, owned by one of our subsidiaries (49%) and by a charitable trust, which we do not control, established for victims of the September 11th attacks (51%).

PEPS I sold approximately $171 million of investment grade fixed-maturity securities to unaffiliated third parties.  It then paid our insurance underwriting subsidiaries the $171 million in cash and issued them an additional $279 million in fixed-maturity and preferred stock securities.

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services rated the fixed-maturity securities our subsidiaries received from PEPS I as investment grade.  As part of this transaction, the insurance companies had been required to purchase additional fixed-maturity securities from PEPS I in an amount equal to the unfunded LP commitments as they are requested.  These fixed-maturity securities are rated below investment grade.  Beginning in July 2004, Aon Parent assumed this responsibility.  Commitments of $2 million were funded in 2007.  As of March 31, 2007, the unfunded commitments amounted to $44 million.  These commitments have specific expiration dates and the general partners may decide not to draw on these commitments.  We have not included the assets, liabilities and operations of PEPS I in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

40




In previous years Aon has recognized other than temporary impairment write-downs of $59 million, equal to the original cost of one tranche.  The preferred stock interest represents a beneficial interest in securitized limited partnership investments.  The fair value of the private preferred stock interests depends on the value of the limited partnership investments held by PEPS I.  These preferred stock interests have an unrealized investment gain as of March 31, 2007.  We assess other-than-temporary declines in the fair value below cost using a financial model that considers the:

·                  value of the underlying limited partnership investments of PEPS I

·                  nature and timing of the cash flows from the underlying limited partnership investments of PEPS I.

Reinsurance Guarantee

In connection with the AWG transaction, we issued an indemnification which protects the purchaser from credit exposure relating to the property and casualty reserves that have been reinsured.  At December 31, 2006, we had recorded a $13 million liability, reflecting the fair value of this indemnification.  The value remained approximately $13 million as of March 31, 2007.  The indemnification represents the present value of the indemnification on the credit risk of the reinsurers.

Aon no longer reports reinsurance recoverables related to its property and casualty business, which was not part of the sale of AWG.  Aon has provided a corporate guarantee with respect to these reinsurance recoverables, which amount to approximately $665 million at March 31, 2007.

Contractual Obligations

As noted previously, Aon adopted FIN48 in the first quarter of 2007.  As of March 31, 2007, we had $40 million of tax liabilities related to uncertain tax positions, which included interest and penalties.  Because of the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows associated with these liabilities, we are unable to estimate the years in which settlement will occur with the respective taxing authorities.

INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report 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. Potential factors that could impact results include: general economic conditions in different countries in which we do business around the world, changes in global equity and fixed income markets that could affect the return on invested assets, fluctuations in exchange and interest rates that could influence revenue and expense, rating agency actions that could affect our ability to borrow funds, funding of our various pension plans, changes in the competitive environment, our ability to implement restructuring initiatives and other initiatives intended to yield cost savings, our ability to execute the stock repurchase program, our ability to obtain regulatory or legislative changes to permit continuous sales of our Medicare health product, changes in commercial property and casualty markets and commercial premium rates that could impact revenues, changes in revenues and earnings due to the elimination of contingent commissions, other uncertainties surrounding a new compensation model, the impact of investigations brought by state attorneys general, state insurance regulators, federal prosecutors and federal regulators, the impact of class actions and individual lawsuits including client class actions, securities class actions, derivative actions and ERISA class actions, the impact of the analyses of practices relating to stock options, the cost of resolution of other contingent liabilities and loss contingencies, and the difference in ultimate paid claims in our underwriting companies from actuarial estimates.

41




 

ITEM 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to potential fluctuations in earnings, cash flows and the fair value of certain of our assets and liabilities due to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and equity prices.  To manage the risk from these exposures, we enter into a variety of derivative instruments.  We do not enter into derivatives or financial instruments for trading purposes.

We are subject to foreign exchange rate risk from translating the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars. Our primary exposures are to the British pound, the Euro, the Canadian dollar, and the Australian dollar.  We use over-the-counter (“OTC”) options and forward contracts to reduce the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on the translation of our foreign operations’ financial statements.

Additionally, some of our foreign brokerage subsidiaries receive revenues in currencies that differ from their functional currencies.  Our U.K. subsidiary earns a portion of its revenue in U.S. dollars but most of its expenses are incurred in pounds sterling.  Our policy is to convert into pounds sterling sufficient U.S. dollar revenue to fund the subsidiary’s pound sterling expenses using OTC options and forward exchange contracts.  At March 31, 2007, we have hedged approximately 71% of our U.K. subsidiaries’ expected U.S. dollar transaction exposure for the next twelve months.  We do not generally hedge exposures beyond three years.

The translated value of revenue and expense from our international brokerage and underwriting operations are subject to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.  First quarter 2007 diluted earnings per share were positively impacted by $0.01 related to translation gains.

We also use forward contracts to offset foreign exchange risk associated with foreign denominated inter-company notes.

Our businesses’ income is affected by changes in international and domestic short-term interest rates.  We monitor our net exposure to short-term interest rates and, as appropriate, hedge our exposure with various derivative financial instruments.  A decrease in global short-term interest rates adversely affects our income.  This activity primarily relates to brokerage funds held on behalf of clients in the U.S. and on the Continent of Europe.

Our underwriting companies’ fixed income investment portfolios are subject to credit risk.  The reduction of a fixed income security’s credit rating will adversely affect the price of the security.  The credit quality of Aon’s fixed income portfolio is high.  The portfolio maintains an “Aa” average credit rating.  The fixed maturity portfolio credit profile is monitored daily and evaluated regularly.

The valuation of our marketable equity security portfolio is subject to equity price risk.  We sell futures contracts and purchase options to reduce the price volatility of our equity securities portfolio and equity securities we own indirectly through limited partnership investments.

ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on Aon management’s evaluation (with the participation of the chief executive officer and chief financial officer), as of the end of the period covered by this report, Aon’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d) –15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Aon in

42




reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting.  There were no changes in Aon’s internal control over financial reporting during first quarter 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Aon’s internal control over financial reporting.

43




Review by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The condensed consolidated financial statements at March 31, 2007, and for the three months then ended, have been reviewed, prior to filing, by Ernst & Young LLP, Aon’s independent registered public accounting firm, and their report is included herein.

44




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders

Aon Corporation

We have reviewed the condensed consolidated statement of financial position of Aon Corporation (the Company) as of March 31, 2007, and the related condensed consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006.   These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statement of financial position of Aon Corporation as of December 31, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, not presented herein, and in our report dated February 28, 2007 we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements that included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s change in its method of accounting for stock-based compensation and defined benefit and postretirement plans, and the restatement of its consolidated financial statements to record additional stock-based compensation expense.  In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated statement of financial position from which it has been derived.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Chicago, Illinois

May 4, 2007

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PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

 

 

See Note 15 (Contingencies) to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

 

 

(a) None.

 

(b) None.

 

(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

The following information relates to the repurchase of equity securities by Aon or any affiliated purchaser during any month within the first quarter of 2007:

Period

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased

 

Average Price
Paid per Share (1)

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

 

Maximum Dollar
Value of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs (1)

 

1/1/07 – 1/31/07

 

5,354,300

 

$

35.46

 

5,354,300

 

$

737,786,851

 

2/1/07 – 2/28/07

 

2,262,800

 

$

37.09

 

2,262,800

 

$

653,857,235

 

3/1/07 – 3/31/07

 

1,888,000

 

$

37.96

 

1,888,000

 

$

582,186,696

 

Total

 

9,505,100

 

$

36.35

 

9,505,100

 

 

 

 


(1) Does not include commissions paid to repurchase shares.

In 2005, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $1 billion of Aon’s common stock.  In fourth quarter 2006, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had increased the authorized share repurchase program to $2 billion.  Shares may be repurchased through the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.  Through March 31, 2007, the Company has repurchased 38.6 million shares of common stock at an average price (excluding commissions) of $36.78 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $1,418 million since inception of the stock repurchase program, and the remaining authorized amount for stock repurchases under this program is $582 million, with no termination date.

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

 

 

 

Exhibits – The exhibits filed with this report are listed on the attached Exhibit Index.

 

46




 

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Aon Corporation

 

(Registrant)

 

 

May 9, 2007

 /s/ David P. Bolger

 

 

 DAVID P. BOLGER

 

 EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,

 

 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, AND

 

 CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

 

 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

47




 

Aon CORPORATION

Exhibit Number

In Regulation S-K

Item 601 Exhibit Table

10.1

Employment Agreement dated as of March 17, 2006 between Aon Corporation and Michael D. Rice.

 

 

10.2

Supplemental Pension Agreement dated as of January 18, 2007 between Aon Corporation and Michael D. Rice.

 

 

10.3

Letter Agreement dated March 17, 2006 between Aon Corporation and Michael D. Rice.

 

 

12

Statements regarding Computation of Ratios

 

 

 

(a)

Statement regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

 

 

 

 

(b)

Statement regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.

 

 

15

Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information

 

 

31.1

Certification of CEO

 

 

31.2

Certification of CFO

 

 

32.1

Certification of CEO Pursuant to section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code

 

 

32.2

Certification of CFO Pursuant to section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code

 

48