10-Q
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
ý      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED March 31, 2016
 
OR
 
o        TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission file number 1-7933

Aon plc
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
ENGLAND AND WALES
 
98-1030901
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)
 
Identification No.)
 
122 LEADENHALL STREET, LONDON, ENGLAND
 
EC3V 4AN
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
+44 20 7623 5500
(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  ý  NO  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  YES  ý  NO  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  YES o NO ý
 
Number of Class A Ordinary Shares of Aon plc, $0.01 nominal value, outstanding as of April 21, 2016264,918,514 million
 




PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
(millions, except per share data)
 
March 31, 2016
 
March 31, 2015
Revenue
 
 

 
 

Commissions, fees and other
 
$
2,787

 
$
2,842

Fiduciary investment income
 
5

 
5

Total revenue
 
2,792

 
2,847

Expenses
 
 

 
 

Compensation and benefits
 
1,649

 
1,683

Other general expenses
 
693

 
723

Total operating expenses
 
2,342

 
2,406

Operating income
 
450

 
441

Interest income
 
2

 
3

Interest expense
 
(69
)
 
(65
)
Other income
 
18

 
42

Income before income taxes
 
401

 
421

Income taxes
 
74

 
80

Net income
 
327

 
341

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
12

 
13

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
315

 
$
328

 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
1.16

 
$
1.15

Diluted net income per share attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
1.15

 
$
1.14

Cash dividends per share paid on ordinary shares
 
$
0.30

 
$
0.25

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic
 
271.7

 
284.2

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted
 
273.7

 
287.1

 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

2




Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
(millions)
 
March 31, 2016
 
March 31, 2015
Net income
 
$
327

 
$
341

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
12

 
13

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
315

 
$
328

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
 
 

 
 

Change in fair value of financial instruments
 
(7
)
 
5

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(79
)
 
(322
)
Post-retirement benefit obligation
 
(201
)
 
23

Total other comprehensive (loss)
 
(287
)
 
(294
)
Less: Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 
(1
)
Total other comprehensive (loss) attributable to Aon shareholders
 
(287
)
 
(293
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
28

 
$
35

 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

3



Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 
(millions, except nominal value)
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

CURRENT ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
465

 
$
384

Short-term investments
 
587

 
356

Receivables, net
 
2,591

 
2,734

Fiduciary assets
 
9,776

 
9,932

Other current assets
 
622

 
562

Total Current Assets
 
14,041

 
13,968

Goodwill
 
8,411

 
8,448

Intangible assets, net
 
2,108

 
2,180

Fixed assets, net
 
766

 
765

Non-current deferred tax assets
 
171

 
141

Prepaid pension
 
737

 
1,033

Other non-current assets
 
579

 
592

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
26,813

 
$
27,127

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 

 
 

LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
1,420

 
$
1,772

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
 
695

 
562

Fiduciary liabilities
 
9,776

 
9,932

Other current liabilities
 
902

 
820

Total Current Liabilities
 
12,793

 
13,086

Long-term debt
 
5,902

 
5,138

Non-current deferred tax liabilities
 
177

 
176

Pension, other post-retirement and post-employment liabilities
 
1,756

 
1,795

Other non-current liabilities
 
838

 
769

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
21,466

 
20,964

 
 
 
 
 
EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Ordinary shares - $0.01 nominal value
Authorized: 750 shares (issued: 2016 - 264.8; 2015 - 269.8)
 
3

 
3

Additional paid-in capital
 
5,388

 
5,409

Retained earnings
 
3,600

 
4,117

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(3,710
)
 
(3,423
)
TOTAL AON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
5,281

 
6,106

Noncontrolling interests
 
66

 
57

TOTAL EQUITY
 
5,347

 
6,163

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
26,813

 
$
27,127

 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

4



Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity
(Unaudited)
 
(millions)
 
Shares
 
Ordinary
Shares and
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss, Net of Tax
 
Non-
controlling
Interests
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2015
 
269.8

 
$
5,412

 
$
4,117

 
$
(3,423
)
 
$
57

 
$
6,163

Net income
 

 

 
315

 

 
12

 
327

Shares issued - employee benefit plans
 
0.3

 
18

 

 

 

 
18

Shares issued - employee compensation
 
2.4

 
(123
)
 

 

 

 
(123
)
Shares purchased
 
(7.7
)
 

 
(750
)
 

 

 
(750
)
Tax benefit - employee benefit plans
 

 
40

 

 

 

 
40

Share-based compensation expense
 

 
85

 

 

 

 
85

Dividends to shareholders
 

 

 
(82
)
 

 

 
(82
)
Net change in fair value of financial instruments
 

 

 

 
(7
)
 

 
(7
)
Net foreign currency translation adjustments
 

 

 

 
(79
)
 

 
(79
)
Net post-retirement benefit obligation
 

 

 

 
(201
)
 

 
(201
)
Purchases of shares from noncontrolling interests
 

 
(41
)
 

 

 
(3
)
 
(44
)
Balance at March 31, 2016
 
264.8

 
$
5,391

 
$
3,600

 
$
(3,710
)
 
$
66

 
$
5,347

 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

5



Aon plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited) 
 
 
Three Months Ended
(millions)
 
March 31, 2016
 
March 31, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
327

 
$
341

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

 
 

Gain from sales of businesses and investments, net
 
(35
)
 
(19
)
Depreciation of fixed assets
 
56

 
56

Amortization of intangible assets
 
67

 
80

Share-based compensation expense
 
85

 
90

Deferred income taxes
 
23

 
7

Change in assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Fiduciary receivables
 
399

 
173

Short-term investments — funds held on behalf of clients
 
(285
)
 
63

Fiduciary liabilities
 
(114
)
 
(236
)
Receivables, net
 
110

 
49

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
(348
)
 
(348
)
Current income taxes
 
(31
)
 
27

Pension, other post-retirement and other post-employment liabilities
 
(50
)
 
(66
)
Other assets and liabilities
 
69

 
81

CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
273

 
298

 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Proceeds from investments
 
13

 
3

Purchases of investments
 
(14
)
 
(1
)
Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments — non-fiduciary
 
(227
)
 
42

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 
(16
)
 
(21
)
Proceeds from sale of businesses
 
97

 
41

Capital expenditures
 
(52
)
 
(62
)
CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
(199
)
 
2

 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Share repurchase
 
(685
)
 
(250
)
Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans
 
(65
)
 
(114
)
Issuance of debt
 
1,045

 
870

Repayment of debt
 
(175
)
 
(686
)
Cash dividends to shareholders
 
(82
)
 
(71
)
Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities
 
(42
)
 
(6
)
CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
(4
)
 
(257
)
 
 
 
 
 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
11

 
(39
)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
81

 
4

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
384

 
374

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
 
$
465

 
$
378

 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures:
 
 

 
 

Interest paid
 
$
52

 
$
63

Income taxes paid, net of refunds
 
$
41

 
$
46

 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

6



Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
1.  Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP").  The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Aon plc and all of its controlled subsidiaries ("Aon" or the "Company").  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and reclassifications) necessary to present fairly the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented.
 
Certain information and disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted.  These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.  The results for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of operating results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2016.
 
Reclassification

Certain amounts in prior years' Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2016 presentation.

In prior periods, prepaid pensions were included in Other non-current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. These amounts are now separately disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Prepaid pensions were $737 million at March 31, 2016 and $1,033 million at December 31, 2015.

Upon vesting of certain share-based payment arrangements, employees may elect to use a portion of the shares to satisfy tax withholding requirements, in which case Aon makes a payment to the taxing authority on the employee’s behalf and remits the remaining shares to the employee.   The Company has historically presented amounts due to taxing authorities within Cash Flows From Operating Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  The amounts are now included in “Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans” within Cash Flows From Financing Activities.  The Company believes this presentation provides greater clarity into the operating and financing activities of the Company as the substance and accounting for these transactions is that of a share repurchase.  It also aligns the Company’s presentation to be consistent with industry practice and share-based compensation guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") in March 2016.  Amounts reported in Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans were $128 million and $162 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015.  These amounts, which were reclassified from Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other assets and liabilities, were $118 million and $44 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Changes to the presentation in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were made related to certain line items within financing activities.  In 2016, Purchases of shares from noncontrolling interests and Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests have been aggregated in a new line item titled “Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities” within financing activities. The balances held in these line items for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $(5) million and $(1) million, respectively.

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new accounting guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. This guidance became effective for Aon in the first quarter of 2016, which required retrospective application to prior year comparable periods. For the year ended December 31, 2015, Aon reclassified $4 million from Other current assets and $33 million from Other non-current assets to Long-term debt on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

In the first quarter, Aon retrospectively adopted FASB's new accounting guidance on consolidations. No material changes were identified upon adoption of this new guidance.

7



Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of reserves and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on management's best estimates and judgments.  Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. Management believes its estimates to be reasonable given the current facts available.  Aon adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate.  Illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, and foreign currency exchange rate movements increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions.  As future events and their effects cannot be determined, among other factors, with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.  Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment would, if applicable, be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.

2.  Accounting Principles and Practices
 
New Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on revenue from contracts with customers, which, when effective, will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP.  The core principal of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018 and early adoption is permitted beginning the first quarter of 2017. The guidance permits two methods of transition upon adoption: full retrospective and modified retrospective. Under the full retrospective method, prior periods would be restated under the new revenue standard, providing a comparable view across all periods presented. Under the modified retrospective method, prior periods would not be restated. Rather, revenues and other disclosures for pre-2018 periods would be provided in the notes to the financial statements as previously reported under the current revenue standard. The impact from the adoption of this guidance on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements cannot be determined at this time. The Company is also determining the appropriate method of transition to the guidance, but expects to adopt upon the effective date of January 1, 2018.

Presentation of Deferred Taxes

In November 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the balance sheet presentation of deferred taxes, which requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as non-current. The guidance is effective for Aon in the first quarter of 2017, however, the Company expects to early adopt this guidance in 2016 and retrospectively apply its requirements to all periods presented. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financial Assets and Liabilities

In January 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. The amendments in the new guidance make targeted improvements, which include the requirement to measure equity investments with readily determinable fair values at fair value through net income, simplification of the impairment assessment for equity investments without readily determinable fair values, adjustments to existing and additional disclosure requirements, and additional tax considerations. The guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on leases, which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases. Under the new guidance, a lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to

8



make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from currently effective U.S. GAAP. The new standard will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2019, with early application permitted. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. These practical expedients relate to the identification and classification of leases that commenced before the effective date, initial direct costs for leases that commenced before the effective date, and the ability to use hindsight in evaluating lessee options to extend or terminate a lease or to purchase the underlying asset. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the standard will have on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as the method of transition and period of adoption.
Share-based Compensation

In March 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows.  The new guidance requires all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement and treated as discrete items in the reporting period.  Further, excess tax benefits are required to be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity.  The guidance is effective for Aon in the first quarter of 2017 and early adoption is permitted.  Aon is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3.  Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
 
Cash and cash equivalents include cash balances and all highly liquid debt instruments with initial maturities of three months or less.  Short-term investments include certificates of deposit, money market funds and highly liquid debt instruments purchased with initial maturities in excess of three months but less than one year and are carried at amortized cost, respectively, which approximates fair value.
 
At March 31, 2016, Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments were $1,052 million compared to $740 million at December 31, 2015. Of the total balances, $95 million and $105 million was restricted as to its use at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Included within the March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 balances, respectively, were £43.3 million ($61.2 million at March 31, 2016 exchange rates) and £43.3 million ($64.6 million at December 31, 2015 exchange rates) of operating funds required to be held by the Company in the U.K. by the Financial Conduct Authority, a U.K.-based regulator, which were included in Short-term investments. 

4.  Other Financial Data
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Information

Other Income

Other income consists of the following (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
Foreign currency remeasurement (loss) gain
(17
)
 
24

 
Gain on disposal of business
35

 
19

 
Equity earnings
2

 
2

 
Income (loss) on financial instruments
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
Total
$
18

 
$
42

 

9




Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Information

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

An analysis of the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
58

 
$
74

 
Provision charged to Other general expenses
6

 
8

 
Accounts written off, net of recoveries
(2
)
 
(9
)
 
Foreign currency translation

 
(3
)
 
Balance at end of period
$
62

 
$
70

 

Other Current Assets

The components of Other current assets are as follows (in millions):
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Taxes receivable
$
122

 
$
94

Deferred tax assets
232

 
232

Prepaid expenses
168

 
130

Deferred project costs
92

 
92

Other
8

 
14

Total
$
622

 
$
562


Other Non-Current Assets

The components of Other non-current assets are as follows (in millions):
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Deferred project costs
$
205

 
$
210

Investments
131

 
135

Taxes receivable
81

 
82

Other
162

 
165

Total
$
579

 
$
592

 
Other Current Liabilities

The components of Other current liabilities are as follows (in millions):
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Deferred revenue
$
438

 
$
394

Taxes payable
61

 
94

Deferred tax liabilities
1

 
1

Other
402

 
331

Total
$
902

 
$
820


10




Other Non-Current Liabilities

The components of Other non-current liabilities are as follows (in millions):
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Taxes payable
251

 
223

Deferred revenue
165

 
159

Leases
168

 
166

Compensation and benefits
56

 
59

Other
198

 
162

Total
$
838

 
$
769


5.  Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses
 
Acquisitions
 
The number of acquisitions completed within each reportable segment is as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Risk Solutions

 
1
HR Solutions
2

 
1
Total
2

 
2

The following table includes the aggregate consideration transferred and the preliminary value of intangible assets recorded as a result of the Company's acquisitions (in millions):
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Consideration
 
$
21

 
$
21

Intangible assets:
 
 

 
 

Goodwill
 
$
7

 
$
16

Other intangible assets
 
8

 
1

     Total
 
$
15

 
$
17

 
The results of operations of these acquisitions are included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of the acquisition date.  The results of operations of the Company would not have been materially different if these acquisitions had been reported from the beginning of the period in which they were acquired.

Dispositions
 
The number of dispositions completed within each reportable segment is as follows:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Risk Solutions
1

 
1

HR Solutions
1

 
1

Total
2

 
2

Total pretax gains, net of losses, recognized were $35 million and $19 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015. Gains and losses recognized as a result of a disposition are included in Other income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.


11



6.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are as follows (in millions):
 
Risk
Solutions
 
HR
Solutions
 
Total
Balance as of January 1, 2016
$
5,593

 
$
2,855

 
$
8,448

Goodwill related to current year acquisitions

 
7

 
7

Goodwill related to disposals
(4
)
 
(26
)
 
(30
)
Goodwill related to prior year acquisitions
2

 

 
2

Foreign currency translation
(11
)
 
(5
)
 
(16
)
Balance as of March 31, 2016
$
5,580

 
$
2,831

 
$
8,411


Other intangible assets by asset class are as follows (in millions):
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Tradenames
$
1,019

 
$

 
$
1,019

 
$
1,019

 
$

 
$
1,019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets with finite lives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Customer related and contract based
2,871

 
1,851

 
1,020

 
2,886

 
1,809

 
1,077

Technology and other
535

 
466

 
69

 
541

 
457

 
84

 Total
$
4,425

 
$
2,317

 
$
2,108

 
$
4,446

 
$
2,266

 
$
2,180


Amortization expense from finite lived intangible assets was $67 million and $80 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.
 
The estimated future amortization for finite lived intangible assets as of March 31, 2016 is as follows (in millions):
 
Risk Solutions
 
HR Solutions
 
Total
Remainder of 2016
$
72

 
$
128

 
$
200

2017
88

 
137

 
225

2018
77

 
91

 
168

2019
67

 
73

 
140

2020
59

 
60

 
119

Thereafter
123

 
114

 
237

 Total
$
486

 
$
603

 
$
1,089

 
7.  Debt

Revolving Credit Facilities

As of March 31, 2016, Aon plc had two primary committed credit facilities outstanding: its $400 million U.S. credit facility expiring in March 2017 (the "2017 Facility") and its $900 million multi-currency U.S. credit facility originally expiring in February 2020. Effective February 2, 2016, the $900 million multi-currency U.S. credit facility terms were extended for one year and will now expire on February 2, 2021 (the "2021 Facility").

Each of these facilities included customary representations, warranties and covenants, including financial covenants that require Aon plc to maintain specified ratios of adjusted consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and consolidated debt to adjusted consolidated EBITDA, in each case, tested quarterly. At March 31, 2016, Aon plc did not have borrowings under either the 2017 Facility or the 2021 Facility, and was in compliance with all covenants contained therein during the three months ended March 31, 2016.


12



Commercial Paper

Aon Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aon plc, has established a U.S. commercial paper program, which provides for commercial paper to be issued in an aggregate principal amount of up to $900 million, and Aon plc has established a European multi-currency commercial paper program that provides for commercial paper to be issued in an aggregate principal amount of up to €300 million. The U.S. commercial paper program is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Aon plc and the European commercial paper program is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Aon Corporation. In the aggregate, the Company had $184 million and $50 million of commercial paper outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which was included in Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The weighted average commercial paper outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $177 million. The weighted average interest rate of the commercial paper outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was 0.11%.

Notes

On March 1, 2016, Aon plc issued $750 million of 3.875% Senior Notes due December 2025. The Company used the proceeds of the issuance for general corporate purposes.

8.  Income Taxes
 
The effective tax rate on net income was 18.4% and 19.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2016 was favorably impacted by changes in the geographical distribution of income and certain discrete items.

9.  Shareholders' Equity
 
Ordinary Shares
 
In April 2012, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which up to $5.0 billion of Class A Ordinary Shares may be repurchased ("2012 Share Repurchase Program"). In November 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a new $5.0 billion share repurchase program in addition to the existing program ("2014 Share Repurchase Program" and, together, the "Repurchase Programs"). Under each program, 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.
 
In the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company repurchased 7.7 million shares at an average price per share of $97.92 for a total cost of approximately $750 million under the Repurchase Programs. Included in the 7.7 million shares repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2016 was 0.6 million shares purchased in that period which did not settle until April 2016. These shares were settled at an average price per share of $103.58 and total cost of $65 million. In the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 2.5 million shares at an average price per share of $100.15 for a total cost of $250 million under the 2012 Share Repurchase Program. In August 2015, the $5 billion of Class A Ordinary Shares authorized under the 2012 Share Repurchase Program was exhausted. At March 31, 2016, the remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under the 2014 Share Repurchase Program is $3.3 billion. Under the Repurchase Programs, the Company has repurchased a total of 85.7 million shares for an aggregate cost of $6.7 billion.
 
Net Income Per Share
 
Weighted average shares outstanding are as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Shares for basic earnings per share
271.7

 
284.2

Common stock equivalents
2.0

 
2.9

Shares for diluted earnings per share
273.7

 
287.1

 
Certain ordinary share equivalents may be excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share if their inclusion would be antidilutive. There were 0.5 million and no shares excluded from the calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

13



Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of related tax, are as follows (in millions):
 
Change in Fair Value of Financial Instruments (1)
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Post-Retirement Benefit Obligation (2)
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
(25
)
 
$
(771
)
 
$
(2,627
)
 
$
(3,423
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net
(7
)
 
(79
)
 
(219
)
 
(305
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:
 
 


 


 


Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1
)
 

 
26

 
25

Tax benefit
1

 

 
(8
)
 
(7
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net

 

 
18

 
18

Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
(7
)
 
(79
)
 
(201
)
 
(287
)
Balance at March 31, 2016
$
(32
)
 
$
(850
)
 
$
(2,828
)
 
$
(3,710
)
______________________________________________
(1) Reclassifications from this category included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded in Other income.
(2) Reclassifications from this category included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded in Compensation and benefits.
In March 2016, the Company entered into an insurance contract which covers a portion of the assets within select U.K. pension schemes. The transaction resulted in a decrease in Prepaid pension assets and Accumulated other comprehensive income by $267 million as the fair value in the insurance policies was deemed to be the present value of the current obligation.

10.  Employee Benefits
 
The following table provides the components of the net periodic (benefit) cost recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in Compensation and benefits for Aon's material U.K., U.S., and other significant international pension plans located in the Netherlands and Canada (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
U.K.
 
U.S.
 
Other
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Service cost
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1

 
$

 
$

Interest cost
43

 
49

 
28

 
33

 
7

 
8

Expected return on plan assets, net of administration expenses
(64
)
 
(75
)
 
(39
)
 
(39
)
 
(12
)
 
(12
)
Amortization of prior-service cost
1

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of net actuarial loss
8

 
10

 
13

 
14

 
3

 
3

Net periodic (benefit) cost
(12
)
 
(16
)
 
2

 
9

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
Curtailment gain and other

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 

Total net periodic (benefit) cost
$
(12
)

$
(16
)

$
2


$
8


$
(2
)

$
(1
)

Beginning in 2016, the Company has elected to utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of net periodic pension and post-retirement benefit cost for Aon's major pension and other post-retirement benefit plans by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. In 2015 and prior years, the Company estimated these components of net periodic pension and post-retirement benefit cost by applying a single weighted-average discount rate, derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. The Company made this change to improve the correlation between projected benefit cash flows and the corresponding yield curve spot rates and to provide a more precise measurement of service

14



and interest costs. This change does not affect the measurement of the projected benefit obligation as the change in the service cost and interest cost is completely offset in the actuarial (gain) loss recorded in other comprehensive income. The Company accounted for this change as a change in estimate and, accordingly, will account for it prospectively.

The Company expects to contribute approximately $79 million, $54 million, and $17 million, based on exchange rates as of December 31, 2015, to its significant U.K., U.S., and other significant international pension plans, respectively, during 2016. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, contributions of $17 million, $13 million, and $7 million were made to the Company's significant U.K., U.S., and other significant international pension plans, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, contributions of $19 million, $34 million, and $4 million were made to the Company's significant U.K., U.S., and other significant international pension plans, respectively.
 
11.  Share-Based Compensation Plans
 
The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in Compensation and benefits (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Restricted share units ("RSUs")
$
61

 
$
65

Performance share awards ("PSAs")
20

 
21

Share options

 

Employee share purchase plans
4

 
4

Total share-based compensation expense
$
85

 
$
90

 

15



Restricted Share Units
 
A summary of the status of the Company's RSUs is as follows (shares in thousands):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
Shares
 
Fair Value (1)
 
Shares
 
Fair Value (1)
Non-vested at beginning of period
7,169

 
$
77

 
8,381

 
$
63

Granted
849

 
99

 
957

 
97

Vested
(1,379
)
 
73

 
(1,714
)
 
59

Forfeited
(94
)
 
78

 
(49
)
 
64

Non-vested at end of period
6,545

 
81

 
7,575

 
69

 ______________________________________________
(1)
Represents per share weighted average fair value of award at date of grant.

Performance Share Awards

The vesting of PSAs is contingent upon meeting a cumulative level of earnings per share performance over a three-year period. The performance conditions are not considered in the determination of the grant date fair value for these awards. The fair value of PSAs is based upon the market price of an Aon ordinary share at the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized over the performance period based on management's estimate of the number of awards expected to vest. Compensation expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of shares issued at the end of the programs. The actual issue of shares may range from 0-200% of the target number of PSAs granted, based on the terms of the plan and level of achievement of the related performance target. Dividend equivalents are not paid on PSAs.

Information as of March 31, 2016 regarding the Company's target PSAs granted and shares that would be issued at current performance levels for PSAs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, is as follows (shares in thousands, dollars in millions, except fair value):
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Target PSAs granted during period
773

 
993

 
816

Weighted average fair value per share at date of grant
$
101

 
$
96

 
$
81

Number of shares that would be issued based on current performance levels
773

 
970

 
1,570

Unamortized expense, based on current performance levels
$
78

 
$
57

 
$
33

 
Share Options
 
The Company did not grant any share options during either the three months ended March 31, 2016 or the three months ended March 31, 2015.
 
A summary of the status of the Company's share options and related information is as follows (shares in thousands):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
Shares
 
Weighted- Average
Exercise Price
 
Shares
 
Weighted- Average
Exercise Price
Beginning outstanding
837

 
$
40

 
2,300

 
$
32

Granted

 

 

 

Exercised
(138
)
 
38

 
(1,293
)
 
26

Forfeited and expired
(4
)
 
41

 
(9
)
 
36

Outstanding at end of period
695

 
40

 
998

 
39

Exercisable at end of period
695

 
40

 
998

 
39

 
The weighted average remaining contractual life, in years, of outstanding options was 2.3 years and 2.7 years at March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 

16



The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on options with an exercise price less than the Company's closing share price of $104.45 as of March 31, 2016, which would have been received by the option holders had those option holders exercised their options as of that date.  At March 31, 2016, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding, all of which were exercisable, was $44 million.
 
Other information related to the Company's share options is as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised
$
8

 
$
94

Cash received from the exercise of stock options
5

 
34

Tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options
2

 
34

 
Unamortized deferred compensation expense, which includes both options and RSUs, amounted to $393 million as of March 31, 2016, with a remaining weighted-average amortization period of approximately 2.0 years.

12.  Derivatives and Hedging
 
The Company is exposed to market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.  To manage the risk related to these exposures, the Company enters into various derivative instruments that reduce these risks by creating offsetting exposures.  The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for trading or speculative purposes.
 
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
 
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk when it earns revenues, pays expenses, or enters into monetary intercompany transfers denominated in a currency that differs from its functional currency, or other transactions that are denominated in a currency other than its functional currency.  The Company uses foreign exchange derivatives, typically forward contracts, options and cross currency swaps, to reduce its overall exposure to the effects of currency fluctuations on cash flows.  These exposures are hedged, on average, for less than two years. These derivatives are accounted for as hedges, and changes in fair value are recorded each period in Other comprehensive income (loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
 
The Company also uses foreign exchange derivatives, typically forward contracts and options to economically hedge the currency exposure of the Company's global liquidity profile, including monetary assets or liabilities that are denominated in a non-functional currency of an entity, typically on a rolling 30 day basis, but may be for up to one year in the future. These derivatives are not accounted for as hedges, and changes in fair value are recorded each period in Other income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
The notional and fair values of derivative instruments are as follows (in millions):
 
Notional Amount
 
Derivative Assets (1)
 
Derivative Liabilities (2)
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Foreign exchange contracts:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Accounted for as hedges
$
804

 
$
778

 
$
23

 
$
32

 
$
17

 
$
18

Not accounted for as hedges (3)
192

 
280

 

 

 

 

   Total
$
996

 
$
1,058

 
$
23

 
$
32

 
$
17

 
$
18

______________________________________________
(1)
Included within Other current assets ($9 million at March 31, 2016 and $15 million at December 31, 2015) or Other non-current assets ($14 million at March 31, 2016 and $17 million at December 31, 2015).
(2)
Included within Other current liabilities ($12 million at March 31, 2016 and $13 million at December 31, 2015) or Other non-current liabilities ($5 million at March 31, 2016 and $5 million at December 31, 2015).
(3)
These contracts typically are for 30 day durations and executed close to the last day of the most recent reporting month, thereby resulting in nominal fair values at the balance sheet date.

17




Offsetting of financial assets and derivatives assets are as follows (in millions):
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position (1)
Derivatives accounted for as hedges:
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Foreign exchange contracts
$
23

 
$
32

 
$
(8
)
 
$
(13
)
 
$
15

 
$
19

______________________________________________
(1) Included within Other current assets ($3 million at March 31, 2016 and $6 million at December 31, 2015) or Other non-current assets ($12 million at March 31, 2016 and $13 million at December 31, 2015).

Offsetting of financial liabilities and derivative liabilities are as follows (in millions):
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position (1)
 Derivatives accounted for as hedges:
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Foreign exchange contracts
$
17

 
$
18

 
$
(7
)
 
$
(13
)
 
$
10

 
$
5

______________________________________________
(1) Included within Other current liabilities ($7 million at March 31, 2016 and $4 million at December 31, 2015) or Other non-current liabilities ($3 million at March 31, 2016 and $1 million at December 31, 2015).

The amounts of derivative gains (losses) recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows (in millions):
Cash Flow Hedge - Foreign Exchange Contracts
 
Location of future reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:
Three months ended March 31,
 
Compensation and Benefits
 
Other General Expenses
 
Interest Expense
 
Other Income (Expense)
 
Total
2016
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$

 
$
(5
)
 
$
(10
)
2015
 
5

 
(2
)
 

 
(4
)
 
(1
)
Cash Flow Hedge - Foreign Exchange Contracts
 
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Income (Effective Portion):
Three months ended March 31,
 
Compensation and Benefits
 
Other General Expenses
 
Interest Expense
 
Other Income
 
Total
2016
 
$
1

 
$

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$

2015
 

 

 
(2
)
 
(8
)
 
(10
)
The Company estimates that approximately $15 million of pretax losses currently included within Accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified into earnings in the next twelve months.
 
The amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on the ineffective portion of derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was not material.
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded a gain of $1 million in Other income for foreign exchange derivatives not designated or qualifying as hedges. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded a gain of $7 million in Other income for foreign exchange derivatives not designated or qualifying as hedges.
 

18



13.  Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments
 
Accounting standards establish a three tier fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair values as follows:
 
Level 1 — observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets in active markets;
Level 2 — inputs other than quoted prices for identical assets in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 — unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data which requires the use of valuation techniques and the development of assumptions.

The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair values of the Company's financial instruments:
 
Money market funds are carried at cost as an approximation of fair value. Based on market convention, the Company considers cost a practical and expedient measure of fair value.
 
Equity investments consist of domestic and international equity securities valued using the closing stock price on a national securities exchange. The Company reviews the listing of Level 1 equity securities in the portfolio and agrees the closing stock prices to a national securities exchange, and on a sample basis, independently verifies the observable inputs for Level 2 equity securities.
 
Fixed income investments consist of corporate and government bonds. Corporate and government bonds are valued by pricing vendors who estimate fair value using recently executed transactions and proprietary models based on observable inputs, such as interest rate spreads, yield curves and credit risk. The Company obtains a detailed understanding of the models, inputs, and assumptions used in developing prices provided by its vendors. This understanding includes discussions with valuation resources at the vendor. During these discussions, the Company uses a fair value measurement questionnaire, which is part of the Company's internal controls over financial reporting, to obtain the information necessary to assert the model, inputs and assumptions used to comply with U.S. GAAP, including disclosure requirements. The Company also obtains observable inputs from the pricing vendor and independently verifies the observable inputs, as well as assesses assumptions used for reasonableness based on relevant market conditions and internal Company guidelines. If an assumption is deemed unreasonable, based on the Company's guidelines, it is then reviewed by management and the fair value estimate provided by the vendor is adjusted, if deemed appropriate. These adjustments do not occur frequently and have historically not been material to the fair value estimates used in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Derivatives are carried at fair value, based upon industry standard valuation techniques that use, where possible, current market-based or independently sourced pricing inputs, such as interest rates, currency exchange rates, or implied volatilities.
 
Debt is carried at outstanding principal balance, less any unamortized discount or premium. Fair value is based on quoted market prices or estimates using discounted cash flow analyses based on current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
 

19



The following tables present the categorization of the Company's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in millions):
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Balance at March 31, 2016
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Money market funds (1)
$
1,618

 
$
1,618

 
$

 
$

Other investments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds

 

 

 

Government bonds
1

 

 
1

 

Equity investments
10

 
6

 
4

 

Derivatives (2):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
23

 

 
23

 

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivatives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
17

 

 
17

 

  ______________________________________________
(1) Included within Fiduciary assets, Short-term investments or Cash and cash equivalents in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, depending on their nature and initial maturity. 
(2) See Note 12 "Derivatives and Hedging" for additional information regarding the Company's derivative and hedging activity.
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Balance at December 31, 2015
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Money market funds (1)
$
1,396

 
$
1,396

 
$

 
$

Other investments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds

 

 

 

Government bonds
1

 

 
1

 

Equity investments
10

 
6

 
4

 

Derivatives (2):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
32

 

 
32

 

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivatives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign exchange contracts
18

 

 
18

 

  ______________________________________________
(1)  Included within Fiduciary assets, Short-term investments or Cash and cash equivalents in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, depending on their nature and initial maturity. 
(2) See Note 12 "Derivatives and Hedging" for additional information regarding the Company's derivative and hedging activity.
 
There were no transfers of assets or liabilities between fair value hierarchy levels in either the three months ended March 31, 2016 or 2015. The Company recognized no realized or unrealized gains or losses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during either the three months ended March 31, 2016 or 2015, related to assets and liabilities measured at fair value using unobservable inputs.
 

20



The fair value of Long-term debt is classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The following table discloses the Company's financial instruments where the carrying amounts and fair values differ (in millions):
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Long-term debt
$
5,902

 
$
6,178

 
$
5,138

 
$
5,386


14.  Commitments and Contingencies
 
Legal
 
Aon and its subsidiaries are subject to numerous claims, tax assessments, lawsuits and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, which frequently include errors and omissions ("E&O") claims. The damages claimed in these matters are or may be substantial, including, in many instances, claims for punitive, treble or extraordinary damages. While Aon maintains meaningful E&O insurance and other insurance programs to provide protection against certain losses that arise in such matters, Aon has exhausted or materially depleted its coverage under some of the policies that protect the Company and, consequently, is self-insured or materially self-insured for some claims. Accruals for these exposures, and related insurance receivables, when applicable, are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and have been recognized in Other general expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income to the extent that losses are deemed probable and are reasonably estimable. These amounts are adjusted from time to time as developments warrant. Matters that are not probable and estimable are not accrued for in the financial statements.

We have included in the matters described below certain matters in which (1) loss is probable, (2) loss is reasonably possible; that is, more than remote but not probable, or (3) there exists the reasonable possibility of loss greater than the accrued amount. In addition, we may from time to time disclose matters for which the probability of loss could be remote but the claim amounts associated with such matters are potentially significant. The reasonably possible range of loss for the matters described below, in excess of amounts that are deemed probable and estimable and therefore already accrued, is estimated to be between $0 and $0.3 billion, exclusive of any insurance coverage. These estimates are based on currently available information. As available information changes, the matters for which Aon is able to estimate may change, and the estimates themselves may change. In addition, many estimates involve significant judgment and uncertainty. For example, at the time of making an estimate, Aon may only have limited information about the facts underlying the claim, and predictions and assumptions about future court rulings and outcomes may prove to be inaccurate. Although management at present believes that the ultimate outcome of all matters described below, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of Aon, legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings or other events. Unfavorable resolutions could include substantial monetary or punitive damages imposed on Aon or its subsidiaries. If unfavorable outcomes of these matters were to occur, future results of operations or cash flows for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially adversely affected.
 
Current Matters

A retail insurance brokerage subsidiary of Aon was sued on September 14, 2010 in the Chancery Court for Davidson County, Tennessee, Twentieth Judicial District, at Nashville by a client, Opry Mills Mall Limited Partnership ("Opry Mills") that sustained flood damage to its property in May 2010. The lawsuit seeks $200 million in coverage from numerous insurers with whom this Aon subsidiary placed the client's property insurance coverage. The insurers contend that only $50 million in coverage (which has already been paid) is available for the loss because the flood event occurred on property in a high hazard flood zone. Opry Mills is seeking full coverage from the insurers for the loss and has sued this Aon subsidiary in the alternative for the same $150 million difference on various theories of professional liability if the court determines there is not full coverage. In addition, Opry Mills seeks prejudgment interest, attorneys' fees and enhanced damages which could substantially increase Aon's exposure. In March 2015, the trial court granted partial summary judgment in favor of plaintiffs
and against the insurers, holding generally that the plaintiffs are entitled to $200 million in coverage under the language of the policies. In August 2015, a jury returned a verdict in favor of Opry Mills and against the insurers in the amount of $204 million. Aon understands that the insurers intend to appeal both of these trial court decisions. Aon believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.
 
A pensions consulting and administration subsidiary of Hewitt before its acquisition by Aon provided advisory services to the Trustees of the Philips UK pension fund and the relevant employer of fund beneficiaries. On January 2, 2014, Philips Pension Trustees Limited and Philips Electronics UK Limited (together, "Philips") sued Aon in the High Court, Chancery Division, London alleging negligence and breach of duty. The proceedings assert Philips' right to claim damages related to Philips' use of a credit default swap hedging strategy pursuant to the supply of the advisory services, which is said to have resulted in

21



substantial damages to Philips. Philips sought approximately £189 million ($267 million at March 31, 2016 exchange rates), plus interest and costs. In June 2015, the High Court ordered Philips to clarify several aspects of its claim. In its clarification, Philips increased the amount of its claim to £290 million ($410 million at March 31, 2016 exchange rates), plus interest and costs. Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these allegations.

On June 1, 2007, the International Road Transport Union ("IRU") sued Aon in the Geneva Tribunal of First Instance in Switzerland. IRU alleges, among other things, that, between 1995 and 2004, a business acquired by Aon and, later, an Aon subsidiary (1) accepted commissions for certain insurance placements that violated a fee agreement entered between the parties and (2) negligently failed to ask certain insurance carriers to contribute to the IRU's risk management costs.  IRU sought damages of approximately CHF 46 million ($47 million at March 31, 2016 exchange rates) and $3 million, plus legal fees and interest of approximately $30 million. On December 2, 2014, the Geneva Tribunal of First Instance entered a judgment that accepted some, and rejected other, of IRU's claims. The judgment awarded IRU CHF 16.8 million ($17 million at March 31, 2016 exchange rates) and $3.1 million, plus interest and adverse costs. The entire amount of the judgment, including interest through December 31, 2014, totaled CHF 27.9 million ($29 million at March 31, 2016 exchange rates) and $5 million. On January 26, 2015, in return for IRU agreeing not to appeal the bulk of its dismissed claims, the Aon subsidiary agreed not to appeal a part of the judgment and to pay IRU CHF 12.8 million ($13 million at March 31, 2016 exchange rates) and $4.7 million without Aon admitting liability. The Aon subsidiary appealed those aspects of the judgment it retained the right to appeal. IRU did not appeal. The Aon subsidiary's maximum liability on appeal is limited to CHF 8.7 million ($9 million at March 31, 2016 exchange rates) and $115,000 (plus interest and costs) beyond what the subsidiary has already paid. The appeal is now under submission.

A pensions consulting and administration subsidiary of Aon provided advisory services to the Trustees of the Gleeds pension fund in the United Kingdom and, on occasion, to the relevant employer of the fund.  In April 2014, the High Court, Chancery Division, London found that certain governing documents of the fund that sought to alter the fund's benefit structure and that had been drafted by Aon were procedurally defective and therefore invalid.  No lawsuit naming Aon as a party has been filed, although a tolling agreement has been entered.  The High Court decision says that the additional liabilities in the pension fund resulting from the alleged defect in governing documents amount to approximately £45 million ($64 million at March 31, 2016 exchange rates). In December 2014, the Court of Appeal granted the employer leave to appeal the High Court decision. The Court of Appeal hearing was set for October 2015, but has been postponed to permit the parties to discuss possible settlement. Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against this potential claim.

On June 29, 2015, Lyttelton Port Company Limited ("LPC") sued Aon New Zealand (Aon) in the Christchurch Registry of the High Court of New Zealand.  LPC alleges, among other things, that Aon was negligent and in breach of contract in arranging LPC’s property insurance program for the period covering June 30, 2010, to June 30, 2011.  LPC contends that acts and omissions by Aon caused LPC to recover less than it otherwise would have from insurers for losses suffered in the 2010/2011 Canterbury Earthquakes.  LPC claims damages of approximately NZD 184 million ($123 million at March 31, 2016 exchange rates) plus interest and costs.  Aon believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.
 
In addition, from time to time, Aon's clients may bring claims and take legal action pertaining to the performance of fiduciary responsibilities. Whether client claims and legal action related to the Company's performance of fiduciary responsibilities are founded or unfounded, if such claims and legal actions are resolved in a manner unfavorable to the Company, they may adversely affect Aon's financial results and materially impair the market perception of the Company and that of its products and services.
 
Guarantees and Indemnifications
 
In connection with the redomicile of Aon's headquarters (the "Redomestication"), the Company on April 2, 2012 entered into various agreements pursuant to which it agreed to guarantee the obligations of its subsidiaries arising under issued and outstanding debt securities. Those agreements included the (1) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon plc, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the "Trustee") (amending and restating the Indenture, dated as of September 10, 2010, between Aon Corporation and the Trustee), (2) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated as of December 16, 2002, between Aon Corporation and the Trustee), (3) Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2012, among Aon Corporation, Aon plc and the Trustee (amending and restating the Indenture, dated as of January 13, 1997, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 13, 1997), and (4) First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2012, among Aon Finance N.S. 1, ULC, as issuer, Aon Corporation, as guarantor, Aon plc, as guarantor, and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as trustee.
 

22



The Company provides a variety of guarantees and indemnifications to its customers and others. The maximum potential amount of future payments represents the notional amounts that could become payable under the guarantees and indemnifications if there were a total default by the guaranteed parties, without consideration of possible recoveries under recourse provisions or other methods. These amounts may bear no relationship to the expected future payments, if any, for these guarantees and indemnifications. Any anticipated amounts payable are included in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and are recorded at fair value.

The Company expects that, as prudent business interests dictate, additional guarantees and indemnifications may be issued from time to time.

Letters of Credit
 
The Company had total letters of credit ("LOCs") outstanding of approximately $82 million at March 31, 2016, compared to $58 million at December 31, 2015. These letters of credit cover the beneficiaries related to certain of Aon's U.S. and Canadian non-qualified pension plan schemes and secure deductible retentions for the Company's own workers compensation program. The Company has also issued LOCs to cover contingent payments for taxes and other business obligations to third parties, and other guarantees for miscellaneous purposes at its international subsidiaries.
 
Commitments

The Company has provided commitments to fund certain limited partnerships in which it has an interest in the event that the general partners request funding. Some of these commitments have specific expiration dates and the maximum potential funding under these commitments was $12 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company did not fund these commitments.
 
Premium Payments

The Company has certain contractual contingent guarantees for premium payments owed by clients to certain insurance companies. The maximum exposure with respect to such contractual contingent guarantees was approximately $75 million at March 31, 2016 compared to $104 million at December 31, 2015.
 
15. Segment Information
 
The Company has two reportable segments:  Risk Solutions and HR Solutions.  Unallocated income and expenses, when combined with the operating segments and after the elimination of intersegment revenues and expenses, equal the amounts in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Reportable operating segments have been determined using a management approach, which is consistent with the basis and manner in which Aon's chief operating decision-maker ("CODM") uses financial information for the purposes of allocating resources and evaluating performance.  The CODM assesses performance based on operating income and generally accounts for inter-segment revenue as if the revenue were from third parties and at what management believes are current market prices.  The Company does not present net assets by segment as this information is not reviewed by the CODM.
 
Risk Solutions acts as an advisor and insurance and reinsurance broker, helping clients manage their risks, via consultation, as well as negotiation and placement of insurance risk with insurance carriers through Aon's global distribution network.
 
HR Solutions partners with organizations to solve their most complex benefits, talent and related financial challenges, and improve business performance by designing, implementing, communicating and administering a wide range of human capital, retirement, investment management, health care, compensation and talent management strategies.
  
Aon's total revenue is as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016

2015
Risk Solutions
$
1,872

 
$
1,895

HR Solutions
930

 
970

Intersegment eliminations
(10
)
 
(18
)
Total revenue
$
2,792

 
$
2,847


23




Commissions, fees and other revenues by product are as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Retail brokerage
$
1,495

 
$
1,513

Reinsurance brokerage
372

 
377

Total Risk Solutions Segment
1,867

 
1,890

Consulting services
374

 
371

Outsourcing
560

 
604

Intrasegment
(4
)
 
(5
)
Total HR Solutions Segment
930

 
970

Intersegment
(10
)
 
(18
)
Total commissions, fees and other revenue
$
2,787

 
$
2,842

 
Fiduciary investment income by segment is as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Risk Solutions
$
5

 
$
5

HR Solutions

 

Total fiduciary investment income
$
5

 
$
5

 
A reconciliation of segment operating income before tax to income before income taxes is as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Risk Solutions
$
429

 
$
412

HR Solutions
67

 
76

Segment income before income taxes
496

 
488

Unallocated expenses
(46
)
 
(47
)
Interest income
2

 
3

Interest expense
(69
)
 
(65
)
Other income
18

 
42

Income before income taxes
$
401

 
$
421

 
Unallocated expenses include administrative or other costs not attributable to the operating segments, such as corporate governance costs. Interest income represents income earned primarily on operating cash balances and certain income producing securities. Interest expense represents the cost of debt obligations.
 
Other income consists of equity earnings, realized gains or losses on the sale of investments, gains or losses on the disposal of businesses, gains or losses on derivatives, and gains or losses on foreign currency transactions.
 

24



16.  Guarantee of Registered Securities
 
As described in Note 14, in connection with the Redomestication, Aon plc entered into various agreements pursuant to which it agreed to guarantee the obligations of Aon Corporation arising under issued and outstanding debt securities, including the 3.125% Notes due May 2016, the 5.00% Notes due September 2020, the 8.205% Notes due January 2027 and the 6.25% Notes due September 2040. Aon Corporation is a 100% indirectly owned subsidiary of Aon plc. All guarantees of Aon plc are full and unconditional. There are no other subsidiaries of Aon plc that are guarantors of the debt. In addition, Aon Corporation entered into an agreement pursuant to which it agreed to guarantee the obligations of Aon plc arising under the 4.250% Notes due 2042 exchanged for Aon Corporation's outstanding 8.205% Notes due January 2027 and also agreed to guarantee the obligations of Aon plc arising under the 2.8% Notes due 2021, the 4.45% Notes due 2043, the 4.00% Notes due November 2023, the 2.875% Notes due May 2026, the 3.50% Notes due June 2024, the 4.60% Notes due June 2044, the 4.75% Notes due May 2045, and the 3.875% Notes due December 2025. In each case, the guarantee of Aon Corporation is full and unconditional. There are no subsidiaries of Aon plc, other than Aon Corporation, that are guarantors of the 4.250% Notes due 2042, the 4.45% Notes due 2043, the 4.00% Notes due 2023, the 2.875% Notes due 2026, the 3.50% Notes due 2024, the 4.60% Notes due 2044, or the 4.75% Notes due 2045. As a result of the existence of these guarantees, the Company is required by Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X to present the financial information set forth in this footnote.
 
The following tables set forth condensed consolidating statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, condensed consolidating statements of financial position as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 in accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. The condensed consolidating financial information includes the accounts of Aon plc, the accounts of Aon Corporation, and the combined accounts of the non-guarantor subsidiaries. The condensed consolidating financial statements are presented in all periods as a merger under common control, with Aon plc presented as the parent company in all periods prior and subsequent to the Redomestication. The principal consolidating adjustments are to eliminate the investment in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.

In January 2015, Aon plc transferred its ownership of all of its directly held subsidiaries to Aon Global Holdings Limited, an intermediate holding company. The financial results of Aon Global Holdings Limited are included in the Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries column of the Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements. The Company has reflected the transfer of Aon Corporation from Aon plc to Aon Global Holdings Limited below for all periods presented.


25



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commissions, fees and other
 
$

 
$

 
$
2,787

 
$

 
$
2,787

Fiduciary investment income
 

 

 
5

 

 
5

Total revenue
 

 

 
2,792

 

 
2,792

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
43

 
3

 
1,603

 

 
1,649

Other general expenses
 
7

 
2

 
684

 

 
693

Total operating expenses
 
50

 
5

 
2,287

 

 
2,342

Operating (loss) income
 
(50
)
 
(5
)
 
505

 

 
450

Interest income
 
(7
)
 
5

 
4

 

 
2

Interest expense
 
(38
)
 
(28
)
 
(3
)
 

 
(69
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
 
4

 
(133
)
 
129

 

 

Intercompany other (expense) income
 
(54
)
 
1

 
53

 

 

Other income
 

 
(5
)
 
23

 

 
18

(Loss) income before taxes
 
(145
)
 
(165
)
 
711

 

 
401

Income tax (benefit) expense
 
(26
)
 
(62
)
 
162

 

 
74

(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
 
(119
)
 
(103
)
 
549

 

 
327

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
434

 
367

 
264

 
(1,065
)
 

Net income
 
315

 
264

 
813

 
(1,065
)
 
327

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
12

 

 
12

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
315

 
$
264

 
$
801

 
$
(1,065
)
 
$
315



26



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commissions, fees and other
 
$

 
$

 
$
2,842

 
$

 
$
2,842

Fiduciary investment income
 

 

 
5

 

 
5

Total revenue
 

 

 
2,847

 

 
2,847

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
52

 
11

 
1,620

 

 
1,683

Other general expenses
 
13

 
2

 
708

 

 
723

Total operating expenses
 
65

 
13

 
2,328

 

 
2,406

Operating (loss) income
 
(65
)
 
(13
)
 
519

 

 
441

Interest income
 
(5
)
 
3

 
5

 

 
3

Interest expense
 
(25
)
 
(34
)
 
(6
)
 

 
(65
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
 
119

 
(105
)
 
(14
)
 

 

Intercompany other (expense) income
 
(50
)
 
(8
)
 
58

 

 

Other income
 
2

 
8

 
32

 

 
42

Income (loss) before taxes
 
(24
)
 
(149
)
 
594

 

 
421

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
(5
)
 
(50
)
 
135

 

 
80

Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
 
(19
)
 
(99
)
 
459

 

 
341

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
347

 
403

 
304

 
(1,054
)
 

Net income
 
328

 
304

 
763

 
(1,054
)
 
341

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
13

 

 
13

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
328

 
$
304

 
$
750

 
$
(1,054
)
 
$
328





27



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Net income
 
$
315

 
$
264

 
$
813

 
$
(1,065
)
 
$
327

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
12

 

 
12

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
315

 
$
264

 
$
801

 
$
(1,065
)
 
$
315

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value of financial instruments
 

 
(2
)
 
(5
)
 

 
(7
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 

 
11

 
(90
)
 

 
(79
)
Post-retirement benefit obligation
 

 
13

 
(214
)
 

 
(201
)
Total other comprehensive loss
 

 
22

 
(309
)
 

 
(287
)
Equity in other comprehensive loss of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
(287
)
 
(314
)
 
(292
)
 
893

 

Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive loss attributable to Aon shareholders
 
(287
)
 
(292
)
 
(601
)
 
893

 
(287
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
28

 
$
(28
)
 
$
200

 
$
(172
)
 
$
28


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Net income
 
$
328

 
$
304

 
$
763

 
$
(1,054
)
 
$
341

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
13

 

 
13

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
$
328

 
$
304

 
$
750

 
$
(1,054
)
 
$
328

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value of financial instruments
 

 
(1
)
 
6

 

 
5

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 

 
(23
)
 
(299
)
 

 
(322
)
Post-retirement benefit obligation
 

 
8

 
15

 

 
23

Total other comprehensive (loss) income
 

 
(16
)
 
(278
)
 

 
(294
)
Equity in other comprehensive income of subsidiaries, net of tax
 
(293
)
 
(267
)
 
(283
)
 
843

 

Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Total other comprehensive income attributable to Aon shareholders
 
(293
)
 
(283
)
 
(560
)
 
843

 
(293
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Aon Shareholders
 
$
35

 
$
21

 
$
190

 
$
(211
)
 
$
35








28



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position 
 
 
As of March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$
1,537

 
$
1,457

 
$
(2,529
)
 
$
465

Short-term investments
 

 
453

 
134

 

 
587

Receivables, net
 
2

 

 
2,589

 

 
2,591

Fiduciary assets
 

 

 
9,776

 

 
9,776

Intercompany receivables
 
43

 
3,786

 
8,759

 
(12,588
)
 

Other current assets
 

 
206

 
418

 
(2
)
 
622

Total Current Assets
 
45

 
5,982

 
23,133

 
(15,119
)
 
14,041

Goodwill
 

 

 
8,411

 

 
8,411

Intangible assets, net
 

 

 
2,108

 

 
2,108

Fixed assets, net
 

 

 
766

 

 
766

Non-current deferred tax assets
 
154

 
556

 
137

 
(676
)
 
171

Intercompany receivables
 
379

 
537

 
8,716

 
(9,632
)
 

Prepaid pension
 

 
6

 
731

 

 
737

Other non-current assets
 

 
114

 
465

 

 
579

Investment in subsidiary
 
11,949

 
16,643

 
239

 
(28,831
)
 

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
12,527

 
$
23,838

 
$
44,706

 
$
(54,258
)
 
$
26,813

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
2,624

 
$
22

 
$
1,303

 
$
(2,529
)
 
$
1,420

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
 
184

 
500

 
11

 

 
695

Fiduciary liabilities
 

 

 
9,776

 

 
9,776

Intercompany payables
 
141

 
11,365

 
1,082

 
(12,588
)
 

Other current liabilities
 
85

 
60

 
759

 
(2
)
 
902

Total Current Liabilities
 
3,034

 
11,947

 
12,931

 
(15,119
)
 
12,793

Long-term debt
 
4,206

 
1,413

 
283

 

 
5,902

Non-current deferred tax liabilities
 

 

 
853

 
(676
)
 
177

Pension, other post-retirement and other post-employment liabilities
 

 
1,295

 
461

 

 
1,756

Intercompany payables
 

 
8,881

 
751

 
(9,632
)
 

Other non-current liabilities
 
6

 
63

 
769

 

 
838

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
7,246

 
23,599

 
16,048

 
(25,427
)
 
21,466

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL AON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
5,281

 
239

 
28,592

 
(28,831
)
 
5,281

Noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
66

 

 
66

TOTAL EQUITY
 
5,281

 
239

 
28,658

 
(28,831
)
 
5,347

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
12,527

 
$
23,838

 
$
44,706

 
$
(54,258
)
 
$
26,813



29



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position
 
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$
2,083

 
$
1,242

 
$
(2,941
)
 
$
384

Short-term investments
 

 
209

 
147

 

 
356

Receivables, net
 
1

 

 
2,733

 

 
2,734

Fiduciary assets
 

 

 
9,932

 

 
9,932

Intercompany receivables
 
432

 
1,950

 
7,957

 
(10,339
)
 

Other current assets
 

 
217

 
347

 
(2
)
 
562

Total Current Assets
 
433

 
4,459

 
22,358

 
(13,282
)
 
13,968

Goodwill
 

 

 
8,448

 

 
8,448

Intangible assets, net
 

 

 
2,180

 

 
2,180

Fixed assets, net
 

 

 
765

 

 
765

Intercompany receivables
 
375

 
526

 
8,633

 
(9,534
)
 

Non-current deferred tax assets
 
154

 
558

 
107

 
(678
)
 
141

Prepaid pension
 

 
6

 
1,027

 

 
1,033

Other non-current assets
 

 
119

 
557

 
(84
)
 
592

Investment in subsidiary
 
11,804

 
16,534

 
369

 
(28,707
)
 

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
12,766

 
$
22,202

 
$
44,444

 
$
(52,285
)
 
$
27,127

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
2,988

 
$
45

 
$
1,680

 
$
(2,941
)
 
$
1,772

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

 
550

 
12

 

 
562

Fiduciary liabilities
 

 

 
9,932

 

 
9,932

Intercompany payables
 
167

 
9,518

 
654

 
(10,339
)
 

Other current liabilities
 
47

 
56

 
720

 
(3
)
 
820

Total Current Liabilities
 
3,202

 
10,169

 
12,998

 
(13,283
)
 
13,086

Long-term debt
 
3,451

 
1,412

 
275

 

 
5,138

Non-current deferred tax liabilities
 

 

 
854

 
(678
)
 
176

Pension, other post-retirement and other post-employment liabilities
 

 
1,313

 
482

 

 
1,795

Intercompany payables
 

 
8,799

 
735

 
(9,534
)
 

Other non-current liabilities
 
7

 
140

 
705

 
(83
)
 
769

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
6,660

 
21,833

 
16,049

 
(23,578
)
 
20,964

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL AON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
6,106

 
369

 
28,338

 
(28,707
)
 
6,106

Noncontrolling interests
 

 

 
57

 

 
57

TOTAL EQUITY
 
6,106

 
369

 
28,395

 
(28,707
)
 
6,163

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
12,766

 
$
22,202

 
$
44,444

 
$
(52,285
)
 
$
27,127



30



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Other
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions)
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
(47
)
 
$
(37
)
 
$
357

 
$

 
$
273

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from investments
 

 
9

 
4

 

 
13

Purchases of investments
 

 
(5
)
 
(9
)
 

 
(14
)
Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments - non-fiduciary
 

 
(244
)
 
17

 

 
(227
)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 

 

 
(16
)
 

 
(16
)
Proceeds from sale of businesses
 

 

 
97

 

 
97

Capital expenditures
 

 

 
(52
)
 

 
(52
)
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 

 
(240
)
 
41

 

 
(199
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share repurchase
 
(685
)
 

 

 

 
(685
)
Advances from (to) affiliates
 
(46
)
 
(219
)
 
(147
)
 
412

 

Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans
 
(64
)
 

 
(1
)
 

 
(65
)
Issuance of debt
 
996

 
50

 
(1
)
 

 
1,045

Repayment of debt
 
(72
)
 
(100
)
 
(3
)
 

 
(175
)
Cash dividends to shareholders
 
(82
)
 

 

 

 
(82
)
Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities
 

 

 
(42
)
 

 
(42
)
CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
47

 
(269
)
 
(194
)
 
412

 
(4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 

 
11

 

 
11

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 
(546
)
 
215

 
412

 
81

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
 

 
2,083

 
1,242

 
(2,941
)
 
384

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
 
$

 
$
1,537

 
$
1,457

 
$
(2,529
)
 
$
465



31



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aon
 
Aon
 
Non-Guarantor
 
Consolidating
 
 
(millions) 
 
plc
 
Corporation
 
Subsidiaries
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
164

 
$
(188
)
 
$
322

 
$

 
$
298

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from investments
 

 

 
3

 

 
3

Purchases of investments
 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments - non-fiduciary
 

 
(1
)
 
43

 

 
42

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 

 

 
(21
)
 

 
(21
)
Proceeds from sale of businesses
 

 

 
41

 

 
41

Capital expenditures
 

 

 
(62
)
 

 
(62
)
CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 

 
(2
)
 
4

 

 
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share repurchase
 
(250
)
 

 

 

 
(250
)
Advances from (to) affiliates
 
157

 
(385
)
 
(984
)
 
1,212

 

Issuance of shares for employee benefit plans
 
(114
)
 

 

 

 
(114
)
Issuance of debt
 
114

 
756

 

 

 
870

Repayment of debt
 

 
(678
)
 
(8
)
 

 
(686
)
Cash dividends to shareholders
 
(71
)
 

 

 

 
(71
)
Noncontrolling interests and other financing activities
 

 

 
(6
)
 

 
(6
)
CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
(164
)
 
(307
)
 
(998
)
 
1,212

 
(257
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 

 
(39
)
 

 
(39
)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 
(497
)
 
(711
)
 
1,212

 
4

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
 

 
2,727

 
1,361

 
(3,714
)
 
374

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
 
$

 
$
2,230

 
$
650

 
$
(2,502
)
 
$
378


 



32



Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF FIRST QUARTER 2016 FINANCIAL RESULTS
 
During the first quarter of 2016, we continued to face certain headwinds that adversely impacted our business in prior periods. In our Risk Solutions segment, these headwinds included adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates, economic weakness in continental Europe, and a negative market impact in our Reinsurance business. In our HR Solutions segment, these headwinds included price compression in our benefits administration business and economic weakness in continental Europe.
 
The following is a summary of our first quarter of 2016 financial results:

For the first quarter of 2016, revenue decreased $55 million, or 2%, to $2.8 billion compared to the prior year first quarter due primarily to a 3% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates and a 2% decrease in commissions and fees related to net divestitures, partially offset by organic revenue growth of 3%. In Risk Solutions, organic revenue growth in the first quarter of 2016 was driven by strong organic growth in Retail brokerage across both the Americas and International businesses, as well as modest growth in Reinsurance. The HR Solutions segment for the first quarter of 2016 had solid organic growth in Consulting and modest organic growth in Outsourcing against strong comparable growth in the prior year quarter.
 
Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2016 were $2.3 billion, a decrease of $64 million, or 3%, compared to the prior year first quarter. The decrease in the first quarter was primarily due to an $82 million favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, a $41 million decrease in expenses related to net divestitures, and a $13 million decrease in intangible asset amortization, partially offset by an increase in expenses to support 3% organic growth and $20 million of transaction and portfolio repositioning related costs in HR Solutions associated with the sale of a businesses.

Operating margin increased to 16.1% in the first quarter 2016 from 15.5% in the first quarter 2015. The increase in operating margin from the prior year quarter was driven by organic revenue growth of 3%, expense discipline, and a favorable impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by an increase in expense to support 3% organic revenue growth and $20 million of transaction and portfolio repositioning related costs. Operating margin for Risk Solutions increased 120 basis points from 21.7% in the first quarter 2015 to 22.9% in the first quarter 2016. Operating margin for HR Solutions decreased 60 basis points from 7.8% in the first quarter 2015 to 7.2% in the first quarter 2016.
 
Due to the factors set forth above, net income attributable to Aon shareholders decreased $13 million, or 4%, to $315 million for the first quarter 2016 compared to the first quarter 2015.

Cash flow provided by operating activities was $273 million for the first three months of 2016, a decrease of $25 million from $298 million provided by operating activities in the first three months of 2015. The decrease was driven by unfavorable timing of cash tax payments that we expect will favorably impact the second quarter, partially offset by working capital improvements and a decline in cash paid for pension contributions and restructuring.

The Company repurchased 7.7 million Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $750 million in the first quarter of 2016.

We focus on four key non-GAAP metrics that we communicate to shareholders: organic revenue, adjusted operating margins, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and free cash flow.  The following is our measure of performance against these four metrics for the first quarter of 2016:
 
Organic revenue growth, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption "Review of Consolidated Results — Organic Revenue," was 3% for the first quarter of 2016, similar to the prior year first quarter. In Risk Solutions, organic revenue growth was driven by strong growth in Retail brokerage across both the Americas and International businesses, as well as modest growth in Reinsurance organic revenue. HR Solutions had solid organic growth in Consulting and modest organic growth in Outsourcing against strong comparable growth in the prior year quarter.
 
Adjusted operating margin, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption "Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Operating Margin," was 18.5% for Aon overall, 24.2% for the Risk Solutions segment, and 11.8% for the HR Solutions segment for the first quarter 2016.  Adjusted operating margin was 18.3% for Aon overall, 23.2% for the Risk Solutions segment, and 13.2% for the HR Solutions segment for the first quarter 2015. The increase in adjusted

33



operating margin for the Risk Solutions segment in the first quarter of 2016 primarily reflects organic revenue growth of 3%, return on investments in data and analytics, and a favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates. In the HR Solutions segment in the first quarter of 2015, the operating margin decline was driven by a $20 million, or 220 basis point, unfavorable impact related to transaction and portfolio repositioning related costs, partially offset by organic revenue growth of 2% and expense discipline.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share from net income attributable to Aon's shareholders, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption "Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share," was $1.35 per share in the first quarter of 2016, compared to $1.37 per share in the first quarter of 2015.

Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure as defined under the caption "Review of Consolidated Results — Free Cash Flow," decreased $15 million, or 6%, to $221 million from the prior year period, driven by an 8% decline in cash flow from operations, partially offset by a decrease of $10 million in capital expenditures.

REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
 
General
 
In our discussion of consolidated results, we sometimes refer to certain non-GAAP supplemental information derived from consolidated financial information specifically related to organic revenue growth, adjusted operating margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share, free cash flow, and the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on operating results.
 
Organic Revenue
 
We use supplemental information related to organic revenue to help us and our investors evaluate business growth from existing operations.  Organic revenue is a non-GAAP measure and excludes the impact of foreign exchange rate changes, acquisitions, divestitures, transfers between business units, fiduciary investment income, reimbursable expenses, and certain unusual items.  Supplemental information related to organic revenue growth represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.  Industry peers provide similar supplemental information about their revenue performance, although they may not make identical adjustments.  Reconciliations of this non-GAAP measure, organic revenue growth percentages, to the reported Commissions, fees and other revenue growth percentages, have been provided under the "Review by Segment" caption below.
 
Adjusted Operating Margin
 
We use adjusted operating margin as a non-GAAP measure of core operating performance of our Risk Solutions and HR Solutions segments.  Adjusted operating margin excludes the impact of certain items, including intangible asset amortization, because management does not believe these expenses reflect our core operating performance. This supplemental information related to adjusted operating margin represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.

 A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the reported operating margin is as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
Total Aon (1)
 
Risk Solutions
 
HR Solutions
Revenue — U.S. GAAP
$
2,792

 
$
1,872

 
$
930

Operating income — U.S. GAAP
$
450

 
$
429

 
$
67

Intangible asset amortization
67

 
24

 
43

Operating income — as adjusted
$
517

 
$
453

 
$
110

Operating margins — U.S. GAAP
16.1
%
 
22.9
%
 
7.2
%
Operating margins — as adjusted
18.5
%
 
24.2
%
 
11.8
%

34



 
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
Total Aon (1)
 
Risk Solutions
 
HR Solutions
Revenue — U.S. GAAP
$
2,847

 
$
1,895

 
$
970

Operating income — U.S. GAAP
$
441

 
$
412

 
$
76

Intangible asset amortization
80

 
28

 
52

Operating income — as adjusted
$
521

 
$
440

 
$
128

Operating margins — U.S. GAAP
15.5
%
 
21.7
%
 
7.8
%
Operating margins — as adjusted
18.3
%
 
23.2
%
 
13.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes unallocated expenses and the elimination of inter-segment revenue.

Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share
 
We also use adjusted diluted earnings per share as a non-GAAP measure of our core operating performance. Adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of intangible asset amortization, along with related income taxes, because management does not believe these expenses are representative of our core earnings. This supplemental information related to adjusted diluted earnings per share represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.

Reconciliations of this non-GAAP measure to the reported diluted earnings per share are as follows (in millions, except per share data): 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
U.S. GAAP
 
Adjustments
 
As Adjusted
Operating income
$
450

 
$
67

 
$
517

Interest income
2

 

 
2

Interest expense
(69
)
 

 
(69
)
Other income
18

 

 
18

Income before income taxes
401

 
67

 
468

Income taxes
74

 
12

 
86

Net income
327

 
55

 
382

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
12

 

 
12

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
$
315

 
$
55

 
$
370

Diluted earnings per share
$
1.15

 
$
0.20

 
$
1.35

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted
273.7

 

 
273.7

 
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
U.S. GAAP
 
Adjustments
 
As Adjusted
Operating income
$
441

 
$
80

 
$
521

Interest income
3

 

 
3

Interest expense
(65
)
 

 
(65
)
Other income
42

 

 
42

Income before income taxes
421

 
80

 
501

Income taxes
80

 
16

 
96

Net income
341

 
64

 
405

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
13

 

 
13

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
$
328

 
$
64

 
$
392

Diluted earnings per share
$
1.14

 
$
0.23

 
$
1.37

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted
287.1

 

 
287.1



35



Free Cash Flow

We use free cash flow, defined as cash flow provided by operations minus capital expenditures, as a non-GAAP measure of our core operating performance. This supplemental information related to free cash flow represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto. The use of this non-GAAP measure does not imply or represent the residual cash flow for discretionary expenditures.

A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to cash flow provided by operations is as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Cash provided by operating activities - U.S. GAAP
$
273

 
$
298

Less: Capital expenditures
(52
)
 
(62
)
Free cash flow
$
221

 
$
236


Impact of Foreign Exchange Rate Fluctuations
 
Because we conduct business in more than 120 countries, foreign exchange rate fluctuations have a significant impact on our business.  Foreign exchange rate movements may be significant and may distort true period-to-period comparisons of changes in revenue or pretax income.  Therefore, to give financial statement users meaningful information about our operations, we have provided an illustration of the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on our financial results.  The methodology used to calculate this impact isolates the impact of the change in currencies between periods by translating the prior year quarter's revenue, expenses, and net income using the current quarter's foreign exchange rates. 

Translating prior year quarter results at current quarter foreign exchange rates, currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of $0.05 on adjusted net income per diluted share during the three months ended March 31, 2016, and an unfavorable impact of $0.15 on adjusted net income per diluted share during the three months ended March 31, 2015. These translations are performed for comparative and illustrative purposes only and do not impact the accounting policies or practices for amounts included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

36



Summary of Results
 
Our consolidated results of operations follow (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue:
 

 
 

Commissions, fees and other
$
2,787

 
$
2,842

Fiduciary investment income
5

 
5

Total revenue
2,792

 
2,847

Expenses:
 

 
 

Compensation and benefits
1,649

 
1,683

Other general expenses
693

 
723

Total operating expenses
2,342

 
2,406

Operating income
450

 
441

Interest income
2

 
3

Interest expense
(69
)
 
(65
)
Other income
18

 
42

Income before income taxes
401

 
421

Income taxes
74

 
80

Net income
327

 
341

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
12

 
13

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders
$
315

 
$
328

 
Revenue
 
Total revenue decreased by $55 million, or 2%, in the first quarter 2016 compared to the first quarter 2015.  This change resulted from a $23 million decrease in Risk Solutions and a $40 million decrease in HR Solutions, excluding intersegment eliminations. The results of the Risk Solutions segment reflect a 4% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by 3% organic growth in commissions and fees. The decrease in revenue in the HR Solutions segment was driven by a 4% decrease in fees and commissions related to net divestitures and a 2% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by 2% organic revenue growth.

Compensation and Benefits
 
Compensation and benefits decreased $34 million, or 2%, in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter 2015. This decrease was primarily driven by a $58 million favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates and a $29 million decrease in expenses related to net divestitures partially offset by $20 million of transaction and portfolio repositioning costs primarily associated with the sale of a business in the quarter and an increase in expense associated with 3% organic revenue growth.

Other General Expenses
 
Other general expenses in the first quarter of 2016 decreased $30 million, or 4%, compared to the first quarter 2015. This decrease was due primarily to a $24 million favorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, a $12 million decrease in expenses related to net divestitures and a $13 million decrease in intangible asset amortization, partially offset by an increase in expense to support 3% organic revenue growth.

Interest Income
 
Interest income represents income earned on operating cash balances and other income-producing investments.  It does not include interest earned on funds held on behalf of clients.  During the first quarter 2016, interest income decreased $1 million to $2 million compared to the first quarter 2015.

37




Interest Expense
 
Interest expense, which represents the cost of our debt obligations, increased $4 million during the first quarter 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015. The increase in Interest expense reflects an increase in the total debt outstanding.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income was $18 million for the first quarter of 2016, compared to $42 million for the first quarter of 2015Other income for the first quarter 2016 includes $35 million of net gains on the sale of certain businesses, partially offset by a $17 million loss on foreign currency remeasurement. Other income of $42 million in the first quarter 2015 primarily included a $19 million gain on the sale of businesses, and $24 million of foreign currency remeasurement gains.

Income before Income Taxes
 
Income before income taxes for the first quarter of 2016 was $401 million, a 5% decrease from $421 million in the first quarter of 2015.

Income Taxes
 
The effective tax rate on net income was 18.4% and 19.1% for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was favorably impacted by changes in the geographical distribution of income and certain discrete items.
 
Net Income Attributable to Aon Shareholders 

Net income attributable to Aon shareholders for the first quarter decreased to $315 million, or $1.15 per diluted share, from $328 million, or $1.14 per diluted share, in 2015.

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity

Executive Summary

We believe that our balance sheet and strong cash flow provide us with adequate liquidity.  Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flow from operations, available cash reserves, and debt capacity available under various credit facilities.  Our primary uses of liquidity are operating expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, share repurchases, restructuring initiatives, pension obligations, and shareholder dividends. We believe that cash flows from operations, available credit facilities and the capital markets will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including principal and interest payments on debt obligations, capital expenditures, pension contributions, cash restructuring costs, and anticipated working capital requirements, for the foreseeable future.

Cash on our balance sheet includes funds available for general corporate purposes, as well as amounts restricted as to their use.  Funds held on behalf of clients in a fiduciary capacity are segregated and shown together with uncollected insurance premiums in Fiduciary assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, with a corresponding amount in Fiduciary liabilities. Fiduciary funds generally cannot be used for general corporate purposes, and are not a source of liquidity for us.

Operating Activities
 
Net cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2016 decreased $25 million, or 8%, to $273 million. This amount represents net income reported by the Company, as adjusted for gains or losses on sales of business, financial instruments and foreign exchange, and our non-cash expenses, which include share-based compensation, depreciation, and amortization, as well as changes in working capital that relate primarily to the timing of payments of accounts payable and accrued liabilities and collection of receivables. The decrease from the prior year was primarily driven by increases in current income taxes, partially offset by reductions in pension contributions and restructuring payments, as well as working capital improvements.

Pension contributions were $37 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to $57 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. For the remainder of 2016, we expect to contribute approximately $113 million to our pension plans, with the majority attributable to non-U.S. pension plans, which are subject to changes in foreign exchange rates.
 
We expect cash generated by operations for 2016 to be sufficient to service our debt and contractual obligations, fund the cash requirements of our restructuring programs, finance capital expenditures, continue purchases of shares under the Repurchase Programs, and continue to pay dividends to our shareholders.  Although cash from operations is expected to be sufficient to service these activities, we have the ability to access the commercial paper markets or borrow under our credit facilities to accommodate any timing differences in cash flows.  We have committed credit facilities totaling $1.3 billion, of which all was available at March 31, 2016, and can access these facilities on a same day or next day basis.  Additionally, under current market conditions, we believe that we could access capital markets to obtain debt financing for longer-term funding, if needed.
 
Investing Activities
 
Cash flow used for investing activities was $199 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016. The primary drivers of the cash flow used for investing activities were $227 million in net purchases of short-term investments, $52 million of capital expenditures, $16 million of acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired, and $1 million of net purchases of long-term investments, offset by $97 million in proceeds from the sale of businesses. The gains and losses corresponding to cash flows provided by the net sales of long-term investments are recognized in Other income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
Cash flow provided by investing activities was $2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015. The primary drivers of the cash flow provided by investing activities were net sales of short-term investments of $42 million, sale of businesses of $41 million, and $2 million for net sales of long-term investments, partially offset by $62 million for capital expenditures and $21 million for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired.
 
Financing Activities
 
Cash flow used for financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $4 million. The primary drivers of the cash flow used for financing activities were $685 million of share repurchases, $82 million of dividends paid to shareholders, and $65 million in net cash payments related to issuance of shares, partially offset by $870 million of issuances of debt, net of repayments.
 
Cash flow used for financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $257 million. The primary drivers of cash flow used for financing activities were $250 million of share repurchases, $71 million of dividends paid to shareholders, and $114 million in net cash payments related to issuance of shares, partially offset by $184 million of issuances of debt, net of repayments.
 
As a U.K. incorporated company, we are required under U.K. law to have available "distributable reserves" to make share repurchases or pay dividends to shareholders. Distributable reserves are created through the earnings of the U.K. parent company. Distributable reserves are not linked to a U.S. GAAP reported amount (e.g., retained earnings). As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had distributable reserves in excess of $2.4 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively. We believe that we will have sufficient distributable reserves to fund shareholder dividends, if and to the extent declared, for the foreseeable future.
 
Cash and Investments
 
At March 31, 2016, our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were $1,052 million, an increase of $312 million from December 31, 2015. This increase was primarily related to $273 million cash provided by operations and $870 million in proceeds from debt issuances, net of repayments, partially offset by $685 million in share repurchases, $52 million of capital expenditures, and $82 million in dividends.  Of the total balance as of March 31, 2016, $95 million was restricted as to its use, which was comprised of $61 million of operating funds in the U.K., as required by the Financial Conduct Authority, and $34 million held as collateral for various business purposes.  At March 31, 2016, $2.1 billion of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were held in the U.S. and overdrawn cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $1.0 billion were held in other countries. We maintain a multicurrency cash pool with a third-party bank in which various Aon entities participate. Individual Aon entities are permitted to overdraw on their individual accounts provided the overall global balance does not fall below zero. At March 31, 2016, non-U.S. cash balances of one or more entities were negative; however, the overall balance was positive.


38



Of the total balance of Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments as of December 31, 2015, $105 million was restricted as to its use, which was comprised of $65 million of operating funds in the U.K., as required by the Financial Conduct Authority, and $40 million held as collateral for various business purposes. At December 31, 2015, $2.6 billion of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were held in the U.S. and overdrawn cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $1.9 billion were held in other countries.
 
In our capacity as an insurance broker or agent, we collect premiums from insureds and, after deducting our commission, remit the premiums to the respective insurance underwriter.  We also collect claims or refunds from underwriters on behalf of insureds, which are then returned to the insureds.  Unremitted insurance premiums and claims are held by us in a fiduciary capacity.  In addition, some of our outsourcing agreements require us to hold funds on behalf of clients to pay obligations on their behalf.  The levels of fiduciary assets and liabilities can fluctuate significantly, depending on when we collect premiums, claims, and refunds, make payments to underwriters and insureds, collect funds from clients and make payments on their behalf, and the movement of foreign currency exchange rates.  Fiduciary assets, because of their nature, are generally invested in very liquid securities with highly-rated, credit-worthy financial institutions.  In our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, the amounts we report for Fiduciary assets and Fiduciary liabilities are equal.  Our Fiduciary assets included cash and short-term investments of $3.7 billion and $3.4 billion at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and fiduciary receivables of $6.1 billion and $6.5 billion at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.  While we earn investment income on the fiduciary assets held in cash and investments, the cash and investments cannot be used for general corporate purposes.

As disclosed in Note 13 "Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments" of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the majority of our investments carried at fair value are money market funds.  Money market funds are carried at cost as an approximation of fair value.  Consistent with market convention, we consider cost a practical and expedient measure of fair value.  These money market funds are held throughout the world with various financial institutions.  We are not aware of any market liquidity issues that would materially impact the fair value of these investments.
 
At March 31, 2016, our investments in money market funds had a fair value of $1.6 billion and are reported as Short-term investments or Fiduciary assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position depending on their nature.

The following table summarizes our Fiduciary assets, non-fiduciary Cash and cash equivalents, and Short-term investments at March 31, 2016 (in millions):
 
 
Statement of Financial Position Classification
 
 
Asset Type
 
Cash and Cash
Equivalents
 
Short-term
Investments
 
Fiduciary
Assets
 
Total
Certificates of deposit, bank deposits or time deposits
 
$
465

 
$

 
$
2,628

 
$
3,093

Money market funds
 

 
587

 
1,031

 
1,618

Other investments due within one year
 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments
 
465

 
587

 
3,659

 
4,711

Fiduciary receivables
 

 

 
6,117

 
6,117

Total
 
$
465

 
$
587

 
$
9,776

 
$
10,828

 
Share Repurchase Program
 
In April 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the 2012 Share Repurchase Program under which up to $5.0 billion of Class A Ordinary Shares may be repurchased. In November 2014, our Board of Directors authorized the 2014 Share Repurchase Program pursuant to which $5.0 billion may be repurchased in addition to the $5.0 billion authorized under the 2012 Share Repurchase Program. Under each program, shares may be repurchased through the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, based on prevailing market conditions, funded from available capital.

In the first quarter of 2016, the Company repurchased 7.7 million shares at an average price per share of $97.92 for a total cost of $750 million. In the first quarter of 2015, the Company repurchased 2.5 million shares at an average price per share of $100.15 for a total cost of $250 million. Included in the 7.7 million shares repurchased in the first quarter of 2016 was 0.6 million shares purchased in that period which did not settle until April 2016. These shares were settled at an average price per share of $103.58 and total cost of $65 million.

In August 2015, the $5 billion of Class A Ordinary Shares authorized under the 2012 Share Repurchase Program was exhausted. At March 31, 2016, the remaining authorized amount for share repurchase under the 2014 Share Repurchase

39



Program is $3.3 billion. Under the Repurchase Programs, the Company has repurchased a total of 85.7 million shares for an aggregate cost of $6.7 billion.
 
For information regarding share repurchases made during the first quarter of 2016, see Part II, Item 2 — "Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds" below.

Borrowings
 
Total debt at March 31, 2016 was $6.6 billion, which represents an increase of $897 million compared to December 31, 2015. This increase is primarily due to the issuance of $750 million of 3.875% Senior Notes due December 2025 and an increase in commercial paper outstanding of $134 million. Commercial paper activity during the three months ended March 31, 2016 included total issuances of $300 million compared to $865 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The proceeds of the commercial paper issuances were used primarily for short-term working capital needs.

On March 1, 2016, Aon plc issued $750 million of 3.875% Senior Notes due December 2025. We used the proceeds of the issuance for general corporate purposes.
 
Credit Facilities
 
As of March 31, 2016, Aon plc had two primary committed credit facilities outstanding: its $400 million U.S. credit facility expiring in March 2017 (the "2017 Facility") and its $900 million multi-currency U.S. credit facility originally expiring in February 2020. Effective February 2, 2016, the $900 million multi-currency U.S. credit facility terms were extended for one year and will now expire on February 2, 2021 (the "2021 Facility"). Each of these facilities is intended to support our commercial paper obligations and our general working capital needs.  In addition, each of these facilities includes customary representations, warranties and covenants, including financial covenants that require us to maintain specified ratios of adjusted consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and consolidated debt to adjusted consolidated EBITDA, tested quarterly.  At March 31, 2016, we had no borrowings under, and were in compliance with, these financial covenants and all other covenants contained in the 2017 Facility and the 2021 Facility during and three months ended March 31, 2016.
Our total debt-to-EBITDA ratio at March 31, 2016 and 2015 based on a rolling twelve months is calculated as follows:
 
For the twelve months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Net income
1,408

 
1,436

Interest expense
277

 
262

Income taxes
261

 
336

Depreciation of fixed assets
229

 
238

Amortization of intangible assets
301

 
346

Total EBITDA
2,476

 
2,618

 
 
 
 
Total Debt
6,597

 
5,676

 
 
 
 
Total debt-to-EBITDA ratio
2.7
 
2.2
We use EBITDA, as defined by our financial covenants, as a non-GAAP measure. This supplemental information related to EBITDA represents a measure not in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be viewed in addition to, not instead of, our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.

Shelf Registration Statement

On September 3, 2015, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC, registering the offer and sale from time to time of an indeterminate amount of, among other securities, debt securities, preference shares, Class A Ordinary Shares and convertible securities. Our ability to access the market as a source of liquidity is dependent on investor demand, market conditions and other factors.


40



Rating Agency Ratings
 
The major rating agencies' ratings of our debt at April 29, 2016 appear in the table below. 
 
Ratings
 
 
 
Senior Long-term Debt
 
Commercial Paper
 
Outlook
Standard & Poor's
A-
 
A-2
 
Stable
Moody's Investor Services
Baa2
 
P-2
 
Stable
Fitch, Inc.
BBB+
 
F-2
 
Stable
 
A downgrade in the credit ratings of our senior debt and commercial paper could increase our borrowing costs, reduce or eliminate our access to capital, reduce our financial flexibility, increase our commercial paper interest rates, or restrict our access to the commercial paper market altogether, and/or impact future pension contribution requirements.
 
Letters of Credit and Other Guarantees
 
We had total LOCs outstanding of approximately $82 million at March 31, 2016, compared to $58 million at December 31, 2015. These letters of credit cover the beneficiaries related to certain of our U.S. and Canadian non-qualified pension plan schemes and secure deductible retentions for our own workers compensation program. We also have issued LOCs to cover contingent payments for taxes and other business obligations to third parties, and other guarantees for miscellaneous purposes at our international subsidiaries.
 
We have certain contractual contingent guarantees for premium payments owed by clients to certain insurance companies. The maximum exposure with respect to such contractual contingent guarantees was approximately $75 million at March 31, 2016, compared to $104 million at December 31, 2015.
 
We have provided commitments to fund certain limited partnerships in which we have an interest in the event that the general partners request funding.  Some of these commitments have specific expiration dates and the maximum potential funding under these commitments was $12 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.  During the first quarter, we did not fund these commitments.

Other Liquidity Matters

We do not have significant exposure related to off-balance sheet arrangements. Our cash flows from operations, borrowing availability and overall liquidity are subject to risks and uncertainties. See "Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" below.
 
Financial Condition
 
At March 31, 2016, our net assets were $5.3 billion, representing total assets minus total liabilities, a decrease from $6.2 billion at December 31, 2015. The decrease was due primarily to $750 million of share repurchases, $82 million of dividend payments, and an increase of $287 million in Accumulated other comprehensive loss related primarily to foreign currency translation adjustment and post-retirement benefit obligations, partially offset by Net income of $327 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.  Working capital increased by $366 million to $1,248 million from December 31, 2015.
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss increased $287 million to $3,710 million at March 31, 2016 as compared to $3,423 million at December 31, 2015, which was primarily driven by the following:
 
negative net foreign currency translation adjustments of $79 million, which are attributable to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies,
an increase of $201 million in net post-retirement benefit obligations, and
net financial instrument losses of $7 million.


41



REVIEW BY SEGMENT
 
General
 
We serve clients through the following segments:
 
Risk Solutions acts as an advisor and insurance and reinsurance broker, helping clients manage their risks, via consultation, as well as negotiation and placement of insurance risk with insurance carriers through our global distribution network.
 
HR Solutions partners with organizations to solve their most complex benefits, talent and related financial challenges, and improve business performance by designing, implementing, communicating and administering a wide range of human capital, retirement, investment management, health care, compensation and talent management strategies.
 
Risk Solutions
 
Three months ended March 31,
(millions, except percentage data)
2016
 
2015
Revenue
$
1,872

 
$
1,895

Operating income
429

 
412

Operating margin
22.9
%
 
21.7
%
 
The demand for property and casualty insurance generally rises as the overall level of economic activity increases and generally falls as such activity decreases, affecting both the commissions and fees generated by our brokerage business. The economic activity that impacts property and casualty insurance is described as exposure units, and is most closely correlated with employment levels, corporate revenue and asset values.  During the first three months of 2016, pricing was modestly negative on average globally, and we still consider this a "soft market."  In a soft market, premium rates flatten or decrease, along with commission revenues, due to increased competition for market share among insurance carriers or increased underwriting capacity.  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.
 
Additionally, continuing into the first quarter of 2016, we faced difficult conditions as a result of continued weakness in the global economy and the repricing of credit risk.  Weak economic conditions in many markets around the globe have reduced our customers' demand for our retail brokerage and reinsurance brokerage products, which have had a negative impact on our operational results.
 
Risk Solutions generated approximately 67% of our consolidated total revenues in the first quarter. Revenues are generated primarily through fees paid by clients, commissions and fees paid by insurance and reinsurance companies, and investment 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, and the income we earn on investments, which is heavily influenced by short-term interest rates.
 
We operate in a highly competitive industry and compete with many retail insurance brokerage and agency firms, as well as with individual brokers, agents, and direct writers of insurance coverage.  Specifically, we address the highly specialized product development and risk management needs of commercial enterprises, professional groups, insurance companies, governments, health care providers, and non-profit groups, among others; provide Affinity products for professional liability, life, disability income, and personal lines for individuals, associations, and businesses; provide products and services via Inpoint; provide reinsurance services to insurance and reinsurance companies and other risk assumption entities by acting as brokers or intermediaries on all classes of reinsurance; provide capital management transaction and advisory products and services, including mergers and acquisitions and other financial advisory services, capital raising, contingent capital financing, insurance-linked securitizations and derivative applications; provide managing underwriting to independent agents and brokers as well as corporate clients; provide risk consulting, actuarial, loss prevention, and administrative services to businesses and consumers; and manage captive insurance companies.


42



Revenue
 
Commissions, fees and other revenue for Risk Solutions were as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Retail brokerage:
 

 
 

Americas
$
708

 
$
713

International (1)
787

 
800

Total retail brokerage
1,495

 
1,513

Reinsurance brokerage
372

 
377

Total
$
1,867

 
$
1,890

  ______________________________________________
(1) Includes the U.K., Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
 
Commissions, fees and other revenue for Risk Solutions decreased $23 million, or 1%, in the first quarter 2016 compared to the first quarter 2015. The decrease in revenue was driven by a 4% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by 3% organic growth.
 
Reconciliation of organic revenue growth to reported commissions, fees and other revenue growth for 2016 versus 2015 is as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
Percent Change
 
Less: Currency Impact
 
Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & Other
 
Organic Revenue
Retail brokerage:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Americas
 
(1
)%
 
(4
)%
 
(1
)%
 
4
%
International (1)
 
(2
)
 
(5
)
 
(1
)
 
4

Total retail brokerage
 
(1
)
 
(5
)
 

 
4

Reinsurance brokerage
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 

 
1

Total
 
(1
)%
 
(4
)%
 
 %
 
3
%
____________________________________________
(1) Includes the U.K., Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.

Retail brokerage Commissions, fees and other revenue decreased 1% in the first quarter of 2016, driven by a 5% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by 4% organic revenue growth.
 
Americas Commissions, fees and other revenue decreased 1% in the first quarter of 2016, reflecting a 4% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates and a 1% decrease in commissions and fees related to net divestitures, partially offset by 4% growth in organic revenue. Organic revenue growth of 4% was driven by record new business generation in US Retail, solid growth in Affinity, and strong management of the renewal book portfolio in Latin America.
 
International Commissions, fees and other revenue decreased 2% in the first quarter of 2016, driven by a 5% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates and a 1% unfavorable impact from net divestitures, partially offset by a 4% increase in organic revenue growth. Organic growth of 4% was driven by continued growth across Asia and in New Zealand, as well as solid growth in continental Europe driven by both new business generation and management of the renewal book portfolio.
 
Reinsurance brokerage Commissions, fees and other revenue decreased 1% the first quarter of 2016, driven by a 2% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by 1% organic revenue growth. Organic revenue growth was driven primarily by growth in facultative placements and net new business generation in treaty placements, partially offset by an unfavorable market impact globally.
 

43



Operating Income
 
Operating income for the first quarter 2016 increased $17 million, or 4%, from the first quarter of 2015 to $429 million in the first quarter of 2016, and operating income margin increased from 21.7% in the first quarter of 2015 to 22.9% in the first quarter of 2016.  The increase was driven primarily by solid organic revenue growth and return on investments in data and analytics across the portfolio.
 
HR Solutions
 
Three months ended March 31,
(millions, except percentage data)
2016
 
2015
Revenue
$
930

 
$
970

Operating income
67

 
76

Operating margin
7.2
%
 
7.8
%
 
Our HR Solutions segment generated approximately 33% of our consolidated total revenues in the first quarter of 2016 and provides a broad range of human capital services, as follows:
 
·
Retirement specializes in global actuarial services, defined contribution consulting, tax and ERISA consulting, and pension administration.
·
Compensation focuses on compensatory advisory/counsel including: compensation planning design, executive reward strategies, salary survey and benchmarking, market share studies and sales force effectiveness, with special expertise in the financial services and technology industries.
·
Strategic Human Capital delivers advice to complex global organizations on talent, change and organizational effectiveness issues, including talent strategy and acquisition, executive on-boarding, performance management, leadership assessment and development, communication strategy, workforce training and change management.
·
Investment consulting advises public and private companies, other institutions and trustees on developing and maintaining investment programs across a broad range of plan types, including defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, endowments and foundations.
·
Benefits Administration applies our human resource expertise primarily through defined benefit (pension), defined contribution (401(k)), and health and welfare administrative services. Our model replaces the resource-intensive processes once required to administer benefit plans with more efficient, effective, and less costly solutions.
·
Exchanges is building and operating healthcare exchanges that provide employers with a cost effective alternative to traditional employee and retiree healthcare, while helping individuals select the insurance that best meets their needs.
·
Human Resource Business Processing Outsourcing ("HR BPO") provides market-leading solutions to manage employee data; administers benefits, payroll and other human resources processes; and records and manages talent, workforce and other core human resource process transactions as well as other complementary services such as flexible spending, dependent audit and participant advocacy.
 
Revenue
 
Commissions, fees and other revenue were as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Consulting services
$
374

 
$
371

Outsourcing
560

 
604

Intrasegment
(4
)
 
(5
)
Total
$
930

 
$
970


Commissions, fees and other revenue for HR Solutions decreased $40 million, or 4%, in the first quarter 2016 compared to the first quarter 2015. The modest decrease in revenue reflects a 4% unfavorable impact from net divestitures and a 2% unfavorable impact from foreign exchange rates, partially offset by 2% organic growth in commissions and fees.
 

44



Reconciliation of organic revenue growth to reported commissions, fees and other revenue growth for 2016 versus 2015 is as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
Percent Change
 
Less: Currency Impact
 
Less: Acquisitions, Divestitures & Other
 
Organic Revenue
Consulting services
 
1
 %
 
(3
)%
 
1
 %
 
3
%
Outsourcing
 
(7
)
 
(1
)
 
(7
)
 
1

Total
 
(4
)%
 
(2
)%
 
(4
)%
 
2
%

Consulting services revenue increased $3 million, or 1%, for the first quarter due primarily to 3% organic revenue growth and an increase of 1% from net divestitures, partially offset by a 3% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates. Organic revenue growth was driven primarily by continued growth in investment consulting, as well as growth in pension administration solutions and communications consulting.
 
Outsourcing revenue decreased $44 million, or 7%, for the first quarter due to a 7% unfavorable impact from net divestitures and a 1% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by 1% organic revenue growth. Organic revenue growth was driven primarily by continued growth in HR BPO for cloud-based solutions. The prior year was favorably impacted by the timing of certain follow-on enrollment on the retiree exchange.

Operating Income
 
Operating income for the first quarter was $67 million, a decrease of $9 million, or 12%, from the first quarter of 2015. The decrease in the first quarter was primarily driven by $20 million of transaction and portfolio repositioning costs associated with the sale of a business, partially offset by organic revenue growth of 2% and expense discipline. Operating margin for the HR Solutions segment was 7.2% in the first quarter, a decrease from 7.8% in 2015.
 
Unallocated Income and Expense
 
A reconciliation of our operating income to income before income taxes is as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Operating income (loss):
 

 
 

Risk Solutions
$
429

 
$
412

HR Solutions
67

 
76

Unallocated
(46
)
 
(47
)
Operating income
450

 
441

Interest income
2

 
3

Interest expense
(69
)
 
(65
)
Other income
18

 
42

Income before income taxes
$
401

 
$
421

 
Unallocated operating expense
 
Unallocated operating expense includes corporate governance costs not allocated to the operating segments.  Net unallocated expenses decreased $1 million to $46 million in the first quarter 2016.
 
Interest income, Interest expense, and Other income
 
For a discussion of the components of Interest income, Interest expense, and Other income, see Management's Discussion of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Review of Consolidated Results.


45



CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
 
There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies, which include revenue recognition, pensions, goodwill and other intangible assets, contingencies, share-based payments, and income taxes, as discussed in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
Note 2 "Accounting Principles and Practices" of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contains a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact or future potential impact on our financial results, if determinable.
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This report and reports we will subsequently file or furnish and have previously filed or furnished with the SEC 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.  Forward-looking statements relate to expectations or forecasts of future events.  They use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "project," "intend," "plan," "probably," "potential," "looking forward," and other similar terms, and future or conditional tense verbs like "could," "may," "might," "should," "will" and "would."  You can also identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts.  For example, we may use forward-looking statements when addressing topics such as:  market and industry conditions, including competitive and pricing trends; changes in our business strategies and methods of generating revenue; the development and performance of our services and products; changes in the composition or level of our revenues; our cost structure and the outcome of cost-saving or restructuring initiatives; the outcome of contingencies; dividend policy; the expected impact of acquisitions and dispositions; pension obligations; cash flow and liquidity; expected effective tax rate; future actions by regulators; and the impact of changes in accounting rules.  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, which may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports filed or furnished with the SEC, that could impact results include:
general economic and political conditions in different countries in which we do business around the world;
changes in the competitive environment;
fluctuations in exchange and interest rates, including negative yield in some jurisdictions, that could influence revenue and expense;
changes in global equity and fixed income markets that could affect the return on invested assets;
changes in the funding status of our various defined benefit pension plans and the impact of any increased pension funding resulting from those changes;
the level of our debt limiting financial flexibility;
rating agency actions that could affect our ability to borrow funds;
the effect of the change in global headquarters and jurisdiction of incorporation, including differences in the anticipated benefits;
changes in estimates or assumptions on our financial statements;
limits on our subsidiaries to make dividend and other payments to us;
the impact of lawsuits and other contingent liabilities and loss contingencies arising from errors and omissions and other claims against us;
the impact of, and potential challenges in complying with, legislation and regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate, particularly given the global scope of our businesses and the possibility of conflicting regulatory requirements across jurisdictions in which we do business;
the impact of any investigations brought by regulatory authorities in the U.S., U.K. and other countries;
the impact of any inquiries relating to compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and non-U.S. anti-corruption laws and with U.S. and non-U.S. trade sanctions regimes;

46



failure to protect intellectual property rights or allegations that we infringe on the intellectual property rights of others;
the effects of English law on our operating flexibility and the enforcement of judgments against us;
the failure to retain and attract qualified personnel;
international risks associated with our global operations;
the effect of natural or man-made disasters;
the potential of a system or network breach or disruption resulting in operational interruption or improper disclosure of personal data;
our ability to develop and implement new technology;
damage to our reputation among clients, markets or third parties;
the actions taken by third parties that perform aspects of our business operations and client services;
the extent to which we manage certain risks created in connection with the various services, including fiduciary and investments and other advisory services and business process outsourcing services, among others, that we currently provide, or will provide in the future, to clients;
our ability to grow, develop and integrate companies that it acquires or new lines of business;
changes in commercial property and casualty markets, commercial premium rates or methods of compensation;
changes in the health care system or our relationships with insurance carriers; and
our ability to implement initiatives intended to yield cost savings and the ability to achieve those cost savings.
Any or all of our forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate, and there are no guarantees about our performance.  The factors identified above are not exhaustive.  Aon and its subsidiaries operate in a dynamic business environment in which new risks may emerge frequently.  Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made.  We are under no obligation (and expressly disclaim any obligation) to update or alter any forward-looking statement that we may make from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  Further information about factors that could materially affect Aon, including our results of operations and financial condition, is contained in the "Risk Factors" sections in each of Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. These factors may be revised or supplemented in subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K.
 
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 and foreign exchange rates.  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 or speculative purposes.
 
The following discussion describes our specific exposures and the strategies we use to manage these risks. There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies for financial instruments and derivatives as discussed in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Foreign Exchange Risk

We are subject to foreign exchange rate risk. Our primary exposures include exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar and the Euro, the British Pound, the Canadian Dollar, the Australian Dollar, and the Indian Rupee.  We use over-the-counter options and forward contracts to reduce the impact of foreign currency risk to our financial statements.
 
Additionally, some of our non-U.S. brokerage subsidiaries receive revenues in currencies that differ from their functional currencies.  Our U.K. subsidiaries earn a portion of their revenue in U.S. Dollars and Euros, but most of their expenses are incurred in British Pounds.  At March 31, 2016, we have hedged approximately 45% of our U.K. subsidiaries' expected exposures to both U.S. Dollar and Euro transactions for the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. We generally do not hedge exposures beyond three years.


47



We also use forward contracts to economically hedge foreign exchange risk associated with monetary balance sheet exposures, such as inter-company notes and short-term assets and liabilities that are denominated in a non-functional currency and are subject to remeasurement.
 
The translated value of revenue and expense from our international brokerage operations are subject to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. If the Company were to translate prior year results at current quarter exchange rates, diluted earnings per share would be unfavorably impacted by approximately $0.05 during the three months ended March 31, 2016.  Further, adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure as defined and reconciled under the caption "Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share" would be unfavorably impacted by approximately $0.05 during the three months ended March 31, 2016 if the Company were to translate prior year results at current quarter exchange rates.
 
Interest Rate Risk

Our fiduciary investment 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.  This activity primarily relates to brokerage funds held on behalf of clients in the U.S. and in continental Europe. A decrease in global short-term interest rates adversely affects our fiduciary investment income.
 
ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.  We have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report of March 31, 2016.  Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective such that the information relating to Aon, including our consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in appropriate statute, SEC rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to Aon's management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Changes in internal control over financial reporting.  No changes in Aon's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, Aon's internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.                             LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
See Note 14 "Commitments and Contingencies — Legal" to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1, which is incorporated by reference herein.
 
ITEM 1A.                    RISK FACTORS.
 
The risk factors set forth in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 reflect certain risks associated with existing and potential lines of business and contain "forward-looking statements" as discussed in Part I, Item 2 of this report.  Readers should consider them in addition to the other information contained in this report as our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected if any of these risks actually occur.

ITEM 2.                             UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
 
The following information relates to the purchase of equity securities by Aon or any affiliated purchaser during each month within the first quarter of 2016:
 
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)
 
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
1/1/16 - 1/31/16
 

 
$

 

 
$
4,074,199,018

2/1/16 - 2/29/16
 
2,934,155

 
94.22

 
2,934,155

 
3,797,732,872

3/1/16 - 3/31/16
 
4,724,329

 
100.21

 
4,724,329

 
3,324,314,629

Total
 
7,658,484

 
$
97.92

 
7,658,484

 
$
3,324,314,629

  ______________________________________________
 
 
(1)  Our Board of Directors authorized the 2012 Share Repurchase Program in April 2012 and the 2014 Share Repurchase Program in November 2014. During the first quarter of 2016, we repurchased 7.7 million shares at an average price per share of $97.92 for a total cost of $750 million. Included in the 7.7 million shares repurchased in the first quarter of 2016 was 0.6 million shares purchased in that period, which are included in the above table, that did not settle until April 2016. These shares were settled at an average price per share of $103.58 and total cost of $65 million.

We did not make any unregistered sales of equity in the first quarter.
 
ITEM 6.                             EXHIBITS
 
Exhibits — The exhibits filed with this report are listed on the attached Exhibit Index.

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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 plc
 
(Registrant)
 
 
April 29, 2016
By:
/s/ Laurel Meissner
 
LAUREL MEISSNER
 
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND
 
GLOBAL CONTROLLER
 
(Principal Accounting Officer and duly authorized officer of Registrant)


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Exhibit Index
 
Exhibit Number
 
Description of Exhibit
4.1*
 
Indenture, dated as of November 13, 2015, among Aon plc, Aon Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (including the guarantee) - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Aon's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 13, 2015.
4.2*
 
Form of 3.875% Senior Note due 2025 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Aon's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 29, 2016.
10.1
 
Form of notice of extension of $900,000,000 Five-Year Credit Agreement among Aon plc, Aon Corporation and Aon UK Limited with Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, the lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A. and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as syndication agents, and Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint book managers.
10.2
 
Aon plc Leadership Performance Program.
10.3
 
Aon plc Executive Committee Incentive Compensation Plan.
10.4
 
Form of Amended International Assignment Letter with Gregory C. Case.
10.5
 
Form of Amended International Assignment Letter with Christa Davies.
10.6
 
Form of Amended International Assignment Letter with Stephen P. McGill.
10.7
 
Form of Amended International Assignment Letter with Peter Lieb.
10.8
 
First Amendment to the Aon Corporation Executive Special Severance Plan effective as of March 31, 2016.
10.9
 
First Amendment to the Aon plc 2011 Incentive Plan effective as of March 31, 2016.
10.10
 
First Amendment to the Aon Corporation Executive Committee Combined Severance and Change in Control Plan effective as of March 31, 2016.
10.11
 
Amendment to the Change in Control Agreement between Aon plc and Gregory C. Case dated as of April 27, 2016.
12.1
 
Statement regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
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.
101
 
Interactive Data Files. The following materials are filed electronically with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
 
 
101.INS XBRL Report Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document

* Document has been previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference herein. Unless otherwise indicated, such document was filed under Commission File Number 001-07933.




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