10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2002

Aon plc Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2002

Filed May 2, 2002For Securities:AON

Summary

Aon plc reported a significant increase in net income for the first quarter of 2002 compared to the same period in 2001. Total revenue saw a notable rise driven by strong performance in brokerage commissions and fees, alongside an increase in investment income. The company benefited from the adoption of new accounting standards for goodwill and other intangible assets, which eliminated amortization expenses. Despite increased expenses, including an unusual charge related to World Trade Center claims and costs associated with the planned spin-off of its underwriting business, Aon's overall profitability improved substantially. The company is actively managing its business transformation plan and anticipates continued operational efficiencies. Investors should note the strategic move to spin off the underwriting business, which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2002, creating two distinct publicly traded entities.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income available to common stockholders surged to $104 million in Q1 2002 from $18 million in Q1 2001.
  • 2Total revenue increased by 15% to $2.088 billion in Q1 2002, driven by a 13% rise in brokerage commissions and fees.
  • 3The company adopted new accounting standards (FASB No. 141 and 142) resulting in no goodwill amortization in 2002, which favorably impacted earnings.
  • 4An unusual charge of $90 million was recorded for a potentially uncollectible receivable related to World Trade Center claims.
  • 5Aon is proceeding with the spin-off of its underwriting businesses, expected in the second quarter of 2002, and incurred $5 million in related expenses.
  • 6Operating cash flow decreased to $191 million in Q1 2002 from $332 million in Q1 2001.
  • 7The company reported a solid ratio of earnings to fixed charges of 5.1x for the quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aon's net income available to common stockholders significantly increased due to a combination of higher total revenue, driven by strong brokerage commissions and fees, and the elimination of goodwill amortization following the adoption of new accounting standards. This offset increased expenses, including an unusual charge related to World Trade Center claims.

Aon's Board of Directors approved the spin-off of its underwriting businesses in principle, and the transaction is currently expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2002. The company received a favorable private letter ruling from the IRS regarding the tax-free nature of the spin-off. Aon incurred $5 million in expenses related to this spin-off during the quarter.

Aon adopted FASB Statements No. 141 and 142 effective January 1, 2002. As a result, goodwill is no longer amortized, which eliminated amortization expenses previously reported. This change contributed to the significant increase in net income and improved earnings per share compared to the prior year.

The company recorded an unusual charge of $90 million to establish an allowance for a potentially uncollectible receivable related to a dispute with reinsurers over claims stemming from the World Trade Center disaster. This charge was influenced by a recent court ruling impacting litigation venue.