10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2015

Aon plc Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2015

Filed May 1, 2015For Securities:AON

Summary

Aon plc's first quarter 2015 results showed a slight increase in net income attributable to shareholders, reaching $328 million compared to $325 million in the prior year quarter. While total revenue saw a 3% decrease to $2.8 billion, largely due to a 7% unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, the company achieved a 3% organic revenue growth. Operating expenses also decreased by 3%, primarily driven by favorable foreign currency impacts. The company's Risk Solutions segment experienced revenue decline due to foreign currency headwinds, while HR Solutions showed solid growth. Management highlighted an increase in adjusted diluted earnings per share to $1.37 and an improvement in operating cash flow to $136 million, signaling operational improvements despite currency challenges. The company continued its significant share repurchase program, buying back $250 million in shares during the quarter, underscoring its commitment to returning capital to shareholders. Despite a decrease in consolidated operating margin, adjusted operating margins for both segments remained strong, with HR Solutions showing an improvement. Aon emphasized its liquidity position, with adequate cash flow from operations and available credit facilities to meet its obligations, including debt servicing, capital expenditures, and shareholder returns.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$2.87B
Operating Expenses$2.41B
Operating Income$461.00M
Interest Expense$65.00M
Net Income$344.00M
EPS (Basic)$1.15
EPS (Diluted)$1.14
Shares Outstanding (Basic)284.20M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)287.10M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income attributable to Aon shareholders increased slightly by 1% to $328 million ($1.14 per diluted share) in Q1 2015, up from $325 million ($1.06 per diluted share) in Q1 2014.
  • 2Total revenue decreased 3% to $2.847 billion, primarily due to an unfavorable foreign currency impact of 7%, though organic revenue grew 3%.
  • 3Operating expenses decreased by 3% to $2.406 billion, also benefiting from favorable foreign currency movements.
  • 4Cash flow from operating activities significantly improved, turning positive at $136 million in Q1 2015 compared to a negative $11 million in Q1 2014.
  • 5The company repurchased $250 million of its shares in Q1 2015 under its ongoing share repurchase programs.
  • 6Adjusted diluted earnings per share (a non-GAAP measure) increased to $1.37 in Q1 2015, up from $1.28 in Q1 2014.
  • 7The Risk Solutions segment experienced a revenue decline, largely due to foreign currency headwinds, while the HR Solutions segment demonstrated solid growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the decrease in total revenue was an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rates, which accounted for a 7% decrease, partially offset by organic revenue growth of 3%.

Cash flow from operating activities significantly improved, showing $136 million provided in the first quarter of 2015, a substantial increase from $11 million used in operating activities in the same period of 2014. This improvement was attributed to organic growth, reduced pension contributions, and working capital improvements.

Aon plc continued its share repurchase program, buying back $250 million of its shares during the first quarter of 2015. The company also paid $71 million in dividends to shareholders.

The Risk Solutions segment saw a revenue decrease, mainly due to foreign currency headwinds, with operating margin declining slightly. The HR Solutions segment experienced solid revenue growth and an increase in its operating margin, demonstrating resilience despite currency challenges.