8-KOther Events

Aon plc 8-K Report, Corporate Update (May 29, 2020)

Filed May 29, 2020For Securities:AON

Summary

Aon plc, through its subsidiary Aon Corporation, has announced the full redemption of its $600 million aggregate principal amount of 5.000% Senior Notes maturing on September 30, 2020. The redemption is scheduled for June 30, 2020, and the company intends to finance this repurchase using the proceeds from its recently issued 2.800% Senior Notes due 2030. This action effectively removes all outstanding debt associated with these specific notes from Aon's balance sheet. Investors should note that this redemption is a proactive financial management decision aimed at optimizing the company's debt structure. By replacing higher-cost debt (5.000% notes) with lower-cost debt (2.800% notes), Aon is expected to reduce its future interest expense. The redemption price will be determined by the terms of the indenture but will be at least par, plus accrued interest, ensuring noteholders receive fair value. This move signals a focus on capital efficiency and potential cost savings.

Key Highlights

  • 1Aon Corporation is redeeming all outstanding $600 million of its 5.000% Senior Notes due September 30, 2020.
  • 2The redemption date is set for June 30, 2020.
  • 3The redemption is intended to be funded by the net proceeds from Aon's 2.800% Senior Notes due 2030, issued on May 15, 2020.
  • 4This action will eliminate the 5.000% Senior Notes, resulting in no remaining outstanding principal for this specific debt issuance.
  • 5The redemption price will be at least 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest, calculated according to the governing indenture.
  • 6This move suggests a strategy to reduce interest expenses by refinancing higher-coupon debt with lower-coupon debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aon is redeeming these notes as part of its debt management strategy. The company plans to use the proceeds from its recently issued, lower-interest rate senior notes (2.800% due 2030) to pay off the higher-interest rate notes (5.000% due 2020). This is expected to lower the company's overall interest expense.

The redemption price will be calculated according to the terms of the indenture governing the notes. It will be the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the notes or (ii) the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest, discounted at a rate equal to the applicable Treasury Rate plus 40 basis points. Additionally, accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the redemption date will be paid.

The redemption date for all outstanding 5.000% Senior Notes is scheduled for June 30, 2020.

The total principal amount of the notes being redeemed is $600 million. The final cost will include this principal amount, plus any applicable premium (if the present value calculation results in more than 100%), and accrued interest up to the redemption date. The company expects to fund this using proceeds from a new debt issuance, suggesting a net favorable impact on its interest expense structure.